A group of Victorian communities are working together to pioneer a new, community-driven approach to delivering healthcare in remote areas. 
The project represents an innovative and collaborative effort to overcome rural healthcare challenges and foster community wellbeing.
The community-led initiative was officially launched on October 11 in Goongerah and Bonang, and was attended by local community members, dignitaries, and project partners. Three Wellbeing Spaces, situated strategically in Bendoc, Tubbut, and Goongerah, were officially opened by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh. Gippsland Primary Health Network's manager of program delivery, Cass Morrell, spoke at the launch about the new model of care to be delivered from all three Spaces.
Shelly McLaren, who chairs the local Community Recovery Committee, explained that "each Wellbeing Space creates central points within our remote communities that can be used flexibly for multiple uses". 
The Wellbeing Spaces are equipped with high-speed internet, workstations, specialist medical equipment and a Microsoft Holo-lens which is used to connect patients and medical providers using merged reality.

IMAGE: Tom McIntosh, Member of Parliament for Eastern Victoria and Shelly McLaren, chair of the Errinundra to Snowy Community Recovery Committee with local community members and project partners at the launch of the Goongerah Wellbeing Space. (Images by: Isaac Carne)