Media Masters vic

15/12/2025

A new previously undiscovered megafauna fossil area has been found along the south-west Victorian coast.
Seven tooth fragments and 35 indeterminate pieces of fossil bone were found as part of a series of events with palaeontologist Ben Francischelli.
The discoveries include the upper premolar tooth of Protemnodon viator. Some species of Protemnodon, such as viator, were huge – reaching up to 150 kilograms in weight. They are closely nested to modern Eastern Grey kangaroos in their family tree, but were found across the entire continent.
The specimens will be added to the collections of Museums Victoria, where they'll help decode the stories of Australia's ancient past.
The location of the find is being kept under wraps for its protection.
The events were hosted by Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN) and the Friends of Bay of Islands Coastal Park for the Friends of Summer Project Day, which does revegetation, weeding and other works to care for the Bay of Islands Coastal Park.
About 60 people heard Mr Francischelli speak on 'The Extinction of Victoria's Megafauna' at Peterborough and about 30 got together the next morning for a naturalist excursion in the Childers Cove area. Some of the group then went to a nearby location where the find was made.
Mr Francischelli said it was an exciting find that was unexpected at the site.
“It is quite a rare find, and represents a species of animal coming from between 2.4 and 2.8 million years ago, a critical junction of time where megafauna as we know them started to get really big in Australia,” he said.
The Protemnodon tooth was found in two separate pieces more than a metre apart. “Only when I got home did I realise that they joined together,” Mr Francischelli said.
“It’s exciting to think of what future finds we could make at the site.”
Mr Francischelli stressed the importance of looking at multiple sites across southern Victoria, and more broadly, Australia to help develop a good picture of what life looked like in the past.
He added that it was important to look at, but not remove, interesting discoveries.
HDLN Facilitator Michelle Leech said she had visited the site before but never thought anything this exciting could lie hidden there. “Once the first fossil was found, Ben helped us learn what to look for and soon more were being discovered,” Ms Leech said. “Experiencing this discovery with a palaeontologist and others passionate about the hidden past was just phenomenal.”
An 18-year-old amateur palaeontologist who was at the talk and site survey, Jesse Leech, found a significant number of tooth and bone fragments, ‘Sometimes it’s easy to forget that creatures like this ever existed,” he said. “Then you find their fossils right at your feet and it suddenly makes that ancient world feels very real and very close.”
If people find anything interesting, take a photo, note the location and leave the specimen where you found it. Contact Dr Francischelli by emailing [email protected] or through https://www.instagram.com/a_fools_experiment/?hl=en or reach out to Museums Victoria with a photo and location.

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14/12/2025

A life-saving harm reduction Opioid Management Clinic is expanding its reach across regional Victoria.

Orticare, the Grampians Loddon Mallee Pharmacotherapy Network, is extending its Opioid Management Clinic hours in the Grampians Loddon Mallee region and introducing new services to the Barwon South West and Gippsland regions from January 1, 2026.

The expansion follows the recruitment of the immediate past chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) Alcohol and Other Drug committee, Dr Eric Hadinata, an Addiction Medicine Specialist. Dr Hadinata will join the clinic’s existing Addiction Medicine Physician, Dr Adam Straub.

The clinic supports healthcare professionals and improves access to opioid pharmacotherapy services.

Orticare manager Pauline Molloy said the service is growing to meet demand and provide equitable access to services across regional Victoria.

“We have been at full capacity with an appointment wait time of up to seven weeks and there has been no similar program operating in the Barwon and Gippsland, so this expansion is timely,” Ms Molloy said.

The clinic provides expert opioid pharmacotherapy support for prescribers such as GPs and Nurse Practitioners to manage patients using opioids.

Ms Molloy described the clinic as an important service that gives prescribers expert advice to continue managing their patients.

Over the past year, Orticare received 222 patient referrals from healthcare professionals from 130 different prescribers, including 37 referred more than once.

The Barwon and Gippsland services are being offered via telehealth in partnership with the local Pharmacotherapy Area-Based Networks.

In the future, Dr Hadinata will visit the Barwon South West region for a face-to-face clinic once every two months at a venue yet to be determined.

“There’s no current service in the Gippsland and Barwon South West regions, so we’re pleased to be able to fill the void,” Ms Molloy said.

“The clinic is already 70 per cent telehealth,” Ms Molloy said. “Many prescribers serve large catchment areas, and their patients often travel long distances to access care. These patterns highlight the importance of telehealth in overcoming distance, transport and financial barriers in regional and rural Victoria.”

The clinic is designed to reduce barriers and support consistent engagement and achieves a 92.34% attendance rate. “We know from the number of repeat referring prescribers that the model we have works,” Ms Molloy said.

“Feedback from practitioners has highlighted how the clinic has increased their confidence in prescribing opioid pharmacotherapy and empowered them to continue caring for referred patients.”

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08/12/2025

New award honours founding CEO
Grampians Community Health (GCH) is honouring its inaugural CEO Jill Miller with a new annual award that celebrates the values of the organisation.
The inaugural winner is NDIS support coordinator Bec Hardy.
The award was named in honour of Jill Miller’s contribution, values, and lasting impact at GCH, and given by the GCH executive to a staff member who demonstrates the values of empowerment, professionalism, inclusiveness, compassion and courage through their actions.
The award was presented by Jill’s daughters Nadya and Kristy Miller during GCH’s annual general meeting in Stawell on December 4. They said they were pleased the richness of the organisation and its people was being recognised.
“This is an absolute honour,” Kristy said. “Nadya and I are so proud that Mum’s legacy will continue through this award.”
General Manager Health, Aged and Disability Services Kate Astbury said Bec was a worthy inaugural winner.
“Jill was a fierce champion for client empowerment and inclusion and Bec lives these values daily in her work,” Ms Astbury said. “She is professional, compassionate and a fierce advocate for the NDIS clients she works with. Her inclusive approach not only enriches the lives of her clients but also strengthens our workplace culture. Bec is a very humble person which makes this recognition special for us all.”
Bec said that while she hadn’t met Jill Miller, she was aware of her contribution to the community. “I wasn’t privileged enough to meet Jill but I’ve heard amazing things about what an incredible woman she was and what she did for the community and I’m honoured to receive this award,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the current GCH teams. “You benefit from people you’re surrounded by and I’ve been lucky that the teams I work with are amazing. The support I have received from all people in my teams and throughout the entire GCH has been fantastic.
Jill Miller, who died earlier this year, was GCH’s inaugural CEO and dedicated 32 years to the organisation and was instrumental in its formation in 1985.
CEO Greg Little said it was fitting that Jill’s legacy be remembered. “This award ensures Jill’s contribution to GCH and the local community will never be forgotten,” he said. “Jill’s impact is felt in every service we provide, in every life we touch and in the very spirit of GCH.”
Bec will now compete for a state-wide values award that will be announced at the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health (AARCH) conference in March 2026.

07/12/2025

GCH celebrates 40 years of serving the local community
Grampians Community Health (GCH) is celebrating 40 years of serving the local community with the launch of a special anniversary publication.
A 44-page booklet telling some of the stories and highlights of GCH’s 40 years was released during the annual general meeting at the Stawell Town Hall on Thursday, December 4.
Ther booklet features 40 stories about the people, programs and clients who have contributed to and benefitted from GCH’s services over the four decades.
CEO Greg Little said `Celebrating 40 Years – Stories of Community Health’ would be a keepsake to show how GCH supports the local community.
“We wanted a publication that leaves a legacy so in the future, people can look back and see what Grampians Community Health did across its first 40 years,” Mr Little said.
“The 40 stories paint a picture of what Grampians Community Health has meant to people over the years and show examples of what community health can do for people,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic read that gives you a laugh, makes you reflect and sometimes brings a tear but overall makes us proud of what we do.”
Ms Little said GCH’s strength stems from its people and its ability to evolve.
“Over its 40-year history, the organisation has never stood still,” Mr Little said. “It has grown and adapted in response to changing local needs, expanding beyond its Stawell base to become a vital presence in smaller communities as well as larger town centres. This responsiveness ensures that GCH remains connected to the people it serves.”
Mr Little said everything done by GCH is reinvested back into the community. “Not every achievement over the years has been dramatic or headline-grabbing, but each one has made a difference to someone, somewhere.”
GCH started with a suggestion in 1984 that Stawell needed a community health program has led to an organisation that now helps more than 5000 people each year across the Grampians and Wimmera regions, employing more than 230 people and contributing $65m a year to the regional economy.
The proposal that led to the formation of GCH was made in 1984 by Stawell District Hospital Board member Graham Fuller who saw the need for health promotion in the region.
In November 1985, the Victorian Government funded a part-time coordinator, Jill Miller, and the forerunner of GCH was born, setting up office in old nurses’ home at 40 – 44 Wimmera Street, later to be known as Wimmera Street Community Centre.
Following a merger with the Stawell Alcohol and Drug Dependence Association in 1987, the organisation became known as Grampians Community Health Centre Inc. In 2009 it was shortened to Grampians Community Health and it now has offices in Horsham, Ararat and more recently Nhill.
GCH is one of 22 stand-alone community health services in Victoria.
The history booklet was compiled by GCH’s media officer Rick Bayne and designed by Program Leader Quality & Engagement officer Kerry Heinrich.
The limited edition printed booklet is available from GCH and it is also available at https://gch.org.au/gch-celebrates-40-years/.

04/12/2025

GCH helps more than 5000 clients in record-breaking year
Grampians Community Health (GCH) helped more than 5000 people over the past year, setting a new record for local support.
GCH’s annual report released today shows 5046 clients were supported by 230 staff and 36 volunteers, an increase of more than 1000 on previous years.
CEO Greg Little said much of the growth came from aged care and NDIS services, along with the introduction of new programs, including the community paramedic program, chronic health support programs, Diabetes Connect and other health-focused programs.
“We’re meeting targets and, in some cases, exceeding them and dealing with wait lists,” Mr Little said.
During the year, staff covered 769,871km while 168 volunteers drove 41,636km to take people to medical appointments. Staff also answered 36,686 phone calls, provided 21,659 hours of family violence support, 10,450 hours of carer support and respite, 1,653 hours supporting healthy mothers, healthy babies, 3,914 hours of counselling, 1,306 hours chronic disease management and 1,957 hours diabetes support.
A total of 1028 people accessed in-home supports and GCH supported around 250 home care package clients. There were 535 counselling referrals and 497 carers were supported.
GCH’s commitment to supporting people with a disability was evident with 839 NDIS participants in the past year.
The need continues in the region to provide support for people with alcohol and other drug issues, with 417 people seeking support.
Outgoing Chair Patricia Flood said GCH celebrated significant milestones during 2024-25, including accreditation under the QIC and National Mental Health Standards, while growing its regional impact with new programs dedicated to equitable community-based care.
“Throughout four decades of change, GCH has remained true to its purpose: standing beside people, responding to local needs, and supporting our communities,” she said.
Ms Flood said GCH would launch a new strategic plan in 2026 with the organisation well placed to meet future challenges.
After warning last year of tight financial times for community health services, GCH recorded its first deficit of $297,294 for almost 10 years despite revenue of more than $44 million. This follows a $60,665 surplus the previous financial year.
Mr Little said it was a tough environment for all community health services. “Ongoing cost pressures and a lack of growth in community health funding cast a shadow over our work but our staff continue to give their all, as we advocate for more government support,” he said.
“We have made tough decisions and are budgeting for a break-even result this financial year,” he added.
GCH remains in a strong position with total net assets of more than $6 million.
Mr Little said GCH remained a strong advocate for the community with a deep commitment to connection and care. “Our role as custodians of the community health program is not taken lightly,” he said.
Some of the highlights of the year included opening a new site in Nhill, new partnerships, including with Grampians Health to support children in foster care, and the CP@clinic pilot to bring proactive health checks into community settings.
GCH was again on the ground across the region during and after the summer bushfires, reopening relief centres and supporting recovery.

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04/12/2025

When you go to an annual meeting to write some media releases about the AGM and some new awards...and finish up with an award of your own! Who's going to write this release?

03/12/2025

Global genetics powerhouse GENEX stakes a bigger claim in Australia
GENEX Dairy is stepping up its presence in Australia, bringing the full strength of its global genetics program and data-driven breeding philosophy to local herds.
The GENEX brand was officially launched in Australia at the end of November as part of Genetics Australia’s joint venture with URUS.
The December proof release will mark the next phase of GENEX’s Australian growth, with a clear focus on genetics and technology designed for commercial herds.
Newly appointed GENEX Dairy Program lead, Mat Dennis, said it was the first time GENEX products would be distributed in Australia under their own name.
GENEX is a cooperative owned by dairy and beef producers across the USA. Backed by the URUS Peak Program, GENEX combines global innovation with Australian experience to deliver cows that are efficient, fertile and built to last.
“This isn’t a new arrival but it’s a global powerhouse taking a bigger role in Australia,” Mr Dennis said. “Farmers here want cows that thrive in all dairy systems, get back in calf easily and perform year after year. Bulls like Excitement, Valentine and Doubs deliver exactly that.”
Excitement is described as having moderate stature, positive chest width, moderate milk and strong components; an efficient, right-sized Holstein for balanced production, while Valentine is a standout for production, fertility and survival.
Doubs is a polled Jersey outcross adding teat length and fertility for functionality in Australian dairies.
Mr Dennis said GENEX was recognised as a world leader in dairy innovation. It has been the driving force behind the ICC index for Holstein and Jersey breeds, the modern udder index, and the introduction of calving ease into the proofs
Alongside genetics, GENEX Herd Monitor continues to expand its footprint, offering real-time heat detection, rumination tracking and health alerts to support better on-farm decision-making.
“Our strength is how genetics and technology work together,” GENEX Herd Monitor Lead Jon Down said. “Herd Monitor gives farmers the visibility to make better breeding and health decisions every day — improving heat detection, conception and overall performance.”
“GENEX’s growth represents a commitment to delivering global genetics leadership locally — combining science, data and service to build herds ready for the future,” Mr Dennis added.

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30/11/2025

GSHS to celebrate its history at final AGM

Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) will celebrate its rich history while looking forward to a strong future at its final AGM in Leongatha on December 11.
GSHS was created in 1992 from the amalgamation of Leongatha Memorial Hospital and Korumburra Hospital. It will become part of the newly created Bayside Health in 2026, with the local hospitals set to retain their original names.
CEO Lou Sparkes said the AGM starting at 4pm in the Integrated Primary Care Centre in Leongatha was an opportunity to celebrate the vital role the health service has played and will continue to play in the local community.
“Gippsland Southern Health Service was born from a shared community vision to protect and strengthen healthcare access across South Gippsland,” Ms Sparkes said.
“What began as a practical unification of Leongatha Memorial Hospital and Korumburra Hospital has grown into a bold, values-led health service. It is grounded in rural identity, driven by local purpose and anchored in community trust.”
Ms Sparkes said GSHS not only provides care, it offers connection. “With more than 500 staff, volunteers and clinicians, we serve a growing catchment through integrated services shaped by the needs and culture of our community,” she said.
“Whether at a hospital bedside, a home visit, an urgent care centre or a community outreach program, our work reflects the people we care for and the generations who built the foundations we stand on.”
Under the GSHS banner, the health service has made great advancements in providing care to the local community. Some of the highlights included the major refurbishment and new buildings at the Leongatha hospital, opening of Hillside Lodge at Korumburra, introducing chemotherapy services at Leongatha, opening of the Integrated Primary Care Centre (IPCC) at Leongatha and introduction of a new medical workforce model in 2024.
Hospitals have served the area for more than a century. St Mary’s Hospital was established in Leongatha in 1919; a private hospital was opened in Korumburra in 1920 and Korumburra Bush Hospital opened in 1932. St Mary’s reopened in 2042 and Woorayl District Memorial hospital opened in 1958.
Ms Sparkes said the milestones were made possible by strong governance, a united workforce, a firm belief in the capability of rural healthcare, and strong relationships with local groups and the community.

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30/11/2025

A new partnership will open the door for Warrnambool people to have small household electrical items repaired for free.

With funding from Warrnambool City Council’s Community Development Fund and sponsorship from South West TAFE, six Warrnambool Repair Cafe volunteers will undertake an accredited Electrical Test and Tag training short course delivered by South West TAFE.

The training will allow the volunteers to safely test and tag repaired appliances.

Warrnambool Repair Cafe hosts monthly events where volunteers help fix household items and offer a cafe style environment. Coordinator Brenda O’Connor said that since launching in May 2024, Warrnambool Repair Cafe had received frequent requests to repair small household electrical items.

“However, without volunteers trained in electrical testing, we’ve been unable to legally complete many of these repairs,” she said.

Ms O’Connor said the training would increase the Repair Café’s capacity to meet community demand for electrical repairs, ensure compliance with Australian standards, and reduce the risk of electrical faults or fire.

The funding also allows for the purchase of a test and tag machine that will be used at future Warrnambool Repair Cafe monthly events. The project has been supported by Middy's Electrical Warrnambool who heavily discounted test and tag equipment.

From the inaugural Repair Cafe in Amsterdam 18 October 2009, there are now more than 2,500 Repair Cafes globally that address the community’s need for local environmental action, responsible and sustainable consumption.

Warrnambool Repair Cafe’s next event is 10am - noon, Saturday 6 December 6 at West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House, Pecten Avenue Playground, with accessible parking at 10 Carolyn Crescent.
Repairs are free, booking your spot is highly recommended:

Warrnambool Repair Cafe Saturday 6 December at West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House

30/11/2025

Record numbers turn to WRAD Health for care
More people are turning to WRAD Health for their healthcare needs with a 12 per cent increase in patient numbers in 2024-25.
WRAD Health saw 17,528 patient consults for the financial year presenting with a range of health issues. The service also completed more than 800 episodes of care for people presenting with alcohol and other drug concerns.
CEO Mark Powell and Chair Helen Taylor told the WRAD Health AGM on Friday November 28 that demand for services, including bulk-billed general practice care, was continuing to grow.
They said that people attended WRAD Health for a wide range of health issues, including chronic diseases such as mental illness, cardiovascular, respiratory, substance use and diabetes.
“Whilst WRAD Health is a co-located medical service with alcohol and other drug support, substance use is not a high reason for consulting our doctors,” they added.
“Our GP practice remained vital in supporting complex needs. As a bulk-billing practice, WRAD Health provides an accessible service for a large number of people on concession cards,” Ms Taylor and Ms Powell said.
In terms of mental illness, depression was by far the most common issue, followed by anxiety.
In AOD services, alcohol remained the main of substance of concern with up to 57 per cent of people listing it as their primary drug of concern. This was followed by methamphetamines and cannabis.
Nearly 40 per cent of people presenting with AOD issues also had co-morbid mental health concerns. Clients identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders ranged from 6 to 13 per cent per month.
More women than men attend the service, with most coming from the Warrnambool region.
WRAD Health expanded its outreach programs during the year to spread services further across south-west Victoria.
Mr Powell and Ms Taylor said healthcare was a human right. “Distance, poverty or stigma shouldn’t deny anyone the right to healthcare,” they said.
WRAD Health finished the financial year with a $237,332 surplus, boosted by the growth of fee-for-service income which increased by $138,332.

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24/11/2025

New disability accommodation to support six participants

Four new residential units will provide supported independent living accommodation for six residents with a disability under a new partnership in Warrnambool.

Southern Stay Disability Services has signed a collaboration agreement with Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider, Vera Living, to provide Supported Independent Living (SIL) services for the residents.

It is the first time the organisations have joined forces and will boost housing options for people living with a disability in the Warrnambool region.

The new independent living units in Price Place costing $2.2 million include two units for one resident and two units for two residents.

Southern Stay CEO Jason Fleming said the new units had passed NDIS registration and were now ready for use.

“This is a great opportunity for Southern Stay to work with a reputable SDA provider to support people living with a disability in Warrnambool,” he said. “This project aligns closely with our purpose to empower choice, foster inclusion and celebrate achievement in our community.”

Mr Fleming said there was a growing need for purpose-built properties to support people with disabilities in contemporary living environments built specifically to suit their needs.

Southern Stay staff will provide 24-hour support, tailored to individual residents needs and assist them with daily tasks to live as independently as possible.

Vera Living CEO Jacob Collier said Warrnambool was a vibrant and growing regional hub and Vera Living was proud to be contributing to its future by delivering high-quality, accessible homes. “Our commitment goes beyond meeting the highest accessibility standards, we’re focused on creating homes that foster independence, dignity, and a better quality of life for NDIS participants,” Mr Collier said.

The accommodation suits participants with approved SDA funding. People interested in learning more about the accommodation or applying for one of the places can visit www.veraliving.com.au.

FURTHER INFORMATION
SDA: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the NDIS is a tailored housing support designed for individuals with extreme functional impairments or very high support needs. SDA homes feature accessible design elements—such as wide doorways, assistive technology, and robust safety features—to enable greater independence and facilitate the delivery of other supports. Funded through a participant’s NDIS plan, SDA does not cover daily support services (like SIL), but rather the physical dwelling itself, with participants contributing a capped rent amount.

SIL: Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a NDIS-funded support designed for people with higher support needs who require help with daily tasks to live as independently as possible. SIL includes assistance with personal care, cooking, cleaning, medication management, and skill development, and can be delivered in shared homes or individual living arrangements.

20/11/2025

DataGene is today celebrating a decade of significant genetic progress and productivity gains since the release of the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) in 2015.
Over the past 10 years the average genetic merit of Holstein ‘Good Bulls’ has more than doubled – rising from a BPI of 175 to 441.
It’s a similar story with Jersey “Good Bulls” lifting their average BPI from 198 to 328 over the decade, while Australian Red Breeds have also experienced a decade of genetic gain with the average “Good Bull” now at 259 BPI, up from 184 in 2015.
Speaking at today’s AGM in Melbourne, Chair Tim Jelbart said the figures confirm that consistent selection delivers lasting progress.
“Every joining is an opportunity for dairy farmers to improve the genetic merit of their herds,” he said. “The beauty about genetics is that the gain is permanent and compounding. Genetics accounts for about 30% of productivity gains on dairy farms. The gain over the past decade represents nearly 13% per cow improvement every year, a sharp increase on previous decades and proof that genomics and data-driven breeding are delivering results like never before.”
Mr Jelbart said the decade of progress reflected a whole-of-industry effort — from farmers who contribute data to researchers and breeding companies who turn that data into value. “Together, we’re accelerating genetic progress for a more productive and sustainable dairy future,” he said.
Reporting on the year’s activities Mr Jelbart said DataGene continued to provide farmers with accessible genetic and herd management information to support confident decisions in uncertain times. “It’s more important than ever to be making decisions underpinned by data from our own businesses. The environmental and market challenges faced by many farmers this year have left no room for uncertainty in decision-making,” he said.
Today, two out of every three dairy farmers use the Good Bulls App. There are now almost 18.5 million cows in the Central Data Repository, and the DataConnect project continues to link more data sources.
Despite the market uncertainty DataGene was able to post a small net deficit of $122,842, a significant improvement from the previous year’s $575,444 deficit. “Although DataGene was affected by the collapse of heifer exports to China and some external projects not going ahead, expenditure was held well below budget to account for this, putting DataGene in a more favourable cash position than expected at the end of year,” he said.
Mr Jelbart thanked all members for their support throughout the year, particularly Dairy Australia which provides significant financial funding.
During the AGM, Mr Jelbart and Jeff Odgers were reappointed to the board.

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