1.
SUMMARY
Clunes Community Health Needs Assessment
An independent community health needs assessment was initiated by Hepburn Health Service in response to community
concerns regarding provision of health services within the Clunes Community. The purpose of the project was to seek direct
feedback from as broad a section of the community as possible as to their concerns and what they consider to be key health
priorities.
The assessment involved meetings with a number of community organisations and voluntary groups, individuals and key
institutions such as the Clunes Community Health Centre, the Creswick and Clunes Medical Practice, Neighbourhood House,
the Clunes Primary school and Kindergarten, local business owners and several other key organisations. Individual members
of the community also participated by completing a household questionnaire. In total, 300 individuals and households from
the Clunes District contributed to the findings and offered possible solutions to the many recommendations to address some
of the priority health needs as perceived by the community.
The top health issues and needs as perceived by the community varied across the different age groups. However, they were
mostly consistent with other rural towns in the State of Victoria and other sources.
Diseases where the cause is often linked to lifestyle and behaviour rank highly as the priority health issues amongst those
between the ages of 45 and 74 years. These diseases included cardiovascular, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. In those
above 75 years, priority diseases were often associated with the ageing process with diseases such as arthritis, deteriorating
mental health and injuries due to falls. Those under 44 years and younger persons had higher concerns about poor mental
health including depression, and obesity.
Although it would not be possible or realistic for Hepburn Health Service to address all the health needs identified in the
assessment without significant resources or reorientation of existing services, the report makes a number of
recommendations with possible solutions that were either suggested by those who participated in the assessment or by the
consultant based on the findings. There is not a single solution to a health need as there are several underlying causes based
on behavioural, environmental and social factors. Although there are some important interventions that can be made directly
by the Hepburn Health Services to address some of the health needs and priorities, many of them require the cooperation
and partnerships with other service providers such as schools, local council, community organisations and most importantly,
the people of Clunes to enable action towards better health and services.
The following table lists some of the key health needs and priorities as perceived by the community, the desired outcomes
and possible solutions:
Health needs and priority Desired Outcome Possible solutions
Emergency ambulance and
response to medical
emergencies
The recently opened ambulance hub
in Creswick provides a timely and
prioritisation response to health
emergencies to people living in
Clunes.
Advocate and discuss with Ambulance Victoria
on service provision and prioritisation to
Clunes.
Better access to local doctor
(GP)
The residents of Clunes have regular
daily access to GP Services in Clunes
and appointment waiting times are
reduced;
The GP practice has a dedicated
practice nurse;
Discuss with the Creswick and Clunes Medical
Centre on the provision of a consistent 5‐day
GP at agreed times that is not interrupted due
to staff illness;
Discuss ways to reduce waiting times to see
preferred GP;
Discuss options for increased GP services,
including home visits;
Discuss provision of a dedicated practice nurse.

2. Support to the elderly The residents of Clunes have access
to local aged services and a range of
services that promote health and
wellbeing that reduce the effects of
ageing and risk of falls.
Elderly residents are able to travel to
attend medical appointments
without having to stay in overnight
accommodation.
Discuss with Hepburn Shire Council and other
relevant stakeholders about the community
concerns and need for local aged care services;
Design programs that enable and allow elderly
citizens to remain independent and, where
possible, in their preferred home;
Improve transport services to enable easier
travel to attend out of town medical
appointments.
Services for poor mental health Residents with, or at risk of poor
mental health have access to local
mental health services, including a
local psychiatrist, psychologist and
counselling services.
Increase local mental health services as well as
the availability of local psychiatric services
especially for those at risk and youth.
Youth services The youth of Clunes has access to
safe spaces that promote health and
wellbeing as well as opportunities to
learn life skills that is free from any
form of discrimination;
Discuss with Hepburn Shire Council and other
agencies to increase activities for youth and
youth counselling.
Exercise, fitness and nutrition The residents of Clunes have easy
access to exercise, fitness and
nutrition programs that are
affordable, are on‐going and
sustainable;
The residents of Clunes have access
to programs that promote health,
delay the onset of disease and
provide information and resources
that enable them to adopt and
maintain behaviours that lead to
improved health outcomes.
Increase availability and access to a range of
fitness classes to suit different age groups and
abilities that is sustainable.
Promote and develop health and wellbeing
forums.
Partner organisations and work with local
business to promote healthier food options and
accessibility.
Hepburn Health Service The residents of Clunes have access
to a range of services that promotes
health and wellbeing in a welcoming
and supportive environments;
Hepburn Health Service increases visibility of
their service and staff by having more outreach
programs and engagement with the Clunes
residents;
Consider moving some community based
health services and programs closer to the
town centre.
Other key health needs that could be addressed by supporting community action include:
Responding to emergencies
Clunes could be considered a suitable area for Ambulance Victoria to train
members of the community to become members of a Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) or provide higher level first aid training to a group of
volunteers who would be available to help in the event of an emergency and
before arrival of medical or ambulance services.
Promoting community health and
wellbeing
Developing a new program that increases health knowledge and empowers
individuals and communities to change or adopt behaviours that improve or
maintain better health.
The full report contains the list of health needs and priorities as perceived by the Clunes and District community with possible
solutions and recommendations. The report also includes in‐depth interviews and summaries from the various key
organisations who participated as well as a breakdown on the findings from the household survey.
Nicholas Prince, MPH, RN, CTCH&M, Consultant