Latest News

A fond farewell to a beloved educator, Louise Fitzpatrick retires after 23 years at MTHCS Ouyen Kindergarten. After 23 years shaping young minds and nurturing generations of children, much-loved Ouyen Kindergarten teacher Louise Fitzpatrick has officially retired, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in early childhood education in the local community.

Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) celebrated a major milestone last Thursday, 23 October, marking 25 years of childcare services at Mallee Minors in Ouyen. The event brought together past and present families, educators, and community members to reflect on the journey of the Early Years program, which has supported generations of local children and families since its beginnings in 1999.

Mallee Track Health and Community Service is committed to being a child safe organisation and have developed a logo to symbolise it. But what does this mean? MTHCS Director of Community Service Lyndal Munro said, “When you see this logo, it symbolises our commitment to your child’s safety. We have approved staff to child ratios, no social media policy, we follow the national model code on use of photos and images of children. And we have updated several policies and procedures to strengthen our work in this space even more”

The kitchen team at Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) is proving that good food and good balance go hand in hand. With shifts running from 9am to 3pm, the service is offering family-friendly hours that make it easier for staff to combine work with school drop-offs, pick-ups, and family life. MTHCS Hotel Services Coordinator, Louise Plozza, said the team plays a vital role in supporting both aged care residents and the wider community. “The Domestic Services team is a dynamic group of individuals who are really dedicated to providing the best care to our residents and community” she said. “We prepare meals for our aged care residents and community members with meals on wheels with care and attention.”

Mallee Track Health and Community Service is proud to announce its new Board of Directors, with Carol Mioduchowski stepping into the role of Board Chair as of 1 July. With extensive experience in the health sector as both a clinician and leader, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to community-centred care. Currently serving as a Community Health Area Manager at Barwon Health, she has led service expansion initiatives and served on numerous national and state boards in the allied health space. With deep ties to the Mallee, Carol says she is “delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to Mallee Track Health and local communities through the board."

Each week, MTHCS Exercise Physiologist Tsharni Burns and Allied Health Assistant Cara Brady venture out to community halls along the mallee track and hold group exercise classes. There are many health benefits to exercising and our groups provide a safe space for people to be active. Being physically active not only improves physical health but also mental health, which is very important especially in these rural areas.

We celebrate diversity at Mallee Track Health and Community Service with open doors where everyone is welcome. Fostering inclusivity enriches each and every one of us, living our value of compassion where we treat everyone with care, respect and dignity. You’ll see displayed at all our centres the LEGO “Everyone is Awesome” people. Assembled by our Pattinson House resident Ken Taylor and shown here at MTHCS Ouyen Health Centre.

Expecting a baby is one of life’s most significant journeys — and at Mallee Track Health and Community Services (MTHCS) in Sea Lake, local families can rely on our experienced and compassionate midwife to guide them every step of the way. MTHCS provides a comprehensive range of midwifery services designed to support women throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. Delivered from our Clinic at Sea Lake and in-home visits, the service focuses on personalised care that puts mothers and babies first.

At Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS), we understand that travelling long distances for specialist appointments can be challenging. We also acknowledge that telehealth appointments are increasingly being offered as an alternative to travel. While this is an excellent initiative, many members of our community have limited access to technology, or have little support available to undertake a telehealth consultation. That’s why we are excited to promote our Telehealth Support services, now available at Ouyen and Sea Lake hospitals,

MALLEE TRACK TO JOIN LODDON MALLEE LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE NETWORK. In Victoria, every community matters. No exceptions. We are as diverse as we are united and, no matter where we live, we must have access to the highest levels of healthcare as close as possible to our homes. Right now, that just isn’t the case.