The Latrobe community’s resilience, initiative and determination to resolve issues has been demonstrated in recent years, when significant events have devastated the community. This includes fires and drought and stress, anxiety, anger and frustration resulting from the Hazelwood mine fire. The ongoing health and financial impacts are still felt by the community and individuals.

To identify appropriate interventions the Central West Gippsland Primary Care Partnership was commissioned by the Latrobe Health Assembly to consult with community members, and Larter Consulting was commissioned by Gippsland Primary Health Network to consult with health sector stakeholders.

Based on the central themes, community and service providers desire the following outcomes:

• improved access to primary and allied health services - most notably timely access to appropriately experienced and well-resourced GPs, and medical and psychological specialists.

• improved communication between clients and service providers and between different service providers

• affordable services

• improved information and support provided to reduce isolation and loneliness and enhance self-management

• improved chronic disease and disability-friendly local infrastructure

• simplified programs and funding mechanisms.