This distinctive building in Tarwin Lower, situated on sizable, leased shire land, was opened in 1991 and has since taken on a prominent role within the town and its surrounds. A union of conventional western medicine, traditional eastern medicine and various alternative therapies have increasingly become available, embracing a holistic approach toward the well-being and spiritual needs of the community.
The notable centre, complete with a treatment room and one of few defibrillators in the area, is viewed by the district as an essential service. Enhancing community health and well-being through social connection and community safety is largely a significant seed of the centre’s vision.
It seeks to provide environments and practices which encourage healthy lifestyle choices delivered at a minimum cost or bulk billed. This is made possible due to the twenty-five efficient volunteers under the Gippsland Southern Health Service banner, who generously donate their time.
The Community Health Centre offers many diverse services by experienced, independent professionals, such as a General Practitioner, Acupuncturist, Nurse Practitioner, Maternal & Child Health Nurse, Clinical Psychologist and Continence Services. Other therapists include a Spiritual Forensic Healer, a Naturopath and two intuitive Masseuses, both offering differing varieties of massage. A visiting Podiatrist is available monthly through Gippsland Southern Health Service. Popular yoga sessions are regularly facilitated and a new yoga group, incorporating Tai Chi, is possibly on the horizon.
A friendship group, coordinated by Gippsland Southern Health Service, meets every Friday, while a newly formed, local gardening group meets twice a week and lovingly tends to the surrounding grounds, its home-grown vegetables, and its recently planted fruit trees. A Bridge group, part of the collective South Gippsland Bridge Club, also meets on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month (if not disrupted by covid-19 restrictions).
This well-curated facility is solely managed by its volunteers. Once police checks are completed, all volunteers attend interviews and training, including regular First Aid & CPR coaching. The Community Health Centre is always on the look-out to welcome new colleagues willing to join their respectful and supportive team.
The centre is invariably open to ideas and embraces new modalities if in line with its purpose. Rooms are for hire at an affordable cost, including the spacious activity room (with piano), at a ‘pay as you use’ fee.
This nurtured building with its calming, warm atmosphere, is also about to showcase creative, local works of art throughout its halls. Not only will the artwork add life and colour to the centre’s ambiance, but the unique pieces will be for sale to the public. An official launching date is yet to be announced. If anyone is interested in exhibiting their work, please call the centre and leave your details.
If you haven’t visited the Tarwin Lower & District Community Health Centre, drop in and say hello to familiarise yourself with the programs on offer.
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