Community Health First welcomes investment in innovative chronic disease program to support thousands of Victorians
5 May 2026
Media Release
Community Health First welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of new funding to deliver the Care Pathways for Chronic Disease program.
This innovative program pioneered by Community Health will support thousands of Victorians living with a chronic disease to better manage their health and get care and support closer to home, without the need to go to hospital.
Anna Robinson, Chair, Community Health First said:
“This investment demonstrates that the government is listening to the needs of Victorians and recognises the vital role community health plays in supporting people living with chronic health conditions."
This funding comes at a critical time, with nearly half of all Victorians currently living with a chronic disease and this number is projected to increase significantly over the next twenty years. This includes conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Chronic conditions place a significant and growing burden on the Victorian healthcare system, with one third of all hospitalisations related to chronic conditions such as heart disease and the average length of stay over two times longer for chronic conditions than other hospitalisations.
Robinson said:
“This vital investment is a critical step towards better preventative care for all Victorians. Care Pathways for Chronic Disease will help people living with a chronic disease better manage their condition, deliver better health outcomes for our communities, and ease pressure on our hospitals."
“This funding is a fantastic step forward for the future of our health system. By investing in early intervention and prevention, the government is making a smart, cost-effective choice that will provide better care and save millions in future acute care costs.”
However, cost of living continues to impact households, and more and more people are turning to community health for affordable, quality, local care. Demand for community health services has skyrocketed by more than 11% over the last year. An urgent uplift to the Community Health Program is urgently needed to keep pace with demand.
Community health is one of the most effective ways to reduce avoidable emergency demand and improve access to health care, supporting people to manage chronic illness, mental health conditions, overall health and wellbeing, and the ongoing impacts of social disadvantage.
Each year over 500,000 emergency department presentations could be avoided if more services were available in the community. Community Health First welcomes the investment in infrastructure funds for health services and mental health funds and urges the government to ensure community health is supported to ensure our organisations can meet the rising demand in our communities.
Community Health First also welcomes the ongoing investment in state run Urgent Care Centres, family violence response services, and support for people with a disability through the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.
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For media comment or interviews email contact@communityhealthfirst.org.au
Community Health First is an initiative led by all 21 registered independent community health services in Victoria united by one shared goal – improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life for all Victorians.