Community Advisory Groups

Alpine Health is committed to engaging the community to plan and deliver the best health outcomes for the Alpine Shire region.

Community and Health Advisory Groups have been established in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford for local residents to share information and ideas, and to advise the Board of Management on community issues.

The advisory groups have an Executive Officer to assist with administration, communication and promotion.

People wishing to participate in a Community Advisory Group should contact the Executive Officer:

Community and Health Advisory Groups
Executive Officer Kate Duff
PO Box 236
Myrtleford, Victoria 3737
Phone (03) 5755 0131

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Community and Health Advisory Groups?

The committees comprise of members representing their local community, reporting to the Alpine Health Board of Management, who regularly meet in Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty.

What is the role of the groups?

To advise the Board of Management and other agencies:

On the health needs of the community and how they might be met;
On how existing services might be changed or improved to meet these needs;
On services that people don't need and don't want.

What are the responsibilities of members?

The responsibilities include the following:

Understand health needs and community attitudes;
Attend meetings and participate (currently held every two months);
Act in accordance with the Board's code of corporate governance;
Consult other people in the community;
Convey news and information about Alpine Health services.

How do the members fulfil their roles?

By sharing personal opinions and experiences at meetings and discussions, and by seeking input from people in the community (eg through clubs, organisations and social networks).

How are members appointed?

Any person living in the Alpine Shire or using Alpine Health services may express interest in joining a Community and Health Advisory Group.

Appointments are made by the Board of Management. The groups may choose to recommend a preferred number of members.

Can members be recruited?

Yes. Group members may encourage others to join them. To adequately represent diverse public opinion it's desirable that the groups include members from different sections of the community including: young people, carers, people with disabilities, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, indigenous Australians, senior citizens, people from small towns and remote areas.

Are meetings open to the public?

Yes. Interested people may attend meetings to discuss a particular issue or to observe, however only members may vote. Matters that are confidential, involving patients or staff, may be discussed in a closed session at the end of an ordinary meeting to protect the privacy of those involved. This is in accordance with the Board's code of corporate governance.

What support does Alpine Health give the groups?

The groups are supported by an Executive Officer responsible for administration, promotions and communications. The Chief Executive Officer and local Health Services Manager will generally attend meetings and are available to discuss issues with members. The Board of Management will receive the minutes from all meetings and consider issues raised.

How do the groups share information?

Members will be notified of all meetings and may attend in another town, if they wish. The Executive Officer and members maintain communication between the groups. A meeting of the Combined Community Health and Advisory Groups will be held at least once a year, or as required.

How do members of the community raise an issue?

Community members may discuss the issue with the Chairperson of the committee, or the Executive Officer. They may request that it be a subject on the agenda for discussion, or they may discuss an issue with an Alpine Health Board member or manager at any time. Feedback to the community member about the issue raised will be provided.

What is the role of an advisory group Chairperson and how is that person appointed?

Each group elects a Chairperson, whose appointment is subject to ratification by the Board. The Chairperson may represent the advisory group at board meetings, to other agencies and in community forums. The advisory group Chairperson acts as a spokesperson in the community, e.g. for media releases and announcements. The Executive Officer liaises with the Chairperson between meetings to advance ongoing issues.