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.

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. 

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.

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).

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Advisory Groups will be held at least once a year, or as required.

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.

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. The Executive Officer liaises with the Chairperson between meetings to advance ongoing issues.