Department of Health

Latrobe Health Innovation Zone

The Latrobe Valley Health Innovation Zone was established after the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry of 2015-16. It gives communities a voice and empowers them so they can have a say in the decision making, design, planning and delivery of services and programs that improve their health and well-being.

The first of its kind in Australia, Latrobe City was made a Health Innovation Zone, the Latrobe Health Assembly was established, and a Latrobe Health Advocate was appointed.

The Assembly and Advocate help the Zone by enabling community voice.

  • Latrobe Health Innovation Zone is a place (not an organisation) where people can do things differently to improve their health and well-being. It’s a place where people can have a say in the planning and delivery of health and well-being outcomes that better suit their needs. People can be a part of the decision making, design, planning and delivery of services and programs.
  • Latrobe Health Assembly enables community, local and state-wide agencies, and government to work together to improve health and well-being in Latrobe Valley. Community forms the majority of the Assembly membership, allowing community to decide health and well-being priorities. Learn more about the Assembly and its work on the Health Assembly website.
  • Latrobe Health Advocate reports directly to the Minister for Health and provides independent advice to the Victorian Government on behalf of Latrobe Valley communities about system and policy issues affecting their health and well-being. Learn more about the Advocate and her work on the Latrobe Health advocate website.

Evaluation

In 2017 there was a three-year evaluation of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone, Latrobe Health Assembly and Latrobe Health Advocate.

The purpose was to measure the impact of the Zone, Assembly and Advocate on health and well-being in Latrobe Valley. Latrobe Valley communities were involved in designing its framework and outcome measures. They were also involved in their adjustment over time to ensure it was relevant as the Zone, Assembly and Advocate matured. The evaluation made recommendations regarding how to develop the Zone based on its findings.

Next phase

An evaluation assessing the implementation progress of recommendations from the 2017-2020 evaluation commenced in July 2022 and is planned for completion by February 2023.

Reviewed 30 November 2022

Health.vic

Study and reports

Contact details

Latrobe Health Innovation Zone Department of Health

8-12 Seymour Street , Traralgon, VIC 3844
Phone 03 5177 2690
latrobehealthzone@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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