Central Highlands Rural Health values and welcomes sexuality and gender diverse people, who are a significant portion of our population and who have helped shape our local culture. We are an equal opportunity employer, providing an LGBTIQA+ inclusive workplace.
Celebrating and Supporting Our LGBTIQA+ Community
At Central Highlands Rural Health, we are proud to be a Rainbow Tick-accredited organisation. This accreditation recognises our commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive services for LGBTIQA+ people across all of our campuses and programs.
To read an article on our Rainbow Tick journey, please click here.
We know that accessing health care can sometimes feel challenging for LGBTIQA+ people, particularly in rural areas. That’s why we continue to listen, learn, and act on what matters most to our community. Whether it’s through staff training, community engagement, or improving the way our services are delivered, our goal is to ensure everyone feels respected, supported, and free to be themselves when they come into our care.
Our work is guided by the voices of our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group, made up of staff and community representatives who help shape our approach to inclusion and cultural safety. Alongside this, our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee brings together people from across Central Highlands Rural Health to drive meaningful action and ensure equity is embedded in everything we do.
In 2025, we proudly joined the ChillOut Festival in Daylesford once again, marching in the parade with staff, volunteers, and residents. It was a day full of colour, laughter, and connection, celebrating our community and showcasing our commitment to inclusivity.
We also hosted important conversations at the “Free to Be Me” panel event in Hepburn Springs, where community members and panellists shared their lived experiences of ageing as LGBTIQA+ people. These honest discussions help shape how we deliver care, reminding us that LGBTIQA+ identities are lifelong and deserve recognition and respect at every stage of life.
As Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball reminded us, “LGBTIQA+ doesn’t stop when you’re 30. It’s not just for young people — but for all living people.”
Our Rainbow Tick isn’t just a symbol — it’s a promise. We remain dedicated to making Central Highlands Rural Health a place where everyone is free to be themselves, valued for who they are, and supported with dignity and respect.
All staff at Central Highlands Rural Health are required to undertake mandatory LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice training. Other LGBTIQA+ education is also provided on a regular basis.
We invite input from LGBTIQA+ consumers on how we can best meet their needs. If you would like more information about LGBTIQA+ inclusive services or would like to share your ideas please contact our Director of Quality on 03 5321 6527.
Our Commitment at a Glance
Rainbow Tick accredited – recognised for providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming services for LGBTIQA+ people.
Advisory groups – our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group and Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee guide our policies, programs, and cultural safety work.
Community celebrations – proud participants in the ChillOut Festival parade, joining residents, staff, and volunteers in a joyful show of support.
Meaningful conversations – hosted the “Free to Be Me” panel in Hepburn Springs to explore the experiences of ageing LGBTIQA+ people.
Inclusive care – ongoing staff training and service improvements to ensure everyone feels respected and supported.
Safe spaces – a health service where all identities are valued and people can be themselves.
Services and support for those who identify within the LGBTIQA+ Community
Central Highlands Rural Health offers mental health and wellbeing services. These include:
· Psychology
· Social Work
· Alcohol and Drugs
· STEPMI (Services and Treatment for Enduring and Persistent Mental Illness)
Located at Kyneton Health is the Kyneton Community Mental Health service run by Bendigo Health. This service provides assessment, treatment and support to adults aged 25 to 65 years.
An extensive list of LGBTIQA+ resources is also available on the Sunbury Cobaw Community Health website.
LGBTIQA+ consumers rights and responsibilities
All Central Highlands Rural Health staff aim to ensure access to a safe and inclusive service that promotes health and wellbeing for everyone in our community. LGBTIQA+ consumers can expect to feel welcome and safe at Central Highlands Rural Health.
If you feel that your rights are not being met, please speak with a staff member or provide us with feedback via one of the options below.
We welcome your feedback
Your feedback is extremely valuable and assists us in continuing to improve your care.
You can provide anonymous feedback via our hard copy Feedback Forms located throughout our service. Or consider using one of our other options:
– Online CHRH Feedback Form
– Tell your story using Care Opinion – a safe and confidential service that is independent of CHRH.
– By post, phone or email:
Complaints Officer
Central Highlands Rural Health
PO Box 465
Daylesford 3460
Phone: (03) 5321 6567
Email: feedback@chrh.org.au
More information about providing feedback is also available on the CHRH website.
