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The Latrobe Health Services Foundation Launches with Phoenix Australia Strategic Partnership and Community Grants Program to Tackle Rural and Regional Health Inequality

Latrobe Health Services Foundation

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Embargoed until 5am Thursday September 4^th, 2025                                       Images and Audio grabs here  

The Latrobe Health Services Foundation Launches with Phoenix Australia Strategic Partnership and Community Grants Program to Tackle

Rural and Regional Health Inequality

Latrobe Health Services, marking 75 years of supporting Australian communities, proudly announces the launch of The Latrobe Health Services Foundation — a bold initiative to address growing health inequities faced by people living outside metropolitan centres.

The Foundation is dedicated to improving health outcomes in rural and regional communities—a life-changing mission made possible by focusing on the core challenges of accessibility, equity, and affordability in healthcare, strengthened by a commitment to enhancing options for preventive health management.

The Foundation builds on Latrobe Health Services’ storied legacy of community care. It will fund and support programs that deliver long-term, meaningful impact — not only for members, but for all Australians in underserved areas.

This will be achieved through two distinct types of funding:

• Strategic initiatives and partnerships - large-scale, multi-year support that can have a scalable impact on health outcomes in rural/regional Australia
• Grants program - targeted for community organisations and related to literacy, accessibility and equitable health service provision

The Foundation’s access to a $10 million funding pool from Latrobe Health Services will actively support the initiatives and partnerships that strengthen health outcomes amongst rural and regional Australians, and ultimately Latrobe Health members, with carefully considered management to ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most — and where they can have the greatest impact.

‘Overcoming issues of health inequity is one of the most critical issues Australians in regional, rural and remote areas face,’ said Latrobe Health Services CEO Ian Whitehead. The Latrobe Health Services Foundation is a proactive way to help tackle that issue in a way that is purposeful and driven by the need for improved outcomes. The Foundation represents our purpose — and we look forward to it strengthening our commitment to quality care for all Australians.’

Strategic Partnership with Phoenix Australia

As part of its inaugural initiatives, the Foundation has partnered with Phoenix Australia, the National Centre of Excellence in Post-traumatic Mental Health. Together, Latrobe Health Services and Phoenix Australia are developing and piloting a new mobile phone application to enhance mental health and well being in rural and regional communities, where mental health services are often limited or inaccessible.

The app is centred around the Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) program, a well-researched and evidence-based intervention developed by Phoenix Australia, already shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. SOLAR is designed to improve mood, boost wellbeing and help individuals manage stress — and has already demonstrated positive outcomes across both face-to-face and digital delivery.

What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to community-driven development. Input from rural and regional Australians ensures it meets the specific needs and experiences of the communities it aims to serve. A three-year randomised controlled trial, conducted by Phoenix Australia, will assess the effectiveness of the new SOLAR-Rural app — contributing valuable data to the growing field of digital mental health.

“While we recognise the complex challenges facing our rural communities, this initiative will provide simple, practical and evidence-based skills to manage stress effectively. Our goal is to empower individuals with skills that build resilience in the face of ongoing pressures," said Professor Meaghan O’Donnell, Head, Research at Phoenix Australia.

Small Grants Program

In addition to major strategic projects, the Foundation has launched a Small Grants Program to support grassroots organisations driving local health improvements. Grants will fund initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s four pillars — from boosting health literacy to breaking down barriers to care.

The inaugural round of community grants has funded projects in regional areas to support people living Type 1 Diabetes, seniors needing health checks, access to speech pathology and occupational therapy, suicide alertness training and maintenance and spare parts for a lifesaving defibrillator.

Eligible applicants must be based in a rural or regional area - Australia-wide, hold a valid ABN or ACN, operate as a non-government or community-based organisation, and have been established for at least 12 months.

Examples of eligible projects include health education sessions led by qualified professionals, community first aid training, workshops on chronic disease management and health booths or pop-up clinics at local events.

Transforming Community Commitment into Meaningful Impact

Launching Latrobe Health Services Foundation marks a new chapter in the organisation’s long-standing commitment to community well being. By backing evidence-based programs, strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives, the Foundation’s important work will help ensure that every Australian — regardless of postcode — has access to quality care, reliable resources and greater potential to experience healthier futures.

 

www.latrobehealth.com.au

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Media enquiries:

Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis

PPR

PH: 0411 089 209 or 0414 699 186

[email protected] or [email protected]

 

 

Contact details:

Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis

PPR

PH: 0411 089 209 or 0414 699 186

[email protected] or [email protected]