Published 14 Nov 2024
Celebrating a year of impact and community support with GMHBA
GMHBA is a community-based not for profit and as well as supporting the health of our members, our goal is to make a meaningful difference across local communities, enhancing health, wellbeing, and social connections. Through targeted programs, partnerships, and volunteer work, we’re proud to share the impact we’ve made together – from supporting mental health initiatives for young people and starting our own journey towards reconciliation to empowering social enterprises and delivering aid where it’s needed most. Here’s a look at the highlights from the past financial year and the launch of our first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Investing in our communities
In the 2023-2024 financial year, GMHBA invested over $507,000 directly into community programs and partnerships supporting initiatives from mental health education to environmental projects.
Some of the year’s top accomplishments include:
- Launching our new community engagement strategy, which sets out a clear path for meaningful contributions in the years to come.
- Our employees increased their volunteering hours by nearly 30%, reflecting a collective commitment to support local causes.
- GMHBA’s social procurement efforts totalled over $70,000, benefiting social enterprises like Wathaurong Glass and Baked by Us, and helping to drive positive social change.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Mental health is a priority for GMHBA, and we’re thrilled with the impact of our partnerships this past year. Through your support, we’ve been able to connect 5,636 young people with essential mental health programs, including:
- The Resilience Project, in partnership with the Geelong Football Club: Reached 1,893 students in five schools from January to June 2024, building resilience and emotional skills.
- Read the Play: Empowered 1,773 young people, including funding training for 40 Player Wellbeing Officers to support youth mental health.
- Healthy Heroes, in partnership with the Geelong Football Club: Engaged 1,970 students across 55 schools between July and December 2023.
Above from left: AFLW players from the Geelong Football Club visit students at Whittington Primary School as part of The Resilience Project partnership, and The Resilience Project facilitator Martin Heppell speaking to students at Western Heights College.
Our staff making a difference
GMHBA staff have gone above and beyond in their volunteering efforts, dedicating 643 hours to support food relief, family crisis assistance, environmental care, and social inclusion activities.
We’re also proud of our employees’ participation in fundraising and awareness events, such as the Push-Up Challenge for mental health, RSPCA Cupcake Day, and the Share the Dignity drive. This year, we've expanded volunteer opportunities to ensure that employees across all our health and branch network sites in Ballarat, Bendigo, Portland and Warrnambool can engage in their local communities as well.
Above from left: GMHBA employees volunteering at Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums) and Geelong Food Relief Centre.
Starting our journey towards reconciliation
In October 2024 we took the significant step of launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan, following months of reflection, discussion and consultation with GMHBA staff, stakeholders and Traditional owners of the Wadawurrung Country. The RAP marks a meaningful commitment by GMHBA to acknowledge and work collaboratively with First Nations Peoples to advance reconciliation.
Find out more about GMHBA’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Above from left: GMHBA staff and community partners celebrating the launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan at Fyansford on the Moorabool River, a site of significance to both the Wadawurrung people and GMHBA, Wadawurrung Traditional owner Corrina Eccles performing the smoking ceremony.
As we reflect on the past year, we’re inspired and energised to continue our mission of creating healthier communities.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for supporting GMHBA's commitment to making a positive difference!
