Minister for Health David Davis today thanked staff and greeted patients as he toured the Mallacoota District Health and Support Service.

Mr Davis said Mallacoota District Health and Support Service plays a vital role in delivering important health services to residents and tourists visiting the remote East Gippsland communities of Mallacoota, Gipsy Point, Genoa and beyond.

“With around half of the local population aged over 55, health provision in this community offers particular challenges and opportunities,” Mr Davis said.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said Mallacoota is a tourist town and its population more than quadruples at this time of year.

“While that is a boon for a number of local industries, it also puts strain on local services. Mallacoota District Health and Support Service successfully manages this influx every year.

“Mallacoota District Health and Support Service has 38 staff supported by 44 dedicated volunteers, delivering a range of health services including home and community care services,” said Mr Bull.

Mr Davis also paid tribute to the local community who have been battling ongoing bushfires this summer throughout Gippsland.

“While this area has thankfully not been impacted directly, I acknowledge all the work that has gone into ensuring the community, and particularly health services across this community, are prepared for any emergency,” Mr Davis said.

“Emergency response staff and volunteers alike, right across Gippsland, have made an incredible contribution to the welfare of this region and I offer my thanks to everyone who lent a hand.”

Mr Davis said the Coalition Government was ensuring Victoria had the key infrastructure in place to deliver high quality healthcare into the 21st century.

“We have more than $4.5 billion of health infrastructure investment underway across Victoria,” Mr Davis said.