Community Health First
Impact Co. is proud to announce its support for Community Health First (CHF) through the Impact Amplified Fund, backing a critical project designed to strengthen Victoria’s community health sector.
Community health plays a vital role in Victoria’s health system, with 1 in 10 Victorians(1) currently accessing care through community health services. Yet, despite its importance, almost 45% of people eligible for community health care are not accessing it(2), due to constrained funding, infrastructure limitations, and low awareness.
Over the past two years, record investments by the Victorian Government have strengthened acute health services and launched critical health reforms. With these foundations in place, now is the time to amplify the role and impact of community health to ensure timely and affordable local care is available to support people at every age, and stage, of life. This Project is a strategic and collaborative project that seeks to further strengthen how independent community health organisations are working together. Developing a clear and practical roadmap of opportunities to strengthen the sustainability of community health and contribute to Victoria's roadmap towards a more connected, resilient health system for the future.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Community Health First and its member organisations, 21 registered independent community health services across Victoria, whose collective expertise and insight underpin the work. Launching in February 2026, the project will run for 4-5 months.
Community health delivers strong outcomes for clients and is ready to scale. If the sector can expand capacity, it could improve access so that more people can receive the care they need close to home - providing a significant impact on people, communities and the health system.
- For people: Greater access to local, place-based care that supports people to stay well and out of unnecessary acute care.
- For communities: A stronger, more resilient community health sector that safeguards place-based care into the future.
- For the health system: A more integrated and connected system, ensuring care is delivered in the most appropriate setting and demand on hospitals is reduced.
"Community health is one of Victoria’s greatest strengths — delivering care where it’s needed most. This partnership will help us build evidence and further strengthen the collective voice we need to ensure our sector continues to support our local communities for generations to come."
"Community health in Victoria is essential infrastructure — but it operates in one of the most complex policy and funding environments in the system. This project is about moving beyond good intentions to real, workable solutions. With Impact Co.’s involvement, we can help bring clarity to the complex challenges facing community health and build a shared, sustainable pathway forward for the sector.”
The project is supported through Impact Co.’s Impact Amplified Fund, the fund investing in NFPs and community-based organisations to create community impact. Each year, the pro-bono initiative invests consulting expertise, time, and capability into selected projects tackling complex social challenges.
As the community health sector navigates ongoing reforms and growing health needs in our communities, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to act collectively, plan and guide the future of place‑based care in Victoria. Impact Co. looks forward to supporting Community Health First and their partner organisations to create long‑term, system‑level impact.
About Community Health First
Community Health First unites all registered independent community health organisations with one shared goal – improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life for all Victorians. We do this by elevating the role of community health in Victoria's health system, developing collective impact data, pursuing innovative approaches to place based care, and working to safeguard the future of the sector.
About Impact Co.
Impact Co. is a purpose-led management consultancy working across health, mental health, First Nations, and social sectors. We partner with organisations to shape a more equitable society - through a deep appreciation of people’s experiences and the evidence that shapes them, we bring clarity to complex environments; cutting through competing priorities, building trust, and creating alignment across people, organisations, communities, and systems.
Contact Details –for more information on the Impact Amplified Fund or Impact Co. please get in touch.
[1] 2024–25 Community Health First Impact Report
[2] Infrastructure Victoria — Investing in Community Health Infrastructure
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