Mallacoota Community Health, Infrastructure and Resilience Fund Incorporated

Mallacoota is a designated remote MM6 location. Local residents have experienced ongoing isolation, an ageing population, and then the devastating impacts of the 2019-20 bushfires followed by Covid and the restrictions on tourism. CHIRF was originally formed in 2016 by Mallacoota residents when it became clear the Mallacoota Medical Centre would collapse without solid community support, leaving the community without the services of GPs. It was CHIRF which obtained the funds and oversaw the construction of the Medical Clinic six years ago, and who now employ allied health staff on site. CHIRF prides itself on being responsive to community needs but receives no ongoing government funding to provide services to the local community. Over time, CHIRF has found funding for and provided services in the areas of allied health, nursing, mental health, children and youth services, group health programs such as Falls Prevention and Heart Health recovery, and others.     Most recently, CHIRF has developed two major projects that will provide benefit to the community and help sustain the organisation financially with revenue. We have launched an Ageing at Home Coordination service for those eligible for a government Home Care package, to help them navigate the aged care system and obtain the services they require. As more than 50% of locals are aged over 60, it is apparent that Aged care services are vital for the community, especially as there is no residential aged care within a two-hour drive.    We have also just won a $2m infrastructure grant to build a Wellbeing Centre in Mallacoota, which will provide a venue for an even wider range of services and further local employment.     Our charity is a well run organisation, extremely responsive to community needs, with committed and skilled volunteers who are focused on building and sustaining future services.