General News
24 October, 2025
MDHS review strategic plan
The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is seeking community input on a new plan to guide the health service into the future.
The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) is inviting community members to share their ideas and insights to help shape the future of healthcare in the region.
With the current strategic plan finishing at the end of the year, MDHS is starting the process of developing a new plan to guide the health service into the future.
The first step is a community survey titled Your Voice, Our Future. The survey is designed to gather ideas, feedback and perspectives from the Central Goldfields and Pyrenees shires and surrounds.
MDHS CEO Nickola Allan said the health service is committed to listening to the community and co-designing a plan that reflects local needs.
“We’ve achieved a lot together over the past few years,” she said.
“We’ve launched a new maternity services model co-designed with women and families, renovated three residential communities, raised funds to bring a permanent breast screen clinic to Maryborough and worked with partners to deliver a new hospital.
“Our team cares for this amazing community with kindness, compassion and respect. Now we’re asking, what matters most to you? What should we focus on next?
“This is your chance to help us change the healthcare story together.”
The current plan ends at the end of 2025. MDHS is preparing now for deeper consultation in 2026, with the goal of developing a plan to strengthen local healthcare.
MDHS board chair Dr Judy Lowthian said the board is keen to hear directly from the community.
“Real change happens when we listen and work together,” she said.
“This survey is the first step in a broader conversation with our community, staff and service partners next year.
“We’re inviting everyone from patients, families, carers, aged care residents and community groups to share their ideas and help us build a stronger, more responsive health service.
“Your feedback will help shape what comes next. This is just the beginning.”
MDHS is encouraging everyone to have their say before the survey closes on Tuesday, November 11. It’s anonymous and takes only a few minutes to complete.
The survey is available via the MDHS website and Facebook page. Pick up a hard copy from reception at Maryborough Hospital and residential communities in Maryborough, Avoca and Dunolly.
MDHS plans to share a summary of community feedback by the end of the year, along with next steps on how people can get involved in early 2026.
“Spend a few minutes today to share your views and help us deliver the care our community needs into the future,” Dr Lowthian said.
For more information visit mdhs.vic.gov.au.