There is strong momentum building across BHN. This year has been a turning point – an opportunity to reflect on what we do best and strengthen how we work together to create lasting impact. Through a focus on alignment, collaboration and shared purpose, we are laying the foundations for a future where BHN is best positioned to deliver equitable, accessible and sustainable services for our communities.

This year we operated under significant financial pressure, reflecting the broader constraints across Victoria’s community health sector. Demand and complexity continue to outpace funding, placing strain on organisations like BHN that deliver vital frontline care. As Infrastructure Victoria’s Investing in community health report found, more than one in ten Victorians already rely on community health services, yet many more miss out. Despite this, community health receives just 0.3 per cent of the state’s $2 billion health infrastructure budget. We remain focused on operating sustainably and advocating for the investment needed to keep people healthy and well in their communities.

Within this context, our focus has been on articulating what we offer, optimising how we work, championing the value of community health, and supporting our people to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients. This work has never been more important.

Guided by our inaugural Strategic Plan (2023–2026), we have made meaningful progress across key areas. 

Our new Client and Community Engagement Framework is deepening how we listen, learn and act. Through enhanced feedback systems and improved access to services, we are ensuring that client voices directly shape how we design and deliver care.

We have strengthened our digital and data capabilities through new Cybersecurity and Data Strategy Roadmaps, ensuring our systems are secure, reliable and support transparent, data-driven decision-making. Our people remain at the heart of BHN’s success. Leadership capability has been strengthened through targeted development and a new Capability Framework, while our Industrial Relations Roadmap continues to build a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.

Achieving Rainbow Tick Accreditation was a proud moment, affirming our commitment to being a safe, inclusive organisation for all LGBTIQA+ clients and employees. BHN has begun aligning our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognising that local action contributes to global progress – from improving health and reducing inequality to supporting sustainable growth.   

A key focus this year was our organisational realignment – redefining how BHN operates by aligning our people, processes and structures with our vision, purpose and strategic priorities. 

This period of transformation has called for accountability, collaboration, respect and courage – the values that define BHN. We are proud of how our people have embraced change with professionalism, optimism and a shared commitment to better outcomes.   

Looking ahead, we are investing in the next chapter of BHN’s growth. Work is underway on our next Strategic Plan, informed by engagement with clients, communities, partners and employees to ensure our future direction reflects diverse perspectives and drives lasting impact.

We are also refreshing our brand – not through design alone, but through experience.  By engaging with our communities, we are clarifying how BHN is understood so we can strengthen our connection, identity and pride.

This year we developed our first Policy Position Statements - on Health Equity, Destigmatisation and Inclusion, A Strong and Sustainable Community Health System,  and Prevention and Early Intervention.  These statements guide how BHN communicates, advocates, and acts for systemic change.

We continue to position community health as a vital partner in the broader health system, including through our partnership in the Community Health First initiative. This collaboration aims to elevate the role of community health within Victoria’s health system, ensuring it remains central to delivering better outcomes for our communities.

At the heart of all we do is a shared commitment to clients and communities. Every day, our people, volunteers, partners, funders and supporters contribute to BHN’s core purpose: delivering accessible health and wellbeing services that meet the needs of our communities.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to this shared journey, and acknowledge the thoughtful leadership of our Board and Executive Teams in guiding our direction.

This is what momentum looks like. The foundations we are building today – through alignment, cultural uplift and bold planning – position BHN to deliver even greater impact tomorrow.  BHN is ready for the future and committed to driving meaningful, positive change for the communities we serve.