About us
Our mission
To improve health and wellbeing in the Latrobe Valley by centring community voice, strengthening collective action, and driving place-based solutions that prevent disease, reduce inequities, and support communities to thrive.
Our story
Born from community. Shaped by lived experience. Driving change in the Valley since 2017.
Latrobe Health Assembly is a community-led, place-based organisation working to improve health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. Established in 2017 following the Hazelwood Mine Fire, we have become a trusted connector between community members, services and decision makers.
We bring people together to combine lived experience, local knowledge and evidence to drive meaningful change. Our work focuses on preventing and reducing disease, with a strong emphasis on mental health and chronic disease prevention. We collaborate with partners, local government, health services and community organisations to deliver coordinated, community-informed responses.
Community members are at the heart of everything we do. Through ongoing collaboration with community members and key partners, we have worked to build a strong understanding of local needs. Our membership and governance model enables local voices to shape priorities and decisions, ensuring our work remains inclusive, grounded and responsive to community needs.
Over the years, this approach has supported the development of innovative projects across a range of focus areas, including mental health and community connection, active living, and early childhood development. To learn more about our projects, research and reports, visit our virtual Library.
The people behind the mission
Our People
Talented humans who make it happen.
Tanya Rong
Board Chair
Ange Gordon
Deputy Chair
Dr. Nicole Coombs
Board Member
Karen Russell
Board Member
Arfa Sararaz
Board Member
Carolyne Boothman
Board Member
Linda Reid
Board Member
Ellen-Jane Browne
Executive Officer
Josephine Manco
Members Engagement Coordinator
Ashlea King
Project Officer
Lauren Fenech
Project Officer
Our Place
The Latrobe Valley is a diverse and resilient region in Gippsland, Victoria. Home to approximately 75,000 people, Latrobe Valley is known for its strong community spirit, rich Aboriginal heritage, productive agriculture and evolving economic landscape.
Historically central to Victoria's energy production, the Latrobe Valley is now undergoing significant transition, a growing focus on health, education, renewable industries and social innovation. The region experiences both opportunities and challenges related to population health, including chronic disease, poor mental health, access to services and the negative impacts of social and economic change.
Collaboration across government, health services, community organisations and community is vital to improving health and wellbeing outcomes. The Latrobe Health Assembly plays a key role in bringing voices together to shape better health for everyone in the Valley.
About us
Our partners and supporters
As a community owned not-for-profit, we are proud to work alongside our partners and supporters who share our vision for a healthier, more connected Latrobe Valley community.
We are deeply grateful for and thank our partners and supporters whose commitment makes our work possible.
Thank you to all our organisations, and generous donors whose vital support and contributions help to drive our mission.
The Latrobe Health Assembly respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Original Custodians of the land we walk on today — the land of the Braiakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai nation and passes on respect to their Elders past and present, future and emerging.
The Latrobe Health Assembly celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
All gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible and go directly to our programs. The Latrobe Health Assembly is a registered charitable organisation recognised by the ACNC and the ATO. ABN 54 996 117 267.
