Our History
Where we have come from
The Latrobe Health Assembly has grown and adapted over time to better suit the needs of our community.
From the aftermath of the Hazelwood Mine Fire through to becoming a fully independent, community-owned organisation - here's how we got to where we are today.
How it started
From government initiative to community organisation
The Latrobe Health Assembly began as part of a government response to the Hazelwood Mine Fire. Over time it evolved into something far more powerful - an independent, community-driven organisation formally incorporated in 2017. From that point on, the people of the Latrobe Valley have been in the driver's seat of their own health future.
The key moments
Our milestones
2014
Hazelwood Mine Fire
The mine fire and subsequent health study put community health firmly on the national agenda.
May 2015
Mine Fire Inquiry Reopened
The inquiry is reopened to investigate the long-term health impacts on the Latrobe Valley community.
November 2016
LHIZ Established
The Latrobe Health Innovation Zone is designated, creating the foundation for the Assembly.
2017
Assembly Incorporated
The Latrobe Health Assembly becomes a fully independent, community-owned organisation — no longer a government initiative.
March 2019
Community on the Board
Four community members are elected to the Board of Directors.
2020
New Leadership & COVID-19
Ellen-Jane Browne appointed Executive Officer, Tanya Rong as Chair. The Assembly supports Victoria's COVID-19 response.
May 2021
Triple Diamond Model Adopted
A new operating model expands the scale and reach of our community projects.
September 2022
Stepping onto the National Stage
The LHA hosts the Australian Pelvic Pain Conference at the newly opened GPAC.
May 2023
Launch of The WES
The region's first Mental Health Café opens its doors in partnership with Lifeline Gippsland.
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.
