Latrobe Health Advocate
Some functions of the Latrobe Health Advocate have transitioned to Gippsland Region Public HealthUnit (GRPHU), who work in partnership with local communities to deliver place-based policies andprograms, including managing notifiable diseases, chronic disease prevention, health promotion,environmental health and emergency management. GRPHU are contactable on 5173 5451 or grphu@lrh.com.au
For all other enquiries please contact the Department of Health, Public Health Network and Programs Branch at publichealth.secretariat@health.vic.gov.au
Jane Anderson was first appointed as the Latrobe Health Advocate by the Minister for Health in May 2018 and reappointed in 2021. The first-of-its-kind in Australia, the role of the Advocate is to provide independent advice to the Victorian Government on behalf of Latrobe Valley communities on system and policy issues affecting their health and wellbeing. Jane provides community-wide leadership by enabling, mediating and advocating for health improvements through health and broader system improvements and change.
The role of the Latrobe Health Advocate delivers on a key recommendation of the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, which found the health profile of the Latrobe Valley is poorer compared to other local government areas in Victoria. In light of this, a number of actions were proposed to improve service coordination and health outcomes in the region, including appointment of the Latrobe Health Advocate, the establishment of the Latrobe Health Assembly, and the designation of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone.
The role of the Advocate is a key mechanism of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone, which is designed to give voice to community aspirations in the planning and delivering of better health and wellbeing outcomes, and where a process of co-design with individuals and organisations is actively encouraged.
Prior to taking up the role as Latrobe Health Advocate, Jane was the Regional Director of Anglicare Victoria for 12 years and was responsible for leadership of the operational, strategic and quality performance of programs within Gippsland. Jane led and participated in various Gippsland networks that centred on the welfare of children and families, the inclusion and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities and justice-related matters.
Jane was a practising lawyer for 7 years in private and community settings. Jane served with Victoria Police for 11 years in various roles, including as a prosecutor, investigator, and general police officer.
In 2019, Jane was appointed Chair of the Latrobe Valley Asbestos Taskforce, which was established by the state government to undertake a review into how asbestos is managed in the Latrobe Valley.
Jane is an active member of Regional Partnerships Victoria and a former Board Director of Lifeline Gippsland.
Jane welcomes opportunities to meet with community groups and individuals to listen to your concerns and your aspirations for sustainable health and wellbeing.