Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health was established on 1 January 2021 in an amalgamation of Sunbury Community Health and Cobaw Community Health.
Sunbury Community Health Centre was established nearly 50 years ago. In 1974, the federal government of Gough Whitlam offered money for the establishment of community health organisations across Australia. At the time a small group of individuals in Sunbury took the initiative to apply, to ensure they had better access to the health services they and their families required. At a public meeting held on 14 March 1974, the federal government granted the Shire of Bulla $88 000. There were initial discussions around how the funds could be spent and a management committee was established.
Cobaw Community Health Services Ltd was established in 1986 as an independent incorporated association identified within the Health Services Act 1988. After an extensive process undertaken by many community health centres across Victoria to redefine their legal status as charitable organisations, Cobaw became a company limited by guarantee under the Commonwealth’s Corporation Act in March 2009.
Following its creation, the number of staff and range of services offered consistently increased and Cobaw became an integral part of the Macedon Ranges community with sites at Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey. From an initial team of three offering one program, by 2020 Cobaw was providing more than 20 different programs facilitated by over 100 staff, supported by an operating budget of $6.3 million.
