Council Budget Decisions and Health Services Provide Background to Bendigo Community Supports

Greater Bendigo City Council adopted a $280 million 2026-27 budget that allocates nearly $100 million for roads, buildings, parks and community facilities while a $9.4 million deficit prompted a $3 million loan.

Why these steps matter now

The council sits in caretaker mode with postal voting open ahead of the October 24 local election. At the same time it is weighing heritage overlays for 18 sites and has completed EPA-approved remediation of contamination at the former Bendigo Gasworks site that previously affected Bendigo Creek. A site management plan for the gasworks location is due to be developed over the next six months.

Local health and family services already in place

Bendigo Community Health Services offers free Family Services for children aged 0-17 and support for pregnant individuals, reached through referral to The Orange Door on 1800 512 359. The City of Greater Bendigo runs a free Maternal and Child Health Service for families with children from birth to school age, booked via the Early Years Team on (03) 4408 6590. Bendigo Health provides acute care and 24/7 mental health triage on 1300 363 788, while NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 supplies round-the-clock telephone advice.

Evidence from current programs and forecasts

Family violence and child wellbeing referrals are handled centrally through The Orange Door, which links families to Haven Home Safe and the Centre for Non-Violence. Bendigo Community Health Services also runs free weekly walking groups including the White Hills Wanderers on Monday mornings at 9:30am and the Eaglehawk Explorers on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am. Bendigo Health delivers the FOAP exercise program for people over 65 and the Cancer Wellness Program at the Gobbé Wellness Centre.

These services and the council budget decisions together outline the framework now operating across Bendigo. Residents seeking family support or health advice can contact the listed services directly for current details and referral pathways.