Funding for the mobile health van was a major focus of the 28th Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show, which began with a sponsor dinner attended by 120 people before the main event the following day.
Event organiser Andrew Embling said the decision was made to direct funds back into local health services.
“This year, the money will go to the local hospital to have a mobile office to make healthcare more accessible,” he said.
“They do a great job at the local hospital.
“Some of their staff come out, and they do free flu checks, they do blood testing, blood checks and all that, but we would like to be able to get them in a mobile little caravan.”
Mr Embling said the cost of the van could be as high as $50,000, but fundraising efforts aimed to significantly reduce that burden for the hospital.
“This year we want to put our money back into that and to try and get that to them,” he said.
At the sponsor dinner, organisers announced their goal of raising $100,000 through the dinner and truck show.
“We announced that night that our money this year, from our foundation and our mental health foundation, will be going towards the purchase of a mobile medical clinic for the Yea and District Memorial Hospital,” Mr Embling said.
“So our aim was to raise $100,000 at the dinner and the truck show, and we announced it that night, and we raised $52,000 that night.”
The mobile health van will service Yea and extend care to surrounding communities including Eildon, which currently has no doctor, and Alexandra.
Yea and District Hospital chief executive Elizabeth Sinclair said the hospital was pleased with the van and had clear plans for its use.
“We’re genuinely excited about the positive impact it will have on the health and wellbeing of people across Murrindindi Shire,” Ms Sinclair said.
“The mobile health van will be used to deliver place-based health clinics, making health care more accessible for residents across Murrindindi Shire.
“We plan to offer clinics focused on diabetes education, mental health support, cardiac health, skin checks, cancer screening, and hearing and vision assessments.
“The van will also attend community gatherings and events to promote healthy living.”
The launch event will be held at the Yea Saleyards on January 7, where community members will have the opportunity to hear from key partners, explore the van, and learn more about the programs it will deliver across Murrindindi.
A light lunch will be supplied, with RSVPs required by January 5.
