The Centre announces launch and partnership with Epworth HealthCare in East Gippsland.

On 10 December, we officially launched our partnership with Epworth HealthCare, Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private hospital group, in front of a room filled with local residents, health professionals, Members of Parliament and visiting Epworth specialists.

This new partnership marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare access for people living across our region and we are incredibly proud that The Centre, located in Bairnsdale, will play a key role in helping make that happen.

A New Era of Accessible Local Specialist Care

Starting in the new year, Epworth specialists will begin delivering regular in-person consultations from The Centre’s consulting suites. These appointments will be supported by Telehealth consultations for follow-up care and ongoing management, helping patients stay connected with their specialists without having to travel long distances.

This model brings expertise and services traditionally delivered in metropolitan areas and major city hospitals, directly to East Gippsland, reducing barriers related to travel, cost, mobility and time, especially for families, elderly residents and people living in our most rural areas.

Collaboration and Growth

The launch event highlighted just how strongly this partnership is supported throughout the region. Guests heard from Epworth representatives about their commitment to expanding specialist services, and from clinicians who will soon be consulting locally. Attendees also toured The Centre’s consulting suites and explored how the new service model will support improved care pathways across East Gippsland.

Owner of The Centre, Carolyn Donchi, shared her pride in seeing this vision become a reality:

“For many residents, travelling to Melbourne for a specialist appointment can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. By basing Epworth specialists here in Bairnsdale, we can remove that barrier and give people access to the care they need, closer to home.”

The Centre was purpose-built to support health and wellness providers, and this partnership further strengthens our role as a growing healthcare hub for the region.

Epworth Eastern Executive General Manager, Ashley Wheeler, expressed the organisation’s commitment to expanding care locally:

“By establishing consulting suites at The Centre, we can bring more Epworth doctors to Bairnsdale and provide East Gippsland communities with local access to many specialist services that aren’t currently available in the region.”

Looking Ahead

This partnership is designed with long-term growth in mind. As community needs evolve, the range of specialists consulting from The Centre will expand, supported by a flexible, scalable model that integrates both in-person care and Telehealth support.

We are incredibly excited for what this collaboration will mean for individuals and families across East Gippsland. Our community deserves even more high-quality, accessible healthcare close to home and this is just the beginning.

We look forward to sharing more updates as services commence in the new year.