GV PHU Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit

28/08/2026

Today is Wear it Purple Day! 💜

Wear It Purple Day is all about showing LGBTQIA+ young people across Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley that they are seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments in local schools, sports clubs, workplaces, and health services is essential for youth mental health and community wellbeing.

This year’s theme, "Colours of Courage," celebrates the everyday bravery of young rainbow people living authentically, alongside the allies who stand up and help build safer communities.

How to Get Involved Today:
🟣 Wear a splash of purple today to show your support.
🟣 Start conversations in your workplace, school, or community group about creating inclusive spaces.
🟣 Connect with local rainbow youth initiatives and inclusive health services.
🟣 Learn more about today and access educational toolkits at the official Wear It Purple website (wearitpurple.org)

Let’s stand together to make our community a place where every young person feels safe, proud, and supported to be themselves 💜💙

28/08/2026

WEBINAR: H5 Bird Flu Update for Backyard Poultry & Pet Bird Owners

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is hosting a free online information session today about H5N1 bird flu and how to protect local birds.

Topics covered:

✳️ What signs of illness to look for in your birds
✳️ How to report sick or dead birds
✳️ Practical biosecurity steps for your backyard flock
✳️Victoria’s response plans and how communities can prepare

Details:
📅 Date: Today, Friday 28 August
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (AEST)
🗣 Speakers: Dr Cameron Bell (Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer) & Dr Lisa Brown (District Veterinary Officer)

This session includes an open Q&A where you can ask questions and share your feedback. Please pass this on to any bird or poultry owners in our community!

🖥️ Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birds

Do you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to find out more about how to lower the risk of H5 bird flu spreading to your flock?

Join the H5 bird flu in backyard poultry webinar
📅 Friday 28 August
🕚 1.30 pm to 2.30pm
🔗 Click to register: go.vic.gov.au/4wLtX9g

In the meantime, you can help by continuing to:

🚫 AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
📝 RECORD what you see, including:
• Location
• Species
• Number of animals affected
📞 REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

👉 More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Read more 🔗 go.vic.gov.au/4gNznME

12/08/2026

Event Recap ✨

Last week Thursday August 6th, community members gathered at Shepparton Library for the Dying to Know Information Forum.

A huge thank you to the for allowing us to collaborate and providing a great space for these important community conversations.

"𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲." Thinking about your future care is a gentle way to stay in control of your health decisions and to make sure your family knows your wishes.

It all starts with a simple conversation. Begin your Advance Care Plan today 🙌💜💙

31/07/2026

📣 COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATE: AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) IN VICTORIA

The Victorian Department of Health has shared an update regarding a recent detection of Bird Flu (H5N1) in a wild bird on the south-east coast near Portland.

Health authorities have confirmed that the current risk to the Victorian community remains very low, and there are no reported human cases of this strain in Australia. The virus spreads primarily among birds and does not easily pass to humans.

Simple steps to help keep our community safe:

✳️ Leave sick or dead birds alone: If you spot sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, please avoid touching them.

✳️ Report sightings: If you notice multiple dead or sick wild birds, you can report them to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or via the DEECA website.

✳️ Food safety standard: Properly cooked eggs and poultry remain entirely safe to eat.

✳️ General advice: As always, washing hands after being around animals and staying up-to-date with your annual flu shot are great everyday health measures.

For full details and ongoing updates, visit the Department of Health link: https://go.vic.gov.au/4bhlZgw

29/07/2026

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Dying to Know Information Forum 💬

Take control of your future health care decisions with Your Story. Your Choice.

Join local health professionals at Shepparton Library for an open, informative forum on end-of-life choices, advance care planning, and legacy.

📍 Shepparton Library

🗓️ Thursday 6th August | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

🎟️ Free event – registration essential!

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dying-to-know-information-forum-shepparton-library-tickets-1993496940011?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

28/07/2026

Did you know over 74,000 Victorians live with viral hepatitis, often without symptoms?

This World Hepatitis Day, we’re helping "Break It Down" cutting through stigma and sharing practical steps from so you can Take the Next Step for your liver health:

🟢 Hep B: Preventable with a safe vaccine & managed with routine doctor check-ups.

🔵 Hep C: Fully curable with daily tablets taken over 8 to 12 weeks.

Your 4-Step Game Plan:
1️⃣ Know your risk – Chat with your GP or local health service.

2️⃣ Get tested – Viral hep blood tests are simple, confidential, and routine.

3️⃣ Get treated – Modern treatments are accessible right across the Goulburn Valley.

4️⃣ Spread the word – Encourage friends and family to check in on their health!

Need confidential advice? Call the LiverWELL LiverLine on 1800 703 003 or visit:
✳️ https://www.liverwell.org.au/
✳️ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

LiverWELL, incorporating Hepatitis Victoria, champions the interests of people affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis and liver disease.

24/07/2026

Winter is here, and so are the bugs! ❄️

Flu and RSV can sweep through a netball squad faster than a quick pass down the court, sidelining players and leaving teams short-numbered. Don't let winter illnesses force you to sit out this season.

Simple action steps are your best defence to protect your team and keep your season moving:

✳️ Get vaccinated: Speak to your GP or pharmacist about booking your annual flu shot and checking your eligibility for RSV protection.

✳️ Stay home if you are sick: If you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms, stay off the court to rest and prevent spreading the virus to your team.

✳️ Practice good hygiene: Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, clean shared equipment, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Let's look out for each other, follow these simple steps, and secure the win! 🏐💜💜

22/07/2026

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 ❄️

The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit (GV PHU) is reminding community members to ensure their home heating systems are safe. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas.

Faulty or unserviced heaters can leak this dangerous gas into your home without being detected 🔔

To protect your household this winter:
✳️ 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿: Ensure all gas and wood heaters are regularly checked by a licensed technician.
✳️ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀: Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
✳️ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Do not use outdoor heating appliances or portable generators inside your home.

Check your heaters and share this message to all families and friends to help keep our local community safe this winter! ✅ 💜💙

15/07/2026

Public Health Update: Staying Safe in Our Community 🩺

Following recent detections of H5N1 bird flu in Australian migratory seabirds, GVPHU is sharing the current guidance from the Victorian Department of Health. The risk to the general public remains very low, as the virus rarely spreads to humans. However, community awareness is important to help monitor the situation and protect local wildlife.

If you encounter sick or dead wild birds, please follow these steps:
🛑 Do not handle: Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds or animals.

📝 Document: Take a photo or video and note your exact location.

☎️ Report: Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Stay Safe and Stay updated via Victorian Department of Health or for more information, check out Better Health Channel.

12/07/2026

Out camping for the winter school holidays? ⛺️🔥

Whether you're already sitting by the fire or out exploring the bush today, make sure the family stays safe and warm with these quick reminders:

🔥 Watch the Fire: Keep the kids at a safe distance from the campfire, and always put it completely out with water (not dirt) whenever you leave the site or head to bed.

🧣 Layer Up Early: Keep those beanies, thermals, and warm layers on before the sun drops, as winter country temperatures plunge quickly.

💨 Keep Gas Outside: Never use gas heaters, cookers, or charcoal burners inside your tent or caravan—carbon monoxide is invisible and highly dangerous.

☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen: Even when it feels freezing, the midday winter UV can still be high while you're out and about.

Enjoy the rest of your trip, stay cozy, and stay safe out there! ❄️✨