Multicultural needs identified

Gippsland Primary Health Network recently released a new health insights paper on multicultural health and wellbeing, highlighting the experiences, challenges, and health needs of multicultural communities across the region.
The paper draws on data and lived experience, highlighting issues such as racism and discrimination, difficulties accessing mental health care, limited culturally appropriate family
violence services, and a lack of community spaces.
It also stressed the value of person-centred care and better support to help new migrants understand and navigate the health system.
Key findings include:
12.4 per cent of Gippsland residents were born overseas (Victoria 30 per cent);
138 languages, other than English, are spoken at home in Gippsland;
In 2024, 77 per cent of new arrivals were in the skilled stream, 20 per cent family, and three per cent refugee and humanitarian entrants;
53 per cent of Gippsland's multicultural residents are aged 60 plus (Victoria 28 per cent).
Common long-term conditions include arthritis (11 per cent), diabetes (nine per cent), heart disease (six per cent) and mental health conditions (six per cent);
People experiencing racism are five time more likely to have poor mental health and 2.5 times more likely to have poor physical health; and,
Migrants can face major barriers with service navigation and interpreter access.
Gippsland PHN chief executive officer Amanda Proposch said the findings underlined the region's diversity and need for services that respond effectively.
"Multicultural communities are a vital part of Gippsland. The data shows they face real barriers in accessing care. By identifying these challenges, we can see where improvements are needed to help people access health services and culturally appropriate care," Ms Proposch said.
The paper outlines opportunities to strengthen the health system, including improved interpreter access, more culturally responsive mental health care, and greater community
education to reduce stigma.
Gippsland PHN has commissioned the Multicultural Care Connector (Health Connector) Program, delivered by Latrobe Community Health Service, to support multicultural and
migrant communities in accessing and navigating the Australian healthcare system.
Based in Morwell with outreach across Gippsland, the program provides free, culturally inclusive support to help people navigate the health system, connect with local doctors and
allied health professionals, attend appointments, and access health information in their own language.