Gippsland Region Public Health Unit works to prevent chronic diseases and improve the health and wellbeing of people in the region.

GRPHU is guided by the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023–2027.

We work in partnerships with local government, health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, community health, and other regional partners to support healthy, thriving communities. 

Prevention and population health is shaped by three priorities:

• Increasing healthy eating
• Increasing active living
• Reducing harms from tobacco and vapes

These focus areas are based on evidence indicating that poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and vaping are among the leading causes of diseases in Gippsland. 

In Gippsland

Only 1-in-15 adults eat the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables.

Just 40% of Gippsland adults get enough physical activity — the lowest rate in Victoria.

Around 12% of adults in Gippsland smoke daily, higher than the state average.

Use of e-cigarettes is on the rise, particularly among young people, increasing the risk of nicotine dependence and future tobacco use. 

How we work

By working together, we can reduce preventable illness, improve quality of life, and build a healthier Gippsland for all. 

To drive change, we make sure local voices guide the way we design and deliver our strategies. 

We also make sure support reaches those who need it most.

We recognise that creating partnerships that bring organisations together is a critical part of sharing resources and maximising our collective efforts and impacts. 

The Gippsland Population Health Strategy 2024–29 provides the roadmap for our shared work. This report supports partners to develop local plans and respond to individual communities in Baw Baw, Latrobe City, Wellington, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Bass Coast local government areas.