When Sunbury Community Health opened its doors in 1976 it had just four staff, including a community health nurse, social worker, part-time physiotherapist and a secretary.
Rising to the challenge of massive population growth and major changes, including the collapse of Ansett, the organisation’s 200 employees and army of volunteers now provide more than 30 services.
Past and present staff, supporters and volunteers helped SCH celebrate its 40th anniversary at Sunbury Memorial Hall on Saturday night.
Board chairman Peter Donlon said community input and involvement were reasons the award-winning service is successful.
‘‘There is always more demand than resources available, so great strategic planning is also necessary,’’ Mr Donlon said.
Key service areas of SCH, which in 2015 won the Premier’s award for primary health service of the year, range from aged care activity groups to counselling, family day care, dental services and preventative health programs.
Retired social worker Annie Adams, who was there when SCH began, said the physical growth of the sprawling Macedon Street service was a clear indicator of its ever-increasing value.
‘‘Sunbury Community Health can be proud of its responses to our town’s health and wellbeing needs.”
