Better Health 4 Dorset saved
By Rachel Williams
Health and wellbeing hub Better Health 4 Dorset has been saved with a two-year funding deal to be included in this year’s State budget.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, has confirmed that $300,000 will be provided for Health Consumers Tasmania – Better Health 4 Dorset as part of the 2026-27 Budget.
After months of worry because the previous financial commitment was set to expire next month, the hub’s coordinator is breathing a sigh of relief.
“It is pretty exciting,” Bec Smith said.
“It is so good that the minister has seen how important it is for the community. I cried when they told me.
“It has been really stressful and we have put in so much effort to show the government why grassroots projects like this are so important for our regional towns.
“It means we won’t lose valuable services coming into the community to assist.”
Ms Archer said the funding would be delivered over two years to support local health prevention and capacity building activities across the Dorset region.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians, and this funding recognises the important role local communities play in shaping better health outcomes,” Ms Archer said.
“By investing in community-led prevention and early intervention, we can help people stay healthier
for longer and reduce pressure on our broader health system.
“We are proud to support Better Health 4 Dorset and the dedicated people driving this important work.
“Our Government is committed to supporting Tasmanians to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
The commitment will allow Ms Smith and colleague Lou Wibley to co-share the management role of the King St hub, which facilitates a range of programs and service delivery across family support, mental and sexual health, alcohol and drugs as well as the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
The Tasmanian Budget will be handed down next Thursday, May 21.
It is expected to include $250,000 for Dorset Council to undertake its Derby Master planning initiative.
With Tasmania eyeing an estimated net debt of $7.3 billion, the State Government has faced severe criticism over spending.
Ms Archer said they were “getting the balance right.”
“This Budget gives us room to handle the challenges ahead by making the savings needed to return to a
balanced budget sooner, while continuing to deliver the services and build the infrastructure Tasmania must have now, and for the future,” she said.