Alexandra, Victoria – A major new health initiative has been launched for the Murrindindi Shire, with over $114,000 raised in just 24 hours to fund a mobile health clinic that will bring vital medical and mental health services to remote and rural communities.
The funding was secured during the Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show on the King’s Birthday long weekend, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of local donors, sponsors and attendees.
The project, championed by local non-profit Alexandra Events Ltd, will see the creation of a fully fitted mobile health van, operated in partnership with Yea and District Memorial Hospital (YDMH). The van will allow clinicians to deliver health services directly in the field, from local schools to cattle saleyards—removing barriers to access and providing discreet, on-the-ground support for those who need it most.
“This started as a simple conversation with a hospital team about their saleyard clinics,” said Caolan O’Connor, Chair of Alexandra Events Ltd. “They were doing incredible outreach work, but stuck in the corner of a lunchroom. When they said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had a mobile clinic?’ we realised it wasn’t just a great idea, it was a necessary one.”
YDMH Chair Ian Marshman AM said the funding was a clear reflection of the Murrindindi community’s generosity and commitment to local health solutions.
“The 2025 King’s Birthday Weekend has highlighted once again what a special community we have in Murrindindi,” Mr Marshman said.
“This initiative will allow our team to expand successful outreach programs like the Yea Saleyards health clinics, delivering care to residents in communities without ready access to GPs or allied health professionals. We are enormously grateful to the organising committee, to Andrew and Ayden Embling, and to everyone who donated so generously.”
Public health data shows that Murrindindi Shire experiences suicide and self-harm rates 1.7 times higher than the Victorian average, and levels of high psychological distress are 23% above the state average. The mobile clinic will play a key role in addressing these urgent needs.
As well as supporting mental health, the mobile clinic will provide flu vaccinations, health screenings, and serve as a base for school visits, aged care outreach, and community health engagement programs, especially in rural townships and agricultural areas.
“Every dollar donated brings this project closer to reality,” said Caolan O’Connor. “We’re not just buying a van, we’re investing in connection, prevention, and better health outcomes for the people who make up this region.”
Design work is already underway, with the vehicle expected to be operational before the end of the year.
