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City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://greatershepparton.com.au/residents/health/
Health Services
The Council's Health Services department provides advice and assistance on a range of health-related issues, including immunisation, food safety and pest control.
In this section you will find information on these and other areas.
For further information, contact the Council's Health Services department on 5832 9731.
Diabetic Sharps Disposal
The Council provides a free sharps disposal service for insulin dependant persons.
1 & 2 litre disposal containers are available from the reception area of the Central Office and can be exchanged at our office free of charge.
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Food/Health Services
Anyone intending to establish a food/health premises is required to obtain prior approval from the Council's Health Department.
Food premises involve the sale of food/beverages and can include a mobile vehicle and a domestic kitchen that people propose to use to prepare food for sale.
Health premises include hairdressers, beauty parlours, ear piercing, electrolysis, tattooing, and accommodation, including bed & breakfasts.
All food/health premises must be registered with the Council. Application forms and details of fees are available by phoning our office.
The Council conducts a food sampling program, a regular program of inspections as well as responding to complaints regarding food quality.
FOOD POISONING
What to do if you suspect food poisoning or have found foreign material in food.
If you have found foreign material (e.g. insect, hair, stone) in food you have purchased, or you have fallen ill from something you have eaten, contact the Council's Health Services department by telephoning 5832 9731 to investigate your complaint.
Important: Keep all suspect foods and packaging in the fridge for further investigation. Please remember to keep all high risk foods (perishable foods) cold (below 5 degrees) and hot (above 60 degrees)
The Food Poisoning Chain
For food poisoning to happen there must be a chain of events:
- There must be bacteria on the food.
- The bacteria must have the right conditions to grow, that is, warmth (between 5 degrees and 60 degrees), moisture and food.
- The bacteria must have time to grow and multiply.
By preventing each of these you can break the Food Poisoning Chain and prevent food poisoning.
FOOD SAFETY PROGRAMS
A food safety program is a required document that sets out the steps you take at your premises to ensure that the food you sell is safe.
From January 1 2003, all Class 2 food businesses (including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and takeaway food stores) have been required to have a food safety program in place for their food business.
A food safety program is a document that sets out the steps you take at your premises to ensure that the food you sell is safe.
Class 2 food businesses may use the food safety program template developed by the Department of Human Services or any other template, appropriate to your business, approved by the department. A copy of the department's template is available for purchase from the Council offices for $30.
The legislation also requires food businesses to nominate a Food Safety Supervisor. The name of this person must be recorded in your food safety program.
Other information about approved templates and Food Safety Supervisors may be viewed on the Department of Human Services website http://www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety.
TEMPORARY FOOD STALLS
Organisations providing food for one-off events are required to obtain a temporary food stall permit from the Council's Health Department.
Forms can be downloaded from the links below.
Goulburn Valley Community Health Service
Mission Statement
To work with our community to provide primary health care services that strengthen the ability of individuals and families to make choices that will improve their health and well being.
Values
- We value integrity, credibility and respect for the individual
- We respect the knowledge and diversity of our people
- We build partnerships through communication and collaboration
- We take a proactive and evidence based approach to service delivery
- We believe in striving for excellence through continuous improvement and innovation
- We aim to improve our knowledge and understanding of the health and primary care needs of the community
Goals
- To enhance its strategic position to build and develop networks and alliances
- To develop and strengthen its capacity to enable growth and development
- To provide innovative programs and services by engaging the community in its activities
- To position the organisation for future growth
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Headlice
Headlice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp where they feed and breed. Headlice do not carry or transmit disease, however they are the most common cause of head itch and scratching.
Nurses employed by the Council are available to assist schools inspect children's hair for the presence of headlice or their eggs (nits). Referrals should be directed to the Council's Health Services department via the school.
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Immunisation
The Council's Environment and Public Health department provides a regular immunisation service in various locations around Greater Shepparton.
An immunisation calendar for 2010 is available from the links below, along with information about school entry certificates.
School Entry Immunisation Certificates
Children enrolling into primary school in Victoria require a school entry immunisation certificate. After your child has completed the 4-year-old vaccine schedule and the records have been sent to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) then the child will automatically receive a History statement. This can be used as the school entry immunisation certificate for enrolment into primary school. If you have not received a History statement then contact ACIR on phone 1800 653 809 or request a History statement online from the following link.
Children, who have immunisation records that are incomplete, missing or who have never been vaccinated, need to contact this department. We can advise how you can complete your child’s immunisation schedule and/or provide an immunisation status certificate for enrolment into primary school.
For further questions and answers please download the "Starting Primary School" pamphlet below.
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Pdf format
The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register now supplies a history statement that acts as a school entry cetificate. It is automatically posted out to you once your child has completed the 4-year-old immunisations and has completed all required childhood immunisations.
Infectious Diseases
The Council's Health Services department is reponsible for the investigation of outbreaks of infectious diseases in conjunction with the State Government's Department of Human Services.
This includes vaccine preventable diseases as well as food poisoning and diseases such as impetigo (school sores).
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Mosquito Control Program
Example of site monitored for mosquito larvae.
The Greater Shepparton City Council’s mosquito control program began in 1974 after a statewide outbreak of Murray Valley Encephalitis. The program is jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and runs from November to April each year. The Mosquito Monitor and Control Program assists in early detection and control of arboviruses by providing surveillance, mosquito control and development of a disease control plan.
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Septic Tanks
Anyone intending to install or alter a septic tank system on properties in non-sewered areas is required to obtain a permit from the Council's Health Services department PRIOR to any works beginning.
Application forms and advice on septic tank systems can be obtained from our office.
All systems should be in compliance with AS1547 On-site domestic wastewater management.
Related Links
PDF format
Tobacco
In 2000, the Tobacco (Amendment) Act was introduced to parliament. This provided the basis for a number of new laws controlling tobacco sale and smoke-free areas in Victoria.
As a result residents can now enjoy a smoke-free environment while eating out in all enclosed environments such as shopping centres, restaurant's, licensed premises and gaming venues.
In addition enclosed workplaces, underage ‘music/dance' events and all covered areas of train station platforms and bus stops are also smoke-free.
These new laws have been put in place to help keep the Victorian community free from tobacco-related illnesses.
The Council's Environmental Health Services department is responsible for ensuring that all premises within Greater Shepparton are compliant with the new tobacco laws.
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More In This Section
The Greater Shepparton City Council’s mosquito control program is jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and runs from November to April each year.
The Greater Shepparton City Council has adopted a Public Health Plan that identifies the public health needs of the community.