Economic modelling by data analyst REMPLAN has estimated Grampians Community Health’s contribution to the Victorian economy at nearly $65-million annually.

An independent REMPLAN report estimated every dollar Grampians Community Health, GCH, received generated an extra 71 cents elsewhere in the economy.

The report showed GCH supported 357 jobs and added $64.8-million of revenue to the state’s economy in the 2023-24 financial year, including an estimated impact of $34.6-million added in Grampians and Wimmera economies.

Modelling for the report was part of an analysis of the 11 independent community health services that make up the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health, ARRCH, including GCH.

GCH chief executive Greg Little said evidence of the organisation’s economic impact underscored the value of community health organisations.

“This new modelling shows the enormous impact we have on the region’s economy in addition to the health and welfare benefits of our services,” he said.

“We provide preventative health and welfare services that help people to stay out of hospital and live healthier lives in their own homes, and at the same time we make the economy more vibrant.

“The jobs and flow-on income that we generate strengthens the economic fabric of the region and supports our local communities to thrive.”

GCH had direct annual revenue totalling $38-million in the 2023-24 financial year, produced through the delivery of services by 229 paid employees supported by 40 volunteers.

In addition to GCH’s direct impact, REMPLAN modelling estimated subsequent demand for intermediate goods and services increased revenue for local supply chain industries by $7.6-million, supporting 27 jobs, and generating $3.4-million in value-added products.

The report found independent community health services such as GCH stimulated economic growth in key local industries including manufacturing, as well as professional, scientific, technical, administrative and support services.

The report estimated employment increases due to positive supply chain impacts led to an extra $19.2-million being spent in the region’s economy, including retail, rental and manufacturing services.

Mr Little said the economic impact showed independent community health services were not only healthcare providers, but economic generators with the potential to bolster the wellbeing and success of entire communities.

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