- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government has appointed Tanya Rong as the new Chair of the Latrobe Health Assembly.
Ms Rong has almost 20 years’ experience in the health sector and was appointed as a Director of the Assembly Board in November 2017.
As a Latrobe Valley local and intensive care nurse, she brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position, and her insights and skills will ensure a seamless transition as she takes over from Professor John Catford.
The Assembly is an independent association and was formed as a key recommendation from the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry of 2015-16 – with more than 40 members representing the diverse needs of the Latrobe Valley.
It plays a key role in delivering the Labor Government’s initiatives to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people living, working and studying in Latrobe Valley.
The Assembly has helped the community drive health and wellbeing priorities, with a focus on innovative ideas and initiatives, since its inception in December 2016.
The Government has invested more than $80 million to support the Latrobe Valley community and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports. This includes $27 million for the Healthy and Strong Latrobe initiative to improve the health of people in Latrobe.
Since the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, the Government has designated Latrobe Valley as a Health Innovation Zone, established the Latrobe Health Assembly and appointed the Latrobe Health Advocate.
The Hazelwood Long Term Health Study is helping inform health innovation and investment in the Latrobe Valley. It will also better predict any potential long-term health effects of exposure to smoke and fire.
As noted by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We are ensuring the community is involved every step of the way in designing and delivering health services and programs that are tailored to best meet the needs of local families in the Latrobe Valley.”
“Tanya Rong brings almost two decades of experience working in the health sector to this role and I congratulate her on her appointment.”
As noted by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Tanya Rong is passionate about improving health and wellbeing in the Latrobe Valley and I know she will be a strong advocate for the community.”
“I thank John Catford for his tireless work as one of the architects of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone and Latrobe Health Assembly.”
