Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN) has released a new research paper highlighting how daily living, working, and social conditions exert a profound influence on health and wellbeing across the region.
Titled Health Insights: Social Determinants of Health, the paper combines local and national data to examine how factors such as housing, education, employment, income, food security, social inclusion, digital access and rurality shape health outcomes in Gippsland.
The report notes that social determinants often have a greater impact on overall health than genetics or access to healthcare, emphasising that long-term health improvements require addressing underlying social conditions.
Key findings outlined in the paper include:
– Disadvantage: Residents in the region’s most disadvantaged areas are twice as likely to die prematurely compared to those in the least disadvantaged areas.
– Rural isolation: 40 per cent of Gippsland residents live in towns or settlements with fewer than 1000 people.
– Housing and homelessness: 25 people per 1000 population in Gippsland accessed homelessness services — more than double the national rate of 11 per 1000.
– Rental affordability: Affordable rental availability in Gippsland plummeted from 94 per cent to 39 per cent between 2000 and 2025.
– Food security: In 2023, 12 per cent of Gippsland residents ran out of food and could not afford to buy more, compared to eight per cent statewide.
– Community connection: While 22 per cent of locals reported experiencing loneliness (aligned with the state average of 23 per cent), 57 per cent felt they could rely on neighbours for help, compared to 49
per cent across Victoria.
Gippsland PHN chief executive officer Amanda Proposch said the paper underscored the need to look beyond individual choices when evaluating public health.
“The conditions people live in have a major influence on their health and wellbeing,” Ms Proposch said.
“That includes whether people can access safe and stable housing, nutritious food, education, transport, social connection, digital tools and affordable healthcare.
“Gippsland has strong local communities and high levels of neighbour support, but many people also experience barriers that make it harder to stay well or access care when they need it.
“Improving health outcomes means working with communities and partners to improve the conditions that make good health possible.”
The paper also outlines strategic opportunities to strengthen health equity, preventative care and community-driven initiatives across Gippsland.
