mmg.com.au

Elmore and district residents are being encouraged to take part in a survey about community services.

The Monash University Bendigo survey will be delivered to all households in Elmore and surrounding areas this week.

Associate Professor Leigh Kinsman said he hoped a broad cross-section of the community would complete the survey as previous surveys have had a direct impact on the services offered in Elmore.

‘‘In past years, the community has asked for services such as a dentist and physiotherapist, and they’re now available as a result,’’ he said.

‘‘That’s why it’s so important to hear from everyone — people at different stages in their life need different services and this is an opportunity to make sure they’re available.’’

He said the survey was part of a long-term research study that began in 2008 as a collaboration between Elmore Primary Health Services and a Bendigo-based team from Monash University looking at why the Elmore service had been so successful.

‘‘Ever since the hospital closed in 1994, it’s the community that’s driven the return of services that people really needed,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a fantastic success story and as well as helping continue to develop those services in Elmore, we’re looking at how that model might be replicated in other small rural communities.’’

The project will donate $2 to the Elmore Progress Association for every completed survey that is returned.

Information about the survey and research study will be included in the package delivered to households in early February.

Community members can email Monash University researcher Dr Rachel Tham with questions at rachel.tham@monash.edu or Associate Professor Leigh Kinsman at leigh.kinsman@monash.edu