Overview
Through community events, a workforce forum, and opportunities to access testing, treatment and support, LiverWELL is working with the Gippsland community to bring together community members, health professionals and local partners to strengthen awareness of viral hepatitis and support a stronger response to hepatitis B and C across Gippsland.
By working alongside local communities, health services, government and community organisations, the Wrap-around seeks to support practical, sustainable action that reflects the needs of Gippsland communities.
Why Gippsland?
While important work is already underway across the region, many people affected by hepatitis B and C are not connected to testing, treatment and ongoing care. Currently in Gippsland over 80% of those who are diagnosed with hepatitis B do not access treatment of any kind. 1
The Gippsland Wrap-around aims to build on the existing local efforts and strengthen connections between communities, services and referral pathways, while supporting greater awareness, collaboration and workforce capability in the region
1. MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Cowie BC (Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity); Richardson L (ASHM Health). Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis B National Report 2026. Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia: ASHM; 2026. https://ashm.org.au/vh-mapping-project
Our Aim
Working with partners, clinical providers and our community sector colleagues, we aim to:
- Increase testing and early detection of hepatitis B and C through targeted outreach.
- Build community awareness through education, engagement and regional collaboration.
- Support priority communities, including multicultural communities, new arrivals, pregnant people and people in correctional settings.
- Strengthen local partnerships with health professionals, community services and pharmacies to improve access to support.
Activities
Activities across Gippsland will include:
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Targeted hepatitis B and C testing and outreach.
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Community education and awareness.
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Support for pregnant people and mothers affected by hepatitis B.
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Outreach to multicultural communities and new arrivals.
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Hepatitis education in correctional settings.
- Pharmacy partnerships to improve awareness and access to support.
- Viral Hepatitis Forum for health professionals and community services, see details and registration link below.
Gippsland Viral Hepatitis Forum 2026
Join LiverWELL for the Gippsland Viral Hepatitis Forum, bringing together healthcare professionals, community organisations, service providers and key stakeholders to strengthen responses to viral hepatitis.
The forum will provide an opportunity to hear diverse perspectives, share insights, explore local challenges and opportunities, and strengthen collaborative approaches to viral hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care across Gippsland.
Topics include:
- Lived experience and community perspectives
- Current hepatitis priorities and local trends
- Testing, treatment and referral pathways for hepatitis B and C
- Collaboration and locally-led responses to improve hepatitis outcomes
Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 9:15am – 2:30pm
Location: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
Lunch will be provided.
