Our reach
Merri Health ’ s footprint and reach have grown . We provide carer services state-wide , and have expanded programs in regional Victoria , while still proudly servicing Merri-bek and surrounds .
Telehealth , alongside face-to-face and hybrid services has enabled us to support communities outside our traditional local government areas ( LGAs ) and be more flexible with who we support .
THE NORTH AND WEST METROPOLITAN REGION
The North and West Metropolitan Region is one of the most diverse covering 2,981 square kilometres with 14 local government areas : Brimbank , Melton , Hobsons Bay , Maribyrnong , Wyndham , Banyule , Darebin , Nillumbik , Melbourne , Merri-bek , Moonee Valley , Yarra , Hume and Whittlesea .
Diversity
It is highly cultural and socio-economically diverse . 39.3 % of the population were born overseas with India , Iraq , Italy , Turkey and England the highest origins . Catholic is the most common religion at 33 %, followed by Islam .
Age groups
The median age for the population is 35 . People aged 0-14 make up 20.6 % of the population and people aged 65 years + make up 13.6 % of the population .
Disadvantage
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are highly disadvantaged communities in the Region .
First People of the Millewa-Mallee Country
Mildura
They make up 0.6 % of the population in Victoria and typically experience higher levels of chronic illness , suicide rates and psychological distress than non-Indigenous , with young people particularly at risk .
Within Merri-bek , Fawkner , Hadfield , Glenroy and Coburg North , residents experience higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage , a higher concentration of low-income households and higher rates of unemployment . COVID-19 has significantly impacted income and employment .
Swan Hill
Health |
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The North and West Metropolitan population face a number of health issues . Adults are becoming more subject to mental health issues and declining wellbeing . |
Barengi Gadjin Country |
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Country |
Yorta Yorta Country
Shepparton
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Chronic diseases are faced by many . 5.2 % of the population has diabetes , 7.7 % of people have asthma and 7.3 % struggle with arthritis . |
Horsham |
Bendigo |
ABOUT US
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The leading causes of these health issues are exposure to harmful fumes , unhealthy diet and physical inactivity . Social loneliness is common as people in metropolitan regions are less likely to form social groups .
Languages spoken
Within the culturally diverse population , 42 % of the population speak another language at home other than English . Arabic is the most popular language spoken at home , followed by Italian , Turkish and Greek .
Gunditj Mirring Country
Hamilton
Portland
Eastern Maar Country
Eastern Maar and Gunditj Mirra Country
Wadawurrung Country
Warnambool
Ballarat
Geelong
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
Melbourne
Bunurong Country