Over 50 people tuned in to reflect on the year that was.

A highlight of the meeting was the opportunity to hear from guest speaker, Brigitte Muir OAM.

Ms Muir, podcast interviewer and producer for the successful WWHS Farmer Wants a Healthy Life series, has had a life of adventure and achievement, from scaling the world's highest peaks to gathering and telling the stories of local people from her chosen home in the Wimmera.

The Service's Chief Executive Officer, Ritchie Dodds, spoke with Ms Muir about her life and what she has learned about creating health and wellbeing for people and their communities.

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Ms Muir spoke of the resilience and team work needed in mountaineering and when scaling Mt Everest, likening this to life in general.

She explains, "When you're climbing with someone, you are climbing as a team, you are together whether one is two steps behind the other, or two steps in front."

Recounting the time her foot got tangled in ropes on Mt. Everest and she was aided by fellow climbers, Ms Muir said, "I could have eventually freed myself, but it illustrates the benefits of working as a team and looking out for each other."

Something that the past year especially has demonstrated for us all across our communities.

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Teamwork and community comradery, along with Ms Muir's natural curiosity and love of learning from others, has led her to hosting and producing the local podcast series, Farmer Wants a Healthy Life.

Ms Muir has loved the opportunity to hear from people from all walks of life, sharing their stories through the podcast initiative.

"I have met some very special people and I feel so lucky to be able to spend time with them, to get to know them and to tell their stories," she said.

The online audience was treated to a sneak peek of the podcast's second season launch, an episode with Warracknabeal local Justin Knorrp, who talks about the Active Farmers Group.

"He inspired me so much. Justin is someone who has come from a very difficult situation. He is an extraordinary person," commended Ms Muir.

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The morning highlighted that during 2020-21, aged care occupancy rates saw an improvement; there was a continued mission to work towards cultural safety across the organisation.

In response to the challenging environment of the pandemic, the Service invested in the welfare and mental wellbeing of employees through its Employee Assistance Program.

Acting Board President, John Millington, thanked outgoing Board members, Leonie Clarke, Lloyd Milgate and Professor Neville Yeomans, who retired from their roles in 2021.

John paid tribute to the guidance, knowledge and contribution each of them has made to the Board during their time as members.

When asked, "where do you see West Wimmera Health Service in ten years' time?", each of the retiring Board members shared with Mr Millington a similar response of envisioning the health service as "a leader in community engagement and maximising healthcare in innovative ways".

The Service's 2020-21 Annual Report was also launched at the AGM.

Presenting the report to the public, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Janette Lakin, shared, "The financial year 2020/21 provided a year of challenges, increased community engagement and a 'change management process' for our Board, management, employees and community as a whole."

"West Wimmera Health Service's financial outcome was a positive operating surplus of $76,525, compared to the Statement of Priority target of $39,027. We have improved our services and health outcomes by attracting and retaining high calibre people in all fields," Ms Lakin said.

"Investment into our communities range from redevelopment of infrastructure, facilities and equipment. With our largest investment in communities through employee and supplier payments of $43.8 million."

Ms Lakin also acknowledged the ongoing sustainability and COVID-19 funding gratefully received from the Department of Health to support our residents, clients, patients and the Service's team who deliver, support and work in the nine facilities and communities across the region.

Members of the community are encouraged to visit the WWHS website and obtain a copy of the year in review report at www.wwhs.net.au/about_us/publications.

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