Birchip
Birchip is renowned for its agricultural foundations, which contributes significantly to Victoria’s farming output and preserves a rich heritage that dates back generations.
Birchip offers a unique lifestyle characterised by a close-knit community, picturesque landscapes, and a peaceful environment.
Part of the Wimmera region, Birchip is also home to the famous Mallee Bull, Mali Heart Street Art and Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice, and is the central connector to several regional experiences including the incredible Silo Art Trail, Pink Salt Lake Tyrrell, the Grampians, Murray River and more.
Birchip’s relaxed pace of life, combined with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, offers an exceptional work-life balance, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Birchip Snapshot
Population 700, area 114 km²
320km to Melbourne
Connectivity top Melbourne by Car – 3.5 hours, Bus – 5.5 hours, Bus and train connection – 5 hours
Median house price $213k
Charlton
A charming and resilient town in Victoria’s Wimmera region, is celebrated for its strong community spirit, scenic beauty, and heritage-rich streetscape.
Situated 245 kilometers northwest of Melbourne and within easy reach of major regional centres like Bendigo and Ballarat, Charlton presents an idyllic balance of peaceful country living and convenient access to urban amenities.
Affectionately known as the “Friendly River Town,” it sits on the banks of the Avoca River and is surrounded by a lush agricultural landscape.
Charlton is a popular tourist stop for visitors exploring the wider region.
Charlton Snapshot
Population 1000, area 245 km²
245km to Melbourne
Car – 2.45 hours, Bus 4.5 hours, Bus and train connection – 4 hours
Median house price $315k
Donald
Donald is a vibrant and welcoming community nestled in the heart of Victoria’s wheat belt, renowned for its agricultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.
Donald is part of the Wimmera region, and is surrounded by a number of lakes including the huge Lake Buloke which is a haven for local birdlife.
The main street is lined with several historical buildings, some featuring wall murals painted by local and national artists.
The Richardson River snakes its way around the centre of Donald, lined with walking tracks and parkland.
Donald Snapshot
Population 500
Area 1,448 km²
Distance to Melbourne approx 280km
Car 3 hours / Train 5 hours / Bus + train 5 hours
Median house price $234k
St Arnaud
The town of St Arnaud is located in the Wimmera region, with easy access to many of Victoria’s regional Cities. St Arnaud marries historical elegance with nature, community and connection.
St Arnaud’s regional district features agricultural industries of sheep grazing, grains, and quality wineries.
Many of the town’s central historic buildings have been preserved, with wide verandahs and ornate cast-iron lacework including the old post office (1866), court house (1866) and Victoria’s oldest fire station (1883) which now serves as a fire brigade museum.
Surrounded by National Parks and easy connections to the stunning Grampian ranges, the region offers excellent hiking, bushwalking and nature-based sightseeing.
St Arnaud Snapshot
Population 3,500
Area 70 km²
Distance to Melbourne approx 240km
Car 2.5 hours / Train + Bus 4 hours / Bus 4.5 hours
Median house price $280k
Wycheproof
Home to the smallest registered mountain in the world, Wycheproof stands out as a beacon for medical professionals seeking a unique rural healthcare experience in Victoria.
This gem in Victoria’s wheat belt and region of Wimmera is celebrated for its robust community spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and the genuine warmth of its residents.
Located midway between Melbourne and Mildura, Wycheproof is the gateway to the Murray, Mallee and Sunset Country, and offers stunning vistas of the town and farmlands from Mt Wycheproof.
Nature, community and belonging are key features of this township.
Wycheproof Snapshot
Population 700
Area 220 km²
Distance to Melbourne approx 280km
Car 3 hours / Bus + Train 4.5 hours / Bus 5 hours
Median house price $233k
East Wimmera Health Service
East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) is a multi-campus health service situated in the north-west of Victoria.
Covering the land first inhibited by the Dja Dja Wurrung, Barengi Gadiin and Jaara Jaara people. EWHS encompasses the townships of Birchip, Charlton, Donald, St Arnaud and Wycheproof and surrounding districts.
St Arnaud is our largest town with a population of approximately 3,500 and the smallest, Birchip with approximately 700 people. EWHS provides healthcare services to an approximate population of 10,000 people.
EAst Wimmera’s Health Industry Snapshot
Rural Health Workforce Classification: MMM – 5
MMM rating listed 2023
Links
View East Wimmera Health Service website
learn about our relocation supportTraining & Services Available
At East Wimmera Health Service
Training
- GP Registrars (AGPT)
- Specialist doctors (GP Specialist Pathway – ACRRM, RACGP)
- ACRRM Specialist Pathway
- RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist (PEP SP)
- GP Specialists
Services
- GP Specialists (FRACGP)
- Allied Health including Community Health Nursing, Diabetes Education, Dietetics, District Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work
- Urgent Care
- Renal Dialysis
- Primary Care
- Aged Care
- Visiting Medical Officer