According to reports, the program’s federal government funding could be redirected from preventative health measures to delivering services to those who are “significantly unwell”. 

Under the current model, the program allows for a social worker and a mental health worker to operate out of Deloraine District Hospital, and a youth health and development officer to operate at Westbury Community Centre. 

Meander Valley volunteer Gina Linnemann said the funding cut would jeopardise important community programs including Blokes Days Out, Meander Valley Women on the Move and the Building Together project.

“(It) means that members from the Meander Valley community will no longer have access to free and confidential counselling and support,” Ms Linnemann said.

“The community will also lose programs that promote well being, community connectedness and healthy living, not to mention building relationships of trust and confidence.”

Ms Linnemann said the importance of preventative health services to a rural area like the Meander Valley could not be overstated.

“We live in a rural community where we are often restricted to services by isolation, transport issues and the lack of initial ability to recognise our problems and to find the courage and insight to act on them. 

“These services along with others in our community play a vital role in networking to put in place preventative measures.”

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall said the decision would affect the whole Meander Valley.

“It is not a good outcome for rural people,” Mr Hall said. 

“The existing program tackles preventative health issues which, to my way of thinking, is the best way of utilising resources in a very competitive health budget.

“I call upon our Federal Health Minister and State Health Minister to review this decision urgently.”

Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley was contacted for comment.