HUNDREDS of disgruntled locals joined Independent candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith, on Sunday to demand urgent action to save Rosebud Hospital. “The Rosebud Hospital is the only public hospital serving the entire peninsula, and it’s quite literally falling apart while both major parties have failed to secure the funding we desperately need,” Smith said.
“Peninsula residents should not be forced to travel up to 80 kms away to Melbourne for urgent treatment. The neglect of the Rosebud hospital is just another example of our region being out of sight and out of mind for too long. We urgently need to change that.”
The community action included speeches from healthcare workers and locals who have experienced firsthand the impact of the hospital’s deterioration. Kerri Pope, former Nurse at the Rosebud Hospital, spoke passionately at the action and said the community deserves better. “It is unacceptable that this population, who pay their fair share of taxes that fund our public health system, who have contributed all their lives, are standing here today without adequate public health,” Pope said. “We have had so many funding promises from both major parties, but do you know what we haven’t seen? The funding. Where is the funding?” “The major parties have failed us and it’s time for change.”
Ben Smith, Victorian Father of the Year and CEO of Mornington Community Support Centre, is a small business owner and community advocate running as an Independent for Flinders. Ben Smith launched a petition last week to garner support for the hospital, which has already nearly 2500 signatories. Securing funding for the Rosebud Hospital is a key priority that he would fight for if elected.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 February 2025
