The Murray PHN region is home to a growing and diverse multicultural population. This includes skilled migrants, humanitarian entrants and long-established migrant communities. Around 88,000 residents were born overseas and more than 55,000 speak a language other than English at home.
Languages commonly spoken in the Murray PHN region include Punjabi, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic, Malayalam, Greek, Tagalog and Vietnamese, and among emerging refugee communities, Nepali, Karen, Hazaragi, Dinka and Swahili.
Migrants and refugees bring valuable skills, resilience and diversity that strengthen our region. However, language barriers, health literacy and unfamiliarity with Australia’s health system can impact health outcomes and access to care.
Free Interpreter Services Patients have a right to understand information and recommendations they receive from health and medical professionals. If speaking or understanding English is difficult for you, you have the right to a professional interpreter. Health services should arrange an interpreter for your appointment at no cost to you. Interpreters are trained professionals who help you and your health provider communicate clearly and confidentially. They can attend appointments in person, by phone or video. Many health services can book them in for free through TIS National, with more than 160 languages available.
Free Translating Service People settling permanently and some temporary or provisional visa holders in Australia have access to the Free Translating Service. If you are eligible, you can have up to 10 personal documents translated. This service aims to support access to employment, education and community engagement. Click here to learn more and apply.
Recent arrivals
Free translation of overseas immunisation records through TIS National for eligible visa holders (excludes subclass 500 student visas). Click here to apply.
Murray PHN commissions Health System Navigator services in Bendigo, Robinvale and Shepparton to support people unfamiliar with the health system to access and navigate the services they need. Bilingual Health System Navigators offer:
non-clinical, culturally appropriate support
health education and system navigation
referrals and service connection.
Information flyers are available in multiple languages:
Care Finder is a free service helping older people to access aged care and community services. Visit the Care Finder webpage to learn more and find flyers for patients translated into multiple languages.
Refugee health nurses
Refugee health nurses and bicultural health workers are available at the following locations:
Introduction to Cultural Competence & Working with Interpreters (online course)
A two hour and 15-minute self-paced course from the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health to support health providers to work effectively across cultures and confidently use interpreters.
Free for a limited time for Murray PHN primary health practitioners.
Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).
We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.
We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Leadership 
Collaboration 
Respect 
Accountability 
Innovation 
