News

Echuca’s $500k boost for mental health

By Daniel Harvey

Jul 3, 2026

Worklocker Echuca staff Leanne Hutson, Sue McGregor, Chelsea Read, Indyanna Clent-Page, Jaime Lake, Jami Newton and Maddison Bonazza with ERH interim executive director community services Jodie Black. Photo by Supplied

A major fundraising milestone has been reached at Echuca Regional Health, with more than $500,000 now raised towards the Wellbeing Primary Mental Health Care Program.

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Worklocker Echuca’s recent donation was a major contribution to raise the funds above the $500,000 mark.

ERH interim executive director community services Jodie Black said the health service was incredibly grateful to Worklocker Echuca, and to every donor who had contributed so far.

“This milestone reflects the strength and compassion of our community. Together, we are building a future where mental health support is accessible, visible and stigma-free,” she said.

Worklocker Echuca has now donated more than $4500 to the WPMH Care Program, plus a further $10,600 to the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre, demonstrating outstanding local leadership and commitment to community wellbeing.

Worklocker Echuca’s Jaime Lake said the fundraising began through the business' annual ‘Tradies for the Ladies’ campaign, which raises awareness for breast cancer by encouraging staff and other local businesses to wear pink on Fridays.

“Everyone's been touched by cancer in some shape or form within their lifetime, and definitely within my personal family,” she said.

“It's been a big thing for me, so it was just a given for us to be able to donate and give back to make sure families can have the facilities and the treatment that they need.”

Ms Lake said having cancer treatment available in Echuca had made a significant difference for local families, making it even more rewarding to support a local service.

“It all helps us in the long run, if we all support each other, and we keep being a thriving town that supports each other,” she said.

Although the campaign has surpassed $500,000, fundraising efforts will continue through community events, donor engagement, grant applications and targeted campaigns linked to national mental health awareness initiatives.

For Ms Lake, however, the fundraising effort is far from over.

“I’ve got high ambitions to raise a lot more, but it just takes time in today’s world,” she said.

She said Worklocker Echuca was already planning its next major fundraiser, with a ‘Pink Day’ at the Echuca racecourse among the events aimed at continuing support for local healthcare.