SHEPPARTON has been earmarked for one of 20 free dental clinics promised by the state government, at an announcement made at Primary Care Connect on Monday, November 2.
“I am so delighted that free dental is coming to Shepparton. Shepparton experiences a lot of disadvantage, and we’re fighting really, really hard to make sure that Shepparton gets its fair share of the investment that we need to support our communities,” said Labor candidate for Shepparton Cayla Fin.
In August, the State Government announced a plan for 10 free dental clinics across Victoria, open to anyone. That number has increased to 20, including one in Shepparton, with last week’s announcement.
“This is all about helping with the cost of living, helping with preventative healthcare, and dealing with people’s pain. We know that many people defer their dental care because of cost, and free dental will change that. There are several clinics right around Victoria, but proudly under a Labor government, we will have free dental here in Shepparton,” said member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes.
“I will take the opportunity to thank Kim O’Keeffe for promoting all of the initiatives that the Labor government have delivered across the electorate of Shepparton. There is a full-page ad highlighting all of the achievements that the government has brought to this region, kind of labelled under a National Party achievement. But for those that understand how government politics work, I think they would appreciate that these are Labor government initiatives that are branded by a local member who I have a lot of respect for, and she works hard.”
When open, the clinic will be free to walk-ins with no appointment, 9am to 9pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm weekends, prioritizing patients based on urgency. People will also be eligible for one free checkup every year through Labor’s free dental.
