Published 22 Aug 2025
GMHBA is celebrating a significant milestone in its commitment to community health, with both Lara Medical Centre and South Barwon Medical Centre receiving national accreditation from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) this month.
This recognition demonstrates the clinics’ commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in patient care, and reinforces GMHBA’s not-for-profit purpose of supporting healthier lives for communities across the Geelong region and beyond.
GMHBA Hub Belmont achieved AGPAL accreditation in October 2024.
AGPAL accreditation is awarded to practices that meet the rigorous Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices, a nationally recognised benchmark for safe, high-quality healthcare.
GMHBA operates 11 locations across Victoria, providing members and patients with access to allied health services including eye care, dental, physiotherapy and in-person private health insurance support. Three of these locations – GMHBA Hub Belmont, Lara Medical Centre and South Barwon Medical Centre – offer medical services delivered by doctors and nurses.
AGPAL Chair, Dr Richard Choong, said accreditation shows that GMHBA makes a significant investment and commitment to quality on a day-to-day basis, across all levels of the practice team at its various locations.
“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that GMHBA’s Lara Medical Centre, South Barwon Medical Centre and GMHBA Hub Belmont are striving to improve their level of care to both patients and the community,” he said.
“Practices seek accreditation because they want to do their best and view this as another step towards excellence in patient care."
GMHBA Chief Operating Officer (Health & Branch Network) Natalie Lanarus said the accreditation was a reflection of GMHBA’s purpose-led approach as a not-for-profit health fund and care provider.
“We know that trust is earned through consistent, high-quality care,” she said.
“Achievements like this accreditation show that we are delivering on our promise to put members and patients first, while continuing to invest in healthier communities for the future.”
To achieve accreditation, the health practices underwent a 12-month process, including an independent on-site assessment to ensure compliance with RACGP Standards. This included reviews of:
- Safe use and storage of equipment and vaccines
- Clean and sterile facilities
- Staff training and development
- Availability of emergency care
- Systems for quality care, risk management and patient information security
All three GMHBA health practices now proudly display the AGPAL accredited symbol, giving patients reassurance that the care they receive meets nationally recognised standards of safety and quality.
"Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the RACGP Standards. It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an AGPAL accredited practice," added Dr Choong.
“We want community members, nationwide to know that their wellbeing is our priority. By choosing to attend an AGPAL accredited practice, patients know they will get quality and safe care that meets the RACGP Standards.”
For GMHBA, these achievements form part of its broader vision to build healthier communities, by investing in primary care, preventive health, and integrated services that make healthcare easier to access close to home.
To make an appointment at one of our GMHBA Health Practices, book online or visit:
- GMHBA Hub Belmont: 157B High Street, Belmont VIC 3216
- South Barwon Medical Centre: 66 Settlement Rd, Belmont VIC 3216
- Lara Medical Centre: 1 Patullos Rd, Lara VIC 3212
Medical services will soon be available at GMHBA Hub Geelong, located in Central Geelong at 60 Moorabool Street. For more information on GMHBA’s health services network, with locations in Ballarat, Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Portland and Warrnambool, visit www.gmhba.com.au
