About Us

Our Story

TAFCO, a locally owned Myrtleford based farmer’s co-operative had a vision to provide skin cancer checks that could be easily accessed by local farmers.

​Discussions with Alpine Health led to coffee conversations exploring the possibility. The initiative was expanded to that of a mobile multi-use consulting and emergency facility to serve health needs of residents and businesses across the region.

As a result, five partners became involved in this project and have met for over 3 years to develop the project.

  • TAFCO Rural Supplies
  • Alpine Health
  • Rotary Club of Bright
  • Community Bank Bright and Myrtleford
  • Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce
  • Dr. Peter Dawkins

Initially, skin care and checks for possible cancers was the primary motivation for this facility. However, in addition to the provision of skin cancer checks by Alpine Health trained staff, partners agreed that access to a mobile consulting room would be valuable for delivery of services, such as mental health, financial counselling, and a mobile base for a range of emergency situations.

Background

Late in 2021, TAFCO, a locally owned Myrtleford based farmers’ co-operative approached Alpine Health in Myrtleford to discuss a concept aimed at monitoring and improving the health of farmers in the local Ovens Valley and surrounds.

TAFCO, sought a facility to perform health checks (primarily skin checks) within local rural communities. The idea was to be a presence at local events and community gatherings.

A number of potential partners joined in discussions, and it was agreed that to fully utilise the facility and the investment required to establish the resource, there was a need to expand services within the allied health sector to service rural and remote communities.

​A business plan was developed with assistance from Australian Business Volunteers and all things legal by local solicitor Ian Gross.

Partners and sponsorship were sought from various bodies and a van offered by the Jacob Group.

A not for profit incorporated association was formed to provide governance around this newest social enterprise.