It is with a heavy heart that I share news of Jill Miller’s passing this morning. Jill was a force—compassionate, ahead of her time, and never afraid to challenge the system for the betterment of her community. A fierce advocate for community health, Jill shaped not only Grampians Community Health (GCH) but also the very fabric of the communities we serve. We would not be where we are today as an organisation or as a community without her vision, determination, and leadership.
Jill dedicated 32 years to GCH, laying the foundations upon which we continue to build. I have always known that I could never fill her shoes—her impact is immeasurable. It was Jill’s vision that saw the creation of the Stawell Health & Community Centre and the expansion of GCH into Ararat and Horsham, ensuring community health services were accessible across the region. Her vision for our new Horsham site came to life with the transformation of the Wades shop in Hamilton Street into a modern, purpose-built community health facility—a lasting testament to her passion and commitment.
Jill’s legacy stretches back to 1985, when GCH (then Grampians Community Health Centre) began in the old nurses’ quarters on Wimmera Street, Stawell. From those humble beginnings—just 25 people with a vision—GCH has grown to employ hundreds across the Grampians and Wimmera, providing services and supporting countless individuals and families. Jill pioneered a community-driven model of care, asking people what they needed and empowering them to shape the solutions.
She led groundbreaking initiatives in aged care, palliative care, mental health, family violence, alcohol and drug support, youth services, and so much more. From securing one of the first palliative care programs outside major regional centres to introducing innovative youth programs like FReeZA and Nexus, Jill’s work transformed lives. She was a true trailblazer, securing funding when there was none, advocating when others hesitated, and proving that grassroots, community-led action creates lasting change.
Jill’s impact is felt in every service we provide, in every life we touch, and in the very spirit of GCH. She believed in people—their stories, their potential, and their right to be heard. She knew that everyone deserved a chance and worked tirelessly to empower others to lead their best lives. Jill never saw community health as just services; she saw it as people helping people, lifting each other up, and creating lasting change together. Her success wasn’t just about what she achieved—it was about how she helped others grow, supporting them to step up, lead, and make a difference in their own right.
Even in retirement, Jill never stopped looking for ways to strengthen her community. Living in Pomonal, she remained an active leader, continuing to foster the same belief in people that had defined her career. She helped establish the Pomonal Resilience Network by bringing people together, empowering them, and helping them find their own strength. When the devastating 2024 and 2025 bushfires hit, Jill was there—helping in the response, ensuring people were supported, and standing by her community’s side for as long as she humanly could. Her commitment to others never wavered.
Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the work she started. She can truly look back and say she made a difference, because she did, in more ways than we can count.
My sincere condolences to Kristy, Nadya, all who loved her and were blessed by her friendship, and to the people in her community who have now lost a champion.
Acknowledgement:
We are also deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Michael McMurtrie this week. Michael meant the world to Jill—when she retired, it was to spend more time with him, embracing the life they had built together. We know this loss is profoundly felt by all who knew them both. Our thoughts are with Michael’s sons, the extended family, friends, and community during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jill. You will always be part of GCH—our history and our future.
– Greg Little, Grampians Community Health CEO
