The study ceased operations on 30 June 2025. However, community members may still have questions about the study. Some answers can be found in the responses to the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Why did the Hazelwood Health Study close?

• The 10-year research program has been concluded, having provided much evidence in relation to its original questions
• Research findings have informed public health responses to major fire events and national guidelines as well as informed local health services.
• Short to medium term health effects were identified, but most have since resolved.
• The community focus has shifted to broader health and wellbeing issues, which are being addressed by local services.

What were the findings of the study?

• The findings from the Study are numerous and diverse, covering a range of health outcomes and participant groups over extended periods of time. You can find lay language summaries of the study findings here, or a consolidated review of all key findings here.
• Information on individual research findings is available in the Reports and Publications sections of this website.

What impact has the study had?

• Monash University and partners conducted extensive research over the past decade, addressing the concerns of the local community and providing a considerable evidence base to inform responses to future events as well as local health and social service provision.
• The findings have had a major impact on policy and practice, including
  • Informing smoke and air pollution guidelines for multiple national peak bodies
  • Informing public health responses to major fire and smoke events.
  • Influencing local health services including the provision of more mental health services for young people in the Latrobe Valley in the years after the mine fire.
  • Informing Latrobe Health Assembly health campaigns on asthma management, smoking cessation and healthy eating.
• More detail on the wide-ranging impacts of the study impacts have been included in the summary of the 10-year research program here.

I participated in the study, what’s happening with my personal or health information?

• Monash University and partners will continue to securely store study data in line with privacy laws, and according to the conditions that you agreed to when you consented to participate in HHS research activities. How long the data will be held will be dependent upon future use, as the standard requirement is for research data to be held for at least five years from the date of the final publication utilising the data (see here).
• All data remains confidential. Names and other identifying information are held separately to health and other data in University systems to ensure security, confidentiality and anonymity.
• In future, the researchers may continue to analyse your participant data where it remains scientifically valid to do so, but only where it aligns with the conditions that you agreed to when you consented to participate in HHS research activities.

Who can I talk with regarding the ongoing health of the community following the mine fire?

Is there any evidence that the mine fire lead to increased cancer risk?

• To date, there is no definitive evidence that the mine fire led to an increased cancer risk in the local community. However, cancers can take longer than 10 years to develop, so further monitoring of cancer rates is required, which is the responsibility of Cancer Council Victoria.
• Regular screening is recommended to detect early signs of cancer. Residents are encouraged to make sure their screening is up-to-date, particularly if they missed any routine screening appointments during the pandemic. If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.

How will the health of the Latrobe Valley community be monitored after the study?

• The Latrobe Health Innovation Zone continues to support community health through partnerships between health services, government and local organisations.
• The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit also monitors the health and wellbeing of the population and uses this information to inform public health priorities and programs.

Who do I contact if I have concerns about my health?

• If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor or local healthcare provider.

Will any research continue after the study ends?

• While the study close at the end of June 2025, some post graduate student research is ongoing, and findings will be published in the future.
• Many HHS researchers remain committed to studying health issues in the region and collaborating on future health projects.