Member for Ripon, Joe Helper, announced the funding and said it would be provided through the 2008/09 Infrastructure Upgrade Program for Bush Nursing Centres and Small Rural Health Services and would make a positive difference to the Elmhurst community.

''I'm pleased the terrific work of the EBNC has again been recognised with the Brumby Government to contribute $85,000 funding for a building extension and the installation of a power generator,'' Mr Helper said.

''This latest funding comes on top of $304,000 funding previously provided to EBNC by the State Government since 2001.

''I'd like to congratulate the hard working staff and administration on their success and all they do to support the health and well-being of local communities.''

Mr Helper said works associated with the project would also provide an economic and employment boost for the Elmhurst community.

''In difficult economic times, infrastructure projects such as this provide an invaluable way of supporting economic and employment opportunities in the local area,'' he said.

Mr Helper said the EBNC is one of 32 agencies across Victoria to share in $1.7m from the 2008/09 infrastructure upgrade program for Bush Nursing Centres and Small Rural Health Services.

The program enables health services to fund capital improvements such as refurbishments and buy new state-of-the-art medical or other equipment.

''The program has been expanded to include the replacement of vehicles, given the remote locations and emergency capacity of Remote Area Nurses,'' he said.

''Equipment funded across the state includes defibrillators, ECG machines, vital signs monitors, trolleys and power generators.''

Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, said the funding for Bush Nursing Centres and Small Rural Health Services is another example of the Brumby Government's commitment to promoting the health and well-being of rural Victorians and strengthening country health services.

''The Government is committed to ensuring all Victorians can access high-quality health care no matter where they live,'' Mr Andrews said.