The boxes are mostly unpacked. You've worked out which kitchen drawer the cutlery lives in, found the closest coffee, and learned that the wind up here has opinions. Moving to Bacchus Marsh is exciting, whether you've come from Melbourne for more space or from further afield for a fresh start.

Then, inevitably, someone gets sick. A temperature in the middle of the night, a sore ear, a chipped tooth at the park. And you realise you have no idea where to go.

Setting up your family's health care is one of those jobs that is easy to put off until you suddenly need it. Doing it in your first few weeks takes a lot of stress out of those moments. Here's a simple checklist to work through.

1. Update your address with Medicare and your health fund

It's not exciting, but it's the foundation for everything else. Update your details with Medicare through myGov, and let your private health fund know your new address too. While you're there, check that your children are listed on your Medicare card and that your cover still suits your family.

It's also a good time to check your immunisation records on the Australian Immunisation Register. You'll likely need them for childcare or kinder enrolments.

2. Find a GP you like

A regular GP who knows your family's history is worth a lot, especially if anyone has an ongoing health condition. Some local clinics have waiting lists for new patients, so it's worth calling around early rather than waiting until someone is unwell.

When you book a first appointment, ask whether your previous clinic can transfer your records. If you use My Health Record, some of that information may already be available.

3. Know where to go after hours

Nobody wants to work this out at 2am with a crying child. Take a few minutes now to find out where your nearest hospital emergency department is, and what urgent care and after-hours GP options are available in the area.

It's also worth saving these numbers in your phone:

• 000 for emergencies

• Nurse-On-Call: 1300 60 60 24, for free health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day in Victoria

• Healthdirect: 1800 022 222, for health advice and help working out where to go

4. Find a dentist before you need one

Dental problems have a way of turning up at the worst moment, like a cracked tooth on a Friday afternoon or a toothache the night before a long weekend. Having a practice already lined up makes those moments much easier.

A lot of people moving to the area keep visiting their old dentist in Melbourne for a while, then realise how much of a day the trip takes. Choosing a dentist in Bacchus Marsh means shorter trips, easier school-time appointments for the kids, and somewhere close by if something goes wrong.

When you're choosing a practice, it's worth asking a few practical questions. Do they see children? Do they have weekend or early appointments? How do they handle dental emergencies? And which health funds can you claim with on the spot? Booking everyone in for a check-up in your first few months also gives your new dentist a baseline for your family's teeth.

5. Sort out your pharmacy

It sounds small, but finding a pharmacy you're happy with saves time. If anyone in the family takes regular medicines, bring your scripts and medicine list with you, and check your local pharmacy's opening hours, including weekends. Pharmacists are also a great first stop for advice on minor health problems.

6. Connect with Maternal and Child Health

If you have a baby or a child under school age, get in touch with Moorabool Shire Council's Maternal and Child Health service. In Victoria, this free service supports families from birth until children start school, with regular checks on growth and development. It's also a lovely way to connect with other local parents.

7. Enrol in kinder and school early

Kinder and school places can fill up, so contact local services as early as you can. In Victoria, eligible children can access Free Kinder programs, and you'll usually need up-to-date immunisation records to enrol.

School nurses, kinder teachers and other parents can be a surprisingly good source of local health tips, too.

8. Don't forget the rest of the team

Depending on your family's needs, you might also want to line up:

• A physiotherapist or chiropractor, especially if anyone plays sport

• An optometrist for eye checks

• Mental health support, through your GP or local services

• A vet, because the dog is part of the family too

Settling in

Moving is a big change, and it takes time for a new town to feel like home. But knowing exactly who to call when someone gets sick or hurt makes a real difference to how settled you feel.

Pick one or two items from this list each week, and before long you'll have your local health team sorted. Then you can get back to the good part: exploring your new neighbourhood.