Health

“The real test with the Budget is whether the dollars announced reach rural people, First Nations communities and primary care in thin markets where healthcare access is hardest”" Susi Tegen, NRHA Chief Executive.

The May Budget delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers has elicited criticism, and some praise, from many quarters, as illustrated by the following statements from the National Party, Beyond Zero Emissions, National Farmers' Federation and the NFF Horticulture Council, National Seniors Australia, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, TasFarmers, Grain Producers Australia and NSW Farmers.

Eight months after the death of 46-year-old Naracoorte man Cody Williams, his family says they are still searching for answers - and demanding accountability so no other family experiences the same heartbreak. In a confronting and deeply personal letter to The [Naracoorte] News, local resident Donna Armoogum details the final days of her brother’s life...

More than 500,000 Australian children were placed into institutional or out-of-home care during the last century, with many experiencing neglect, abuse and a loss of identity that continues to shape their lives today. Often referred to as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers, this cohort includes Stolen Generations, former child migrants, and former Wards of the State, including more than 400,000 non-Indigenous children.

The Cook Labor Government is delivering for regional Western Australia in the 2026-27 State Budget through investments in health, housing and jobs for the regions, while providing significant cost-of-living relief for families.

Chris Elliott. To help the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) celebrate their 90th Anniversary, local member Roy Butler rode a small motor bike, towing a message board trailer from Sydney, via Bourke to Broken Hill. Roy was in Wilcannia on Friday 1st for lunch in the park to catch up with locals and get them to write a message on the trailer.

Twelve national organisations are calling for immediate reform to Medicare and pharmaceutical policy settings that are delaying diagnosis, fragmenting care and driving avoidable hospital admissions in the bush. The peak bodies representing nurses, nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and midwives, together with health system experts, have written jointly to the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport...

The Tasmanian Government is delivering more bulk-billed healthcare services for Tasmanians, with the first TassieDoc clinic announced ... The Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centres will boost access to bulk-billing appointments, following a comprehensive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

From the main drag to the desert, our iconic BreastScreenNT bus, Millie, has spent more than 10 years providing dedicated service to thousands of adoring fans across the Territory. In 2026, Millie will take her final tour...

Collagen from sheep skin and lungs can support wound closure and tissue regeneration in people, opening the door for new wound care materials made from traditionally underutilised red meat processing byproducts ... "Wound healing is a complex process requiring the coordinated interaction of cells, growth factors and extracellular matrix components.

In CFA's 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, the generosity of Victorians right across the state has exceeded expectations, helping us raise an incredible $2,150,000 for The Royal Children's Hospital. Once again, CFA volunteers were out in force both on their fire trucks and on foot, making their way around local streets rattling tins all morning to raise vital funds in their communities for a much-loved and well-respected cause.

A young Nhill girl who has endured repeated rounds of cancer treatment, major surgery and life-threatening complications is now marking a year in remission, with her family using her story to highlight the importance of the Good Friday Appeal and work of the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital.

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has formally called on the federal government to overhaul Medicare structures, claiming current policies are restricting equitable access to primary care for millions of residents in rural and remote Australia.

The six totem poles that line the driveway to the Casino & District Memorial Hospital were officially unveiled ... Hand painted by residents at Balund-a, each totem pole design represents elements of the natural world, including animals, bush foods, and water.

The expression ‘laughter is the best medicine’ is no joke. Countless studies confirm the healing properties and mental health benefits of a good giggle ... “I was given three years to live and that was 20-plus years ago so I’ve survived way past my expiry date,” says Laughter Yoga facilitator, Kim O'Meara, laughing.

For many regional Australians, 30 minutes in nature isn’t therapy — it’s simply part of everyday life, and that may be our greatest wellbeing advantage.

More than 200 riders and support crew hit the road last Friday on the annual Tour de Cure Signature Tour, a nine-day cycling event aiming to raise $2 million for cancer research, support programs and prevention projects Australia-wide.

Continence Health Australia is once again on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets. The Great Dunny Hunt is back in 2026 to help uncover the hidden toilets and add them to the National Public Toilet Map.

We acknowledge the passing of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, a Djura elder from the East Kimberly. We acknowledge her work and dedication in the fields of nursing and Aboriginal education and for her advocacy for equity for Aboriginal people.