Wagga Wagga’s Tits & Toggles Black Tie Ball, 15 March 2025
Ready for a night that's equal parts glamorous and meaningful? Come to Wagga Wagga for a masquerade charity ball for a mighty cause - to raise $100,000 for a special x-ray machine that will be a big help for breast and prostate cancer patients.
It’s just not good enough! Mayor makes call to action
The current proposal for the new Albury Wodonga regional hospital is simply inadequate, according to Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead. "The redevelopment proposed will barely meet current demand let alone the future demands for a region of 300,000 people," he said. ... "We are demanding the healthcare service and facilities our community deserves," Cr Whitehead said.
NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022
A man aged in his 70s from northern Sydney died on 23 February in a Sydney hospital, where he had been receiving care for JE since early February. The man initially presented to the Barham Multi Purpose Service in February with JE symptoms after holidaying in the Murrumbidgee region in January.
Get your sunflower fix this Sunday
A property near Clifton is hosting Sunflower Sunday from 10am to 3pm giving visitors the chance for spectacular photographs and to take home their own sunflowers. Sunflower Sunday is a fundraiser for Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS).
Will the Health District split deliver for smaller communities?
A worker inside Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has responded to Member for Murray Helen Dalton’s calls to split the district in two. Ms Dalton raised the issue in NSW parliament recently, proposing a new Western health district for the townships of Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal.
“Enhancements” will lead to less ambulances being available
There are times when paramedics from Yamba Ambulance Station are called away from the Lower Clarence, that they are told they are the only ambulance available between Ballina and Coffs Harbour.
‘Desperation’ over doctor shortage
Christine Webster. The Australia-wide problem of being unable to attract enough doctors to rural areas is impacting heavily on the Waikerie Medical Centre and local community ... Dr Wanguhu said young doctors often preferred to take up posts at medical centres in Barmera, Berri and Renmark where they were not required to work in an emergency hospital.
AFL legend helps raise awareness about shingles
AFL legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico is among those encouraging Australians aged 50 years and over to be aware of their risk of the disease during shingles awareness week, which runs from February 24 to March 2. Mr DiPierdomenico and fellow shingles awareness week ambassadors journalist Shelly Horton and news presenter Deborah Knight have all experienced first-hand the pain and impact of shingles.
Coffee makers bring warmth to reopening of hospital kiosk
For 18 months the kiosk at Casino Memorial Hospital was closed ... Now Kellie and Geoffrey Clarke from Evans Head have taken over the kiosk.
Fruit and veg in regional Victoria are not dearer!
A new study analysing fruit and vegetable prices in regional Victoria shows that locally grown produce doesn’t necessarily cost more than fruit and veg. grown outside of the region. Health experts say the findings are good news for household budgets, local communities, local farmers and retailers, as well as the environment.
Latest snapshot of rural Australia paints grim picture of higher death rates and dismal healthcare access: National Rural Health Alliance
Rural, regional and remote Australians are dying at higher rates than their urban counterparts, with avoidable deaths in the regions nearly four times higher, according to new data released today by the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA).
New Tara Hospital welcomes first patients and the beginnings of modern accommodation for staff: Nicholls
The Crisafulli Government has officially opened the new Tara Hospital - and commenced work on new staff accommodation - reinforcing its commitment to delivering easier access to health services in rural and regional Queensland.
Murray MP calls for split from Murrumbidgee Health
Addressing NSW Parliament on Thursday the independent member said MLHD has "failed communities." ... "For too long, MLHD has failed our communities- and has not followed through on a number of issues such as the two orthopaedic surgeons that were promised in 2021.
Unbreakable wheel rolls out across Buloke
Following his successful Paddock Run tour across Buloke Shire last year, Warren Davies – known as the Unbreakable Farmer – has re-launched his Unbreakable Wheel of Wellbeing in Wycheproof. The Unbreakable Wheel ... is now featured on posters and drink coasters distributed to local pubs and clubs across Buloke Shire.
Councils shut out of hospital discussion
A decision by councils across the border region to march on the Victorian Parliament next week in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has been put on hold, pending talks with the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas. The councils have previously rejected the proposal from the Victorian and NSW governments to redevelop the Albury hospital.
Kara makes climb for kids
A former local is taking on Australia’s highest peak this weekend in support of young people with cerebral palsy. Kara Collins is participating in the annual Cerebral Palsy Alliance fundraising event - Krazy Kosci Klimb - where 16 young people with the neurological disorder and their team trek or wheel the 18kms up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and back again.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Don’t forget: Lilier Lodge is always there
Katerina Pastellis and her family have been pleasantly surprised over the years, realising home away from home for cancer patients, Lilier Lodge, is not actually only there to support cancer patients and their families. Whenever vacancies allow, this haven will open its doors to people who are needing to be in Wagga for any medical reason.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
New healthcare service for Robe
The Robe community will soon benefit from a new healthcare service that will significantly improve access to primary care. Robe is one of only two locations in regional South Australia, alongside Ceduna, to be selected for the expanded Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot program, which aims to offer more healthcare options for residents in the region.
New vehicle for CERTified legends!
Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Maldon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has received a significant boost with the arrival of a new response vehicle. The updated 2024 Nissan XTrail 4x4 Hybrid reflects AV’s commitment to supplying its CERT teams with the latest equipment to support their critical work in local communities and environmental sustainability.
Call for evidence on SA veterinarian mental health
Locals with concerns about the mental health of South Australian veterinarians have until the end of February to give evidence on the growing scourge. Written submissions and expressions of interest to appear before a Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in SA close on February 28.

