Williamson welcomes unveiling of designs for $263.8 Grafton Base Hospital rebuild
Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has today welcomed the release of the latest artist impressions for the $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and is encouraging the community to attend upcoming pop-up information sessions to learn more about this important project.
Woman survives stingray barb
Michelle Daw. A woman who was struck by an eagle ray's venomous barb says she is lucky to be alive. Retired nurse Pam Bennett was pierced by the barb in her right arm while snorkelling in waist-deep water ... She said the ray's attack was unusual behaviour and would have resulted from it being in pain, because of the algal bloom.
What’s up doc?
Wayne Hawthorne. Training to be a doctor is more than just medicine it seems, at least in Papua New Guinea (PNG) where medicos need to be a Jack of all trades. This is what Naracoorte Men’s Probus found out when Dr David Mills spoke recently. It was a valuable insight into Dr Mills 20-plus years and continuing input in PNG.
Finding the right balance of mental health support
In regional and rural areas, where mental health issues are higher and professional services are lower, digital-only self-help tools can only go so far. Researchers are recruiting young participants and their parents to test an innovative new program specifically designed for young Australians in rural and regional communities who experience anxiety.
Weight-loss drugs and our dinner plates: How they could re-shape farming
A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of food, and it's not happening in the paddocks – it's in the pharmacies. New weight-loss drugs, like the much-talked-about Ozempic, are not only helping individuals shed pounds but are also prompting experts to consider a seismic shift in our food systems, potentially even more significant than the impacts of climate change.
Remembering the ANZACs – ANZAC nurses
Tony Rowlands. During the First World War, eight Australian nurses were awarded the Military Medal, the highest Imperial award that was available to them ... Sister Alice and Sister Janet of the AANS were amongst the first twenty-five nurses to sail with the troopships in the convoy with the First Expeditionary Force.
CFA smashes appeal milestone
Victorians have dug deep this year in support of the Good Friday Appeal, helping CFA reach a historic milestone and raising our grand total of contributions to $41 million. CFA has been a major fundraiser of the Good Friday Appeal for the past 74 years and this year, with the help of generous local community members, our volunteers were able to raise $1,888,912.
Community healthcare concerns
The community has called for better access to specialist healthcare services and further development of local health infrastructure within the district. This was strongly voiced during the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) public consultation for the development of the clinical services plan ... The goal of the consultation was to engage the community in identifying what matters most in advancing local healthcare services.
Covid lies exposed as politicians act with impunity
Any remaining notions of politicians acting with honesty, integrity, and best available science in the face of a pandemic have been crushed like a child discovering that Santa Claus writes unmistakably like Mum, after a five-year legal battle by the opposition's upper house leader, David Davis, to access Covid lockdown documents.
Candidate profiles
Ten candidates for the seats of Mallee and Farrer respond to questions on a range of key issues including cost of living, national energy security and affordability, housing, water buyback and human rights violations of the Government's Covid-19 response.
Election 2025 – Watch the Better Border Health candidate forum
The Better Border Health Albury Wodonga group held a health forum for Farrer candidates last week, and has published the forum on YouTube for those who were unable to attend.
Employment pathway trainee pilot program delivered on Groote: Edgington
For the first time, an employment pathway trainee pilot program for Aboriginal health workers and practitioners is being delivered on Groote Eylandt. Minister for Health Steve Edgington said it would provide a closer-to-home learning pathway for Aboriginal people in the region to pursue a career in health.
Big Ride 25
Last Saturday a dedicated group of jet skiers called Barham home for the night as they made their way from Albury to Goolwa in South Australia to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Dubbed the Big Ride 25 it is also hoping to create greater awareness of the disease.
Beach and a beer ease the way back for Alex
Serena Kirby. Much-loved local GP Alex Sleeman is back home and learning to adjust to life with a disability. Alex has spent the past six months in Perth receiving medical care for serious spinal injuries from a tractor accident in September.
Council announces withdrawal from aged care services
West Wimmera Shire Council is withdrawing from the delivery of aged care services across the shire. Most Victorian local councils have already withdrawn from aged care services ahead of the imminent commencement of the Federal Government's new Support at Home Program.
The life and career of Lesley Robinson: A dedicated advocate for diabetes education and rural healthcare
Lesley Robinson is a name that resonates with those seeking guidance, support, and expertise in managing diabetes, particularly in rural areas. A passionate and dedicated professional, Lesley has spent almost four decades in the healthcare field, becoming a leading figure in diabetes education.
Toxic algae found along coast
Michelle Daw. An algae toxic to marine life has been detected in water samples collected from Edithburgh and Coobowie ... The PIRSA spokesperson said the algae could cause mass deaths of marine life and particularly affect the gills of fish. "This is a dynamic situation as the bloom travels depending on weather and water conditions, and the impact therefore is unpredictable."
High time to end the war on weed
MardiGrass Organising Committee. For 33 years, MardiGrass has given voice to the Oz weed resistance, tirelessly educating and agitating for an end to the war on weed. As usual, MardiGrass offers mind-blowing ideas and education all weekend at the 2025 Hemposium, and is an extraordinary chance to share and learn about our favourite plant ally and healing herb. The Hemposium will showcase an impressive line-up of speakers ...
Radiotherapy essential
Radiotherapy for our region is essential, regardless of who forms government after the May 3, federal election. That is the key message from Limestone Coast Radiation Therapy Working Group chairman … "South Australia still remains an outlier as one of the only Australian states without the provision of radiation cancer treatment outside of its capital city, being Adelaide," Mr Haynes said.
Safety concerns secured at GBH
With placards in their hands, smiles on their faces, and their fists triumphantly raised high in the air, staff and members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) Clarence Valley Branch at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) had cause for celebration on April 3 after they finally received the news they had been fighting hard for throughout the past couple of years.
Health district review after cancer patient dies
The Northern NSW Local Health District has apologised to the family of a Grafton cancer patient who died last month just hours after leaving Grafton Base Hospital. Terminal cancer patient, 55-year-old Sandra Shipley died within hours of visiting Grafton Base Hospital on Saturday, March 22.
Life with Parkinson’s disease in Australia
An estimated 200,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease in Australia. One in five people are diagnosed before 50, and the disease is the second most common neurological condition after dementia.
