Huge donation to Cancer Council
To raise $20,000 is a great measure of the heart and soul of the community who helped to support the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea hosted by The Higgins Family on Sunday 17 May.
Cutting edge research into motor neurone disease begins in Toowoomba
Researchers on the Darling Downs will begin work on cutting-edge techniques to improve the early detection and diagnosis of people with motor neurone disease. The deadly neurodegenerative disease affects nearly 3,000 Australians at any time, and techniques for the early detection of MND remain limited ... The transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) machine based in Toowoomba will be the first of its kind to be used for neurology research in Queensland.
Call for return to Christian values
Chantelle Thomas invoked the Bible, calling for a return to Christian values, and an end to abortions and "woke ideology" in her maiden speech as the Member for Narungga last week. Speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 20, Mrs Thomas said Australia was built on strong Christian values of faith, family, respect, personal responsibility and helping neighbours.
Rough-sea trawler rescue the most challenging mission of pilot’s career: LifeFlight
The Bundaberg-based LifeFlight crew has completed a complex 13-hour offshore rescue after an injured fisherman broke his leg on a trawler about 110 nautical miles off the Rockhampton coast. The mission, tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland at 8.37am yesterday, required multiple refuels, almost 950 kilometres of travel and maritime winch operations in rough sea conditions.
Biggest diphtheria outbreak: Feds help NT hotspot
The biggest diphtheria outbreak since national record keeping began now (21 May) stands at 230 cases this year, affecting mainly Aboriginal people and believed to have caused the death one person. Around 60 per cent of the cases are in the Northern Territory, with further outbreaks in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
Armidale medical student recognised for passion for rural healthcare
Seeing the healthcare barriers faced by rural families inspired Armidale medical student Fleur Steen to pursue medicine, and now a national grant is helping support that goal ... Now studying medicine at the University of New England in Armidale, Fleur said growing up in rural communities made her aware from an early age of the challenges many people face when trying to access healthcare.
The government’s health budget tinkers around the edges for rural communities: NRHA
“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.
Mixed responses to the 2026-27 Budget
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.
“Our story to tell”
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...
Australia gears up for its biggest cuppa yet!
Cancer Council is calling on Aussies to rally their family, friends, and especially their workmates, for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the nation’s iconic fundraiser hoping to turn a cuppa into a cure! ... Cancer fighter Jessica Giddens is organising Nannup's Biggest Morning Tea.
Cook Labor Government delivering for regional Western Australia: Cook, Dawson
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.
BNW a debut for artist Obi
Patricia Gill. Obi Manuel wants to be an artist when he grows up. The 14-year-old made his debut into the art world at the Brave New Works Festival at the end of March. Obi lives with Down syndrome and attends the Albany Secondary Education Support Centre and started drawing and colouring in on bus trips...
Do it for Dolly Day: Watch out for fundraisers
On TikTok, an overwhelming 92 per cent of [young] respondents said social bullying - exclusion, rumour-spreading and being left out - is what they witness most often. Over 1,500 schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, community groups and individuals have so far signed up to fundraise in the lead-up to Friday...
RFDS 90 years of service
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.
Medicare is failing the bush – Nursing and midwifery bodies demand urgent action: Australian College of Nursing
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...
Delivering free GP appointments for Northern Tasmania: Archer
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.
Millie, the BreastScreenNT bus to complete final tour in 2026: NT Health
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...
Sheep collagen a wound heal wonder for people: AMPC
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.
RACGP leaders head to regional Victoria
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright and RACGP Victorian Chair Dr Anita Muñoz will visit practices across regional Victoria this week to meet with local GPs, healthcare teams and community organisations. The visit will focus on highlighting strong growth in the regional general practice workforce, increasing regional training opportunities...
In its 75th year – CFA raises $2.1 million for sick kids
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.
Ava’s fight highlights value of Good Friday Appeal
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.
Thomas wins Narungga recount
Caitlin Menadue. One Nation's Chantelle Thomas has been elected in the seat of Narungga following a nail-biting recount, as part of a broader SA election that delivered a decisive win for Labor ... Ms Thomas said she was eager to begin work representing the community ... Joining One Nation in parliament is former Yorke Peninsula local Rebecca Hewett, elected to the Legislative Council.

