Health

It wasn’t until 1937 that the Flying Doctor started looking at servicing Wilcannia. In June 1937 the Barrier Miner reported that "the "flying doctor," Dr. L. E. Odium, accompanied by Pilot Anneal', left at 12.30 o'clock to-day ' on a survey flight to Wilcannia. : He expects to return to Broken Hill shortly after 5 o'clock this evening, and if he has the time to spare - will make a call at Menindee on the return journey.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will celebrate its 95th anniversary of operation on 17 May 2023, as the world-famous organisation edges closer to a centenary of service ... "Within the South Eastern Section we offer GP clinics, extensive mental health and alcohol and other drug services, dental services and reproductive health services": Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) CEO Greg Sam.

The 31st May has been declared World No Tobacco Day and this year’s theme is "Grow food, not tobacco" in reference to the contribution that tobacco growing makes to food insecurity, according to the World Health Organization. Wednesday morning Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation took over Peko Park to educate the public to the consequences and dangers of smoking and offering strategies and support for those looking to try giving up.

The recent cold snap gave Corryong’s newest doctor pause for thought about the move from the Sunshine Coast to the Upper Murray but he says the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Dr Tyson Pardon graduated from Griffith University in 2018 and has chosen Corryong Health as an introduction to General Practice (GP).

Thirteen years ago, Dr Geisel answered the call of Allora residents for a local doctor who would start a new chapter in our community. Warwick lost the service of Dr Geisel where she had practiced for twenty years. Dr Geisel commented that it was her concern about our community being so desperate for a doctor and she thought she would like to try and work in a small community.

From the days when smoking in the hospital room was the norm, and becoming a nurse saw you trade in much of your freedom to live full time in nurses' quarters at the hospital, to advances in technology, a COVID pandemic and everything in between, Pam van Kempen has been through it all, and she’s here to share her tale ahead of her well-deserved retirement.

Layla is not your average Border Collie/Moodle cross. As a trained Positive Response Assistance dog, she offers unwavering support and grounding to her owner and Council librarian, Caitlin. These dogs assist people whose lives are often severely compromised by anxiety and fear.

This is the ninth consecutive year of the FightMND movement, and for this year, for teacher Kim Griffiths and the Year 12 Donald High School girls, it’s personal. Tony Goode was a vital part of the heart of the school. For this year, as it was last year, the funds raised from the FightMND beanies and socks will be in honour of him. 

LifeFlight Australia’s highly anticipated, brand new Roma helicopter base has officially opened its doors, with a formal ceremony on 30 May 2023, to mark the momentous occasion ... “For people in real need in isolated circumstances – there is no sight better than the vision of a LifeFlight rescue helicopter coming into view during an emergency”: Australian Country Choice CEO Anthony Lee.

"Saving Men’s lives" is the catchcry of the Rotary Men’s health education rule van. MHERV is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in collaboration with local Rotary clubs and other community groups in each area it visits. With the support of the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution (RFBI) a registered nurse undertakes free basic check-ups for ‘blokes’ to come in and have a free health check.

Toowoomba patients in crisis now have access to enhanced mental health services in their own home, thanks to the joint efforts of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Health. The Toowoomba Mental Health Co-Responder Service, which became operational last Wednesday, pairs a QAS senior paramedic with a senior mental health clinician from Darling Downs Health in order to deliver fast, collaborative specialist care.

On 23 May 2023, the Premier Daniel Andrews said: “We’re doing everything we promised Victorians we’d do – and we’re not wasting a moment getting on with it”. What he perhaps should have said was: “We promised some things – we even promised to govern for all Victorians – but we will deliver only some things, dump plenty of others, and govern for a few.” For me there’s only one headline from this budget: Victoria is broke.

Michelle Daw. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation has slammed the state government and Yorke and Northern Local Health Network for its lack of urgency in responding to security concerns at Wallaroo Hospital. The ANMF SA branch is calling for 24/7 restraint-trained guards to be employed at Wallaroo and Port Pirie hospitals, following recent "code black" incidents.

Long-time local Damien Ha was in good spirits as he recovered from surgery after a vicious attack by a group of teenagers in the early hours ... "I get the stitches out in two weeks so I should be right to play." Damien has ranked four in the Territory for the Masters, and travels each year to represent Tennant in the Australian Titles. "I told them I know your face, and he told me he had a machete, grabbed it out of the bush and hit me with it."

There are certain elements of the Budget the Coalition supports, but Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley thinks most people were looking for something to ease the cost-of-living crunch ... "The government also has a self-imposed delay in funding for important projects in our region. In short they are spending less in the MIA and taking longer to do it, which is hugely disappointing": Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley.

More South Australians will be able to access the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine, with eligibility now expanded even further. The expansion removes the requirement to be outdoors for four hours on most days for people living or engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts in eligible high-risk areas adjacent to the River Murray.

The Lockyer Valley knows only too well just what the impact of a severe weather event can look like – physically, mentally and emotionally. Following two severe flood events in 2022 alone, after bushfires and years of drought, Lockyer Valley Regional Council has forged important new partnerships to bring tangible benefits to the community.

As he proudly stepped up to the microphone to deliver his inaugural speech as the Member for Clarence on May 10 in the NSW Legislative Assembly, Richie Williamson revealed that despite earlier presumptions, he wasn’t as nervous as he thought he would be ... Mr Williamson told the Clarence Valley Independent it was a great honour to stand at the podium to deliver his first speech as he acknowledged his loved ones and the people of the Clarence electorate for their support, and pledged to be their advocate in parliament.