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.
Nursing body demands urgent Medicare overhaul for remote Australia
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.
A dream becomes reality with totem poles at entrance to hospital
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.
Laughter really is the best medicine
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.
The regional Australia advantage
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.
Classic recipe for a long life
"Moderation in everything," Mary Cartwright says is the key to living 100 years, a milestone she will reach on May 28. "I've never driven a car so walk everywhere and keep my mind active – knitting, crocheting and reading," she says.
Cancer fundraising ride a family affair
Ivona Rose. On Monday, March 16, Terrigal prostate cancer advocate Steve Keil took to the saddle with his daughter, Courtney Keil, for a five-day fundraising and awareness horse ride, tracing the trail of The Man From Snowy River across Victoria’s high country.
A story of courage and determination
At this year's Heavy Horse Festival, an equestrian division for those with disabilities was held for the first time. Katy Driver was the driving force behind the inclusion of the event which was well received by the competitors and the crowd. Here is Katy's story.
Tour has a positive local impact
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.
Peek-a-Loo – The Great Dunny Hunt returns, 23 March-15 June 2026
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.
In memory of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik
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.
Bulk billing benefits locals
In a major boost for the Upper Murray community, Corryong Health has transitioned to a bulk billed medical practice as of of March 2nd under a recently launched Australian government Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). The program has expanded eligibility for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentives.
Radiotherapy wins backing from MacKillop candidates
All five candidates contesting the seat of MacKillop have declared support for establishing radiotherapy services in the Limestone Coast, according to written responses provided to the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group ahead of this month's state election ... Ahead of the meeting, candidates were invited to provide written responses to a series of questions regarding the provision of radiotherapy services...
Raising awareness about shingles
It is rare for someone under the age of 12 to get shingles while people over the age of 50 are most at risk, according to the WA Department of Health. The department said shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox and is a common health condition in older people.
Under the Hood: Scott Abdy is defying limits, one burnout at a time
Bundaberg burnout driver Scott Abdy was just three years old when doctors told his parents he would never ride a bike, and yet, here he is decades later, gearing up to return to the Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats 06 burnout pad with precision, power, and an unmistakable passion for skids.
Nurse’s mercy mission
Patricia Gill. Registered nurse Yvette Caruso found joy in two, month-long stints aboard Mercy hospital ships offering African people life-changing surgery and medicine ... Over January, Yvette joined the surgical team aboard the Global Mercy berthed at Freetown in the west African nation, Sierra Leone.
Health service sees red over finances
Claims that Corryong Health will struggle to meet its immediate financial commitments have been refuted by board chairman, Ian Cesa. Liberal Member for Berwick, Brad Battin, alleged last Thursday that several hospitals in the North East including Corryong are operating with little cash on hand.
Minor doctor share: Just three of 12 new interns based locally despite ‘major service centre’ status
The Malinauskas Labor government has unveiled a $13m election commitment to build a new medical school training centre in Mount Gambier -promising a stronger “pipeline of doctors” for regional SA. But of the 12 intern doctors recruited this year to the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, only three are based in Naracoorte - a town formally designated as a major service centre under the government’s ambitious Limestone Coast Regional Plan 2026.
Farmers reject ‘dumpster fire’ plans: NSW Farmers Association
NSW Farmers says plans to pollute rural and regional communities with Sydney’s rubbish should be immediately rejected. The proposed Parkes Incinerator would burn 700,000 tonnes of Sydney's red-bin rubbish each year if approved, and NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said it was totally unacceptable to force any regional community to be the dumping ground for Sydney waste if they did not agree.
