Another cruel hoax
The Federal Government’s callous disregard for rural, regional and remote Australians is on full display in the final business hours before a potential federal election is called, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said, after the Aged Care Minister announced an impossible timeline to save regional aged care home care services.
Tragic death highlights health flaws
Michelle Daw. The harrowing story of an elderly man with a traumatic head injury who died after being sent home from hospital brought the problems plaguing local health into sharp relief at the health inquiry hearing in Wallaroo.
Health inquiry visits
Michelle Daw, Rachel Hagan. About 130 people attended the meeting held at Yorketown Town Hall ... and around 60 went to the Wallaroo Town Hall meeting ... with many individuals and representatives from organisations making passionate and sometimes heartbreaking presentations.Â
Hard Talk: Top election issues
Healthcare, infrastructure, the rising cost of living and government waste are among the key concerns impacting voters in regional towns like Naracoorte in the South East ... In this edition of Hard Talk, The [Naracoorte] News spoke with several political leaders to gain insight into the major election topics that could determine the outcome.
SA’s first full rural medical degree launched
For the first time in South Australia’s history, aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities, thanks to Flinders University’s new South Australia Rural Medical Program. Sixty students – including 30 in Mount Gambier – have begun their studies in the landmark program, which is designed to address the critical shortage of doctors in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Road to research: Two dads – same mission
When positive change is needed in the world, it takes the most determined of characters and the most passionate of hearts to think big, then think bigger again, and then dig deep to make a difference. The two local Allora Dads have set one such bold challenge for themselves - in September this year, Max Mason and James Turner plan to cycle from Lourdes in France...
Haines gives tax cuts and health funding a tick
Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has welcomed tax cuts and funding to deliver more training places for doctors in regional Australia under key announcements in Tuesday’s federal Budget. Dr Haines’ advocacy for a Commonwealth injection of funding into the regional healthcare workforce was substantially reflected in the 2025-2026 budget.
New yarning circle for Narrandera District Hospital
New outdoor spaces created specifically for Aboriginal patients, staff and visitors have been completed at Narrandera District Hospital. Featuring a mural by Narrandera-based Wiradjuri artist Uncle Owen Lyons, the project included the creation of a yarning circle and Sorry Business area.
Brave Ava rings the bell after beating cancer twice
Last week, Nhill's own Ava returned home to a very special moment—ringing the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment for the second time in four years. It was a hard-won milestone, celebrated with love and emotion at the Royal Children's Hospital, where staff gathered to honour her incredible bravery.
City-focused, country-funded; a budget that forgets its backbone: NRHA
The Federal Budget for 2025-26 is a mixed bag for rural, regional and remote Australia in terms of funding for healthcare. While certain aspects of the budget benefit rural populations, there is a lack of a targeted strategy to address the unique health challenges these communities face.
Co-op sector says Budget’s aged care and housing plans will help many Australians: BCCM
...statement from the chief executive of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), Melina Morrison, on the Federal Budget ... “The significant expansion of aged care and housing policies unveiled in the Federal Budget will ensure many Australians can now rightly expect a better quality of life.
Help needed from overseas
An elderly Denmark man paid the airfares for his niece and her husband to come to WA from England so he could move his life savings from Bank West to the Commonwealth Bank. The couple’s airfares cost Kevin Doherty, 87, $6100 for the niece to help him with drawing up his will as well as the bank transfers for term deposits because he is unable to do online banking.
Banks leave seniors behind
Former pharmacist and Denmark Shire councillor Adrian Hinds, 87, wants banks to allow non-computer users to make cheque payments when cash is not appropriate ... He prefers to use cheques believing there are insufficient protections for bank customers from fraudulent electronic transfers from their accounts.
Priority budget projects identified
Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has released her Indi Budget Submission ahead of the budget to be handed down next Tuesday. The key themes of Dr Haines’ submission reflect the widespread concerns and policy priorities for Indi including regional housing supply; cost-of-living support; health; early education and care; climate change and energy; regional development; and integrity.
Will more money for Medicare bulk billing work in the Riverland?
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) said the Federal Government’s announced investment in Medicare and GP training will assist more Riverland patients to access affordable care. RDAA president Raymond Lewandowski said any investment in health was welcome, especially investment in primary care…
LifeFlight capability clear with night vision goggles
LifeFlight’s specially trained aeromedical crews must learn to see in the dark. New data released this week shows 32 per cent of airlifts in the year’s first quarter so far have taken place at night.
Major coalition – Urgent mental health help needed in agriculture: NFF
A major coalition has sent a powerful message calling for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture. More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations have joined forces for the first time to launch a joint statement to address the crisis disproportionally affecting people in agriculture.
Councils vow to fight on
Despite the Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, turning a deaf ear to their pleas, regional councils and medical workers will continue their campaign for a greenfield site for a new Albury Wodonga hospital, which would service outlying areas including the Upper Murray.
Robot arrives at Toowoomba Hospital
Darling Downs Health patients requiring joint replacements will benefit from the arrival of the MAKO robot that uses 3D CT-based surgical planning to help orthopaedic surgeons complete joint replacements in a more accurate and precise manner ... "The MAKO robot assists us to accurately perform hip and knee replacements in several ways," Dr Wall said.
Bikers rally for charity
A phenomenal 26th annual Shag Gregory Memorial Poker Run was held on Saturday, attracting a staggering 188 poker hands and well over 200 participants ... The poker run is held every year in memory of local Shag (Edward) Gregory, raising money for Motor Neurone Disease, local charities and school scholarships.
Skiing for a reason through the Riverland
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland again hosted approximately 400 people taking part in a major fundraising relay focused on raising support for mental health. The 2025 Ski For Life travelled through the region last weekend, with participants finishing the 456km relay at the Renmark riverfront on Sunday.
Merging fashion with caring
Aged care residents in the Northern Rivers are benefiting from an innovative initiative called Our Timeless Threads, which merges fashion with caring. Founded by nurse and fashion designer Maia Willow, this program offers 1950s-inspired shopping experiences within care homes, ensuring that residents can enjoy style and self-expression in a comfortable setting.
