Health

Sebastian Calderon. A local nursing home recently organised a week of arts, crafts, and creative activities aimed to put smiles on the faces of its residents. The Riverview Lutheran Rest Home in Loxton held a ‘show week’ with residents and visitors enjoying activities organised to boost the mood and happiness of everyone involved.

Hay’s Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) hosted a very well attended open day at Hay Multipurpose Service (MPS) ... More than 65 community members and service providers gathered on the lawns for morning tea, before tours of McFarland Wing were given by Acting Facility Manager Melissa O’Brien.

Sarah Herrmann. More than 30 brave souls waded into the cold Wallaroo seawater at 6.45am last week as part of a national tour to raise awareness and money for mental health ... Australia-wide community movement and not-for-profit organisation Cold Nips completed its 71st of 100 sunrise dips at beaches across the country over 100 days.

In a remarkable show of solidarity, neighbourhood houses in the Buloke, Gannawarra, Mildura Rural City and Swan Hill Rural City councils added “Blue Trees” to their towns on World Mental Health Day ... in support of the Blue Tree Project. Incorporating “Blue Trees” into the Mallee landscape was a Mallee Neighbourhood House Network initiative…. to raise awareness and encourage people in the Mallee to have open and honest conversations about mental health.

The Dunoon Run Club meets for social runs in the village of Dunoon ... Woody has unleashed his writing talent on a "Spotlight on a Runner" series of articles, starting with Bronwen who has been running for the last 4 years. At 61, Bronwen’s running journey has taken her from quiet village streets to the world’s most iconic marathon courses.

Over the past 20 years, RFDS has operated across more than 300 airstrips throughout Far West and Western NSW. Some of these, such as the service's regular clinic airstrips, are part of routine flights, whilst others are access in emergency situations. With so many airstrips available to the RFDS, it is crucial they maintain up-to-date information for each location.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress rarely misses an opportunity to preach its alcohol control gospel. This time it’s a lecture for the new NT Government not to wind back supply regulations lest this leads to “a wave of alcohol related domestic violence, assaults, and social disorder”. And as previously, the health NGO’s reasoning is based on selected facts supporting its objectives.

Preventing injuries, accidents, bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct while at work will be a focus this month - National Safe Work Month ... Although some people have died while working in their own businesses, helping to keep employees safe in the workplace is behind recent reforms to work health and safety laws. SA Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher announced the “significant reforms” ...

Serena Kirby. Denmark GP Dr Alex Sleeman knows first hand how life can change in an instant. He suffered serious injuries last month when his tractor rolled and pinned him underneath while working on his Peace Street property ... Speaking from his bed in Royal Perth Hospital’s spinal unit, Alex said he was lucky to be alive.

Serena Kirby. The Denmark St John community transport service capabilities have expanded with the recent purchase of a second vehicle. Established in late 2018 to transport residents to non-urgent medical, hospital and allied health appointments, the service has made more than 2700 trips around Denmark and Albany ... “We have nearly 20 volunteer drivers on the roster and all hold a first aid certificate but more importantly they all have a strong desire to help others and enjoy meeting and talking to people”: Yvonne Hortin, Service coordinator.

Following the adoption of the Central Goldfields Food Systems Roadmap in September, the Central Goldfields Food Network will reconvene to lead its implementation.

Joanna Tucker. The South Australian Government has announced a significant expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, aiming to alleviate pressure on GPs and hospital emergency departments by allowing pharmacists to manage a wider range of health conditions. Under the new program, South Australians will be able to visit local pharmacies for common ailments ... in addition to already available services like medication for urinary tract infections and oral contraceptive pill resupply.

Local paramedics and ACOs from the Nhill and Kaniva branches were recently recognised for their dedication and service at the Grampians Staff Service Awards ... The awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of paramedics, acknowledging their long service and commitment to safe driving.

The Tarrangower Times caught up with Maldon Fire Brigade Captain Sean McCubbin last week, with the intention of talking about his recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. In the end, the interview ranged far and wide. Sean speaks his mind, is passionate about many issues, knows Maldon like the back of his hand and has a bunch of entertaining stories.

Anyone around the streets on Sunday or Monday could not have failed to notice the number of colourful, accessory laden vehicles driving around Wilcannia and White Cliffs. Seventy non-4 wheel drive cars, which had to cost less than $1,500 to purchase or prepare.

Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) has issued a blue-green algae ‘Red Alert’ for Mannus Lake and warning signs are in effect at key recreational areas around the lake. Red alert levels represent ‘bloom’ conditions.

This year, global grain production will be somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0 billion tonnes, of that around 500 million tonnes will be available for export ... Take your pick as to the impact of going organic, but on average, between a third and half the world starves. But what about just taking out paraquat and glyphosate—the foundation chemicals for no-till farming?

It’s an unusual story—one we hardly get to hear or read about in Naracoorte. It’s a story of our small community and our people coming together to help raise funds to alleviate the sufferings of women and children in a community and country not part of Australia—Mengaumenau, PNG. Imagine finding yourself in a place where there is no one at all to help you deliver your baby.

Serena Kirby. An increase in children experiencing mental health crises and presenting at the region’s emergency departments has led to a new crisis response service. Run by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, the acute care response team will be based in Albany but will cover Denmark and the Great Southern.