Health

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.