Heated pool gets the nod
It was D-Day for Hay’s proposed hydrotherapy pool last Tuesday, the culmination of a 30-year effort by the Hay community. The pendulum was swinging between the need for a heated pool and Council’s deliberation on replacing the ageing John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool.
Susan Close keeps blue-green algae sludge secret despite health warning for River Murray: Centofanti, Whetstone
Blue-green algae sludge – which poses health risks to humans and livestock – has begun trickling down the River Murray from New South Wales after Susan Close agreed to accept the concerning bacteria in South Australia without warning communities ... the NSW Government recognising “not only is the foul smell and colour of the water extremely distressing for the local community, blue-green algae can also pose potential health risks to humans and livestock”.
For rural patients and doctors – “blatantly unfair” deal on urgent care
The Rural Doctors Association of Victoria (RDAV) has called for a better deal for Victoria’s rural patients and rural doctors when it comes to how emergency care is funded in Victoria’s Urgent Care Centres (UCCs), saying the current system is "blatantly unfair" to both patients and doctors.
Save our SOS
Joanna Tucker. Suicide awareness organisation SOS Yorkes is on the brink of collapse unless more volunteers can be found immediately ... Chair Ann Clothier said, if SOS Yorkes — which was founded in 2015 and stands for Stamp Out Suicide — cannot find a new secretary and treasurer in the next few weeks, the service will cease at the end of this month.
Spreading illness down generations
Ted Sterle and Don Fuller. The explosion of type two diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and renal failure among remote and closed NT Aboriginal communities – at least 10 times the incidence among non-Aboriginal people – can be tracked to poor lifestyle choices not only within individuals: Such acquired changes can be passed on to the offspring down generations.
‘Forest of the Fallen’ visits Kerang
600 bamboo stakes stood amongst the crowd at the Kerang Community Market on Saturday. Each stake held the story of an Australian who had an adverse reaction to the mandated Covid-19 therapeutic.
A reprieve for regional patients: Doctor tax backflip
Regional Victorians can breathe easy after five years of advocacy and the Victorian Liberal-National Opposition’s criticisms embarrassed the State Government into pausing its $10 million doctor tax, the Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health, Dr Anne Webster, said at the weekend.
Local resident finds fulfillment in volunteering at Maldon Hospital
Dale Tudor, a dedicated volunteer at the Maldon campus of Dhelkaya Health, shares his story to inspire others to join in giving back to the community. "After spending time visiting my dad here, I got to know the staff, and eventually, I decided to become a volunteer" ... Dale finds joy in connecting with both residents and staff.
New team set for medical centre
Barham & District Medical Centre, our community owned facility, will transition to a new management team in the coming weeks. The Executive Committee of Local Health Medical Trust (LHMT) met with the Kingston Village Super Clinic team on Friday morning to discuss details and assist with their smooth transition into the Barham-Koondrook community.
Budget 2024: What does it mean for you?
When Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Albanese government’s 2024 budget last week it was touted as a ‘cost-of-living budget’, aimed at relieving the pressure of everyday costs. Member for Farrer and Opposition Party Deputy Leader, Sussan Ley is concerned at the lack of money for the bush. “My key concern is the $315 billion in new spending by Labor risks adding further to inflation and keeping interest rates higher for longer,” Ms Ley told The Riverine Grazier.
New recruit “Lance” brings life-saving message
This Volunteer’s Week, visitors to the Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park may notice a new addition to the flock: a sheep named Amb-ewe-lance, or Lance for short! Lance is here to promote a crucial message about first aid and community safety.
Dorothy’s exceptional endowment
For 25 years now, the Donald District Hospital Foundation has been selflessly giving to the community ... now, the Foundation truly is seeing its generosity returned in kind. In a heartwarming gesture, the Donald District Hospital Foundation has been presented with a remarkable bequest of $635,000 from the late Miss Dorothy Onley.
Local maternity service makes history
Dhelkaya Health has made history by welcoming the very first baby born via a planned caesarean through their midwifery group practice model. Eloise and Peter welcomed their daughter Asta Nicole Batten into the world via planned caesarean on 16 April.
Red dirt to reef for water warriors
The 2024 Variety Victoria Bash will kick off in August with cars 25 years or older piloted by teams raising money for Victorian children living with disabilities, illnesses, or experiencing disadvantage. A local team of Water Warriors is taking a 1988 Nissan GQ Patrol on the journey from Swan Hill to Airlie Beach ... Doug hopes the trip will be a great chance to raise funds for the kids and also give them an opportunity to highlight the current water issues on the way.
History made on $1.2 billion new Bundaberg Hospital project: Miles, Dick, Grace, Fentiman
The Miles Government has made a landmark investment of $1.2 billion towards a new Bundaberg Hospital which will transform healthcare for patients, carers and staff for generations to come ... The new hospital will have more than 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds, expanded emergency department, additional operating theatres and a wider range of outpatient and diagnostic services.
73-year-old Iluka man’s new Australian record
A 73-year-old Iluka man who says he became "stuck in paradise" during Covid lockdowns has gained a new lease on life by training at Bodyrock Fitness which recently led to him setting an Australian Powerlifting record in his first competition. When they could escape Victoria following the first Covid lockdown, Grant "Riley" Oppy and his wife hit the road travelling around Australia...
Ground broken at new Toowoomba Hospital
Construction of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus in Cranley is officially underway.The ceremonial sod turning event was held last Friday and was attended by politicians and health department figures.
Maari Ma Health Centre opens
In a fitting opening, two local residents cut the ribbon to declare the new $9m Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Care building officially opened. Shirely Evans and Ngearie Cattermole cut the ribbon and then the cake ... With the holistic concept of the centre, Maari Ma is providing culturally appropriate health services.
Just a Farmer
Home grown movie aims its lens at suicide prevention in the bush. Farmer Leila McDougall is determined to raise awareness about farmer suicide after "losing too many people."
Pivotal moment for Moringa production in Australia and New Zealand: AgriFutures Australia
The world has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding superfood Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing tree known for its extraordinary nutritional benefits. Almost every part of the moringa tree, from its high-protein green leaves to its seed oil, is edible and packed with essential nutrients.
MDMA, art and nature to be used in trial for flood disaster trauma
New research on how to treat people with PTSD brought on by the 2022 floods was announced at Southern Cross University in Lismore ... Leading the research is Professor James Bennett-Levy ... The research project has many ‘firsts’ in its approach.
Getting life into death right
Wayne Hawthorne. “It's your life and your death – get your words right and the process right” was the message Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club learnt recently. The talk was about “ACD’s” (Advanced Care Directives) which, in 2014 replaced the old Enduring Guardian Power of Attorney ... Brian Gepp spoke of his experience caring for his wife with progressively worsening dementia.
