Health

Farmers rely on good weather to grow crops and sustain livestock, so when the Bureau of Meteorology issues an El Niño warning, it’s a bitter pill to swallow given that so many farmers and rural communities across Australia are still reeling from recent floods. Now, researchers at the UniSA are hoping to connect with farmers who have been affected by the 2022-23 floods to better understand their first-hand experiences and how they would like to be supported to regain optimal wellbeing.

With three captivating seasons firmly under its belt, full of candid stories from farmers and rural locals across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, a new season of podcast series ‘Farmer Wants a Healthy Life’ is here.

Rod Harding. On R U OK? Day (the second Thursday in September), fifteen people gathered on the veranda at the Coral Caf̩, most of whom were hearing about the R U OK? movement for the first time. Amongst them were two tourists, Glenys and me Рthe rest were islanders.

In an impressive feat, Roper Gulf Regional Council has successfully lead a ground breaking feral pig management and removal program in the communities of Numbulwar and Ngukurr last month. This initiative underscores the solid commitment to the health and well-being of all residents, particularly in addressing the significant health risks associated with feral pigs, including the threat of Japanese encephalitis.

While many countries around the world look at their handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Covid-19 inquiry appears to be about as effective as a cloth mask for a virus particle size of 50-140 nanometres. The inquiry will not have the same powers as a royal commission and will exclude decisions made solely by state and territory governments during the pandemic response...

The Zack Lockes Flock will be hosting a Big Blue Picnic as a mental health month activity next month in the grounds of St Mark’s Church Warwick. The Big Blue Picnic is a fundraiser for Beyond Blue and will incorporate the official opening of St Mark’s Blue Garden.

Michelle Daw. General practitioners warn a move by the state government to enforce payroll tax on GPs who are not employees could make their practices unviable and force them to close. Revenue SA announced the proposed imposition of payroll tax on South Australian GPs in June...

ABC Trailblazer winner Hayden McDonald will fly into Charlton next Monday, September 25, for a special community event at The Rex Theatre ... Hayden is autistic and a pilot, and has established “Wings Without Barriers” to combine his passions for aviation and promoting real inclusion for people on the spectrum.  

Barkly Region Sport Education has a very famous mascot, Bernie, who travels the region with Pam Dillon, the Barkly Region Sport Education Coordinator. Students in all the Barkly schools know Bernie and are keen to have their photo taken with him when he visits their school.

Last week, the Lions Free Skin Cancer Screening Unit was stationed in Nhill for three days. The team ... are all to be congratulated on their service throughout the three very busy days of screening. A few statistics ... show ... the obvious need for such a service in our area.

Muchea trainer Alan Mathews’ fall from an unraced horse resulted in an operation and a short stint in rehabilitation ... Mathews, who has won six Perth Cups, said the accident that put him in hospital was a fall from a horse that wasn’t even going fast.

Erica Paynter. Australians are famous for stepping up when there is a need and our local district again has not disappointed. Some time ago we sent out a request in On Our Selection News asking for people to make cotton drawstring dignity bags that could be used by one of our hospitals to supply basic toiletries to patients ...

Thanks to overwhelming support from the communities it serves, West Wimmera Health Service has unveiled and commenced using its new X-Ray machine. The new digital X-Ray machine offers shorter exposure times, more accurate imaging, faster examination times, and reduced radiation dose.

Michelle Daw. Chemists on Yorke Peninsula are cutting back on opening hours and making other changes to save money in response to the introduction of 60-day dispensing on September 1 ... “The funding cuts as a result of this new model will cost the average pharmacy $180,000 per year in lost gross profit — the profit which pays the bills and keeps the pharmacy open and brings a resident pharmacist to town with pay and accommodation”: Noel Allen.

Men’s Shed Week is being celebrated from September 3 to 9. It’s an annual event that aims to raise community awareness, knowledge and interest in Men’s Sheds around the country.  Men’s Sheds are vital community investments delivering programs and activities that foster community spirit and contribute to building a more inclusive Australia.  

Every September, Women’s Health Week is celebrated with a different theme every year. For this year, the theme was "Grow your Knowledge". Bec Way, the local school nurse … organised a day out at the Juno Centre for primary school students.

The mass frog mortality event occurred at the lagoon last week, prompting the immediate closure of the popular nature park near Naracoorte. While DEW has confirmed a suspected chytrid fungus outbreak in the area, it has cautioned the public to stay on paths and help reduce the potential spread of the disease.