Health

Relationships, social support, physical fitness and a sense of belonging are key elements for positive mental health, and being part of a sporting community like the Birchip-Watchem Football, Netball and Hockey Club ticks all these boxes ... Following the headspace round, the National Centre for Farmer Mental Health also jumped on board and provided funding from its flood recovery program "Building Farm Spirit" ...

In recent weeks headspace Swan Hill has actively partnered with twenty-four local sporting clubs to deliver important mental health messages and strategies in three leagues across the North Central and Mallee communities.

The NSW Government has rolled out 80 new four-wheel drive ambulances across the state, which will allow paramedics to access patients in challenging terrain, the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park announced on 13 June 2023. These purpose built 4WD ambulance vehicles are used to access patients in situations where standard ambulances would not be able to, particularly in regional and remote areas.

CANEGROWERS is calling on the federal,  state and territory governments to redouble their efforts to halt the march of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), following the release of a damning report on the failure of the current eradication program.  The report, which has been kept under wraps for two years, makes clear that the current strategy will not only fail to eradicate RIFA, but will be unable to stop the global super-pest from spreading beyond south-east Queensland.

A New urgent care clinic where a child with a high fever or someone with severe lacerations or a suspected broken bone can be taken will open soon in the City of Wanneroo. Yesterday the Albanese Government announced that Ocean Keys Family Practice in Clarkson has been given approval to operate a Medicare urgent care clinic.

Kyogle artist Rebecca Tapscott chose to paint a self-portrait at a low point in her life. She was going through radiation treatment to eliminate cancer that had returned to her body from her 2017 breast cancer. Her portrait doesn’t shy away from that harrowing experience.

Wiradjuri man Buddy Oldman is about to be immortalised in the history books. Under the guidance of the Guinness World Records, the World Champion Masters Boxer is proud to confirm that he will be punching a boxing bag for 72 hours to set a new world record to raise awareness for mental health ... Buddy answers a few questions from ARR.News.

Since its beginnings in 2013, the NDIS has helped many people with disabilities all around Australia to live fuller lives, but like any long term program, it sometimes needs to be reviewed to ensure that it is still able to meet the needs and expectations of the community.

The Northern Territory (NT) is currently experiencing an outbreak of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), with 7 confirmed cases this year, including 2 deaths. This is the highest number of cases ever recorded in a single year and compares to 2 cases over the previous 5 years across the Territory.

The multi-award winning documentary ‘Solstice’, about survivors of suicide, including interviews with local people who have been impacted by tragedy, will screen in Corryong next week. The inspiration for the film had its genesis with the Winter Solstice event that happens in Albury for survivors of suicide and those struggling with their mental ill health.

"Having spoken at length to several pharmacists in my electorate, my greatest concern is for residents of small communities like Goombungee, Kingsthorpe, Cambooya and Westbrook," Mr Hamilton said. "The small local pharmacies in these towns simply are not large enough to sustain significant changes to their business model."

It wasn’t until 1937 that the Flying Doctor started looking at servicing Wilcannia. In June 1937 the Barrier Miner reported that "the "flying doctor," Dr. L. E. Odium, accompanied by Pilot Anneal', left at 12.30 o'clock to-day ' on a survey flight to Wilcannia. : He expects to return to Broken Hill shortly after 5 o'clock this evening, and if he has the time to spare - will make a call at Menindee on the return journey.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will celebrate its 95th anniversary of operation on 17 May 2023, as the world-famous organisation edges closer to a centenary of service ... "Within the South Eastern Section we offer GP clinics, extensive mental health and alcohol and other drug services, dental services and reproductive health services": Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) CEO Greg Sam.

The 31st May has been declared World No Tobacco Day and this year’s theme is "Grow food, not tobacco" in reference to the contribution that tobacco growing makes to food insecurity, according to the World Health Organization. Wednesday morning Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation took over Peko Park to educate the public to the consequences and dangers of smoking and offering strategies and support for those looking to try giving up.

The recent cold snap gave Corryong’s newest doctor pause for thought about the move from the Sunshine Coast to the Upper Murray but he says the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Dr Tyson Pardon graduated from Griffith University in 2018 and has chosen Corryong Health as an introduction to General Practice (GP).

Thirteen years ago, Dr Geisel answered the call of Allora residents for a local doctor who would start a new chapter in our community. Warwick lost the service of Dr Geisel where she had practiced for twenty years. Dr Geisel commented that it was her concern about our community being so desperate for a doctor and she thought she would like to try and work in a small community.

From the days when smoking in the hospital room was the norm, and becoming a nurse saw you trade in much of your freedom to live full time in nurses' quarters at the hospital, to advances in technology, a COVID pandemic and everything in between, Pam van Kempen has been through it all, and she’s here to share her tale ahead of her well-deserved retirement.

Layla is not your average Border Collie/Moodle cross. As a trained Positive Response Assistance dog, she offers unwavering support and grounding to her owner and Council librarian, Caitlin. These dogs assist people whose lives are often severely compromised by anxiety and fear.

This is the ninth consecutive year of the FightMND movement, and for this year, for teacher Kim Griffiths and the Year 12 Donald High School girls, it’s personal. Tony Goode was a vital part of the heart of the school. For this year, as it was last year, the funds raised from the FightMND beanies and socks will be in honour of him.  

LifeFlight Australia’s highly anticipated, brand new Roma helicopter base has officially opened its doors, with a formal ceremony on 30 May 2023, to mark the momentous occasion ... “For people in real need in isolated circumstances – there is no sight better than the vision of a LifeFlight rescue helicopter coming into view during an emergency”: Australian Country Choice CEO Anthony Lee.

"Saving Men’s lives" is the catchcry of the Rotary Men’s health education rule van. MHERV is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in collaboration with local Rotary clubs and other community groups in each area it visits. With the support of the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution (RFBI) a registered nurse undertakes free basic check-ups for ‘blokes’ to come in and have a free health check.

Toowoomba patients in crisis now have access to enhanced mental health services in their own home, thanks to the joint efforts of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Health. The Toowoomba Mental Health Co-Responder Service, which became operational last Wednesday, pairs a QAS senior paramedic with a senior mental health clinician from Darling Downs Health in order to deliver fast, collaborative specialist care.