Novavax – getting ready to shine in 2022
Aware of the interest of many of our readers in knowing when the Novavax protein based Covid-19 vaccine might be available in Australia, Australian Rural & Regional News has obtained some positive feedback from the company.
Health service is up to challenge of fighting COVID-19, says chief
Cape York was rocked over the Christmas period when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the community. The chief executive of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Bev Hamerton gave half an hour of her time to Cape York Weekly editor Matt Nicholls to discuss the challenges.
Anyinginyi angered by gym eviction
Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation is calling out the behaviour of the Barkly Regional Council (BRC) for the eviction of the Corporation from the Sport and Recreation Centre. The town’s sole gym was built by Anyinginyi, maintained and operated for two decades on Purkiss Reserve. Anyinginyi Board Chairperson Ross Williams said the actions of Council are a repudiation of the Barkly Regional Deal’s intent to work together, co-operatively in the interests of the community.
Maldon Hospital amalgamation
Recent feedback on the possible amalgamation of Maldon Hospital and Castlemaine Health found two contrasting perspectives. Those who saw opportunity and those who were concerned about the loss of independence ... There were eight key themes identified from the findings: management structure, improved services, greater specialisation, transparency, loss of existing services, improved access to a diverse range of GP’s, diversity and local identity.
The brave fight MND
Taylah Pomery. On Sunday 28th of November the Debbie Davis School of Dance hosted the Fight MND Dance-a-thon at the Naracoorte Town Hall. In total, the event has made approximately $7,900 to go to the Fight MND charity, inspired by beloved community figure Peter Grieve ... The event highlighted the immense generosity of the Naracoorte and Bordertown community with over 80 local business donating prizes.
Govt/Dr dispute close to being resolved
Chris Oldfield. As Christmas looms, and the final 2021 edition of this newspaper goes to print, high level negotiations were taking place between the SA Government health officials, the Australian Medical Association and the Rural Doctors Association of SA. The News understands the intention on both sides was to resolve the rural doctor crisis crippling country SA. And in good faith, for three of the five unfilled 24-hour shifts on the Naracoorte hospital roster, local doctors are working together.
Naracoorte’s meth “doctor”
More than 50 dealers of methamphetamine are currently active in the Naracoorte area, with one allegedly moving $14,000 worth per week, it has been claimed. In recent weeks, The News has been approached by several concerned residents claiming consumption of the illicit drug is growing in the local area. One such source, who spoke to The News on the condition of anonymity, claimed more than 50 active methamphetamine dealers were operating in Naracoorte, with peddlers also selling the product in Lucindale, Bordertown, Keith, and Mount Gambier.
We’ve got to save our kids from COVID: NLC Chairman
Samuel Bush-Blanasi. The Northern Land Council supports the call by AMSANT that urgent steps are needed to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Katherine and the Big Rivers region of the NT. For everyone in the Katherine and Big Rivers region the CHO has given us all clear messages – get vaccinated; use the Territory Check In App; if you feel no good, stay away from work and other people and get tested for COVID-19; wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly and maintain social distancing where possible.
Braden out to break men’s mental health stigma
Nicholas Rupolo. Narrandera mental health youth advocate Braden Lyons says breaking the stigma for males seeking aid for their mental health must be broken in order to reverse the impacts of COVID-19 on young people in the Riverina. The comments come following Mission Australia’s Youth Survey showing attention to mental health and coping with stress was significant and important to young women more than young men.
Bright space for time out
Ali Bohn. “I wanted to make the bathrooms a nice, bright space to go when you’re feeling flat and I thought a nice mural of flowers would look really good": Barham Public School Captain, Shaylah Carter.
A massive $25,000 raised in walk
The Barham 2 Broome and Back virtual fundraising walk was held throughout November to raise money for the Local Health Medical Trust. The walk ended on Friday with a community walk and celebration ... Walkers signed up from right around our region, plus from as far away as Sydney and even Dubai!
Carnarvon’s $19.9 million Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care officially opens
WA Health Minister Roger Cook has officially opened Carnarvon's $19.9 million Gnullingoo Mia residential aged and palliative care home. This new aged care home has been integrated with the existing hospital to ensure residents have access to skilled aged care assessment, older patient initiatives and subacute programs, education and telegeriatrician services, while feeling comfortable, supported and at home.
Councillor pleads for hospital action
Gabrielle Duykers. A local councillor has implored council to “interfere” and take immediate action to address the shortage of emergency doctors at Naracoorte Hospital. As previously reported in The News, Naracoorte Hospital has been without a duty doctor three to four days each month during 2021, as a result of expired contracts with rural doctors across the state, as well as locally.
Rhythm First Aid
You may have noticed the new window display with artfully displayed bandages, band-aids and defibrillators at 22 High Street. Nurse Nicole Gleeson, started Rhythm First Aid three years ago, a training company delivering first aid training of the highest quality in a captivating and fun environment. Rhythm First Aid delivers first-aid courses to schools, parents, and businesses around Victoria.
Loud shirts … let’s talk about that
Geoff Helisma. As a shopper walks past the Yamba Fair Butchery, the ‘extra-loud’ shirts the butchers are wearing is likely to catch their attention and, perhaps, stimulate a thought: Why?
Loads of incentives for the vaccinated
Catherine Grimley. With the COVID-19 outbreak facing communities around Katherine and Robinson River, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation has ramped up its mobile vaccination clinic in the Barkly in order to keep the community safe.
Travis awarded Dare to Dream scholarship
“When I got Penny, it was just after my third operation on my leg. I was sad and frustrated, but she gave me the motivation to start living my dream. I couldn't wait to get off my crutches and start riding again. Penny was being trained to be an Olympic dressage horse, but she sustained a leg injury that she meant could no longer be an elite athlete. After a rest, she is sound and can be ridden, so she is like me now": Travis Newman, 13, cancer survivor and scholarship recipient.
Researchers examine COVID-19 modelling to improve regional NSW strategies
Recent research by a team at Charles Sturt University aims to help develop a robust research framework for regional New South Wales to help improve the control strategy for COVID-19 at the regional level in NSW. It can also assist other infectious disease epidemics.
Blue lease on life
Gabrielle Duykers. A dead tree outside Lucindale has been transformed into a bright blue beacon which local suicide prevention advocates hope will help spark conversations around mental health ... While the Blue Tree Project has seen 36 blue trees pop up around South Australia, the Lucindale addition is the first to feature in the Limestone Coast.
Book launch at the Book Wolf
Annabel Harz’s new book, 'Journey into the Shadow and Sunshine', is being launched at the Book Wolf on Friday 26 November at 6pm ... Her art and poetry are a blend of works from adolescent through to adulthood and are a powerful portrayal of the depths of depression and despair that many are able to relate to.
Are you a farmer who has been affected by bushfires?
Farmers who have been through a bushfire are wanted for a research project looking to gain a better understanding of the psychological impacts of bushfires and the support that farmers want in the aftermath. The lead researcher, Dr Kate Gunn, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist from the University of South Australia, herself grew up on a farm near Streaky Bay in South Australia.
Don’t make decisions about us without us: NLC
The Northern Land Council (NLC) has called on the Territory Government to stop making decisions without it. NLC announced this week it supports the call by the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) that a safe reopening of the Northern Territory must be based on a number of key principles and actions ... “This is about our lives, our people and our country. Governments have to think beyond the big cities when making important decisions about our mob out bush – don’t make decisions about us without us”: Samuel Bush-Blanasi, NLC Chairman.
