NEW South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has welcomed the gambling reform package announced by the Minns Government, saying the changes include practical measures that will reduce gambling harm in NSW. However, the peak body for the state’s social and community services warns that the package leaves out important measures recommended by the Independent […]
Combat and collision-based ‘sports’ catch Government’s eye
IF you or members of your family spend time on social media, there’s every chance that you have been exposed to new and emerging forms of combat and collision-based activities. They include bareknuckle boxing, power slap (which is exactly what it sounds like) and something called Run Nation Championship (RNC). Google describes RNC as “a […]
Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments
THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]
Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date
PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost
THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]
Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan sits with members of the crossbench as he crosses the floor during a division on the Gambling Reform Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Image.
Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling
COWPER MP Pat Conaghan crossed the floor in the Federal House of representatives for the first time in his parliamentary career on Tuesday, 18 August, to vote against watered-down legislation governing gambling advertising. Mr Conaghan said he did not believe the legislation adequately considered the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary […]
Aboriginal organisations strengthen partnerships through Healthy Country forum
ABORIGINAL organisations from across the North Coast gathered at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to share knowledge, celebrate progress and strengthen partnerships through the Visions for Healthy Country project. The forum brought together Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Traditional Owner groups, industry representatives and project partners to discuss Aboriginal-led land management and environmental stewardship. Funded by the […]
Stroke survivor Thomas Graham talks about resilience and recovery
STROKE survivor Thomas Graham spoke at the Port Macquarie Hastings Library on Wednesday 29 July ahead of Stroke Awareness Week, which runs from 3-9 August. Thomas’ talk explored how his life changed after he experienced a pontine stroke in May 2023. He wrote a book chronicling the intensive physiotherapy program he followed to regain his […]
Seven suspected cases of bird flu have been detected in greater crested terns, a common coastal species in Australia. Photo: AAP Image/Andrew Stafford.
Seven suspected bird flu cases in native species
THE poultry industry is on alert after seven suspected bird flu cases were found in native species, potentially marking a new phase for the outbreak. The poultry industry is on alert after seven sick greater crested terns were found in South Australia’s southeast, sparking fears of a local transmission. Five were collected from Southend in […]
Finding purpose beyond dementia
LYNNY Murphy has been living in the Camden Haven for 30 years. She plays bocce, indoor bowls and cards, and surrounds herself with positive people at every opportunity. Eating well, gardening, socialising and laughing as much as possible are important facets of her everyday life, and she is adamant that she is much more than […]
