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. […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
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 […]
Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
IF you were born in the late 1970s onwards, you are 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) […]
Bullying No Way Week has ended, however conversations can’t stop. Photo: Shutterstock.
FOR Port Stephens families, the end of Bullying No Way Week should not mean the end of conversations about bullying. Parents, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are being encouraged to keep checking in with young people after new Kids Helpline figures highlighted the seriousness of the issue. More than 627,000 students nationally took part […]
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.
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 […]
Participants at the Visions for Healthy Country forum. Photo: Supplied.
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 […]
THE foundation of the Dignity organisation is simple, yet profound. ‘By keeping people, families and community at the heart of everything we do, and providing essential services, such as a safe place, nourishing food, new clothes and education, we walk alongside people on their journey back “home”.’ In the Port Macquarie Hastings region, the flag […]
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.
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 […]
Blokes Coffee Time at Agostina’s Cafe in Port Macquarie.
BLOKES Coffee Time was founded on 3 February 2021 at Sea Acres Rainforest Café, Port Macquarie.Ten men attended that first meet-up. At the most recent gathering, on Wednesday 8 July at Agostina’s Cafe in William Street, there were three dozen. There was lots of warm conversation and camaraderie and the sound of male voices filled […]
