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Health News

Ballina Women’s Refuge

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Ballina Women’s Refuge

Ballina Women’s Refuge

A SAFE place for women and children to escape domestic violence in Ballina is under threat.

The Ballina Women’s Refuge provides a safe place for more than 130 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year and requires ongoing funding to deliver accommodation and vital domestic and family violence support services.

A campaign has been started to raise funds for the refuge as it struggles to survive without sufficient government support.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot raised the problem in parliament recently.

“The government must urgently support locals fleeing domestic violence,” she said.

“As a former police officer, I have seen first-hand how vital women’s refuges are in providing crisis accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“In Parliament today I made sure that the Liberals and Nationals were well aware of the impact of their lack of recurrent funding for places like Momentum Collective’s Ballina Women’s and Children’s Refuge – who are being forced to hold a fundraiser tomorrow just to keep their doors open.

“The New South Wales Government funding is due to cease on June 30 and the fact is, without further funding this service will be forced to close.”

Last year, Momentum Collective took over operation of the refuge.

“The refuge is currently run by local organisation Momentum Collective, who took on its operation last year when the charity running it was unable to get enough donations to stay open,” Ms Elliot said.

“Momentum Collective were specifically asked for the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice to take it over, and they received a one-off funding grant from the department, which now ceases at the end of this month.

“Momentum Collective stepped up to do their part, the local community, the business community stepped up to.

“Now it’s time for both the federal and state governments to do their part and urgently provide this desperately needed recurrent funding.”

In a bipartisan show of support, NSW MLC Catherine Cusack and MPs Tamara Smith and Janelle Saffin have all pitched in to help launch the Ballina refuge fundraising campaign, as well as local comedian Mandy Nolan.

Ms Nolan, the ambassador for the Ballina refuge campaign, says domestic and family violence is an issue that concerns the whole community.

She has lived experience of domestic and family violence and is passionate about the issue.

“Violence is not a women’s issue; it is a whole of community issue. As someone who grew up in domestic violence, I know what it’s like not to be a child and not have a safe space. As a woman who later lived in domestic violence, I know what it is like to feel the complex stigma,” Ms Nolan says.

“It is particularly difficult for women and children in regional areas to find safe space when they are moving away from violence. We know this is the time they are most at risk. This is why places like the Ballina Women and Children’s Refuge are so important. It provides the support and the protection so that women can start to rebuild their lives.”

Momentum Collective’s service director Sarah Dybing says the campaign launch demonstrated that domestic and family violence was everybody’s business.

“We appreciate the fact that our local MPs have come together here today to support the Ballina women’s and children’s refuge. It is the only safe harbour for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in our local community,” Ms Dybing said.

“Momentum Collective became involved to support the refuge in 2019, and began operating it in 2020, to ensure the doors remained opened. We now want to ensure the refuge can continue to operate with ongoing support services. Like the rest of Australia, Ballina is experiencing a housing crisis with a shortfall of affordable housing. It is vital that women and children in Ballina have a safe and stable place to go when they need to leave a violent and abusive environment.”

The Ballina community rallied last year to help renovate and refurbish the refuge to ensure that women and children seeking support would feel welcome and comfortable in the house, Ms Dybing said.

“Our team has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Ballina community with so many pitching in to help us. A number of small businesses have organised fundraising events and Ballina on Richmond Rotary has been a constant supporter,” she said.

“I would invite all of our local businesses to get on board with fundraising events and everyone in the community to help us by donating to the campaign. Every little bit helps us keep women and children safe and allows us to support families to overcome the trauma and upheaval brought on by domestic and family violence.”

NSW MLC Catherine Cusack said safety was a basic human right for women and children.
“Feeling and being at risk invades their every waking moment. It ruins work and education opportunities. It destroys self-esteem – and so in addition to providing accommodation, refuges provide expert support that can turn lives around.”

Visit the Momentum Collective website for more information on how to donate and fundraise for the Ballina Women’s and Children’s refuge: www.mymomentum.org.au/donate/

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NSW Expands Successful Short-Term Regional Health Deployment Program

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Regional Health Deployment Program

NSW Expands Successful Short-Term Regional Health Deployment Program

 

By Jeff Gibbs

A highly successful regional, rural, and remote health deployment program is set for expansion over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals for short-term placements across the state.

Launched in May 2023, the NSW Health Deployment Program was designed to address critical workforce needs by creating a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles ranging from two to 13 weeks. These placements offer a unique opportunity for healthcare workers to travel and work in regional, rural, and remote parts of NSW—with travel and accommodation costs fully covered.

The program’s success has seen 90 staff complete hundreds of deployments in priority areas such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology, and physiotherapy. NSW Health will now expand the program, increasing the team to around 400 health professionals to provide even greater support to regional communities.

Career and Lifestyle Opportunities

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park praised the program as a critical solution to one of the state’s biggest challenges—recruiting and retaining healthcare staff in rural and remote areas.

“Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in rural, regional, and remote hospitals is one of the biggest issues we face,” Minister Park said.

“This innovative program is not only attracting health workers to regional communities but also strengthening these areas by maintaining essential health services. I’ve heard stories of many professionals who found the experience so rewarding that they chose to stay, providing lasting benefits for patients and the community.”

Luke Sloane, NSW Health Deputy Secretary for Rural and Regional Health, called the program a fantastic career and lifestyle opportunity for health professionals seeking new experiences.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally,” Mr. Sloane said. “Many participants form lifelong friendships in the close-knit communities that welcome them with open arms.”

A First-Hand Perspective

Speech Pathologist Saffron Foy, who took part in the program, said it was a valuable experience that allowed her to expand her skills and embrace a new lifestyle.

“I joined the NSW Health Deployment Program because I wanted a change, and I loved the experience of working in unique and supportive rural communities,” Ms. Foy said.

“At first it was a little nerve-wracking, but the teams I was deployed to were so welcoming and inclusive that my nerves quickly disappeared. I highly recommend giving it a go—it’s a chance to experience something new, improve your skills, and enjoy a different lifestyle.”

Ongoing Recruitment and Expansion

NSW Health is currently recruiting healthcare workers from more than 20 professions for short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across the state.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to bolster the state’s health workforce, including:

  • Safe Staffing Levels initiative in emergency departments
  • Permanent funding for 1,112 full-time nurses and midwives
  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and health workers
  • $200.1 million investment in key worker accommodation
  • Deployment of 500 additional paramedics to regional, rural, and remote communities
  • Increased subsidies for regional health workers

Healthcare workers interested in short-term placements can register their interest via the NSW Health website.

 

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Should Teachers Police Lunch Boxes? The Debate Over Healthy Eating in Schools

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Healthy Eating in Schools

Should Teachers Police Lunch Boxes? The Debate Over Healthy Eating in Schools

 

By Robert Heyward

As schools across Australia strive to promote healthier eating habits among students, an emerging debate questions whether teachers should have the authority to regulate what children bring in their lunch boxes. Parents and dietitian’s argue that while encouraging nutritious choices is important, strict food policies—such as sending food home or preventing children from eating packed items—could do more harm than good, especially amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Lunch Box Scrutiny: Parents Speak Out

Marissa Waters, a mother from Clear Mountain in Moreton Bay, has encountered firsthand the scrutiny that some schools apply to children’s lunches. She recalls instances where her children’s snacks, considered harmless by her standards, were deemed inappropriate by school staff.

“They might have a treat—if you’d even call it that—like a muesli bar or an oat slice, and it would get sent home,” she explained. “My son, who’s in Grade One, wasn’t even allowed to eat it.”

Her daughter, currently in kindergarten, faced a different challenge. “She’s a slow eater, and they wouldn’t let her eat the sweet treats until she finished her entire lunch. But because of the time constraints, she missed out altogether.”

For Waters’ son, who has additional needs and struggles with certain foods, the rigid approach has only made mealtime more difficult.

“For them to say, ‘Pack cucumber’—I can tell you now, he won’t eat it,” she said. “They need to consider the individual needs of children, especially those with dietary sensitivities. If half the lunch goes uneaten and comes home, it’s just wasteful.”

The Psychological Impact of Food Policing

Paediatric dietitian Fiona Nave warns that imposing restrictions on children’s lunches could have unintended psychological consequences.

“We never want to associate shame with food choices,” she said. “Sending an item home or forbidding a child from eating it creates an emotional connection to food that we should be avoiding.”

Waters has also noticed inconsistencies in her son’s school’s approach to healthy eating.

“A child in his class brought cupcakes for a birthday, and they were sent home,” she said. “Yet, the tuckshop sells chocolate chip cookies, brownies, meat pies, and other ‘red food’ items. It doesn’t make sense.”

Nave agrees that schools should ensure tuckshops align with their own messaging.

“Tuckshops work hard to provide variety, but they should consider how they can make healthier swaps,” she suggested. “For example, using high-quality lean meat in sausages and serving them on wholemeal bread instead of hot dogs. Even swapping breaded chicken for grilled chicken can make a difference.”

Who Decides What’s in the Lunch Box?

Waters believes that ultimately, it should be parents who decide what their children eat. Nave, while advocating for balanced nutrition, agrees that communication between teachers and parents is key.

“Teachers have the best intentions, but if there are concerns about a child’s nutrition, conversations should be approached with sensitivity,” she said. “No parent should feel judged, but they should also be mindful of how food choices impact their child’s learning and energy levels.”

Education Queensland has clarified that while schools can encourage healthy eating, the contents of a child’s lunch box remain the responsibility of parents.

“Our Smart Choices strategy provides guidelines for tuckshops but does not regulate home-packed meals,” a spokesperson said.

What Makes a Healthy Lunch Box?

For parents aiming to pack a nutritious and balanced meal, Nave offers a simple formula:

  • Fruits and vegetables: Crunchy options like tomatoes, cucumbers, snow peas, or raw carrots
  • Protein: Lean meats such as grilled chicken, falafel, cheese cubes, or yoghurt
  • Carbohydrates: Wholegrain sandwiches, rice, or pasta

When it comes to discretionary foods, she stresses the importance of balance.

“Forty percent of children’s diets come from processed, low-nutrient foods,” she noted. “If a child isn’t getting enough nutritious food at school, parents should look for opportunities to introduce fruits and vegetables at other times of the day.”

As the debate continues, one question remains: where is the line between promoting healthy habits and over-policing children’s diets? With the cost of living on the rise, ensuring every child gets enough to eat—without shame or restriction—should be the priority.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

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Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

 

By Ian Rogers

NSW Health Issues Urgent Warning Over Cosmetic Injection Risks

NSW Health has issued a public health alert following a suspected case of botulism in a Sydney woman, believed to be linked to an unregulated anti-wrinkle injection administered at a private residence. The woman is currently receiving intensive care at a Sydney hospital as health authorities investigate the case.

Authorities are urging the public to ensure that cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, are only performed by appropriately registered and licensed practitioners. NSW Health is working closely with the Health Care Complaints Commission and NSW Police to examine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, emphasized the severe health risks associated with unregulated cosmetic procedures.

“Cosmetic injections, when improperly administered, can cause severe health complications, including life-threatening conditions,” Dr. McAnulty stated. “Although botulism is rare, it can be fatal, which is why it is crucial to receive cosmetic treatments only from authorised medical professionals.”

Understanding the Risks: Symptoms of Botulism

Botulism is a serious condition caused by toxins that affect the nervous system, leading to progressive muscle paralysis. Symptoms may appear up to two weeks after exposure and can worsen rapidly. NSW Health is urging anyone who has recently undergone cosmetic injections, especially from unregulated sources, to be vigilant for the following symptoms:

  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  • Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
  • Difficulty breathing

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency department or calling Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance.

The Importance of Choosing Licensed Practitioners

The incident highlights the risks associated with cosmetic procedures performed outside of accredited medical facilities. NSW Health advises consumers to verify the credentials of any practitioner before undergoing treatment. Only registered professionals with appropriate training should be performing cosmetic injections.

“The use of botulinum toxin in cosmetic treatments requires expert knowledge to ensure patient safety,” Dr. McAnulty stressed. “Unregulated providers may not only lack the necessary expertise but may also be using unsafe or counterfeit products.”

Where to Seek Advice and Assistance

For non-emergency health concerns, individuals can contact Healthdirect Australia at 1800 022 222 for professional medical advice. This free service connects callers with registered nurses who can provide guidance on appropriate care options.

Consumers are also encouraged to report any concerns regarding unregulated cosmetic treatments to the Health Care Complaints Commission for further investigation.

With the increasing popularity of cosmetic enhancements, NSW Health urges the public to prioritise safety over convenience. Choosing a qualified practitioner not only ensures better results but also protects individuals from serious and potentially life-threatening health risks.

 

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Coalition to Reinstate Full Medicare-Supported Mental Health Services

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Kevin Hogan at the new Mental Health Services Headspace in Grafton

Coalition to Reinstate Full Medicare-Supported Mental Health Services

 

By Jeff Gibbs

The Coalition has announced its commitment to reinstate the 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, which were halved by the current government. This move aims to ensure Australians have access to the mental health support they need.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, highlighted the urgency of restoring these services amidst rising costs of living and increasing mental health challenges.

“With the cost of living going up, many families and individuals are struggling, and the Government’s cuts have left people without the care they need,” Mr. Hogan said.

Criticism of Current Cuts

Mr. Hogan strongly criticised the Labor Government’s decision to reduce the sessions from 20 to 10, claiming it ignores the needs of Australians living with long-term mental health conditions.

“By making these cuts, the Government has ignored the needs of Australians who live with long-term mental health issues. This shows they don’t take mental health seriously or see it as a priority.”

A Commitment to Mental Health

The Coalition’s proposal aims to ensure individuals have access to the full care their doctors recommend.

“We understand how important it is for people with mental health challenges to get the full support their doctors recommend. We will make sure they have access to that care,” Mr. Hogan said.

Mental Health as a National Priority

The Coalition believes mental health should be treated as a national priority. By reinstating the full subsidy, the party aims to deliver affordable, compassionate, and effective care to Australians in need.

This policy commitment underscores the Coalition’s recognition of mental health as a cornerstone of well-being and their dedication to addressing the needs of the community.

 

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Does Watching TV Increase Dementia Risk?

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Does watching TV increase dementia risk

Does Watching TV Increase Dementia Risk?

 

By Robert Heyward

New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) sheds light on the relationship between sedentary activities and cognitive health, revealing that the type of sedentary behaviour plays a significant role in maintaining brain function.

The study, which assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults aged 60 and above, underscores that not all sitting activities are equal when it comes to protecting cognitive abilities.

Which Activities Benefit Brain Health?

The findings reveal that sedentary activities involving mental stimulation or social engagement — such as reading, crafting, listening to music, praying, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others — are beneficial for memory and thinking skills.

In contrast, passive behaviours like watching television or playing video games were found to have a detrimental effect on cognitive health.

According to researchers, there appears to be a hierarchy in how different sedentary activities impact the brain. Some activities support cognitive function, while others may increase the risk of decline. This insight is crucial, especially since approximately 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors.

Why Context Matters

Dr. Maddison Mellow, a UniSA researcher, emphasised the importance of understanding the context of sedentary behaviours.

“We discovered that the context of an activity significantly influences how it relates to cognitive function. Activities that encourage mental stimulation or social interaction, such as reading or conversing with friends, are far more beneficial than passive activities like TV watching or gaming.”

While physical activity remains a top recommendation for reducing dementia risk, Dr. Mellow highlighted that even swapping one sedentary activity for a more engaging one could improve brain health.

“Our findings suggest a need for a more nuanced approach. For brain health, the message isn’t just about ‘moving more and sitting less’ — it’s about choosing activities that engage the mind and foster connection.”

How to Support Cognitive Health

Taking care of your brain doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, intentional adjustments can have lasting benefits:

  • Prioritise enjoyable physical activities: Regular movement that gets the heart rate up is highly protective for both brain and physical health.
  • Make time swaps: Replace some passive activities with mentally or socially stimulating ones. For instance, swap an hour of TV for reading, crafting, or talking with a friend.
  • Incorporate movement breaks: Even during a movie marathon or a gaming session, break up prolonged sitting with five-minute stretches or short bursts of physical activity.

“Every small change counts,” Dr. Mellow advised. “Even minor shifts, like choosing a book over binge-watching, can build healthier habits over time.”

Building a Cognitive Health Routine

With dementia risks largely influenced by lifestyle choices, integrating stimulating sedentary activities and regular physical movement into daily life can offer powerful protection against cognitive decline.

While it’s clear that physical activity remains the gold standard for brain health, this research highlights a key takeaway: not all sitting is bad, but the type of sedentary activity matters.

By making thoughtful choices in how we spend our time, we can nurture both mind and body, reducing the risk of dementia and fostering long-term well-being.

 

For more local news, click here.

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