NSW Health Urges Residents to Take Precautions Amid Heatwave

By Ian Rogers

As parts of New South Wales brace for heatwave conditions this week, NSW Health is reminding residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the risks associated with extreme heat.

Dr. Stephen Conaty, NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, emphasised the seriousness of heat-related illnesses, especially with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees in some areas.

“Extreme heat can be life-threatening. It’s vital to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take measures to stay cool and hydrated,” Dr. Conaty said.

Tips to Stay Safe During Heatwaves

• Keep Your Home Cool: Close blinds and curtains early to block out heat.
• Stay Indoors: Avoid being outside during the hottest times of the day.
• Hydrate Often: Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty, and carry a water bottle when outdoors.
• Outdoor Work Precautions: Wear a hat, take regular breaks, and stay out of direct sunlight during peak heat.

Looking Out for Vulnerable Groups

Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Dr. Conaty urged people to check in on their neighbours, friends, and family members to ensure they are staying safe during the heatwave.

Recognising Heat-Related Illness

Signs of heat-related illness include:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue and muscle cramps.

What to Do:

• Move to a shaded or cool area.
• Use a fan or air conditioning.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Sip water slowly.

For more severe symptoms, such as a sudden rise in body temperature, absence of sweating, aggressive or strange behaviour, or seizures, seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Additional Risks: Bushfires and Air Quality

NSW Health also warns that heatwaves can coincide with increased bushfire activity and reduced air quality due to smoke. Residents in affected areas should monitor air quality updates and follow health advice when planning outdoor activities.

For more tips and advice on staying safe during extreme heat, visit the NSW Health website.

Stay safe, stay cool, and look out for one another this summer.

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NSW Government Funds Cutting-Edge Research to Combat Legionnaires’ Disease

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Government has granted $500,000 to NSW Health Pathology at Westmead Hospital to support groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing the detection and response to Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.

Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria. A key source of these bacteria is cooling water systems in air conditioning units. Under the Public Health Regulation 2022, these systems must be safely managed to prevent bacterial growth and transmission.

Identifying the exact source of a legionella outbreak can be challenging. Contamination in cooling systems is often brief, and fine water droplets carrying bacteria can infect nearby individuals or contaminate adjacent systems, complicating the tracing process.

NSW Health Pathology will use the grant to develop a genomic surveillance system that will significantly streamline the process of matching samples and identifying outbreak sources. By integrating genomics technology with existing public health and environmental surveillance, the research aims to reduce the time needed to confirm clusters of legionellosis and uncover links between cases that might otherwise go undetected.

Dr Eby Sim (left) and Professor Vitali Sintchenko

The project will be conducted at the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research at Westmead, under the leadership of Professor Vitali Sintchenko (NSW Health Pathology and Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute) and Dr. Eby Sim (University of Sydney’s School of Medical Sciences).

The research team is collaborating with Health Protection NSW and Public Health Units in the Western Sydney and South Eastern Sydney Local Health Districts to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling this public health issue.

For more information on Legionnaires’ disease, visit the NSW Health fact sheet.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“There have been several large outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Sydney in the past few years, and the community stands to benefit from innovative new tools to help control outbreaks.

“If successful, this research will enable public health authorities to confirm clusters of cases sooner, potentially helping them identify the source of infection and prevent further spread in the community.”

University of Sydney Professor Vitali Sintchenko said:

“This collaborative project is going to use clever genomics that can collect information directly from respiratory samples without the need to grow bacteria in the lab. This will increase the number of relevant cases that can be investigated.”

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NSW Government Invests $100,000 in Men’s Mental Health Initiative

By Liam Jennnings

The NSW Government has announced a $100,000 contribution to support The Man Walk Australia, a charity dedicated to improving men’s mental health through physical activity and social connection.

The Man Walk Australia addresses mental health challenges and suicide risks by fostering supportive relationships and promoting physical and mental well-being. The program encourages men to participate in regular walks, offering a space to connect with like-minded individuals, combat isolation, and build a sense of community.

With 40 locations across NSW, including many in regional areas such as Albury in the south and Tenterfield in the north, The Man Walk Australia continues to expand its reach, helping more men feel supported and less alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 13YARN on 13 92 76, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

The NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 is available 24/7 for advice and connection to local specialist mental health services for you or a loved one. You can also call the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For more information on The Man Walk Australia, including to find a walk near you or start one of your own, visit themanwalk.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Man Walk Australia creates a welcoming environment for men to get together, feel a part of a community and get active.

“This has a positive effect on mental health, so I’m delighted to be able to provide The Man Walk with this additional funding that will help the charity reach even more men in NSW.

“We know men tend to seek help for their mental health at a lower rate than women, especially in traditional settings, so it is important we strengthen community-based supports, such as those offered by The Man Walk.

“By breaking down barriers and creating a positive environment free from stigma or pressure, The Man Walk helps men feel comfortable in accessing support.

“I know The Man Walk offer a walk in my electorate in Bellambi, but they have a range of locations spanning the whole of the state and are looking to add more.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44 and we know that loneliness and social isolation are major contributors to mental health distress.

“Community organisations like The Man Walk can offer an essential lifeline for men who are struggling and may not feel confident to reach out for support.

“These organisations provide a positive space for men to spend time together, have regular and healthy conversations and feel less alone.”

Quotes attributable to Founder and CEO of The Man Walk Australia Mark Burns:

“The Man Walk charity is extremely grateful for this $100k grant and the long term support from Minister Park and NSW Government.

“The Man Walk has 40 active weekly walk locations across NSW

“We have thousands of men walking regularly who have taken more 2.3 billion steps towards better mental and physical health while on The Man Walk.

“In just the past 3 months, we have had 5000 man walkers and 300 brand new walkers starting the day with a Man Walk.

“This funding will allow us to support and grow our existing walks, start brand new walk locations across NSW and fund the amazing Mental Fitness for Leaders education program that we offer our Manbassadors and Man Walkers every month.

“We will be providing regular feedback to Minister Park and NSW Health about the positive impact this grant will have on men, their families and their communities.

“A goal of our charity is to collaborate with other organisations like Relationships Australia to offer resources and education programs on managing emotions and decreasing gender violence.”

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