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News and Reviews

Edition 80 The Northern Rivers Times

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News and Reviews

NSW Melanoma Hotspot Map Unveils High-Risk Areas

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NSW Melanoma Hotspot Map Unveils High-Risk Areas

The Cancer Institute NSW has released a new melanoma hotspot map, highlighting regions with the highest melanoma rates in the state. According to the data, local government areas (LGAs) of Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley, and Coffs Harbour lead with the most cases, with nearly 350 diagnoses anticipated across these areas in 2024.

Rounding out the top 10 are Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed, Kempsey, and Richmond Valley. Meanwhile, Mosman, Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock, and Wagga Wagga LGAs have entered the top 25.

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting young Australians and ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW, with over 5,000 new cases projected statewide this year. As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma is expected to claim the lives of nearly 500 people in NSW in 2024.

While most cases are due to UV overexposure, this type of skin cancer can largely be prevented with proper sun protection. The Cancer Institute NSW, under its 2023–2030 Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy, is working to reduce skin cancer rates through various initiatives, including the “If You Could See UV” campaign. This award-winning campaign, which has proven effective in inspiring skin protection among young adults, is being relaunched this summer with geo-targeted UV alerts and outdoor advertising, especially in high-exposure areas frequented by young people.

To guard against UV radiation, the Cancer Institute NSW advocates for these essential steps before heading outdoors:

  1. Slip on protective clothing
  2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours
  3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
  4. Seek shade
  5. Slide on sunglasses

NSW’s Top 25 Melanoma-Prone LGAs:

  1. Ballina
  2. Lismore
  3. Byron
  4. Clarence Valley
  5. Coffs Harbour
  6. Sutherland Shire
  7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
  8. Tweed
  9. Kempsey
  10. Richmond Valley
  11. Nambucca Valley
  12. Kiama
  13. Port Stephens
  14. Bathurst Regional
  15. Mid-Coast
  16. Lake Macquarie
  17. Mosman
  18. Mid-Western Regional
  19. Northern Beaches
  20. Shoalhaven
  21. Cessnock
  22. Wagga Wagga
  23. Central Coast
  24. Wingecarribee
  25. Newcastle

For additional resources on skin cancer prevention, visit the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park commented:
“This melanoma hotspot map is a critical reminder to practice sun safety, especially as summer approaches. While melanoma cases are highest in regional areas, everyone in NSW faces the risk of skin cancer. Given Australia’s global ranking in skin cancer rates, we all have a responsibility to follow protective measures to mitigate this deadly disease.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan shared:
“Here on the Northern Beaches, outdoor activities are part of life. However, enjoying the sun safely is essential. I lost my father to melanoma, and I understand the need for prevention. Sun safety starts with each of us embracing and promoting a sun-smart culture. Slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide should be a daily routine.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, stated:
“Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Consistent protection from UV exposure, starting young and continuing into adulthood, is essential to reducing risk. Even short periods in the sun without protection can be dangerous. Whether it’s a beach day or running errands, I urge everyone to practice sun safety.”

Personal stories highlight the risks and importance of sun protection:

  • Anne Gately, a melanoma survivor, emphasized the need for community responsibility in sun protection, saying, “Every bit of UV exposure contributes to cumulative damage, whether you feel it or not.”
  • Sonia Knight, currently undergoing immunotherapy for melanoma recurrence, stressed, “Tanning isn’t worth the risk. My daughters never leave the house without sunscreen. I encourage others to lean on resources like Canteen and Melanoma Patients Australia for support.”

This comprehensive approach to melanoma awareness and prevention aims to foster a culture of sun safety across NSW.

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The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 225 Out Now!

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Shannon Noll awarded Bravery Award The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 225
Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
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The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 225 Out Now!

Grab the latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times, available at all newsagents, Woolworths Supermarkets, General and Rural Stores, Ampol Foodary, and select service stations from Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta.

This Week’s Main Stories:

  • EXCLUSIVE:  Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
  • Kyogle and Tweed Mayors Share Their Hopes and Goals
  • NRPP Rejects $80M DA on Floodplain
  • Duck Race – You’d Be Quackers to Miss It!
  • Cheers to Beers at Frida’s Field
  • Council Reconsiders Pool Complex Name
  • Ken Weeks to Celebrate 111 Years – Our Oldest Resident
  • Kerbside EV Charging Launches in Ballina Shire
  • Help Save Our Shorebirds – Stay Off the Dunes
  • Janelle Saffin on Historic Rental Reforms
  • Byron CoLab Opens at Former Byron Bay Hospital Site

And much, much more!

 

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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage

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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
Shannon Noll being presented with his award by VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton
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Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage

By INSPECTOR PAUL COWLES REGION OPERATIONS MANAGER

VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton has awarded a Commissioner’s commendation for courage to singer and performer Shannon Noll for the courageous conduct for his efforts to save the life of a member of the public after a road traffic crash.

Singer Shannon Noll Honoured withCommissioner’s Commendation for Courage

Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with
Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage ©The Northern Rivers Times

At approximately 8:50pm on Saturday 9th December 2023, a single vehicle veered off a rural road in Northern NSW near the town of Casino.
The vehicle collided with a tree and was engulfed in flames with the driver and a passenger still trapped inside.

Without any training in any aspect of rescue or advanced first aid, Mr Noll approached the burning vehicle and managed to extract the passenger, he moved them away from the fully engulfed vehicle and commenced CPR on the unconscious person.

At some point after NSW Police and VRA Rescue NSW crews arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts with a defibrillator and CPR.

Sadly, both occupants passed away.

At the point of the crash Mr Noll has no personal protective equipment to protect himself or others during his rescue attempts.

Mr Noll gave every chance of survival he could at the confronting scene.

For his quick actions in a dire emergency situation and taking responsibility and control of a major incident, Mr Shannon Noll was a worth recipient for the VRA Rescue NSW Commissioners Commendation for Courage.

 

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