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News and Reviews

Be prepared for vaping law changes

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Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payments

Be prepared for vaping law changes

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging GPs to be prepared for changes to vaping laws coming into effect on 1 October.

Under the changes nicotine vaping products, such as nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine, will be available only by prescription as a smoking cessation tool. People will no longer be able to buy these products or import them from overseas websites without a valid prescription.

GPs can prescribe nicotine vaping products by becoming an Authorised Prescriber (only takes a few minutes and is free), through the Special Access Scheme or providing a prescription for three months’ supply via the Personal Importation Scheme.

The RACGP has produced evidence-based guidance for health professionals to support smoking cessation. The guidance covers the evidence on effectiveness of nicotine vaping products for supporting smoking cessation, their place in therapy and the practicalities of prescribing them. In the absence of an evidence base for how to prescribe these products for therapeutic use, practice points have been developed to minimise risk to prescribers and patients, including:

· nicotine vaping products are currently not approved therapeutic products, and it is valid and reasonable for medical practitioners to opt not to prescribe them

· if prescribing, use the Authorised Prescriber or Special Access Scheme prescribing pathways instead of the Personal Importation Scheme to minimise the risk of the patient receiving imported products that do not meet the TGO 110 requirements. These include requirements on labelling, child-resistant packaging, and the prohibition of other active ingredients beside nicotine

· avoid prescribing free-base nicotine at concentrations over 20mg/mL and limit the quantity of nicotine vaping products per prescription to a maximum of three months’ supply (and align the duration of supply with the timing of follow-up)

· avoid the use of flavours or limit these to just tobacco flavour since flavouring chemicals are not standardised and their safety for inhalation into the lung is not known.

· provide follow up as well as behavioural support.

RACGP President Dr Karen Price encouraged all GPs to familiarise themselves with the changes.

“GPs have a lot on their plate right now but it’s important that they are aware of what these changes to vaping laws mean for them and their patients,” she said.

“Prescriptions for nicotine vaping products are not a first-line treatment for smoking cessation and should only be tried when other measures, such as nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural support, have failed.

“It will be the job of GPs in communities across Australia to apply discretion and judgment when considering the patient’s individual circumstances.

“Those who do have a prescription will be able to obtain nicotine vaping products by filling the prescription via a pharmacy.”

The RACGP President said that there were resources available to help bring GPs up to speed with the changes.

“Any GP keen to learn more about these changes can take part in a webinar organised by Quitline and accredited by the RACGP on 5 October, which includes clinical guidance for nicotine vaping products,” she said.

“The webinar will describe the process for prescribing nicotine vaping products and outline all the clinical considerations involved. I encourage all GPs to sign up and learn about these changes that are coming into effect.

“It’s important that GPs are wary of being pressured into prescribing these nicotine vaping products. The laws governing these products are in place for a reason – the long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or ‘vaping’ are unknown and the evidence base for their efficacy as a smoking cessation tool remains uncertain.

“A prescription for these products should only be used as a last resort, vaping is not a risk-free, harmless version of smoking cigarettes. These are addictive and harmful products that can prove fatal if ingested in certain amounts.”

Dr Price also urged people seeking access to nicotine vaping products to be patient and respectful of GPs and practice staff.

“I understand that these changes will take some people by surprise. Please don’t take your frustrations out on GPs, practice managers, nurses, receptionists or administrative workers,” she said.

“They are not the ones who made these rules and GPs will only be able to prescribe these products as a last line treatment for smoking cessation.

“I encourage anyone who smokes or vapes to consult with their GP about quitting and explore the pharmacotherapy and behavioural treatments and supports available. This includes nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a patch, spray, gum or lozenge. There are also several effective drugs that are available such as varenicline, which blocks the pleasure and reward response to smoking, as well as bupropion hydrochloride, which reduces the urge to smoke.

“Many people see quitting as just too difficult but with the right approach, including the support and guidance of a GP and having strong strategies in place, it is possible. It could be the best health decision you ever make.”

Details about the webinar on 5 October and registration can be found here.

The RACGP was selected as one of the recipients of the 2020 World No Tobacco Day awards for our valuable work including the release of new Smoking Cessation Guidelines 2020. Note: The smoking cessation guideline’s conditional recommendation 15 concerning vaping can be found here on the RACGP website.

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Two charged, following alleged historical child sexual assaults – Lake Illawarra PD

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Two charged, following alleged historical child sexual assaults – Lake Illawarra PD

 

Two men will face court today charged with historical child sexual assault offences, in the Lake Illawarra Region.

Detectivities attached to Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Coyed in October 2022 following reports a teenage girl had allegedly been sexually assaulted in the Illawarra region between January and October 2004.

Following extensive inquiries, about 7am yesterday (Tuesday 26 March 2024), investigators executed a search warrant at a home in a caravan park in Junction Road, Barrack Point.

During a search of the Barrack Point premises, police seized methylamphetamine and cannabis, prohibited weapons including an electronic stun device.

Police arrested a 53-year-old man at the Barrack Point premises and a 46-year-old man at a Barrack Heights home. They were both taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.

The older man was charged with;

  • nine counts of aggravated sexual intercourse person between 14 and 16 years,
  • have sexual intercourse with person between 14 and 16 years,
  • four counts of sexual intercourse without consent,
  • assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
  • two counts of supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis,
  • two counts of possess prohibited drug, and
  • six counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

The younger man was charged with take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage occasion actual bodily harm and three counts of aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years,

Both were refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Wednesday 27 March 2024).

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

For more National Australia News, visit here.

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Renewed appeal to find missing man as police utilise high-tech drones – Western Region

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Renewed appeal to find missing man as police utilise high-tech drones – Western Region

 

Police have renewed their appeal for help from the public to find a man reported missing from Western NSW nearly two years ago.

In March 2022, detectives attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Yurinigh to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of James Hunter.

James, who was 52 at the time he was last seen, lived in the Newcastle suburb of Tighes Hill and travelled to the state’s west for work including to rural properties at Dubbo, Mendooran and Dunedoo. He was also known to frequent Walgett and Lightning Ridge.

He maintained contact with family members, who last saw him in person in December 2019, when he was in the Newcastle area.

After failing to make contact with his family for several months, James was reported missing to police in July 2021.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District commenced numerous inquiries and have conducted searches for James since that time; however he has not been located.

Inquiries have established James was last seen at a pharmacy on Macquarie Street in Dubbo on Friday 28 February 2020, but he has not accessed his bank accounts since then.

On Friday (22 March 2024) and Saturday (23 March 2024), 1700ha north-west of Mendooran was searched with the use of high-tech drones that carried out 52 flights.

Investigators with the use of technology will commence processing the 33,000 high resolution images captured.

In March 2022, his vehicle – a blue 2005-model Toyota Hilux ute was located on a property he was working at in Mendooran, and it was seized for forensic examination.

Police and family continue to hold concerns for James’ welfare, and are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their ongoing investigations.

James is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 175cm tall, of a medium build with brown hair and eyes.

Anyone who has information in relation to James’ whereabouts or of relevance to the investigation is urged to contact Dubbo Police Station on 02 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

 

For more National Australia News, visit here.

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Deep Digging at April’s Nudge Nudge Wink Wink – Jason Digby + Embelina

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Nudge Nudge Wink Wink

Deep Digging at April’s Nudge Nudge Wink Wink – Jason Digby + Embelina

 

Digging in deep on Sat April 6 – Only fools would miss April’s Nudge Nudge Wink Wink.

Two awesome Australian guest DJ’s Jason Digby, and Embelina join the Cunning Stunts residents DJs Lord Sut & Dale Stephen in the Shed at April’s Nudge Nudge Wink Wink: The Ultimate Party with a Conscience!

DJ Jason Digby one of Australia’s most revered DJ’s, makes his shed debut. Born in Melbourne and now residing in Byron Bay, Jason is celebrated for his distinctively crafted soundscapes characterised by seamless mixes and diverse styles spanning House, Prog, Vocals, Disco, and PSY – always deep and always sexy. With thousands of gigs over nearly four decades of experience and an extensive fan base through numerous residencies, international gigs, and support for major electronic touring artists.  His annual residencies at BALI’s famous KU DE TA and Double Six Clubs, appearances at iconic music festivals such as Reminisce, Hardware, Earthcore, Ministry of Sound and notable others, underscore his indelible impact on the scene Collaborating with renowned Melbourne DJ/Producer Gab Oliver under the moniker ‘Digby & Oliver,’ their studio work, signed to labels such as Zero Tolerance Recordings, Renaissance, and Baluns Records, has garnered critical acclaim, featuring prominently in DJ Magazine and the ARIA Dance Charts. Nicknamed ‘The Professor’ for his seasoned expertise and meticulous focus during sets, Jason Digby consistently leaves his audiences captivated and craving more with his electrifying performances, ensuring each show is a memorable experience.  Be there for a 2 hour closing set from Jason Digby electrifying for the first time in Nudge shed.

Welcoming DJ Embelina back to kick off the day, this DJ Queen brings a blend of deep, dirty house infused with disco vibes and funky hip-hop jams. With a professional career spanning Sydney, Gold Coast, London, and Europe, Embelina’s journey evolved from underground warehouse parties and private events to commanding stages at Sydney’s clubs, festivals, and prestigious residencies at top-notch nightclubs. Her move to London in 2004 marked a significant milestone as she collaborated with Paul Arnold from Fat! Records and held a residency at the esteemed nightclub, The End, sharing decks with renowned breakbeat DJs like The Freestylers and Soul of Man, as well as beatboxers MC Xander and Beardyman. After captivating crowds across Europe, Embelina returned to Australia, securing a Sunday residency at the iconic Gold Coast venue, Swingin Safari. Don’t miss Embelina in a two-hour sunset set, promising an unforgettable journey through the musical cosmos.

Cunning Stunts resident DJs Lord Sut & Dale Stephen stand as co-captains of sonic pleasures, curating unforgettable nights of dance. Their seamless mixes weave together irresistible selections of House, Balearic, and Disco, promising soul-stirring journeys that will move you to the core. Infused with their own edits and productions, their sets ignite free spirit dancing, joy and happiness.

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink is more than a party; it’s a FUNdraiser, providing essential connection, charitable support, and a warming of spirit for all who attend. Once you’ve given it a nudge, you’ll have to return. Wink Wink!Their events continue with their unwavering commitment to support locally based registered NFPs that are making a profound impact in our communities during these challenging times.

For the March and April 2024 events, they are donating to the important funding needed for the Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) to continue to deliver services to meet community needs as well as build individual and community capacity.

The MDNC provides access to a diversity of funded and unfunded services and programs including but not limited to Community Support/Emergency Relief, parenting support, specialist domestic violence services, support for homeless, financial counselling, Food Recovery programs, community meals and social inclusion activities. Many of the unfunded social inclusion activities, the work of the community meal (More Than a Meal) and Food Recovery enable soft access entry points for vulnerable community members to access additional supports and life changing opportunities.

You now have the option to donate, in addition to purchasing an event ticket, which also helps provide further support to this vital service. Through doing this, you become an integral part of the movement that uplifts, supports, and empowers those who need it most.

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink’s Season 8 runs from September through June on the first Saturday of every month! Nudge Nudge Wink Wink gives you an unforgettable experience of music, connection, and making a difference in the local community. Thank you for supporting what they do!

Final tickets may still be available – https://bit.ly/Tickets_Nudge_6_April  If the event is Sold Out – remember, the only legitimate site for purchasing any tickets available for resale is via Tixel.com.

To ensure you get advance notification of ticket sales for all their events, sign up to their e-newsletter here http://www.cunningstunts.com.au/subscribe/

Cunning Stunts have donated $403,18 so far, helping 39 local charities since December 2015. Let’s keep that impact growing! Funds are donated to locally based registered NFP’s assisting our communities during these challenging times. The April event continues, with a cumulative percentage of their profits being donated from both the March and April events to the Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC).

For further information on Cunning Stunts:

Cunning Stunts have donated  $403,181 to 39 local charities through our events since December 2015. Byron Shire’s Community Event of the Year for 2020, Nudge Nudge Wink Wink, is a ticketed event on the first Saturday of the month, DJ’s playing in the best sounding shed in the Southern Hemisphere with funds continuing to be raised for local charities.

 

For more National Australia News, visit here.

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