• Population 13,259, 2% of the North Coast population. Projected to increase by 2% by 2031 (compared to 5% increase North Coast). 
• Population density: 8 residents per km2 (17 per km2 North Coast).
• 4% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (6% North Coast).
• Median age 50 (47 North Coast, 39 NSW).
• 26% aged 65 years or over, projected to increase by 7% by 2031 (18% increase North Coast and 29% NSW).

• Nearly 1 in 4 children assessed as vulnerable in one or more areas of early childhood development.
• 1 in 2 found it difficult to access a local GP for a child in their care.
• Bellingen LGA has the highest presence of post-natal depression in the North Coast. Three times higher than the North Coast average.
• 1 in 2 found it difficult to access a specialist doctor for a child in their care.

Opportunity: Understand reasons for low immunisation rates and work with community and healthcare providers on improvement strategies.

Fully immunised children rates:

• 85% of 1-year-old children (94% in NSW and Australia)
• 77% of 2-year-old children (92% NSW and Australia)
• 83% of 5-year-olds (94% NSW and Australia).

Opportunity: Work in partnership to improve education, support, community and peer-based services for children and families.

• 54% of people aged 65 years and over have at least one long-term health condition.
•  2% of the population live with dementia (2% NSW and Australia). Expected to increase as the 65 years and over population increases.
• 62% of survey respondents reported the ageing population is one of the most serious health concerns in the community.
• 67% of survey respondents found accessing services for older people difficult.

Did you know: Care Finders is a free service. It exists to support vulnerable people – who have no one else who can support them – to learn about, apply for and set up support services. Find out more about Care Finders.

Healthy North Coast works in partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples, families and communities. Galambila Aboriginal Health Service provides a range of primary health care services for Aboriginal people and their families residing in Gumbaynggirr country.

• 26% of people had an Aboriginal health check in Coffs Harbour – SA3 

Connection to country and culture is key for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples social and emotional wellbeing.

Programs that Aboriginal peoples identified to help keep Aboriginal communities healthy and strong:

• Exercise and fitness
• Yarning circles

• 62 in every 1,000 people need assistance due to age or severe disability (75 per 1,000 North Coast, 58 per 1,000 NSW).
• Median total weekly personal income $613 ($652 North Coast) (NSW $813).
• 4 per 1,000 people experienced domestic and family violence (NSW 4 per 1,000) Reduced 5% since 2021.
• Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) score 981. Of the 12 LGAs in the North Coast region, Bellingen is ranked 8th out of the 12 LGAs for disadvantage.

People who live in rural areas of the LGA are more likely to experience disadvantage in accessing healthcare.

• Just over 9 in 10 survey respondents noted housing availability as a concern for the community. There is limited availability of affordable housing in the Bellingen LGA. Adequate access to affordable housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Adequate access to affordable housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

• 2 in 1,000 people experience homelessness (4 in 1,000 in North Coast and NSW, 9 in 1,000 in Australia).
• 2 in 1,000 people at risk of homelessness (4 in 1,000 in North Coast, NSW and 7 in 1,000 in Australia).
• 29% single or lone households (25% NSW) and 4% group homes (4% NSW).

Social isolation can increase health risks.