• Population 54,212 people, 10% of the North Coast population. Population projected to increase by 2% by 2031 (compared to 5% increase North Coast).
• 27% aged 65 years or over, projected to increase by 11% by 2031 (18% increase North Coast and 29% increase NSW).
• Population density: 5 residents per km2 (17 per km2 North Coast).
• Median age 49 years (47 North Coast, 39 NSW).
• 8% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (6% North Coast).

• Nearly 1 in 5 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.
• Clarence Valley LGA has the second highest presence of post-natal depression in the North Coast. Double the North Coast average.

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

Fully immunised children rates:

• 95% of 1-year-old children (94% in NSW and Australia)
• 93% of 2-year-old children (92% NSW and Australia)
• 97% of 5-year-old children (94% NSW and Australia).

• 62% of people aged 65 years and over have at least one long-term health condition. Highest in the North Coast.
• 3% population live with dementia (2% NSW and Australia). Higher than NSW and Australian rates and is expected to increase as the 65 years and over population increases.
• 66% of survey respondents reported the ageing population is one of the most serious health concerns in the community.
• 50% of survey respondents found accessing services for older people difficult. Challenges were lack of awareness of services and difficulty in organising services.

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. 

Opportunity: Increase support and education regarding available services for people as they age and for ageing relatives or people in their care.

Healthy North Coast works in partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples, families and communities. Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation provides services to the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people of Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Tweed Heads LGAs. Clarence Valley clinics are based in Grafton, South Grafton, and Maclean and include outreach to Baryulgil, Malabugilmah, and Yamba.

• 18% of people had an Aboriginal health check in Clarence Valley 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
• Support with daily living / personal care
• Training programs.
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• 85 in every 1,000 people need assistance due to age or severe disability (75 per 1,000 North Coast and 58 per 1,000 NSW).
• Median total personal income $578 per week ($652 North Coast, $813 NSW).
• 7 per 1,000 people experienced domestic and family violence. Increased 82% from 2021 and is higher than North Coast and NSW rates (4 per 1,000).
• Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) score 940, indicating greater disadvantage compared to the Australian average (1,000).

Opportunity: Assist partnerships including community and social services to increase health and wellbeing supports. Targeted outreach programs and stronger partnerships with domestic violence services could help address the health needs of vulnerable populations in the region.

• 3 in 1000 people experiencing homelessness (4 in 1,000 North Coast and NSW, and 9 in 1,000 Australia)
• 4 in 1000 are at risk of homelessness (4 in 1,000 in North Coast and NSW and 7 in 1,000 Australia).
• 29% single or lone households (25% NSW, 26% Australia) and 3% group homes (4% NSW and Australia).

Social isolation can increase health risks.