Community Bushfire Recovery Grants Available
Healthy North Coast is inviting communities affected by the 2019-20 bushfires to apply for grants of up to $10,000. The grants are to fund grassroots community-focused health and wellbeing initiatives. They are being made available through Healthy North Coast’s PHN program. The funding is under the Commonwealth’s ‘Supporting Communities in Recovery’ initiative. The Government has made
Join a Mental Health Co-Design Workshop
Healthy North Coast is inviting people with a lived experience of mental ill-health, health service providers and community organisations to join us in the co-design phase of the Mental Health Literacy Project. What is the Mental Health Literacy Project? The Mental Health Literacy Project is funded by the Commonwealth and led by the NSW Mental
GP-Led Respiratory Clinics Receive Extension
The region’s COVID-19 response has received a boost with the Federal Government’s announcement that GP-led respiratory clinics are likely to remain open for a further six months, until 31 March 2021. GP-led respiratory clinics are an important part of health system response to COVID-19.  GP-led respiratory clinics are available at no cost to the general
Healthy North Coast’s New Lismore Office Opens
Thank you to Uncle Gilbert Laurie, who welcomed the Healthy North Coast Board and staff to Bundjalung Country and performed a traditional smoking ceremony as part of the official opening of our new office space in Lismore yesterday. Healthy North Coast, who delivers the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network (PHN) program on the North Coast,
Raising Awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder
National Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Awareness Week takes place from 1-7 October. This year’s theme is ‘Flipping the Script: Changing the Narrative on BPD’. BPD is a complex mental disorder that includes difficulties with regulating emotions. It needs an accurate diagnosis along with targeted treatment. BPD affects between two and five per cent of people
Mobile Testing Clinic Visits Byron Bay for the Holidays
A mobile COVID-19 testing clinic will be stationed in the centre of Byron Bay for the duration of the NSW school holidays. The clinic will be located in Denning Park, Bay Street, and open from 10am to 3pm from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October and again from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October.
Telehealth Extended to March 2021
The Australian Government has extended Medicare-subsidised telehealth until 31 March 2021. Telehealth items were introduced in March this year to help patients access health services by video conference or telephone. Originally the cut-off date was 30 September 2020. Telehealth aims to reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and provide protection for patients and
Queensland Border Zone Expansion
The Queensland Government has announced that the Queensland border zone will expand from 1am on Thursday 1 October. The zone will now include the Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes local government areas. The easing of restrictions has been welcomed by health practitioners and community members in our region. Residents living within the
Support to Stop Drinking During Pregnancy
Many women find it hard to stop drinking alcohol while they are pregnant. Support without judgement is just a phone call away. NSW Health is offering a free Get Healthy in Pregnancy coaching service for all pregnant women in NSW aged 16 and over. The co-ordinator of Healthy Communities Mid North Coast, Amy Sawyer, says there
Beyond Blue Offers Support Through New Language Resources
COVID-19 has put everyone under pressure, so it’s more important than ever that we keep our minds healthy. Beyond Blue has created a series of resources in a range of languages other than English. These aim to help people understand how to find support and feel comfortable talking about their experiences. The new resources are
Nursing in the Community Week Shines a Light on Nurses’ Dedication
It’s Nursing in the Community Week and this year’s theme highlights how nurses can support people to stay safe at home. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan caught up with general practice nurse Isabella Besmehn of Nambucca Healthcare Centre to find out more about the service she provides to the local community. “There are more
NSW Health Service Access Update
Have you travelled to a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days? If so, you may be subject to restrictions when entering health services in NSW. NSW Health has advised new guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in health facilities. Visitors will not be able to enter NSW Health facilities (such as
