Original media release from OneBridge:
OneBridge, a dedicated outreach and place-based health service, is proud to announce the launch of its new nurse-led, place-based clinic at Mary’s Place, Ballina, providing weekly primary health care services every Friday from 8:30 am, commencing Friday 15 August 2025.
This vital initiative is funded by a $50,000 Primary Care Impact Grant from Healthy North Coast, made possible via the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program, and delivered in collaboration with Mary’s Place, operated by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
About the service
Situated in the heart of Ballina, the OneBridge nurse-led clinic will deliver a comprehensive suite of vital health services to individuals experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or facing barriers to accessing traditional health settings.
Key services include:
- Wound care
- Chronic condition education & management
- Mental health support
- Drug and alcohol care pathways
- General health assessments and health education
Schedule & location:
- When: Fridays, beginning 15 August 2025
- Time: commencing at 8:30am
- Where: Mary’s Place, Ballina
- Provider: OneBridge
Why this matters
By bringing health care directly to underserved populations in a familiar, supportive setting, OneBridge aims to:
- Improve early detection and management of health conditions
- Reduce hospital admissions and support continuity of care
- Foster trust and connection through consistent, compassionate care with the OneBridge nursing team
- Bridge gaps in mental health and substance use support for vulnerable groups
“People experiencing homelessness are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes, and often experience these at a younger age than the general population.”
– Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2022. Homelessness and health (AIHW report).
Quotes
Quotes attributable to Adjunct Associate Professor Sonia Martin CF, CEO and Founder of OneBridge:
“Access to primary health care should not be limited by one’s housing status or financial circumstances,”
“Through the incredible support of Healthy North Coast and our valued partnership with Mary’s Place, we can ensure that essential health services are accessible, welcoming, and tailored to the needs of the community.”
Quotes attributable to Monika Wheeler, CEO Healthy North Coast:
“Through our Primary Care Impact Grants, we’re investing in innovative, locally driven solutions that will really make a difference in preventing chronic diseases on the North Coast.”
“This program with OneBridge and Mary’s Place is a powerful example of how we can meet people where they’re at, removing barriers and supporting individuals to take charge of their health before chronic conditions escalate.”
Read more about the Round One recipients of Healthy North Coast’s Primary Care Impact Grants.
