October 4, 2026
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Community, Health, Local News

Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date

PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]

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Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan sits with members of the crossbench as he crosses the floor during a division on the Gambling Reform Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Image.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, National

Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling

COWPER MP Pat Conaghan crossed the floor in the Federal House of representatives for the first time in his parliamentary career on Tuesday, 18 August, to vote against watered-down legislation governing gambling advertising. Mr Conaghan said he did not believe the legislation adequately considered the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary […]

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Private psychiatry treatment hard to find on Mid North Coast Receptionist Deanna Blackburn with Dr Andrea Rose, Coffs Harbour. Photo: Sharon Jane.
Community, Health, Regional

Private psychiatry treatment hard to find on Mid North Coast

DOCTOR Andrea Rose in Coffs Harbour believes she may be the last remaining private psychiatrist on the Mid North Coast willing to accept new patients. Dr Rose’s receptionist, Deanna Blackburn, told News Of The Area the practice received more than 10 referrals a week and had up to a 12-month wait for an initial consultation, […]

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Throw on a flanno to help farmers and families
Community, Health, Local News

Throw on a flanno to help farmers and families

EVERY 10 days, Australia loses a farmer to suicide. Behind that number are families, communities and generations forever impacted. As many farming families continue recovering from drought, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters while navigating increasing financial pressures, the need for support has never been greater. This August, Australians are being urged to register, donate […]

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Seven bird flu cases in native species Seven confirmed cases of bird flu have been detected in greater crested terns, a common coastal species in Australia. Photo: AAP Image/Andrew Stafford.
Business, Community, Health, Local News, National, Regional

Seven bird flu cases in native species

THE poultry industry is on alert after seven cases of bird flu found in native species, marking a new phase for the outbreak. Five were collected from Southend in what is the outbreak’s first known cluster of cases in Australia. “This is the announcement conservationists have been dreading,” the Invasive Species Council said. Australia has […]

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Healthcare pathway opens doors for local high school students Year 9 and 10 students from Macksville High School and Bowraville Central School recently attended NV College and achieved nationally recognised competencies in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Provide First Aid. Pictured here with the students are (left) NV College’s business development officer, Amanda Davis, and (right) Dionne Court, Head Teacher educational pathways program, NSW Department of Education.
Health

Healthcare pathway opens doors for local high school students

A GROUP of Year 9 and 10 students from Macksville High School and Bowraville Central School have taken an important step towards a future in healthcare after completing specialised training through NV College’s Introduction to Health Educational Pathways Program. Delivered at NV College’s Macksville Campus, the program provided students with practical experience while introducing them […]

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Nambucca Valley ‘Our Sustainable Future Expo’ The Our Sustainable Future Expo will support regional food and water security, waste minimisation, and climate resilience.
Event, Food, Health

Nambucca Valley ‘Our Sustainable Future Expo’

THE Our Sustainable Future Expo will soon offer interested attendees a community-led roadmap to a sustainable and more resilient tomorrow. Born from a unique collaboration between the Nambucca Valley Growers and Producers Association Incorporated (NVGPA) and the Unkya Reserve Committee of Management, the Expo will aim to drive the awareness and adoption of everyday sustainable […]

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Medical outreach clinic established at Stuarts Point Dr Muhammad Azam. Photo: Jen Hetherington.
Community, Health

Medical outreach clinic established at Stuarts Point

Dr Muhammad Azam. Photo: Jen Hetherington. Community members learn about the outreach clinic at Stuarts Point Hall. Photo: Jen Hetherington. AFTER many years of lobbying, a new medical outreach clinic has launched in Stuarts Point.  Run by Macksville Medical Centre, “Point Care” will be open every Tuesday from 9am to 12pm at the Stuarts Point […]

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Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
Health

Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week

AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community […]

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Major health care boost for Nambucca Valley with new CT scanner Radiographer Cameron Hinshaw, Acting Macksville District Hospital Executive Officer Anna Pascoe, Dr Karly Field and Acting GM Regional and Rural Hospitals Lisa Slater with the new CT scanner. Photo: supplied.
Community, Health

Major health care boost for Nambucca Valley with new CT scanner

ACCESS to advanced medical imaging has taken a significant step forward in the Nambucca Valley, with a new state-of-the-art CT scanner now installed at Macksville District Hospital. The addition of the new equipment means local patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, can now receive important scans closer to home, avoiding the need to travel to […]

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