Editors Picks
09 November 2024
PERMANENT BREASTSCREEN SERVICE AT BLACKTOWN
NEW permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic will soon be available in Blacktown, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.
Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the new location, which will better support the almost 60 per cent of eligible women in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who are overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.
The new clinic at Warrick Lane, Blacktown, will be open in of the middle of 2025, seven days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 80,000 women who live and work in the Blacktown area.
A mobile screening van is currently active at various locations across the Blacktown Local Government Area, including the Blacktown Workers Sports Club and Blacktown City Council to service the Blacktown community.
Other western Sydney screening sites can also be found at Mount Druitt Hospital, Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Parramatta Westfield. There is capacity available at all of these clinics and mobile sites, with no delays for screening appointments.
You can find details of these locations as well as more screening centres near you at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/your-mammogram-appointment/screening-centres or by calling 13 20 50.
For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Breast screening is available from the age of 40.
BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.
Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.
Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their needs with their GP. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.
Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said: “Having a permanent clinic at Blacktown will enable more western Sydney women to have this life-saving screening in a convenient location.
“This new clinic with comfortable surroundings will treat women with dignity and increase screening participation, which is lower for many multicultural communities, often due to barriers like language, health literacy and trauma.”
03 November 2024
PRESTONS A STEP CLOSER TO NEW AMBULANCE STATION
THE Liverpool community is a step closer to having a new purpose-built ambulance station at Prestons following the purchase of a site on Enterprise Circuit.
The new Prestons Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5M NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the site to ensure the location best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.
New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community. NSW Ambulance identified Prestons as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.
The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new ambulance station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.
The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.
Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other Government stakeholders to identify potential sites for new ambulance stations.
Sites are confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra and now Prestons.
New stations across south-western Sydney are also planned to service the communities of Raby, Prairiewood, Doonside, Glenmore Park, the Aerotropolis and Bargo.
30 October 2024
GOVT SCRAPS OUTDATED VENUE RULES
THE NSW Government is scrapping restrictive “no entertainment” clauses to revive live music and nightlife in NSW. Outdated rules, such as limiting music genres, banning bands, or prohibiting strobe lights, have stifled venues and artists. The reforms will ease restrictions, giving venues control over entertainment and removing barriers like costly council approvals. This is part of broader Vibrancy Reforms aimed at supporting live performances, extending trading hours, and reducing red tape for licensed venues.
30 October 2024
BURNOUT RATES A WORRY IN THIS SECTOR
PALLIATIVE Care Australia’s national workforce survey reveals rising burnout, with 44% of palliative care and 41% of aged care workers experiencing it frequently. Only 47% are satisfied with their mental health, and 46% with their physical health. However, 85% are keen on further training. CEO Camilla Rowland emphasizes the need for ongoing support to manage the emotional demands of end-of-life care. More insights will be released, with self-care resources available on PCA’s website.
30 October 2024
DEMENTIA A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
NEW ABS data reveals dementia is poised to become Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023, just behind ischaemic heart disease. Dementia remains the top cause of death for women and is now the leading cause in NSW, SA, and the ACT. With 421,000 Australians living with dementia, numbers are expected to double by 2054. Dementia Australia urges public health efforts to prevent cases and improve support for those affected.
30 October 2024
SCHEME ALLOWS FOR EASIER MEDIATION
A NEW Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) will help people resolve disputes outside of court by allowing them to select legally qualified mediators. Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath emphasised that lawyer mediators offer unique analytical skills and subject matter expertise. The scheme sets rigorous training standards and requires ongoing professional development. It aims to provide a dignified, cost-effective alternative to court litigation, ensuring mediators adhere to strict ethical obligations.
30 October 2024
SPENDING MORE ON CHRISTMAS CHEER
THE opening of suburban pop-up Christmas stores for 2024 is reviving the tradition of holiday decorating. Despite rising living costs, Christmas Warehouse's Retail Manager, Naomi Ramirez, anticipates families will spend a bit more on festive cheer. With stable prices amid inflation, the stores offer a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations. Ramirez predicts trends like Grinch themes and pink decor will be popular this year. Families are encouraged to visit early for the best selection.
