Trauma Assist - Wide Bay

25/02/2026

Lock this one in your calendar!!
International Women's Day - FREE Morning Tea, here at the Centre.
but you must book, limited numbers. Call the Centre on 41255788

24/02/2026

in 1984, a team of 20 specialists led by Dr Victor Chang, performed Australia’s first successful heart transplant on 39-year-old shearer Peter Apthorpe from Armidale. The father of two underwent a four-hour operation at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. “The new heart worked beautifully the minute it was allowed to beat,” Dr Chang said at the time.

Just two months later, Dr Chang performed another heart transplant on 14-year-old Fiona Coote, making her Australia's youngest heart transplant recipient at the time. More than four decades on, over 100 Australians have a transplant each year thanks to the teams at St Vincent’s Hospital and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Learn more about Dr Victor Chang: https://www.victorchang.edu.au/about-us/victor-chang

24/02/2026

Individuals with FASD are over-represented in all areas of the justice system. There are many recorded cases of people with FASD “admitting” to offences which they did not commit.

NOFASD Australia has produced wallet-sized information cards which can be carried by people with FASD and other brain disorders. These can be handed to police officers and other professionals if needed. The cards explain that the person has a cognitive impairment and requires a support person to assist them in such interactions. The cards have space for carers to write their contact details so they can be contacted if such situations arise.

✨These cards can assist in providing some peace of mind as your young person starts engaging more independently in the community. ✨
👉 To order a free pack of these cards to be sent to you please call NOFASD’s Helpline: 1 800 860 613 or register your details at: https://buff.ly/taqbktY
Please note that we are only able to post these cards to Australian residents.

23/02/2026

Supporting the mental health of those who care for others is essential, and practical, evidence-based tools can make a real difference. 💙

Burnout is a growing challenge across healthcare, with many health professionals balancing high workloads and emotional demands.

TEN – The Essential Network is designed to support health workers with practical, evidence-based tools and resources to navigate burnout and maintain good mental health.

Addressing burnout requires a multifaceted approach. In our latest article, we share key strategies that can help.

👉 Read 'Understanding and Managing Burnout Among Health Professionals' online: https://bit.ly/4bZGO19

22/02/2026

✨ EMPOWERED MAGAZINE — OUT NOW! ✨

Our focus this issue:
Gender balance is not just a moral imperative — it’s a strategic advantage. When women participate fully, economies grow, innovation increases and decision-making improves.

Yet progress remains far too slow. Structural barriers like gender-segregated work, unpaid care responsibilities and gender-based violence continue to limit safety, opportunity and long-term wellbeing.

Global data is sobering. At the current pace, the world is 134 years away from full gender parity. This trajectory isn’t inevitable — but it reflects stalled investment, systemic neglect and social norms that undervalue women’s contributions.

The UN 2025 Gender Snapshot warns that without accelerated action, millions of women and girls will remain in extreme poverty by 2030. It also reminds us that a different future is possible — through deliberate policy choices, targeted investment and collective action.

Gender balance is within reach —
but only if organisations, governments and communities
act with urgency and purpose. NOW. ⚖️🔥

📖 Also in this issue:
• Ovarian Cancer
• Bipolar Disorder
• Overparenting
• Think Before You Share Online
• Police Protection Directions

👉 Read the latest edition here:
https://trauma-assist.com.au/17th-edition-empowered-digital-magazine/

21/02/2026

Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and even small, mindful steps can make a real difference to your wellbeing. 💛

21/02/2026

Mullets For Mental Health is back in 2026!
This April, grow your luscious mullet to help us fund crucial mental health research and support services at Black Dog Institute.
Register here:

Support our vision to create a mentally healthier world. Join Team Black Dog!

20/02/2026

Births, deaths and even marriage are some of life's most hectic experiences!

But when it comes to sorting the paperwork, it pays to keep a clear head.

A commercial website has been offering to process applications for Queensland's life event certificates. This site charges a higher fee and requires users to hand over large amounts of personal data.

Justice QLD reminds us to always visit the official site: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces

18/02/2026

🧠🔥 Navigating Burnout – Support for Health Professionals

Burnout is real — and health professionals deserve support.

The Navigating Burnout program, developed by Black Dog Institute as part of TEN, is a digital CBT and ACT-based program designed specifically for health professionals. It provides practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce the impact of burnout.

The program covers 7 key areas:

✔ Understanding burnout and how it affects you
✔ Strengthening connection and social support
✔ Managing unrealistic expectations
✔ Setting and communicating healthy boundaries
✔ Reconnecting with your values and purpose
✔ Planning practical self-care
✔ Leading teams through burnout (for managers)

Each module includes videos from health professionals with lived experience, plus therapy worksheets to help apply the strategies in real life.

Early feedback has been positive, and a randomised controlled trial is currently underway to assess its effectiveness.

If you or someone you know is feeling the strain, support is available.

👉 Access the program here: https://burnout.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

18/02/2026

📦 Shopping online can be a great solution for older Australians, but convenience comes with the risk of scams.
Our new Be Connected video course, developed in partnership with the ACCC, looks at:
👀 common signs of online shopping scams
🎯 ways to safeguard against scammers
🛡️ steps to take if you’ve been scammed.
🎥 Watch it now: https://news.esafety.gov.au/3Mr5mFQ

16/02/2026

Bipolar Disorder is complex, real and often misunderstood — but it is also treatable and manageable with the right support.

Behind every diagnosis is a person navigating work, relationships, family and life while managing shifts in mood and energy that others may not see. Understanding the condition helps replace judgement with compassion, and silence with support.

Awareness is more than information — it’s about how we speak, how we respond, and how we stand alongside those living with bipolar disorder.

Let’s continue to learn.
Let’s continue to listen.
Let’s continue to reduce stigma.

Because mental health matters — and no one should face it alone. 💙

Read the full article in our latest Empowered magazine:
https://trauma-assist.com.au/17th-edition-empowered-digital-magazine/