NSW Health

10/05/2026

Care comes in many forms and sometimes it runs in the family.

We love this story from Southern NSW Local Health District, celebrating Linda and Anastasia, a mum and daughter making a difference close to home.

💙 💙 💙

What does care look like? On the Far South Coast, it looks like this 💙

A mum and daughter working in the same health service. Sharing patients. Sharing knowledge. Sharing the juggle of work and family.

Linda is a Respiratory Nurse Practitioner. Anastasia is a Physiotherapist.

Together, they’re part of the reason people in our region can access care close to home in the Bega Valley.

✨ “Some of our patients just couldn’t travel for care,” Linda says.
✨ “So we make sure they don’t have to.”

And at home today? There’s cake, tea… and two little girls growing up surrounded by care.

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the mums who care for everyone like Annie and Linda.

Full story: https://bit.ly/48P5fMp

📸: Daughter and Mother + Southern NSW Local Health District employees, Anastasia Storey and Linda Geale.

09/05/2026

With MidStart, you’ll gain clinical experience being employed as a midwifery student while you study.

If you’re a registered nurse looking to make a change, prepare for MidStart 2027. Applications open on Tuesday 19 May.

Find out more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/midstart?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=midstart2027

09/05/2026

Mother’s Day can mean different things to different people, but we hope everyone can mark it in their own way 💕

Sending love to new mums, single mums, expectant mums, grandmothers, those who can’t carry a child, adopted people and those who adopt, step-mums, those who have lost children, those who have lost their mum, those who have been disowned, those with lost connections, and everyone in between 💕

08/05/2026

Whether you're just starting out or facing a feeding challenge, support is available.​

Speak with your midwife, local child and family health nurse or GP for practical tips and gentle encouragement.

Free 24/7 advice is available - call the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline on 1800 686 268, or visit https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

08/05/2026

NSW Health is advising people in the Sutherland Shire to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a case.

This case is a returned traveller from Southeast Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.

The person visited several locations across the Sutherland Shire while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website
(www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx) Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit urgently on 1300 066 055.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 47 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Anthea Katelaris, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx)

People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website (www.smartraveller.gov.au) for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

07/05/2026

Do you know how vaccines work and why they are the most effective method we have to protect our communities from several infectious diseases?

Since 1974, vaccination programs have saved approximately 154 million lives worldwide, with 95% of these lives saved being children under the age of 5.

Swipe to refresh your understanding of this amazing tool.

Learn more here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/vaccination-information.aspx

07/05/2026

Influenza and COVID-19 both remained at a low level of activity. RSV activity remained at a moderate level. Pregnant women are recommended to get a RSV vaccine to help protect their baby.

Flu vaccines are now available and recommended for everyone over 6 months, especially those at higher risk of severe illness.

View the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance report here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/reports.aspx

Unwell and not sure where to go? You can call healthdirect anytime day or night on 1800 022 222 and get the help you need.

healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right place for care. If it’s life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000) or go to an Emergency Department.

More information on respiratory illness:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

06/05/2026

Wind down without stepping away, the NSW Health Deployment Program offers you the chance to reset, recharge and experience a different pace of work.

The Deployment Program offers flexible, short-term placements where your experience makes a real difference. Enjoy paid travel, accommodation and allowances— in roles that value your skills and give back to communities in need.

Find out more about the deployment program: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/deployment-program.aspx

06/05/2026

Congratulations and thank you Kate!

Watch more real-life stories from across NSW highlighting how small acts of kindness are making a big impact: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kindness/Pages/default.aspx

Kindness lives here at NSW Health.

FIRST EMBLEM OF KINDNESS AWARDED AT NSLHD 🌟

Northern Sydney Local Health District has recognised a milestone achievement, with eServices Librarian Katie McKnight named the first local recipient of the NSW Health Emblem of Kindness.

Announced by Chief Executive Anthony Schembri at a recent all-staff Town Hall, the Emblem of Kindness is a NSW Health initiative that recognises everyday acts of compassion across the health system.

It celebrates the small, often unseen moments that make a meaningful difference for patients, families and colleagues, helping to strengthen workplace culture across health services.

“This initiative recognises quiet but powerful moments of kindness that are not always formally acknowledged, but make a real difference across our health service,” Mr Schembri said.

Each Chief Executive can award up to five emblems per year, with recipients acknowledged statewide for demonstrating care, generosity and compassion.

Mr Schembri said Ms McKnight was a fitting first recipient.

“I am delighted to present the first Emblem of Kindness for NSLHD to Katie. I have received so many positive notes about the way Katie supports our researchers, clinicians and staff with their information needs,” he said.

“She does it in such a friendly and approachable way.”

Colleagues also highlighted her willingness to go above and beyond, including tracking down a pre-internet journal article from 1995 with patience, good humour and kindness.

06/05/2026

No smoking means no va**ng.

Va**ng is banned in all areas where smoking is banned including:
- shopping centres
- public swimming pools
- public transport including buses and trains as well as train platforms and bus stops
- enclosed areas of restaurants, pubs and clubs
- commercial outdoor dining areas
and more.

A $300 on the spot fine can be issued for va**ng or smoking in a smoke-free area.
For more information on smoke-free laws, visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/smoke-free-laws.aspx

For support to quit, visit iCanQuit.com.au, download the Pave app, or call the Quitline on 13 78 48 today.

06/05/2026

Early round Junior Medical Officer (JMO) applications for some specialties have now opened.

As Australia’s largest health system, NSW Health gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities.

Enjoy the benefits of working alongside experienced colleagues while being mentored by leading medical specialists.

Main round applications open on 14 July. Find out more: www.health.nsw.gov.au/jmo