HealthWISE

21/11/2025

Today we returned to Calrossy Anglican School to deliver the artworks created during their R U OK? Day event. We handed these collaborative pieces back to the wonderful Student Committee, who will be placing them around the campus for everyone to enjoy.

It’s a gentle reminder to look out for one another — those small check-ins truly matter, and building confidence in young people to talk and seek support can make a real difference. These students are leading by example for their peers and future generations, and it’s something to be proud of.

20/11/2025

It’s been a tough week for many in Walcha. Staying connected and knowing where to turn for support can make a real difference.

Community Support Day will be held on Thursday 20 November, 10am–4pm at McHattan Park. It’s a calm, welcoming space where community members can check in with local services, have a conversation, or simply gather information that might be helpful now or down the track.

HealthWISE will be on site alongside a range of wellbeing and community organisations. Free burgers will be available from 11.30am–1.30pm, and the day is designed to remain informal and approachable — no sessions to attend, no appointments, just friendly faces ready to chat if needed.

Everyone is welcome to drop by, stay for a while, or pick up a pamphlet on their way through. The aim is to make support easy to access whenever things feel a bit overwhelming.

Walcha Council Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - RAMHP Rapid Relief Team AU Little Red Tractor

19/11/2025

Organisations like the University of New England, AU Psychology Clinic play an important role in supporting our region during challenging times.

They’re currently offering free emergency psychological first aid sessions over the coming weeks for those who may need extra support.

If you, your family, or your children witnessed the distressing accident at the Walcha demolition derby at the weekend, you’re not alone.

The UNE Psychology Clinic is providing free emergency psychological first aid sessions for the next three weeks.

“Our community is very resilient but sometimes witnessing a distressing and frightening event can come on top of other life stresses," Acting Director of the Clinical Psychology Program, Dr Amanda Jefferys, says.

“People who are not feeling themselves, not sleeping well or feeling flat and disconnected should reach out for some strategies and skills from one of our psychologists. It’s better to address any worries or concerns sooner rather than later."

Call 6773 2545 to book 💚

19/11/2025

When our region goes through tough moments, it can take a toll on people at work as well as at home. If you’re a local business wanting to make sure your staff have access to confidential support, our Employee Assistance Program is here when they need it.

Our clinicians can help with work concerns, stress, anxiety, relationship pressures, grief and more. We also offer critical incident response, wellbeing workshops, coaching and consultancy for organisations.

To learn more or request a quote, contact sarah.dean@healthwise.org.au or call 02 6742 3633.

17/11/2025

Last week HealthWISE attended the 6th Annual Rural Allied Health Conference in Tamworth.

We were very lucky to have Vicki Gardner, our Team Leader and Aboriginal Health Worker, present on the day and share the work happening through our Aboriginal Health Practitioners in Pharmacy pilot program. This program is helping strengthen culturally responsive care and support for Aboriginal community members in local pharmacies.

A huge thank you to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for supporting this important pilot.

We also appreciate Rural Health Pro and the NSW Ministry of Health for bringing together such a valuable event celebrating the strengths, resilience and innovation within rural allied health.

13/11/2025

What a way to finish our 2025 Menopause is not a Dirty Word tour!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and completely filled the Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library for our final event of the year. The room was full of laughter, shared experiences, and plenty of knowing nods as our guest speakers talked through common menopause symptoms and the practical steps women can take to prevent and manage them.

Our sincere thanks to our wonderful speakers:
• Dr Callum Fealy from Gwydir Medical
• Ellen Adams from Moveology New England
• Brianna Short from Physigrow https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571880266265
• And our talented presenter and MC for the evening, Fiona Little from University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

This event, and every session throughout the tour, was made possible thanks to the support of UoNDRH and the many community members who attended and demonstrated the strong demand for accessible menopause education.

Thank you for helping us make this series such a success. Here is to continuing the conversation in 2026.

13/11/2025

We are proud to continue our partnership with the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) through the second year of the Active Champions Fund!

This initiative supports five outstanding young athletes as they pursue their sporting dreams and work towards qualifying for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Active Champions Fund provides five grants of $2,000 each to help cover the costs of training, travel, and competition for regional athletes.

We’re thrilled to help empower the next generation of sporting talent across our region!

📣NIAS and HealthWISE Active Champions Fund 2025/26📣
We’re excited to announce our continued partnership with HealthWISE to deliver the Active Champions Fund for the 2025/26 season! NIAS athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sports please scan the QR code to apply or see Lumin for details.

10/11/2025

Step into a calm, inclusive space for community healing and connection at the Tamworth Hydrotherapy Pool.

HealthWISE Aboriginal Health invites you to take part in FLOW TRIBE, a program designed to support balance, mobility, pain management and overall wellbeing through gentle movement in water.

Independent pool and aqua class passes are available, with transport options for those who need it.

Where: Tamworth Base Hospital Hydrotherapy Pool
Contact: Jade Whittaker
Phone: 0491 782 446
Email: Jade.Whittaker@healthwise.org.au

Limited passes available – take the first step towards healing through water.

07/11/2025

“I didn’t know how much I didn’t know.”

Every woman deserves to understand what’s happening to her body — and every conversation helps break the silence around menopause.

Our final Menopause is Not a Dirty Word event for the year is happening next week in Glen Innes!

Wednesday 12 November
Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre
6–9pm (doors open 5:30)
Refreshments provided

Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect and share.

Tag a friend who needs to see this!
Register free via the link in the comments.

06/11/2025

Last night, the HealthWISE team attended the National Rural & Remote Health Awards!

We were proud to be nominated alongside so many amazing organisations and people making a difference in rural and regional communities.

We might not have taken home the trophy for our Health Promotion programs, but the real win is the impact these services have every day — for our communities, and for the communities of all who were recognised. 💛

Rural Health Pro

04/11/2025

The NEST (Nutrition Education Skills Training) program from OzHarvest helps people build cooking confidence, improve healthy eating habits, and strengthen food security. HealthWISE worked with OzHarvest to tailor NEST to regional towns—delivering practical cooking classes, interactive activities, and shared meals, all aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Programs like NEST could not be delivered without the guidance, resources, and support of the OzHarvest team. Being a finalist for the Rural/Remote Health Innovator of the Year is in part thanks to partnerships that make innovative, evidence-based programs possible in regional communities.

03/11/2025

The HealthWISE Ipswich team has moved. You can now find us at the Ipswich Corporate Office, Level 6, 16 East Street, Ipswich.

Our phone number remains the same — 07 3050 4438 — so you can continue to contact us as usual.

We look forward to welcoming clients and visitors to our new office and continuing to support the health and wellbeing of our region.