HealthWISE

11/01/2026

Tamworth Country Music Festival – Road Closures 🚧

If you’re travelling to Tamworth for an appointment with us, please be aware that road closures for the Tamworth Country Music Festival will begin rolling out from 11 January through to 27 January 2026.

These closures may impact:
- Traffic flow and travel times
- Availability of both street and off-street parking

While our end of Peel Street is not closed, traffic will be diverted through the area, so we kindly ask that you allow a little extra time to get to your appointment.

If you have any concerns or think you may be running late, please give us a call on 02 6766 1394 — we’re happy to help where we can!

10/01/2026

If the Sunday scaries are feeling a little heavier than usual, you are not alone.

Coming back into routine after the holidays can bring up stress, worry or low mood, especially if things have been building quietly in the background. That can be a sign it is worth checking in on your mental health.

Talking with your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan is a good first step. You can also self refer to some of our Mental Health programs, including Psychosocial Support and Universal Aftercare.

These services focus on practical, everyday support to help you feel more steady and supported as you move into the year.

You can find more information on our website or give us a call to talk through what might be right for you.

Support is available, and you do not have to wait until things feel unmanageable.

08/01/2026

📢 Attention, Armidale followers!
Please note that our Armidale office will be closed on Friday 9th of January.

For any inquiries, please reach out to our Tamworth office at 02 6766 1394.

Send a message to learn more

07/01/2026

After a decade at the helm of HealthWISE, our CEO Fiona Strang is retiring.

For 10 years, Fiona has led with kindness, compassion and a strong belief in people and community. She has helped build an organisation that supports staff to thrive and delivers care that truly meets the needs of our rural communities.

As Fiona enjoys a well-earned break, she has handed over the reins to our Executive Manager of Strategy, Sally Urquhart. We will be sharing more about Sally and what is ahead for HealthWISE in the coming weeks.

Read Fiona’s full farewell through the link in the comments.

06/01/2026

We’re back for 2026!

Happy New Year from all of us at HealthWISE!
Our team is back in action today and ready to continue supporting healthier communities across our region.

Whether it’s appointments, programs, referrals or partnerships, we’re looking forward to another year of working alongside our communities and local services.

Here’s to a big year ahead, thanks for being part of it!

01/01/2026

The link between financial stress and mental ill health is well established*. Financial pressure can significantly impact mental wellbeing, and mental health challenges can also increase vulnerability to financial stress.

As we head into a new year, one practical resolution that can support both financial and mental wellbeing is a mini household financial audit.

A simple check-in might include:
• Reviewing insurance policies to make sure you are covered for what you need and paying a fair price
• Checking bank statements for subscription services, including free trials you may have forgotten about
• Reviewing electricity and gas providers and comparing current rates
• Checking your internet and mobile plans to ensure they still suit your needs

Small changes can reduce ongoing stress and free up money for the things that matter most.

For people living and working in rural, regional, and remote Australia, the Regional Tech Hub provides free, personalised, and independent advice on internet, phone, and mobile options. They can help you understand all available connectivity options and access practical resources to make informed decisions.

You can follow their social media or visit:
https://regionaltechhub.org.au/

Supporting financial wellbeing is an important part of supporting overall mental health, and small steps at the start of the year can make a meaningful difference.

*Source: Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey

31/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we acknowledge and thank everyone who contributes to healthier communities across our region.

To our staff, health professionals, community partners, educators, clients, event attendees, and all those who engage with our services – thank you for being with us. Your trust, collaboration, and willingness to share your experiences help shape and strengthen our programs and services to better meet community needs.

We look forward to continuing this work together in 2026! 🥳

26/12/2025

Caring for someone in your family or community can be tough. Whether you’re looking after your mum or dad, Nan or Pop, an auntie, someone with a disability, or anyone who needs day-to-day support, it can take a lot of time, energy, and heart.

Our communities are strongest when everyone is strong, and that includes carers.

A few gentle reminders for yourself:
• Take breaks when you can
• Reach out for help early, even for small things
• Keep connected with people who support you
• Remember that your own health matters too

Support is available for all unpaid, informal carers – both young and older carers. Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support, including information, counselling, and connection to local resources: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

You do not have to manage it alone. Taking care of yourself helps you continue caring for those who need you most.

24/12/2025

📍Tamworth

🎄 Christmas Eve Dinner – No One Should Be Alone 🎄

The Beacon Truck would love to invite you to come and join us for our Christmas Eve Community Dinner.

We’ll be sharing a warm evening of connection, kindness and support — and everyone is welcome.

✅ Delicious food prepared by members of our community
✅ Free clothing available if you’re in need
✅ Eggs and bread donated — feel free to pick up what you need
✅ Extra loaves of bread to take home (While stock last)
✅ Gifts for kids (while stocks last)

If you or someone you know could use a warm meal, a few essentials, or simply some company this Christmas — please come along.
No one should spend Christmas alone.

📍 Location: Near Oval 1, Kable Avenue
🕔 Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Please share this post so we can reach anyone who may need it. ❤️

22/12/2025

With warmer weather and recent rainfall, snakes are more active across our region.

Reduce the risk around your home:
• Keep lawns short and gardens tidy
• Remove rubbish, wood piles, and long grass
• Make sure you know your local licensed snake catcher and keep their details somewhere handy, like on the fridge

If you see a snake:
• Stay calm and step back
• Keep children and pets away
• Do not attempt to catch or kill it
• Call a licensed snake catcher

Snake bite first aid can save lives:
• Call 000 immediately
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage from the bite site up the limb, towards the body
• Keep the person still and calm
• Do not wash, cut, or suck the bite site

Being prepared and knowing what to do helps keep everyone safer during snake season!

20/12/2025

This World Meditation Day, ease into the morning with a calmer headspace. Before the doomscroll begins, take a moment to slow your breath, steady your mind and start the day feeling grounded.

19/12/2025

With a heatwave forecast across our region in the lead up to Christmas, taking a few simple steps can help protect your health.

During extreme heat:
• Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty
• Close blinds and curtains during the day to block direct sunlight
• Use fans to keep air moving – check to see if your fan is switched to the summer setting!
• Close doors to rooms you are not using to keep cool air where you need it most
• Seal gaps around doors and windows with draught excluders
• Minimise heat indoors by cooking outside, at night, or choosing no-cook meals
• Spend time in the coolest part of the house or in air-conditioned spaces where possible

Low-cost items like draught excluders and door seals are easy to find at local hardware stores such as Bunnings or Mitre 10 and can make a real difference during prolonged heat!

Don't forget to also check in on older neighbours, friends, and family, and make sure pets have shade and water!