Rural Northwest Health

06/02/2026

Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay has issued an alert following a report of a new measles case in Victoria from a returned overseas traveller.
There has been a recent increase in cases linked to overseas travel, with a total of six cases to date in 2026.
There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in travellers returning from overseas and interstate.
New public exposure sites have been listed. Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions provided.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through airborne droplets.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are required for immunity.

People born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, are advised to get vaccinated for measles.

Travellers going overseas should ensure routine vaccinations, including for measles, are up to date. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.

Infants aged 6 to 11 months can receive a state-funded dose of MMR vaccine prior to overseas travel through their GP or Aboriginal Health Service.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

A diagnosis of ovarian cancer often leaves you, your family and friends with many unanswered questions.
Ovarian Cancer Australia has a range of evidence-based and up-to-date support resources to empower you with the information you need, answer many of your questions, and provide you with links to other sources of information and to a wider support community.
Visit ovariancancer.net.au to learn more.

05/02/2026

Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay has issued a further alert to the community after three new measles cases in recently returned overseas travellers have been reported in Victoria.

• There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in travellers returning from overseas and interstate.
• New public exposure sites have been listed. Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions provided.
• Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through airborne droplets.
• Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are required for immunity.
• People born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, are advised to get vaccinated for measles.
• Travellers going overseas should ensure routine vaccinations, including for measles, are up to date. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.
• Infants aged 6 to 11 months can receive a state-funded dose of MMR vaccine prior to overseas travel through their GP or Aboriginal Health Service.

For more information click the link below:

Two new measles cases in overseas travellers from Asia have been reported in Victoria. There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in travellers returning from overseas and interstate.

05/02/2026

Dietitian Andre Woltersdorf was recently invited to present at the Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club to both footballers and netballers, along with coaches and trainers.
Taking a different focus than his usual role, Andre spoke
about sports dietetics, providing the latest literature focusing on the relationship between nutrition and performance.
This included: fueling for optimal performance via carbohydrate intake for pre-, during, and post- game, whilst providing fuel examples, enhancing recovery and injury prevention including brief introductions to sliding filament theory and muscle protein synthesis, and hydration science including the appropriate use of
different products including hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic beverages.
Andre also spent time myth busting, discussing alcohol consumption and it's negative impact, and discussing the possible dangers of being energy deficient in short- and long-term bouts.
Overall, while the presentation focused on sports nutrition and performance, Andre also spoke about nutrition and health off the field for long term health outcomes.
In the days following his presentation, Andre received positive feedback from those in attendance.

05/02/2026

An Audiologist is trained to evaluate your Tinnitus and talk with you about its impact. They can provide detailed information about your tinnitus including a discussion on possible causes, and develop a personalised management plan.

T is for Treatment: A hearing assessment is an essential component of a Tinnitus evaluation. This is because even a mild hearing loss will increase the “cognitive load” associated with communication, leading to frustration, fatigue and stress which are all known to aggravate Tinnitus.

After determining the possible causes of your tinnitus an Audiologist will develop a personalised management plan, including referral to other medical or allied health professionals as required.

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and coordinating individual, collective, and government action, we can all work together to imagine a world without cancer, where everyone has access to life-saving cancer treatment and cancer care is available to everyone - no matter who you are or where you live.

Our time to act is now….

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04/02/2026

The number of causes of Tinnitus mean that it can be difficult to take preventative care however, by utilising simple and safe listening practices that combat noise exposure, you can help reduce your risk of developing Tinnitus.
This includes:
- Limiting your exposure to loud sounds or loud music: If you work in a noisy environment, it is essential you wear the ear protection provided and adhere to the guidelines provided by your Health and Safety Officer.
- Control the volume: If you are gaming or listening to music through your earbuds, try to turn down the volume. If you are attending a concert, it's recommended that you wear hearing protection.
The best option for reducing your risk of developing Tinnitus is to see an Accredited Audiologist for a regular hearing check and advice.

03/02/2026

Please welcome our interim CEO Lois O'Callaghan.

An experienced CEO and Senior Executive, Lois has successfully led both public and private-sector organisations.
Having worked across the health, education, family services, and aged and disability fields, Lois is no stranger to leading teams, or to engaging communities and stakeholders.
Consistently striving for excellence, Lois is influential in aligning an organisation’s operations with its vision and values, whilst actively promoting team harmony.
Understanding the varying needs of consumers, Lois is passionate about the Wimmera Mallee region having hailed from Ouyen where she is also a partner in a broadacre farming enterprise.
Ready to embrace any challenges this new role may bring, Lois looks forward to engaging with the wider community to help RNH continue providing accessible, efficient, and affordable care.

03/02/2026

Happy Primary Health Care Nurses Day!

A chance to highlight the incredible work nurses do for our communities, today we recognise those nurses who deliver care, connection and support across Australia.

Thank you to every primary health care nurse for your skill, care and commitment - not only today, but every day.