Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

05/05/2026

If your child missed the free diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa) vaccine, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, or the meningococcal ACWY vaccine at school, don’t worry.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child from serious illnesses now and later in life.

Give your GP or pharmacy a call today to ask about a free catch‑up vaccine. Find out more: www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/parent-info-hpv.aspx

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

💛 International Day of the Midwife 💛

Theme: Midwives – Critical in Every Crisis

Today we celebrate the incredible work of midwives and the vital role they play in supporting women, babies and families — especially during times of challenge and change.

Midwives are often the first point of care, providing not only clinical expertise, but compassion, advocacy and continuity of care when it matters most.

At Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, our Binji & Boori Midwifery Services are committed to delivering care that is culturally safe, respectful and empowering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

🌿 Culturally safe midwifery care means:
💛 Respecting culture, identity and connection to Country
💛 Supporting strong relationships between families and care providers
💛 Creating safe spaces where women feel heard, valued and supported
💛 Improving health outcomes for mums and bubs

Midwives are critical in every crisis — and every day — walking alongside families through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Today, we thank and celebrate all midwives for the essential care they provide to our communities 💛

📷 Katrina & Liz - Illawarra Binji & Boori Midwives

05/05/2026

Looking for more than just a job? At ISLHD, you’ll find a rewarding career in Allied Health while enjoying the lifestyle of the beautiful NSW South Coast.

From coastal walks to vibrant communities, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven offer the perfect balance of career and lifestyle. Be part of a team that offers a supportive environment and continuous opportunities for learning and career growth!

✨ Make a difference in people’s lives
✨ Build your career close to home (or make the move!)
✨ Enjoy work–life balance in a stunning coastal region

🔍 Explore all Allied Health opportunities today: https://ow.ly/JXZc50YURiQ

• Exercise Physiologist Level 1/2 - Illawarra Heart Health Centre, Wollongong Hospital
🔗 REQ656073 - https://ow.ly/9SLp50YURiV

• Medical Radiation Scientist Diagnostic Radiographer – Sonographer, Wollongong Hospital
🔗 REQ659976 - https://ow.ly/e3EO50YURiS

• Exercise Physiologist Level 1/2 - Shoalhaven Community Mental Health Rehabilitation
🔗 REQ660922 - https://ow.ly/6j0O50YURiP

• Senior Pharmacist - Clinical Education & Training, Wollongong Hospital
🔗 REQ652987 - https://ow.ly/eBEW50YURiY

• PARVAN Social Worker Level 1/2 – Warilla Community Health Centre – Identified Position
🔗 REQ656751 - https://ow.ly/THje50YURiU

• Speech Pathologist Level 3 - Illawarra Brain Injury Service (IBIS), Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital
🔗 REQ659560 - https://ow.ly/IQif50YURiR

05/05/2026

Today we’re shining a light on our midwives! 💙

Our midwives are there for women and families at some of the most important moments of their lives, offering care, guidance, reassurance and support when it matters most.

From pregnancy to the postnatal period, midwives play a vital role in supporting families across our community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the care they provide.

We asked Wollongong Hospital midwife, Nicole to tell us why she chose to become a midwife and advice she’d give to anyone thinking of a career in midwifery.

“My journey into midwifery began in 2014 when I was an Assistant in Midwifery in the Birthing Unit. Working alongside inspiring midwives and seeing them advocate for and support women sparked my passion for maternity care and inspired me to continue studying. After completing my Enrolled Nurse and Registered Nurse qualifications, I undertook the MidStart program and am now working as a midwife.

What stands out most to me about midwifery is the relationships built with women – gaining their trust, forming genuine bonds, and being part of such an intimate and powerful time in her life.

To anyone considering a career in midwifery I would say go for it! If you’re passionate about supporting and advocating for women and their choices, it is a career that will continually inspire and fulfil you.”

This International Day of the Midwife, we say thank you to Nicole and all our midwives for everything you do.
📸 - Midwife Nicole (right) with mum Jess and baby Noah

05/05/2026

04/05/2026

Today we’re shining a light on our midwives. 💙

Our midwives support women and families through some of life’s most important moments, offering care, guidance, reassurance and support when it matters most.

From pregnancy to birth and the postnatal period, midwives play a vital role in supporting families across our community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the care they provide.

We asked Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital midwife Vickie to tell us why she chose midwifery, and what her journey has meant to her.

“I began my career as a registered nurse, working across a range of areas and progressing into a nurse unit manager role. During those 15 years, I developed a strong foundation in clinical care, education, and supporting both patients and staff, but I always felt drawn to something more. That ‘something more’ was midwifery. I made the decision to return to study and undertake my Graduate Diploma of Midwifery through the NSW Health MidStart program.

I chose midwifery because I want to help women feel empowered through education and giving them the knowledge to make informed decisions and knowing they can trust me to safely care for them and their baby through pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

This career change has been the best thing I ever did. Being there for such a significant part of a woman and family's life......helping new life come into the world..... you just couldn't ask for more of a rewarding career!”

This International Day of the Midwife, we say thank you to Vickie and all our midwives for everything you do.
📸 - Vicki (centre) with mum Kay-Lea, fiancé Dave and baby Darcy Anne.

04/05/2026

❤️ A heartfelt upgrade for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD)

In 2025 alone, over 160 people were treated for a serious heart attack (STEMI) across ISLHD. Whilst heart attack numbers remain relatively stable each year, every case is a reminder of how critical fast action and early prevention can be.

Kicking off Heart Week today, ISLHD’s Head of Cardiac Services, Dr Astin Lee, is reminding the community that the best outcomes for a heart attack start before an emergency happens.
“Knowing your risk and booking a Heart Health Check with your GP can help detect heart disease early and prevent future heart attacks,” says Dr Astin Lee

To help our clinical teams treat heart attacks more precisely, we have a state-of-the-art cardiac department - helping our teams treat patients quickly during a time when minutes truly matter.
Because when it comes to your heart — never miss a beat. ❤️

02/05/2026

Why ISLHD? Ask the people who chose it!

Bella says that the location and the lifestyle are why she chose ISLHD - it's a place where work and life can feel balanced.

It’s people like Bella that make ISLHD more than a workplace.

Why ISLHD? There’s more than one reason.

Explore careers with us → https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/your-career

01/05/2026

🚧✨ Project Update ✨🚁
Big things are happening at the new Shellharbour Hospital, and it’s starting to show! Many of you may have already spotted the helipad taking shape which will get patients to the right care faster.

The new helipad will connect directly to emergency and intensive care via a dedicated lift saving critical time when every second counts.

The new hospital will deliver expanded services for our growing community, with room to support even more care into the future. 🌱🏥

The helipad is part of the more than $780m New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project and construction is on track for completion in late 2027.

👏 Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!

01/05/2026

Discover how much you know about healthy eating and shopping with Healthy Ageing resources - designed for over 50s! You can test your knowledge of healthy habits and learn useful tips along the way!

Get started: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/active-living/healthy-ageingresources