NSW Health

21/11/2025

Important advice on the recall and disposal of coloured sand sold at Kmart, Target and Officeworks.

Children’s coloured sand products sold at retailers Kmart and Officeworks are subject to a voluntary recall due to concerns they may contain low levels of asbestos.

Here’s what you need to know:

In NSW, tests on recalled coloured sand products found no respirable asbestos fibres. Testing was done by a NATA-accredited lab following Australian Standards.

• We’ll keep monitoring and testing recalled products in NSW. If new evidence comes up, we’ll investigate further.
• All recalled coloured sands should be removed from use and disposed of safely following NSW EPA guidelines:
• Double-bag the product in heavy-duty plastic bags (tape securely)
• Place in your red lid bin for disposal.

For detailed advice on disposal and recall instructions, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/coloured-sand-recall

For national health guidance, visit enHealth advice: bit.ly/enhealth-interim-advice

20/11/2025

Got body aches or a worsening cough?

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant advice from a registered nurse and get connected with the care that's right for you.

The nurse can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, or connect you to a doctor online

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect

20/11/2025

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles across Sydney.

A person has recently been confirmed to have acquired measles in Sydney. This person has had no known contact with anyone else with measles and did not attend any known exposure locations.

With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to measles.

In addition, NSW Health last week advised that another person with measles attended a number of locations across Sydney: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx

South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith, said measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure.”

For more information on measles, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx

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.

20/11/2025

NSW’s drug checking trial continues this weekend at Strawberry Fields Festival in the state’s south.

Festivalgoers can bring a small sample of a substance to the free and anonymous drug checking service. Health experts will analyse it on the spot and share what’s in it — including potency when possible — plus give tips to reduce harm.

Peer workers will be on hand for confidential advice, support and to connect people with health and support services if they need.
Drug checking will be available onsite for patrons at Strawberry Fields on:
• Friday, 21 November, 2pm to 8pm
• Saturday, 22 November, 12pm to 6pm.

Remember, no illicit drug is safe, even if tested. The information provided as part of the trial aims to help people make informed decisions and reduce risks and drug related harm.

Find out more about how to keep yourself and your friends safe at music festivals here: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/stayok

For more information on the NSW drug checking trial, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.../drug-checking-trial.a

20/11/2025

Influenza is stable at a moderate level of activity. This ongoing activity is unusual for this time of the year. COVID-19 and RSV remain at a low level of activity.

If you haven’t had your 2025 flu vaccine, it’s still a good time to get it. This is particularly important if you’re at high risk or planning overseas travel. Flu is still active in NSW, and the winter flu season has started in many Northern Hemisphere countries.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months, especially those at higher risk of severe illness including people aged 65 years and older.

And remember these top tips to protect yourself and others:

- stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
- stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home
- get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces and avoid crowded spaces
- consider taking a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
- make a plan with your doctor if you're at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicine
- practice good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

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.

19/11/2025

On his first day as a nurse, Trent received a small but valuable piece of advice about how first impressions can shape patient outcomes.

Watch real-life stories from across NSW highlighting how small acts of kindness are making a big impact: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpXDJ5In7QhTf2ZndlpCzAhbTxqpqdcI6

NSW Health will celebrate the incredible work of the nurses and midwives who work in the NSW Health system on Monday 24 November at the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Learn more about the finalists here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma

Kindness lives here at NSW Health.

19/11/2025

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/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=breastfeeding_week_campaign

19/11/2025

Ready to kickstart a career in health?

Help provide access to healthcare for all who need it in our Alcohol and Other Drugs sector.

Our workforce is made up of multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other allied health workers.

Be part of a vibrant and professional team that listen to understand, not label.

Start your career in our Alcohol and Other Drugs sector today: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/aod/

19/11/2025

Mosquitoes can spread serious diseases in NSW, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is preventable by a vaccine.

JEV vaccines are available for free if you live in a Local Government Area (LGA) of high JEV concern or work with pigs or mosquitoes.

Check if you are eligible for a free JEV vaccine here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

19/11/2025

Svetlana, Penelope and Kezia are finalists in the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards!

Read what being a midwife and being nominated means to them 💜

NSW Health will celebrate the incredible work of the nurses and midwives that who work in the NSW Health system on 24 November.

The 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are proudly sponsored by Aware Super.

Learn more about the awards and finalists here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma

18/11/2025

As a JMO with NSW Health, you will unlock learning, support and mentoring from leading specialists.

Grow your career with NSW Health and join the largest healthcare system in Australia.

Find out more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jmo-apply?utm_source=jmorecruitmentpage&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=jmo2026applications&utm_id=jmo2026social

16/11/2025

It's getting closer! Only one week to go until the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards!

NSW Health will celebrate the incredible work of the nurses and midwives who work in the NSW Health system on Monday 24 November.

The 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are proudly sponsored by Aware Super.

Learn more about the finalists here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma