HealthWISE

08/12/2025

Bushfire season can stir up many feelings — worry, tension, past memories, or that constant “what if”. These reactions are common, and you are not alone.

A few simple steps can help you feel more in control:
• Review your bushfire plan early
• Keep your property tidy and know your local warnings
• Focus on what you can control, and take breaks from distressing news
• Stay connected with people who support you

If these feelings become overwhelming, professional help is available. Talk to your GP or contact HealthWISE for more information.

Staying prepared includes looking after your wellbeing as much as your home.

02/12/2025

Today is a reminder that every person deserves the chance to take part fully in community life. This year’s theme, Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, highlights the importance of removing the barriers that hold people back.

Across Australia and around the world, people with disability continue to face higher rates of poverty, limited access to employment, uneven social supports and systems that do not always uphold dignity, autonomy or choice. These pressures impact individuals, families and whole communities.

Creating a more inclusive society strengthens all of us. It means building environments where people with disability can participate fully, contribute their expertise and have equal opportunities to thrive.

At HealthWISE we remain committed to improving access to care, supporting people to make informed choices, and working towards healthier, more inclusive communities across our region.

25/11/2025

We’re getting ready for our end-of-year celebration this Wednesday (26th November), so a few of our offices will look a little different across the week. Here’s what you can expect:

Armidale, Narrabri, Moree, Inverell & Glen Innes — Closed Wednesday only. Open the rest of the week.
Ipswich — Limited coverage Monday–Thursday. Open as normal on Friday.
Tamworth — Open until 10:30am Wednesday, reopening at 3:30pm. Usual hours the rest of the week.
Gunnedah — Open until 2pm Wednesday. Open the rest of the week.

Thanks for your understanding while our team takes a moment to celebrate the year together. Brolly has even dusted off their bowls skills for the occasion!

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.