HealthWISE

27/01/2026

When your car's “check engine” light comes on, you wouldn’t just keep driving and hope it goes away. You’d get it checked!

Summer can be a tough season — extreme weather, cost of living pressures, and disrupted routines can all make your mental health feel harder to manage. If you are struggling, you do not have to handle it alone.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is like booking in for a service.
With an MHTP, your GP can refer you to HealthWISE and our funded programs and services that can help support your wellbeing.

HealthWISE can help with:
- Regular mental health check-ins
- Help connecting with other healthcare services
- Information and guidance on mental wellbeing

Booking tip:
Most GPs need a bit of extra time to work with you on a MHTP. When you book, let the GP receptionist know you need a longer appointment so you can get the support you need.

If your “check engine light” is on, don’t ignore it. Reach out — you do not have to manage this alone!

25/01/2026

Our statement on January 26th.

22/01/2026

Looking for extra support with your health?

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and living with a long-term health condition, HealthWISE Integrated Team Care may be able to help. Our team can support you with organising appointments, accessing specialists and allied health, and helping coordinate your care so you don’t have to manage it all alone.

Coreena, one of our Aboriginal Health Senior Care Coordinators based in Tamworth, is part of the ITC team and is here to support you.

You can self-refer if you already have some health information in place, like a GP Management Plan and a 715 Health Check.

Not sure if you have everything you need? Give us a call and we can talk it through, or you can have a yarn with your GP.

HealthWISE Tamworth - 02 6766 1394
or email: integrated.team.care@healthwise.org.au

Funded by Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network.

19/01/2026

Have you met HealthWISE dietitian, Sarah?

Sarah Harvey is an Accredited Practising Dietitian based in our Narrabri office and is available to book in with now. She also travels to Moree, Bingara and Barraba, supporting people to access dietetic services closer to home.

“I have a deep passion for dietetics ... and I strive to ensure all clients feel heard, respected and supported in their nutrition journey.”

Sarah works with people across all stages of life and has particular interests in:
- Healthy eating behaviours
- Chronic disease nutrition care
- Healthy ageing
- Women’s health and nutrition
- Paediatric nutrition and growth
- Non-diet, sustainable weight management
- Allergy and intolerance management

Bookings:
Speak with your GP about a referral to HealthWISE (free for Health Care Card holders and Pensioners), or contact us directly on 6752 7196 to book a private appointment (fees apply).

NDIS, video consultations and group nutrition education are also available.

14/01/2026

Alicia is a lived experience worker with our Universal Aftercare program, supporting people on their journey of recovery after being impacted by su***de. She uses her own lived experience to bring understanding, hope and advocacy to others facing mental health challenges.

“Knowing that the years I once felt were wasted are now a source of meaningful connection and contribution for individuals and the community is heartwarming and empowering,” says Alicia.

Alicia describes her role as a blend of personal insight and professional growth, a chance to use her strengths in pattern recognition, creativity and learning to make a difference.

“For me, it’s a role that alchemises my personal and professional lives in a way that allows me to be my genuine, authentic self.”

She’s especially proud to use her voice to influence positive change in mental health care, contributing to the co-design of the NSW Universal Aftercare framework to make services more inclusive and effective.

If you need support, you can self-refer to our Universal Aftercare program by visting our website, or calling (02) 6766 1394 for more information.

Thank you, Alicia, and all lived experience workers, for turning experience into empathy and helping create a more compassionate system of care.

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! 🥳