Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is managing an outbreak of the contagious streptococcal A bacterial skin infection in the Injinoo community. The disease, which can lead to chronic kidney disease, has been eliminated in most of the country. Four cases of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) were detected in the Northern Peninsula Area. Screening will focus on children aged between 12 months and 16, who are most at risk. The health service advises prompt first aid for minor injuries, proper hygiene, and regular washing or swimming to prevent skin infections and APSGN kidney complications.
Sunshine Coast Zonta clubs will host a community forum on domestic and family violence at the University of the Sunshine Coast Auditorium at Sippy Downs on Saturday, November 14. The forum will examine how exposure to domestic violence affects young people and how abuse can pass between generations. Keynote speakers Associate Professor Divna Haslam and Murray Benton will discuss prevention and earlier intervention. Sergeant Clair Parsons will speak on the role of police, families, schools and community services. Organisers hope the event will help the community work together to break the cycle of violence.
Workshops aimed at preventing domestic violence will be held in San Remo and Blue Haven. The sessions aim to curb rising domestic violence incidents across the Central Coast.
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Dementia Australia held a support and information morning tea for carers at St Stephens Catholic Church Hall in Tea Gardens on Monday, 12 October. Annette Noffke led the session, which focused on understanding the range of dementia behaviours. Dementia is caused by several diseases that affect the brain and gradually reduce thinking skills, and it is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia Australia says up to 45 per cent of cases can be avoided through steps such as quitting smoking, eating healthily and reducing alcohol intake.
A trusted community member helped a migrant woman escape family violence after a late-night call for help. The woman was supported to speak to police and was connected with specialist services. The initiative, Project Sitara, trains community leaders known as Sitaras in Melbourne's western suburbs. Organisers say the program gives women from migrant and refugee backgrounds a way to reach support in their own language. The project has recently received philanthropic funding from the Minderoo Foundation to expand across Victoria.
A landmark study projects that 24.7 million people will be diagnosed with dementia each year by 2050, with women disproportionately affected. Researchers estimate about 11.4 million people developed dementia globally in 2023. The study, from the University of NSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, analysed 38,418 people across 18 countries and territories. Researchers suggest factors including menopause, unequal education and job opportunities, and body mass index and physical activity may contribute. Experts say almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors.
Canberra mother Emma Poppe has launched a petition calling on the ACT to introduce a domestic and family violence disclosure scheme, known as Clare's Law. The proposal would let people ask police about a partner's relevant history of violence, including convictions, protection orders and breaches. Ms Poppe, who says she endured almost a decade of abuse, says earlier access to information could help people recognise warning signs. She also wants education on coercive control and support services. The petition had more than 300 signatories and is supported by independent MLA Leanne Castley.
Transgrid has completed bushfire prevention work across its 12,200km transmission network in NSW. The company carried out 4,000 vegetation management and maintenance tasks between April and September. Fire authorities have identified parts of northern and south-eastern NSW as facing an elevated bushfire threat this season. Transgrid's 2026 bushfire prevention management program included 3D-Laser aerial surveys, vegetation management, helicopter and drone inspections, and thermographic surveying.
NSW Fire and Rescue is urging residents to reduce fire hazards during spring cleaning. Firefighters attended 1005 residential fires in NSW last spring, with almost half of the homes having no working smoke alarms. Laurieton Station Commander Les King advises checking alarms, creating escape plans, and following safety tips like maintaining barbecues and monitoring cooking. The brigade also recommends clearing garden debris, checking gas barbecues, and safely disposing of hazardous chemicals.
Health professionals and policymakers gathered in Parramatta to explore strategies for enhancing preventive healthcare in NSW. With the state's elderly population set to grow significantly, the summit addressed expanding chronic disease prevention, mental health support, and equitable healthcare access. The NSW Government released a comprehensive health report to guide discussions on practical approaches to improving population health. Recent initiatives, including a new health hub in Campbelltown and an early intervention pilot program, aim to reduce hospital pressures and support community healthcare. Health Minister Ryan Park emphasised the importance of early intervention to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation.
A new online tool called Brain Health WA has been launched to help reduce the risk of dementia. The resource, created by Curtin University, translates the latest brain health evidence into practical advice and connects users to support services. It covers factors such as health conditions, physical activity, and social engagement. The tool is designed to be accessible, with simple language and a glossary to improve health literacy. The program aims to address the rising dementia rates in Western Australia, which are expected to double over the next 30 years.
Kalkallo residents can visit the local community centre on 12 October to receive free anti-theft number plate screws. The initiative, organised by Hume Council, aims to combat rising number plate thefts, with nearly 30,000 reported across Victoria last year. Community Safety Officer James Drake will be present to discuss additional safety measures. No prior booking is necessary to participate in this preventive crime event. The simple installation can significantly deter this common and easily preventable crime.
