Editors Picks
05 April 2025
NEW VIRTUAL FREE VIRTUAL HEALTH SERVICE
THE NSW Government has expanded a new free virtual healthcare service to residents in the Western Sydney Local Health District. Residents will be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions, right from the comfort of their own home. This virtual care service will provide care for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries including: coughs, colds, fevers and flu; respiratory symptoms; vomiting and diarrhoea; or minor infections and rashes. The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged 16 years and older. You can access this service by phoning Health Direct on 1800 022 222 where patients will first speak to a registered nurse who will assess your condition, and if appropriate, refer you to the virtual care service. The service uses video conferencing technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, where clinically appropriate. Virtual care forms part of a broader range of measures to relieve pressure on the state’s busy Eds.
27 March 2025
LEGENDARY BAND SCREAMING JETS AT BELLA VISTA
FOLLOWING a successful tour across the Summer, legendary Australian rock act The Screaming Jets have revealed three forthcoming headline shows for late March and early April. Sunday April 6 will see The Jets perform at the Bella Vista Hotel in Western Sydney across the afternoon with rising rock band Large Mirage. Known for their electrifying live performances, that are pure energy from start to finish, The Jets deliver a high-octane experience that keep the crowd on their feet. With six Top 10 albums and hit anthems like "Better", "Helping Hand", and "Shivers", their music has become a staple in the Australian rock scene, resonating deeply with fans across generations.
27 March 2025
STATE-OF-THE ART ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE OPENS
OAKDENE House, a revolutionary, free addiction treatment centre, opened its doors in Fairfield on March 27th.
The purpose-built facility, designed as a zen wellness retreat, aims to eliminate the shame and stigma associated with addiction, offering a unique path to recovery in stark contrast to current rehabilitation options offered to Australians.
The current Oakdene House facility, which opened 13 years ago, has long held the ambition to create a world-class facility. This dream has now become a reality, with the opening of the new centre.
“At Oakdene House we have always believed in a holistic, compassionate approach to recovery. This new centre allows us to provide that on a scale never before seen, completely free of charge in order to remove all barriers to recovery,” says Anthony Sobb, Chairman of the Oakdene House Foundation.
The centre will offer Oakdene House’s acclaimed ‘Life Choices’ program, alongside independently-run 12-step meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous), creating a comprehensive support system. The work of Oakdene House is underpinned by research conducted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, by leading experts in the field.
“I’ve been involved in addiction research for decades, and I’ve never seen anything like the Oakdene House approach. It combines a serene, restorative environment with evidence-based programs. It is truly groundbreaking,” says Bo Bernhard, from the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a leading authority on gambling addiction.
Deacon Thomas Roberts, Oakdene House Patron and CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, who spent 20 years as a gaming executive in Las Vegas, endorses the work of Oakdene House.
“The work being done at Oakdene House will save lives. The holistic approach removes the shame and stigma and opens the door to healing,” Deacon Roberts said.
Mark is a testament to the transformative power of Oakdene House. After seeking help and completing a rehabilitation program, Mark now works at Oakdene House, using his experience to support others on their journey to recovery.
“Oakdene House gave me a second chance and I’m living proof that recovery is possible, and I’m passionate about helping others find their way,” he said.
08 March 2025
PEOPLE LIVING IN TASMANIA ARE HEALTHIER
A MONASH University study has ranked Tasmania and Hobart as Australia’s healthiest places to live, while Darwin and the Northern Territory ranked the unhealthiest. The Environmental Quality Health Index (EQHI) assesses air quality, green spaces, climate, and socioeconomic factors to measure health risks. Coastal regions generally scored higher than inland areas. The study highlights the need for targeted improvements in lower-scoring regions to reduce health risks and promote wellbeing across Australia.
08 March 2025
WARNING OVER CASHLESS GAMBLING
THE NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) welcomes the NSW Government’s gambling reform consultation papers but stresses that mandatory cashless gaming remains the most effective harm-minimization tool. The papers propose facial recognition technology and a third-party exclusion register to help problem gamblers. While NCOSS supports these measures, CEO Cara Varian urges a statewide exclusion register and calls on the government to implement mandatory cashless gaming as recommended by experts.
08 March 2025
WOOLIES EXPANDS QUIET HOUR TIMES
WOOLWORTHS has expanded its Quiet Hour to five days a week, offering a low-sensory shopping experience for customers with sensory sensitivities. Running Monday to Friday, 10:30-11:30am, most stores will reduce lighting, lower noise, and minimize disruptions. Launched in 2019 with Life Without Barriers, Quiet Hour now operates in 900+ stores nationwide, enhancing accessibility and independence for customers. The expansion follows successful trials during peak shopping periods like Christmas.
08 March 2025
LEGAL QUSTIONS AROUND SELF DRIVING CARS
AS self-driving and semi-autonomous vehicles become more common, legal questions arise about liability in accidents. Slater and Gordon’s Bree Smith highlights the evolving legal landscape, emphasizing the need for public awareness. While fully autonomous cars remain in trials, semi-autonomous features like Tesla’s Autopilot complicate fault determination. With no uniform national laws yet, the Federal Government is developing the Automated Vehicle Safety Law to regulate autonomous driving by 2030 and clarify liability issues.
