NSW Health

04/09/2026

When you’re sick and unsure where to go, use Symptom Checker online for free, trusted health advice, anytime, anywhere.

Enter your symptoms into Symptom Checker to be connected to the care you need. This may include connecting you to a doctor online or helping you to find a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service.

Check your symptoms: healthdirect.gov.au

04/09/2026

No smoking means no va**ng.

Va**ng is banned in all areas where smoking is banned including:
- shopping centres
- public swimming pools
- public transport including buses and trains as well as train platforms and bus stops
- enclosed areas of restaurants, pubs and clubs
- commercial outdoor dining areas
- and more.

A $300 on the spot fine can be issued for va**ng or smoking in a smoke-free area.
For more information on smoke-free laws, visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/smoke-free-laws.aspx

For support to quit, visit iCanQuit.com.au, download the Pave app, or call the Quitline on 13 78 48 today

04/09/2026

Applications for the 2027 Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship are now open for eligible Aboriginal students in their final two years of study. The program offers cultural support, mentorship, and hands-on experience alongside allied health professionals.

For Madison, an aspiring paediatric occupational therapist from Mid North Coast Local Health District, the cadetship has provided valuable experience working with children and families. "Through the program, I help run school preparation groups for children, assist with assessments, and deliver one-on-one therapy sessions with children. These experiences have strengthened my clinical skills, built my confidence, and supported my development as a future paediatric occupational therapist," Madison says.

Apply now. Applications close on Wednesday 30 September: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/aboriginal/Pages/allied-health-cadetship-program.aspx

Artwork by Leona McGrath (Woopaburra and Kuku Yalanji).

03/09/2026

Become the next generation of health professionals — NSW Health offers up to $12,000 financial support.

Gabrielle, the first generation Australian is studying postgraduate Medicine, she says the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy has helped ease the financial pressure that comes with full-time study.

The support has helped cover rent, living expenses and provided a small financial buffer, allowing her to focus on study, clinical training and becoming more involved in the medical student community.

“This assistance has enabled me to pursue my medical education without compromising my wellbeing.” says Gabrielle.

Final spots available. Check if you're eligible and apply today: www.health.nsw.gov.au/studysubsidies

03/09/2026

Which snacks do your kids enjoy at lunch?

Packing simple, bite sized fruit and vegetables in their lunchbox is a great way to encourage healthy eating through out the day.

Find more Crunch&Sip tips: www.nsw.gov.au/crunchandsip

There’s more than one way to pack Crunch&Sip®!

You can try a range of vegetables and fruits such as:
🥕 fresh
🫐 frozen
🍐 canned (in natural juice or water)

Find more Crunch&Sip® tips: www.nsw.gov.au/crunchandsip

03/09/2026

Influenza remained at a high level of activity. RSV remained at a moderate level of activity. COVID-19 remained at a low level of activity.

Influenza vaccines are strongly recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over, especially those at higher risk of severe illness. It’s not too late! Book your flu vaccine today.

RSV vaccines are recommended and free for adults aged 75+ and pregnant women.

View the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance report here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/reports.aspx

Unwell and not sure where to go? For free instant health advice, anytime, anywhere, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au

Speak to a registered nurse on the phone or enter your symptoms into Symptom Checker online to connect you to the right care.

healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If it’s life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000) or go to an Emergency Department.

More information on respiratory illness:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

02/09/2026

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we want you to meet proud dad Simon Ormsby, who has the pleasure of serving patients in the Hunter New England Local Health District along with his entire family.

Simon works as a radiographer at John Hunter Hospital, and his wife Jennifer is a nurse manager in the Nursing & Midwifery Directorate. Both have been with NSW Health for several years.

Their three children, Eliza, Lucy, and James, have followed in their footsteps by choosing careers in health-related fields.

“It was the norm for our children to grow up surrounded by shift work, uniforms and health-related conversations,” Simon observes.

“I know it is not forever, but I love walking down the corridor on any given day at John Hunter Hospital and seeing one of my three children working in health. We are privileged to be part of a patient's journey.”

Thank you, Ormsby family, for your service, and have a lovely Father’s Day, Simon.

02/09/2026

Do refugees and new migrants to Australia need ‘catch up’ vaccinations even if they were vaccinated in their home countries?

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant and GP Dr Anju Aggarwal discuss this question and more in the first episode of Talk Health Across Cultures, a series focusing on health topics and multicultural communities.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXly_BQVCl8&t=4s

Find out more about Talk Health Across Cultures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXly_BQVCl8&t=4s

01/09/2026

Are you pregnant and wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Here's a handy guide to help!

Check these items off your list to ensure you, your baby and your support person are ready to go!

Check with your midwife, doctor or hospital about other essentials that you may need.

Parents, what’s the one thing you packed (or wish you’d packed!) in your hospital bag? Tell us in the comments!

01/09/2026

Interested in kickstarting your career in allied health? Enjoy paid, hands-on experience while studying through the Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship Program.

For occupational therapy (OT) student Anna from Mid North Coast Local Health District, the program has provided valuable experience in rehabilitation and stroke services while helping apply university learning in a real clinical setting. "The cadetship has given me the opportunity to develop practical skills, explore different areas of OT, and see firsthand the career I'm working towards," she says.

Apply now. Applications close Wednesday 30 September: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/aboriginal/Pages/allied-health-cadetship-program.aspx

Artwork by Leona McGrath (Woopaburra and Kuku Yalanji).