Darling Downs & West Moreton PHN

09/06/2026

Did you know that children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years can now be vaccinated using the safe, needle-free nasal spray option, FluMist?

The nasal spray influenza vaccine given as a quick, painless spray into the nose. 👃💨

The nasal spray influenza vaccine contains tiny amounts of weakened flu viruses that does not cause the flu, but rather builds protection by mimicking a natural infection to stimulate the body’s immune response.

Learn more about staying winter strong: https://bit.ly/winterstrong2026

03/06/2026

Thinking about having a baby? 🤰
Preparing for pregnancy starts before conception.

The months before the baby bump (called preconception) are when healthy habits can make a big difference. What you do now builds healthy habits for you, which will support a healthy pregnancy, and have long-term benefits for you and your child.

And it’s not just about the person who’ll carry the bump – both partners play a role! Working together on healthier choices can make a powerful impact on your family’s future. 🤝

Find out more at https://hw.qld.gov.au/beforethebabybump

02/06/2026

🎙️ In the latest episode of GPs in a Pod, Dr Tanusha speaks with Alanna Philipson, Principal Program Officer at Children's Health Queensland, about Connecting2u – a free Queensland-wide SMS program that supports parents and carers during pregnancy (antenatal) and in the first 5 years of their child’s life. 📱💬

Learn how the program delivers timely health information, developmental milestones, immunisation reminders, wellbeing support and parenting resources directly to families via text message.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/3yb5ZMk

29/05/2026

🧼 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

😷 Stay home when you are feeling unwell and wear a mask if you leave home to see a doctor.

Little habits make a big difference – keep your family healthy and strong this winter.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/winterstrong2026

28/05/2026

This National Reconciliation Week’s theme is ‘All In for Reconciliation’. At Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, we’re reflecting our responsibility to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all we do.

We work to empower community voices, grow partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and support self-determination in health and wellbeing.

As part of our commitment to being for reconciliation, PHN staff are undertaking AIDA's cultural safety training, led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, to help strengthen the way we listen, learn and apply culturally safe practices in our everyday work.

Learn more about : https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

27/05/2026

Celebrating National Reconciliation Week with the launch of the Elder’s Health Diary with Carbal Medical Services

Today the PHN, Carbal Medical Services and local Elders came together to celebrate the launch of Elder’s Health Diary.

The diary enables Elders to keep track of their health information; including contact information and appointments, medications and bush medicine, and blood sugar and pressure record keeping. It also contains helpful information about health services, aged care support and digital health in the Darling Downs region.

Local Aboriginal artist Jenna Bradshaw - a proud Gomeroi and Dhunghutti woman - created the artwork which is featured throughout the resource.

"My art piece tells a story of our people and how they connect to waterways and country. Water and Country contribute to our healing journey and food source, this will continue with the knowledge passed down from generation to generation..”

Learn more and order copies of the free journal at www.ddwmphn.com.au/elders-health-diary

21/05/2026

We are very proud to congratulate Floyd Leedie, CEO of our valued partner Goondir Health Services, on being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) - one of Australia's highest honours.

Floyd's work is both deeply rooted in community values and genuinely innovative. He demonstrates how healthcare delivered in true partnership with communities can create lasting and meaningful change for the better.

Congratulations, Floyd. It is a privilege to work alongside you and the Goondir team. 🌟

We are incredibly proud to share this special moment as our CEO, Floyd, receiving his Australian AM Award from her Excellency Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

This photo was taken during the award ceremony, marking a truly memorable occasion and a proud achievement for Floyd who attributes his award to the entire Goondir Family, Goondir Service Partners, and Goondir Research Partners.

Congratulations🎉 Floyd, on this well-deserved honour and thank you for your continued leadership, passion, and commitment to making a positive difference in our communities.

19/05/2026

In the latest episode of GPs in a Pod, Dr Jo is joined by Dr John Ngo, Public Health Registrar with the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, to discuss the growing impact of RSV in older adults, and the new RSV vaccine recommendations.

The conversation also covers flu vaccines, COVID boosters, pneumococcal vaccination, shingles prevention, pertussis boosters, and simple ways patients can reduce the spread of winter respiratory illnesses.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/3yb5ZMk

18/05/2026

💪 Everyone aged 6 months or older can get a free flu vaccination.

Children aged 2 to 5 years can get a needle-free nasal spray option (FluMist).

It is also important to stay up to date with COVID-19, RSV and Pneumococcal vaccinations.

It’s one of the best things you can do to avoid the Emergency Department this winter.

Don’t delay, contact your GP or pharmacy to get vaccinated today.

Learn more: https://www.ddwmphn.com.au/winter-strong