Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Month: March 2025

Grant Opportunity for Medical Research and Innovation

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is administering a new grant opportunity on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, aimed at advancing medical research and innovation through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

This funding supports projects across three streams:

  • Stream 1 (Incubator): Early-stage, small-scale research led by early career researchers to explore novel strategies for critical health challenges in Priority Populations.

  • Stream 2 (Accelerator): Large-scale, interdisciplinary programs led by mid-career researchers to drive substantial improvements in healthcare and health system effectiveness.

  • Stream 3 (Targeted Call for Research): Co-funded initiatives that fast-track research translation into policy and practice, led by early to mid-career researchers.

Further details, including eligible organisations, can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care and NHMRC websites.

Movember Institute of Men’s Health Indigenous PhD Scholarship

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

A full-time Indigenous PhD scholarship is available as part of a national project within Movember’s Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing portfolio. This initiative is a collaboration between the Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) and the Movember Institute of Men’s Health.

The scholarship offers a high-achieving graduate from fields such as public health, psychology, or sociology the opportunity to conduct evaluative research on Indigenous men’s social and emotional wellbeing. The project will be applied and interdisciplinary, requiring cultural sensitivity and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and industry partners.

The candidate will be based at a Flinders University campus in Darwin, Alice Springs, or Adelaide, with potential flexibility. Supervision will be provided by leading researchers from Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health.

Benefits

The scholarship includes:

  • a stipend valued at $51,500* per annum (2025 rate) tax free
  • the scholarship will be awarded for 3 years
  • the opportunity to engage in research related travel (funded separately) to multiple regional, rural and remote communities across Australia
  • access to targeted professional development opportunities, including conference attendance support, industry mentorship, and involvement in team capacity building activities
  • additional support will be provided to facilitate research fieldwork, specific to the project
  • a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

  • identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • be an Australian citizen
  • meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
  • be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in semester 2, 2025.

Find out more: Movember Institute of Men’s Health Indigenous PhD Scholarship

Applications close April 4, 2025. 

Upcoming Webinars

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Triple protection: Vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in 2025 

Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 p.m

The NCIRS is hosting a Webinar today on vaccinations, aiming to provide information on influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. 
The webinar will be hosted by Professor Kristine Macartney (Director, NCIRS) followed by a live Q&A session.  

Please register to join the meeting. If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry – by registering, you’ll still receive the link to the webinar recording via email.

Protecting Mob this Winter – Immunisation Webinar for ACCHOs 

Date: Tuesday 1 April 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m

NACCHO in Collaboration with NCIRS will be hosting this webinar on Immunisation, especially for the ACCHO Sector. This will be hosted by Dr Megan Cambell from NACCHO and immunisation experts from NCIRS.  

The discussion topics will be around:  

  • Latest updates on winter viruses and available vaccinations in 2025. 
  • Practical advice to facilitate discussion around vaccines 
  • Strategies to increase vaccination uptake  
  • Resources available to tailor and utilise at the ACCHOs.  

Following the webinar will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to share what worked best for your ACCHO to boost vaccination intake in your community.  

If you are interested in joining, please register for the webinar.  

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners will be eligible to claim CPD points with NAATSIHWP for this education. The webinar will be recorded and made available to people who are unable to attend on the day.

Melbourne Academic Centre for Health Aboriginal Health Showcase 2025 

Date: Tuesday, 1 Apr 2025
Time: 08:30 – 16:00 AEDT 

The Aboriginal Leadership Group at Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) invites you to the inaugural MACH Aboriginal Health Showcase. This free event, available for attendance online, will highlight Aboriginal-led programs and initiatives addressing health priorities across our Community.  

The theme of the Showcase is Listen and Learn: Co-Design and Innovation in Indigenous Health, which provides an opportunity to learn from each other about the innovative programs and initiatives addressing Aboriginal health priorities across the MACH partnership.  

For more information and registration, go here.

NSW Rural Health Network’s Virtual Forum: Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare 2025

Date: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
Time: 8.45 am – 4:30pm

Program available via this LINK

Syphilis Overview in NSW: Risk, Testing, Treatment & Support

Date: Tuesday, 8 April
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
Location: Online

List syphilis clinical tools, resources, and primary care support services readily available in NSW. You will earn CPD points by attending.

Expert speakers

  • Dr Vani Arjunamani – General Practitioner
  • Dr Kym Collins – Sexual Health Physician
  • Dr Miriam Grotowski – Clinical Dean, Peel Clinical School, University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

Register here.

Webinar: Are you ready for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?

Date: Tuesday 15 April
Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm AEST

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and Lung Foundation Australia are hosting a webinar for the healthcare workforce. NACCHO will also join the panel discussion. The webinar will focus on how to prepare for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program commencing in July. Learn about the program’s objectives and practical strategies to implement the program in your health service. The webinar is RACGP and ACCRM accredited.  

Register here: National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education Webinar 

The Lung Foundation Australia has developed eLearning education modules to support healthcare providers to prepare for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.  

The eLearning consists of six self-paced online modules, that will take ~3.5 hours to complete. The modules are being finalised and will be available to start soon.  

You can register here to enrol in the modules and be notified when they go live.  

The impact of the NSW Drug Court on Health and Social Functioning 

Date: Thursday 27 April 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

This is a presentation by the University of New South Wales and the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre about the impact of the Drug Court on reoffending, imprisonment, health and child protection.  

Presentation will focus on the following topics:  

  • Impact of the Drug Court on reconviction at 12- and 24 months post referral 
  • Imprisonment at case finalisation. 
  • Emergency department and hospital admissions within five years of referral 
  • Having had a child or children confirmed as at-risk of serious harm or placed in out-of-home care (OOHC) within five years of referral. 

If you would like to join, please register for the presentation here.

Doin’ it Right and Using Condoms!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Don’t forget we supply our member services with FREE condoms and lube! 

Check out our new packaging! (see pic above) 

Each packet comes with 2x latex condoms and 2x lube sachets in a handy packet with instructions on how to use on the back. 

Each box comes with 250 packets, so reach out to our Sexual Health Nurse at AH&MRC (kalderton@ahmrc.org.au) to order yours now! 

For additional clinical resources, head to the AH&MRC Shop. All members receive these items for free. Log in here. 

If you’re a member and need a login, please contact comms@ahmrc.org.au 

Gonorrhoea – Antimicrobial Resistance

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

NSW Health had a recent notification of a locally acquired, extensively drug resistant (XDR) gonorrhoea. The XDR showed high level resistance and decreased susceptibility to first line drugs, azithromycin and ceftriaxone, used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. 

This comes as a timely reminder to ALWAYS collect a gonococcal culture to determine antimicrobial sensitivity PRIOR to administering treatment for gonorrhoea – but don’t delay treatment. 

An endocervical swab collected by a clinician is the ideal investigation.  However a self-collected high vaginal swab is often more acceptable for patients. 

Refer to the Australian STI Management Guidelines for further information and management of gonorrhoea. 

*Hot Tip* – Place your swabs next to your ceftriaxone stock as a reminder to collect a culture before treating your patients.  

UPDATE: On 28th March 2025, NSW Health released a new gonorrhoea alert.

An additional case of overseas-acquired XDR gonorrhoea was reported to NSW Health this month.

The health alert emphasises the importance of obtaining a travel history from patients (including partners’ travel) during STI screenings. Of particular concern is any potential exposure to gonorrhoea in South-East Asia, where there is an increase in drug-resistant gonorrhoea.

Please find the NSW Health Alert here and share amongst your colleagues.

If you have any questions, please contact publichealth@ahmrc.org.au 

Breast Density Reporting (BreastScreen NSW)

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Breast screening (i.e. with mammograms) every 2 years is recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in NSW aged 40-74 years. In addition to the routine mammogram result that is sent to the GP it is expected that, later this year, BreastScreen NSW will include a Breast Density report.  

Breast density refers to the proportion of fibroglandular tissue (i.e. milk ducts, milk glands, supportive tissue) to fatty tissue. Breast density can only be seen on a mammogram; it cannot be assessed/felt during a breast examination.  

Although it is common and normal to have dense breasts, reporting on breast density as part of breast screening is important for 2 main reasons:  

  1. Breast density has an impact on how effective screening is as increased density can mask or hide cancers, potentially making cancer detection less accurate. This is because dense tissue and breast cancers both appear white on a mammogram. 
  2. Higher breast density is one factor associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. 

Please see Dense breast tissue and screening mammograms (BreastScreen NSW) for more details. 

The findings of one study, which investigated breast density of women in Western Australia, demonstrated that:   

  1. Aboriginal women, on average, had lower breast tissue density compared to non-Aboriginal women; 
  2. However, the association between dense breast tissue and increased risk of breast cancer is stronger in Aboriginal women than in their non-Aboriginal peers. 

These findings suggest that mammograms are a “particularly good screening tool for Aboriginal women“. They also demonstrate that Indigenous status should be taken into account when using breast cancer prediction tools. 

Clinicians discussing breast screening results with their patients will also need to be able to explain the breast density report.  

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a commonly used classification system used to describe 4 categories of breast density (demonstrated by these mammogram images where Category A has almost entirely fatty breast tissue, in contrast to Category D with extremely dense breast tissue).

It is important that women understand that although some risk factors such as Breast Density cannot be changed, it is possible to reduce the risk of breast cancer by improving diet, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a good weight and getting some exercise.  More information about breast cancer risk is available on the Cancer Australia website.

Breast screening with mammograms is essential to detect breast cancer as early as possible.  

Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) & Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) – video for Primary Care

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

NSW Health has developed a video to help primary health care teams recognise and manage acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). ARF/RHD predominantly affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At-risk individuals can develop ARF/RHD following Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection e.g. tonsillitis or impetigo.  

ARF and invasive GAS notifications have increased in NSW, particularly among children. Consider ARF as a possible diagnosis when young people present with suggestive signs and symptoms, such as: fever, joint pain, chest discomfort or chorea (rapid, jerky involuntary body movements). Further investigations, including inflammatory markers are recommended to establish a diagnosis.

In addition, both ARF and RHD are notifiable in NSW (with RHD notifiable only if the person is aged less than 35 years).

ARF and RHD can be prevented. For at-risk patients, treat tonsillitis and impetigo with antibiotics for GAS. Let’s work together to prevent ARF and RHD in NSW.

Resources for health professionals.

Aftermath of Cyclone Alfred – Protection Against Mosquito Borne Viruses

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Mosquito numbers can increase as a consequence of floods and cyclones, such as in the recent case of Cyclone Alfred. Heavy rainfall and flooding result in standing water which provides ideal conditions for mosquitos to breed.  

In association with this, there is likely to be an increased risk of mosquito-borne viruses being transmitted, such as Japanese encephalitis (JEV), Ross River, Barmah Forest, Kunjin, and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) – see Mosquito borne diseases for more information. 

There is a free JEV vaccination available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in any of the eligible Local Government Areas. For further information please see Update on Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus and other mosquito-borne disease risks – AH&MRC. 

“Spray up, cover up, screen up” 

Prevention of mosquito bites is the best way to reduce the chance of getting a mosquito-borne disease. These are suggestions to stop getting bitten: 

  1. Wear appropriate clothing 
  2. Apply mosquito repellant to all areas of exposed skin 
  3. Use appropriate insecticides 
  4. Be aware of the peak risk times for mosquito bites 
  5. Reduce mosquito risk at home, including outdoor areas
    – This includes emptying and removing all water-containing containers.
    – Fact: Did you know that mosquitos only need a teaspoon of water to breed? 
  6. Reduce mosquito risk while travelling to flooded areas 
  7. Taking care of mosquito bites 

For further information see Mosquitoes are a health hazard fact sheet.

Please contact Publichealth@ahmrc.org.au for further information. 

Disaster Resources for the Community

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Some of you have been – and continue to be – impacted by the recent Cyclone Alfred. To assist with coping in the immediate aftermath of this extreme weather event, we have included links to Mental Health resources and Grants & Financial Assistance.  

Coping with the mental health impact of Cyclone Alfred 

We understand that many of you are still grappling with the uncertainty and damage left in the wake of Cyclone Alfred.  ‘It is normal to experience feelings of sadness, fear, guilt, or anger immediately after exposure to a distressing or traumatic event, such as natural disasters or a serious incident’. (Black Dog Institute) 

For help managing emotions and caring for mental health, please see Resources and helpful strategies to help cope in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Alfred. Also how to care for family and friends who are emergency service workers. 

For Crisis Support please contact the following numbers: 

Healthdirect | 1800 198 888

If you need medical advice and care, call Healthdirect for free, 24/7 on 1800 022 222 and speak to a registered nurse. They can also connect you or your children with virtual health care services, so you can receive care from wherever you are.
Healthdirect

Lifeline | 13 11 14

Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia.
Lifeline

13 YARN | 1800 551 800

13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line. Available 24/7.
13YARN

MensLine | 1300 78 99 78

MensLine Australia offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing.
MensLine

Available Grants & Financial Assistance for NSW for those impacted by Cyclone Alfred: 

Disaster Recovery Allowance 

Payments and help for people directly affected by floods or other natural disasters.
Support for people affected by Cyclone Alfred has started in March 2025. Services Australia has lump sum payments and ongoing, short-term allowances to assist – where those impacted may be eligible for more than one of these.
Find out more  |  Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) 

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Period of Emergency 

The following support is available in affected regions during the CCS period of emergency: 

You can continue to get CCS if your service closes as a direct result of the emergency, 

You can waive the gap fee if a child doesn’t attend, or your service is closed, during the CCS period of emergency, 

Families will get unlimited allowable absences for the duration of the CCS period of emergency.
Find out more 

NAB Disaster Recovery Support 

NAB has opened applications for $1,000 Disaster Relief Grants to customers severely impacted by the Cyclone Alfred.
Find out more 

Commonwealth Bank Emergency Assistance 

Emergency Assistance for customers and businesses in Cyclone Alfred affected areas in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. A range of tailored support options are available if you or your business are impacted by the cyclone.
Find out more 

ANZ Natural Disaster Support 

Personal and business customers affected by Cyclone Alfred can access various support options.
Find out more 

Westpac Disaster Support 

Various support options are available for personal, business and insurance customers.
Find out more 

BOQ Special Relief Assistance 

Bank Of Queensland is activating its Special Relief Assistance for customers who have been impacted by natural disasters such as droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes.
Find out more 

ING Relief 

If you’re living or working in an area affected by a natural disaster – e.g. bushfire, flood or cyclone – ING relief measures may be available to you (depending on the type of account you have).
Find out more 

MyState Bank 

A range of emergency assistance options are available for customers affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Find out more 

Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover 

Supports communities in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long-term timeframe, generally one to ten years after the disaster. 

Grants up to $25,000 are available for a broad range of initiatives.
Find out more 

Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation – Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grants 

Established to assist any Indigenous corporation whose property has been directly affected by a declared natural disaster, such as a flood or cyclone. 

The amount of each grant will be determined following an assessment of the immediate recovery efforts required and the costs of these efforts but is capped at $20,000 for each individual organisation.
Find out more 

Emergency Funding for PLHIV 

People living with HIV may be able to access the Emergency Treatment Fund, including help with payments for other medications.
Find out more 

Community Recovery Support Fund 

Activated councils will have up to $1 million in funding made available once impacts are known. This will provide proactive support for communities to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities for important community assets such as pre-schools, senior citizen centres, libraries and community halls.
Find out more 

Essential Household Goods Grant (HHG) 

A maximum of $18,000 is available as a contribution toward the cost of re-establishing essential household items considered necessary to maintain a basic standard of living. Items include bedding, furniture, clothing and essential electrical items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or stove. 

The HHG grant assists low-income residents who have no other means of purchasing or repairing these essential household items and are not covered by insurance.
Find out more 

Rough Sleepers/Camping Package (Essential Household Goods Grant (HHG)) 

Rough sleepers can apply for a small grant that is contribution to replacing essential items, such as a tent and sleeping bag. A flat rate of $1,200 is available plus $150 for each additional resident.
Find out more 

Structural Grants 

Provides a contribution toward essential structural works for households unable to meet the cost of repairs and may also assist in relocation-related costs. These grants assist low-income homeowners who have no other means of restoring their homes to a safe and habitable condition. 

There are 4 types of Structural Grants available (depending on the type of damage suffered by the eligible applicant): 

Repair Grant: A contribution towards essential structural repairs to a Residence (including a relocatable home) to assist in restoring it to a safe and habitable condition – grant amount is determined based on assessment of scope of works and threshold considerations. 

Rebuild Grant: A contribution towards the rebuild of a residence (including a relocatable home) to a basic level that has been rendered uninhabitable – grant amount is determined based on assessment of scope of works and threshold considerations. 

Temporary Dwelling Grants: A Flat-rate Temporary Dwelling Package – flat rate of $5,000 for repairs and $10,000 if the temporary dwelling has been rendered uninhabitable. 

Access Grant: A contribution of up to $50,000 towards a basic level of repairs to legal accessways on private property where there are no safe alternate routes to the residence or temporary dwelling (and where the Accessway was maintained and fit for purpose prior to the Natural Disaster).
Find out more 

Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy 

A subsidy of up to $15,000 is available to eligible primary producers for the transport of fodder and/or water to a property, stock to/from agistment, stock to sale or slaughter, or bee or oyster movements.
Find out more 

Natural Disaster Relief Loans 

Primary producers, small business operators, sporting and recreation clubs and associations and non-profit organisations in disaster-declared local government areas may apply for a concessional loan to support rapid recovery. 

Primary producers: Low interest loan of up to $130,000 

Small business: Low interest loan of up to $130,000 

Sporting and recreation clubs: Low interest loan of up to $10,000 

Non-profit organisations: Low interest loan of up to $25,000
Find out more 

Engagement and Funding Veterinary Assistance to Disaster Impacted Animals 

DPIRD – AASFA will be providing funding to private veterinarians to facilitate emergency animal assessment and treatment for a condition that is as a direct result of the disaster event. 

Private veterinarians can provide “emergency animal treatment for a condition that is as a result of the flood event” without seeking prior approval. This will be done by DPIRD – AASFA issuing initial Finance Request (authority to spend the agreed value) approvals for each practice to the total value of $10,000.
Find out more 

Legal Aid Disaster Response Free Legal Service 

Free legal help if you’ve been affected by a disaster, including storm, flood or bushfire. Legal Aid can help with legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, financial hardship, workplace rights, Centrelink, domestic and family violence, and government disaster grants.
Find out more 

Book Drive for Orana Haven Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation Centre

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Orana Haven is an Aboriginal Residential Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation Centre. Located in a remote part of New South Wales, clients undertake drug and alcohol rehabilitation activities throughout the time they are there. Whilst they are busy most of the time with their rehabilitation activities, they do have spare time.

Many of the clients have expressed a desire for reading materials to enjoy as part of their recreational activities. If you and, or your friends, or organisation have spare reading materials – books, magazines, comics etc., and would love them to have a new home and new readers, then Orana Haven is the place to send them.

For the clients, their time at Orana Haven is a life-changing experience and your gift of reading materials is supporting these changes and introducing them to a new world of reading for enjoyment and learning. It also demonstrates to Orana Haven’s clients that the wider world is thinking of them, have heard their call and answered it.

Reading introduces new readers to a whole new world of adventure, fun, learning and imagination; it can be a very positive life change that complements their rehabilitation from a dark world of addiction and can be a catalyst for positive inner change.

If you would like to donate books to a very worthwhile cause, then please post your reading materials to:

Tracy Gordon
Chief Executive Officer
Orana Haven Aboriginal Residential Rehabilitation Centre
1 Byrock Road
Gongolgon NSW 2839