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March 29, 2024

Ray of hope for medical care across border

Latest News

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Other News

Could the future of the Richmond River be a clean and healthy one?

Imagine a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Richmond River? That is the aim of the Richmond Riverkeepers Association.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on

Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.

Lismore Labor MP called out over native forest logging

More than five hundred people marched in the rain through Lismore to the local state member’s office in protest against government sanctioned native forest logging on Sunday.

UPDATE 2.30pm 14 August, via Wayne Jones, Northern NSW Local Health District:

Queensland Health have provided updated guidance for Northern NSW Local Health District residents outside the border zone who need to access specialist medical care in Queensland.

Patients can continue to enter Queensland from outside the border zone, or travel to health providers in Queensland outside the border zone.

To access specialist health services in Queensland, residents must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass (General) from here.

Eligible residents should then select this option: ‘Entering Queensland to obtain specialist health care that cannot be obtained at your place of residence, or as a support person to a person obtaining such care and can provide evidence of the time and place of the specialist appointment.’

When crossing the border by road into Queensland, residents will need to present their border declaration, as well as documentation confirming their medical appointment or treatment.

Specialist health care includes the following:

  • Queensland Children’s Hospital appointment confirmed in writing by the hospital.
  • Specialist outpatient appointment at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service, confirmed in writing by the service.
  • Specialist appointment at a licensed Queensland private health facility, confirmed in writing by the service.
  • Specialist appointment, confirmed in writing by the service along with a written referral from a GP.
  • Other appointments at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service accompanied by a form signed by the Chief Executive that the patient requires specialist health care in Queensland.

A patient who does not meet these requirements will not be able to enter Queensland unless granted an individual exemption by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). Exceptional circumstances must exist. Exemption requests can be made here.

Patients will have to quarantine as follows:

  • For an outpatient: in government arranged accommodation if treatment is as an outpatient for more than one day.
  • For a day treatment or appointment, the person must leave Queensland immediately following the treatment/appointment.
  • For an inpatient: at the hospital if receiving treatment as an inpatient. A support person accompanying someone receiving essential medical care will need to stay in government arranged accommodation, at their own expense. Alternatively, they can drop the person at the medical facility and drive straight back without stopping in Queensland and then come back to pick them up.
  • Children receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital, and their family, can quarantine with the child at the hospital.

For more information about border declarations, please visit https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass or contact 13 42 68.

ORIGINAL STORY 12.15pm 14 August:

After an outcry from Northern NSW, the Queensland Government has decided to water down extreme quarantine restrictions that saw patients on both sides of the border being denied lifesaving care.

Queensland border check. Photo Jeff Dawson.

Northern NSW patients requiring specialist treatment in Queensland but living outside Queensland’s ‘border zone’ will now be able to apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass.

Patients can enter Queensland from outside the border zone, or travel to health providers in Queensland located outside the border zone with special quarantine requirements now set in place.

Residents should apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass (General) at www.qld.gov.au/border-pass and select the option ‘Entering Queensland to obtain specialist health care’.

Patients will also need to provide proof of the appointment or procedure in writing when crossing the border and must return to NSW directly and immediately once this is complete.

More information is available on the website or by calling 13 42 68.

Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest said, ‘It is a welcome step forward in what has become a cross-border nightmare for critically ill people who need specialist treatment.’


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

1

COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

1

COVID-19 update for New South Wales

Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.

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Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.

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Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

1

NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

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COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.

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AEC says COVID voters can phone from home

The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Great that the border is easier to get across for medical treatment.
    Not great that the hospitals aren’t allowing us in for our long awaited treatment. I have been waiting to have a full thickness skin graft on my face for skin cancer, that is fast growing near my eye. What is the use of a pass to go to hospital that I can’t get in? Hospitals now need to comply too!

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Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?