Western NSW Local Health District

02/11/2026

Earlier today, we shared the exciting news that Dancing Towards Healthy Ageing won the Keeping People Healthy Award at the 2026 NSW Health Awards! 🏆

Now, you can find out more about this wonderful program and see the difference it is making in our communities by watching this great video.

02/11/2026

Construction on our Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre is progressing quickly and we've hit some major milestones recently 🛠️

Our project teams, including major works contractor Renascent, are working hard to make sure we deliver this important project as quickly and safely as possible.

All the concrete slabs have now been poured and the structural steel framework is well underway, and you can watch how it's all come together in this video!

Or you can jump onto the latest news section of our website to read all about it: https://ow.ly/4etE5102NE4

01/11/2026

We are so excited to share that Dancing Towards Healthy Ageing has won the Keeping People Healthy Award at the 2026 NSW Health Awards!

A massive congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic program, which is helping people stay active, connected and healthy as they age. What a wonderful achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the difference this program is making in our communities! 💙

Find out more about this wonderful initiative and explore all the finalists and winners at the NSW Health Awards.

🔗 https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/awards/2026/Pages/default.aspx

01/11/2026

Throughout November, we’ll be shining a light on some of our incredible volunteers.

Today, we’re celebrating Dawne Frame from the Orange Health Service Auxiliary, who is currently the longest-serving active volunteer at Orange Health Service.

Dawne joined the Auxiliary in January 2008 after retiring. She wanted to volunteer her time and support a community-based organisation. Lucky for us, she chose the Auxiliary!

Since then, Dawne has served nine years as treasurer and three years as assistant treasurer. She also continues to do regular shifts at the café and is well known for her amazing craft contributions.

One of her specialities is knitting hundreds of little chickens each year, which are sold in the Auxiliary shop before Easter. She even has a helping hand from her husband, Chuck, who was volunteered to put the finishing touches on them!

Thank you, Dawne, for your many years of dedication and the wonderful contribution you continue to make to Orange Health Service and the local community.

If you are interested in volunteering go to:
https://engage.wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/volunteering-western-nsw-local-health-district

31/10/2026

Our Sunday Spotlight, is shining on Catherine Leahy, LHD Wound Prevention and Management CNC, and Nursing and Midwifery Research Excellence Centre (NaMREC) NM.

Here's a quick dive into her world in 60 seconds:

Q: What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you?

A: Determined, caring and devoted

Q: Last great Tv show or movie you watched?

A: Schitt's Creek

Q: Favourite book or podcast?

A: The German Wife - Kelly Rimmer (A Central West author).

Q: If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

A: Pottery

Q: Any hidden talents?

A: Dog whisperer

Q: If you were cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?

A: Kofta Curry Meatballs

Q: What attracted you to WNSWLHD?

A: Big skies and family connections

Q: When the time comes to retire, what will you be doing?

A: Family, dogs, and veggie gardening.

Q: If you could invite anyone in the world to have dinner or a conversations with - who would it be?

A: Jane Goodall

Q: What's the best advice you have ever received?

A: Get your colours done... Thanks Sandra Wharton!.

Q: What's the worst advice you have ever received?

A: Don't drink water while you eat. It will impact digestion.

30/10/2026

🎃 It might be Halloween, but there’s nothing spooky about this story!

After spending the past four weeks on placement at Gilgandra Multipurpose Service (MPS), university students wanted to thank staff for their support, guidance and dedication during their time there.

Their lovely way of saying thanks? Cooking a traditional Nepalese lunch for the team!

The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by staff, who appreciated the thoughtful gesture.

29/10/2026

from Coonamble MPS! A special celebration has taken place at Coonamble Multipurpose Service, marking the completion of a beautiful Recycled Bottle Cap Tree in the hospital courtyard.

Created to represent teamwork, the tree is a reminder that every individual matters. Just like each bottle cap plays a part in the bigger picture, every team member brings their own strengths, skills and experiences that help a team grow.

Lisa Axiak shared her wish for Coonamble MPS: to keep growing together, supporting one another and speaking up for each other when a team member has lost their voice.

A lovely reminder that we are stronger when we stand together.

28/10/2026

When Graham’s doctor told him he was eligible for a free low-dose CT scan through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, he wasn’t sure he needed it.
But after talking with his wife, he decided it was good to know.
The scan found an abnormal lump that required further investigation, but Graham was relieved to find out it was benign.
Now he’s encouraging other eligible Australians to take part: “For your own peace of mind, you should do it because you never know.”
Read Graham’s full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4gUrLHU

When Graham’s doctor told him he was eligible for a free low-dose CT scan through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, he wasn’t sure he needed it.

But after talking with his wife, he decided it was good to know.

The scan found an abnormal lump that required further investigation, but Graham was relieved to find out it was benign.

Now he’s encouraging other eligible Australians to take part: “For your own peace of mind, you should do it because you never know.”

Read Graham’s full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4gUrLHU

28/10/2026

This is why cuddle beds matter.

We are thankful for staff and community groups working together to create more compassionate and supportive spaces.

28/10/2026

Don't fool around with syphilis!
Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) that can affect your whole body. It's serious and cases are on the rise in Australia.

Don't wait until it's too late—click the link to learn more and protect yourself! Have you been tested recently?

This video provides information on the current outbreak of syphilis...