Spring 2026
Community News
n c n h e a lt h .o r g .a u
COUNSELLING AT NCN HEALTH NCN Health offers FREE counselling service for residents in the Moira Shire. NCN Health counsellors offer counselling in the following areas: Making changes in your life Life changes - major milestones, work changes, relationship changes. Grief and Loss Resolving past trauma or conflict
Counselling is available at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus. Counselling is available at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 9am - 3pm. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 9am - 3pm. (03) 5862 0560 ncnintake@ncnhealth.org.au
ncnhealth.org.au
Message from the CEO WELCOME BOARD DIRECTORS
NDIS ACCREDITATION
From 1 July, NCN Health is pleased to welcome Michael Koss, Christopher Richardson and Tavia Rudd to the NCN Health Board. We look forward to the experience, expertise and fresh perspectives they will bring as they help guide the organisation into the future. We also extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Directors, Peter Guy, Priyanka Saha and Alicia Cunningham, who have concluded their tenure on the Board. Thank you for your commitment to NCN Health and for the significant contribution you have made to the organisation's governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability. Your guidance, insight and considered advice have helped shape important decisions and supported NCN Health to continue delivering highquality care and services to our communities. On behalf of everyone at NCN Health, thank you for your dedicated service and we wish you all the very best for the future. Please see an introduction to our Board Directors in this edition of the newsletter.
RESPECT
NCN Health recently completed an NDIS accreditation assessment, which reviews how well our services meet required standards for quality and safety. We were pleased to receive positive preliminary feedback from the assessors, along with helpful guidance on opportunities to further strengthen our processes. We are now awaiting the final report, which will inform our next steps and support our ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality services for NDIS participants across our communities. We look forward to sharing an update in the next NCN Health Newsletter. SAVE THE DATE The NCN Health Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday November 25. All community members are invited to attend this event, either online or via zoom. The time, locations and zoom links will be made available via our facebook page, website and in the local papers closer to the date. The Annual Awards are an opportunity to table the annual and financial reports, reflect on the past 12 months
ACCOUNTABILITY
and recognise the contributions and achievements of our colleagues and teams through our annual and service awards. If you would like more information you can contact ncncommunications@ncnhe alth.org.au CAPITAL WORKS It is exciting to see our new Public Sector Residential Aged Care development in Numurkah really beginning to take shape, with slabs progressing, timber framing going up and structural steel now providing a much clearer sense of the new building. Just as importantly, a significant amount of work is happening behind the scenes to prepare for how the new facility will operate. We look forward to a full media update, inclusive of building plans and renders being made available by the Department of Health soon. Once available we will be pleased to share these on our website and with local media. DIALYSIS AND SAME DAY CANCER CARE IN COBRAM NCN Health received funding to undertake a discovery and planning project to explore the feasibility of providing dialysis and same-day cancer care in Cobram.
PARTNERSHIP
INNOVATION
Message from the CEO This planning work has now been completed and submitted to the Department of Health for consideration. We are currently awaiting a response. While the submission is a positive and important step, it does not guarantee future funding for construction or service delivery. However, it demonstrates the need for, and feasibility of, providing these important services locally at NCN Health.
Mark Ashcroft Chief Executive Officer.
RESPECT
ACCOUNTABILITY
PARTNERSHIP
INNOVATION
Meet The Board of Directors Tricia Quibell Board Chair
Tricia brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the Community Services and Education sectors, with extensive experience in governance and project management. She has strong connections to the Moira Shire and the wider Goulburn Valley community.
Kade brings extensive experience in financial advice, portfolio management and investment analysis, and has served on the NCN Health Board since 2017. Based in Cobram, he is actively involved in the local community.
Mewan Dissanayake Board Director
Kade Beasley Board Director
Mewan brings more than 25 years of experience across finance, governance, risk, compliance and health services in Australia and overseas. He is currently Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services at Benalla Health.
Sally brings broad experience across Human Resources, community services, education and the not-for-profit sector. She has strong local community connections, including 15 years with Cobram Community House and involvement with a range of local organisations.
Sally Bate Board Director
Meet The Board of Directors Sally Squire Board Director
Sally has a strong background in healthcare, having held senior nursing, clinical education, research and pandemic response roles. She currently works in corporate performance at AlburyCity and holds a Master of Nursing Science.
Tavia’s career has focused on healthcare improvement, quality, safety, risk management and innovation, both in Australia and internationally. With strong family ties to Cobram, she is passionate about supporting high-quality healthcare in rural and regional communities.
Michael Koss Board Director Board Director
Tavia Rudd Board Director
Michael brings expertise across healthcare, law, digital health, workforce strategy and governance, with a strong focus on improving healthcare access in rural and regional communities. He is the founder of VYTLS, which develops digital health solutions for rural healthcare.
Chris has spent more than 45 years working across People & Culture, human resources, change management and recruitment, holding senior roles in both the public and private sectors. He is currently Director of HR Shared Services at Austin Health and has also held a range of Board and committee positions.
Chris Richardson Board Director
FRAMING THE LODGE
FRAMING THE LODGE As part of the 50th anniversary of ‘The Lodge’, local photographers were invited to capture our current residents and facilities, celebrating the people, connections and culture that make the Lodge such a special place to call home. The photographs will be on display at the Lodge 50th Anniversary Celebrations on Thursday 17 September from 2pm. All are welcome to join us. Here is a snapshot of what will be on display.
POSTPONED TO THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER AT 2PM
AGED CARE
EMPLOYEE DAY
THE NUMURKAH PIONEER’S LODGE PRESENTS....
THE GREAT GATSBY BALL!
e g d o L r e e Pion h t l a e w n Commo Games
Karinya’s Recent Activities
The Ukaladies At Karinya
Residents at Karinya Nursing Home recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of live music thanks to a visit from the talented UkeLadies. We sincerely thank the UkeLadies for sharing their passion for music, helping make Karinya a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
The Last Hug Many thanks to Nathalia Group the ‘Sew n’ Sews’ in partnership with the Banawah Ladies Auxilliary and aged care staff for creating this beautiful rug for end of life care of the residents. The group also supply Banawah with handmaid bags as gifts to residents who have passed away, in which their belogings can be lovingly sent home to their families and friends. NCN Health Nathalia sincerely appreciates all the support from these groups for our staff, residents and the broader health service.
Community Reading Day The NCN Health Community Reading Days are held annually in August in Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah and always bring our community together to share the joy of stories, creativity and reading with local children. This year, due to inclement weather, the Nathalia Day was cancelled, however Cobram and Numurkah days were a great sucess. A huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteer readers, including the high school students, for helping make the day so special! If you are a business or individual who woudl like to get involved next year contact us ncncommuncations@ncnhealth. org.au
2026
DHARNYA DAY NCN Health was proud to attend the official opening of the Dharnya Centre as part of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations on July 8. Held at the Dharnya Centre in Barmah, it was wonderful to see the community come together to mark this important milestone. Congratulations to everyone whose commitment, collaboration and hard work made the Dharnya Centre a reality. Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a memorable day.
St Joseph’s Irvin House Visit
Over the past term the Year 5 students from St Joseph's Primary School Cobram spent Wednesday afternoons visiting residents at Irvin House Aged Care. During their visits, students enjoyed playing bingo, sharing conversations and building meaningful relationships with members of our local community.
Through active participation in the community, students develop an understanding of how individuals can contribute positively to society, strengthen community connections, and demonstrate active citizenship through service and inclusion.
These visits provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to engage with older members of our community, fostering friendship, understanding and a sense of belonging for everyone involved. We are grateful for the positive impact these visits have had on both the students and our Irvin House residents.
COBRAM
WELLNESS DAY
NCN Health were proud to support the Wellness Day presented by Cobram Community House. Held on Friday 24 July at the Cobram Civic Centre the event featured health and wellbeing information, guest speakers, health checks, activities, lunch and even some pampering. A wonderful day dedicated to health, wellbeing and community! Congratulations to Cobram Community House on hosting such a successful event, and thank you to everyone who came along to make it such a great day.
Airway Mangement Training Our Urgent Care team in Cobram had the opportunity to participate in an airway management education session delivered by Laura Spence, an experienced paramedic and anesthetic nurse from Ambulance Victoria. The hands-on session provided valuable practical knowledge and reinforced essential airway management skills, helping to ensure our staff are well prepared to respond confidently in emergency situations and continue providing safe, high-quality patient care.
We sincerely thank Ambulance Victoria for supporting this education opportunity and extend our appreciation to Laura for sharing her expertise, experience, and time with our team.
IMPROVING OUTCOMES THROUGH EARLY SEPSIS RECOGNITION Congratulations to Numurkah Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Diya Jose who presented at the Safer Care Victoria Adult Sepsis Collaborative Summative Event in Melbourne in June. A key focus of the presentation was the collaborative work undertaken with GV Health to trial a Nurse Initiated Sepsis Pathology Pathway within the Numurkah Urgent Care Centre, Numurkah Acute Ward and Residential Aged Care services. This innovative approach supports timely assessment and treatment, helping to improve outcomes for patients at risk of sepsis. Pictured below is Diya and Primary and Community Services Operations Manager Catherine Church.
a story that belongs to us all.
We have a growing list of sponsors for which we are grateful . THANK YOU
Meryula Clinic (Sexual Health) @ NCN Health - Numurkah WHAT IS MERYULA CLINIC?
The Meryula Clinic is a free and confidential service run by GV Health and supported by NCN Health. The clinic is for all individuals within the region and is run by experienced nurses who specialise in sexual and reproductive health.
Bookings 14th Sept 16th November GV Health Community Service Access Unit 1800 222 582 (option 4)
SERVICES - SELF REFFERED
Testing & Treatment for infections that can be spread through sexual contact. Contraception, including Implanon insertion Emergency Contraception Pregnancy Testing Unplanned pregnancy counselling, treatment and referral Cervical Screening Tests > 25 yrs of age Genital pain and discomfort Sex work certificates Screening, counselling & referral for viruses in the blood Hepatitis C treatment Hepatitis B treatment and management HIV PrEP and nPEP Immunisation (HPV) Contact Tracing Referral to specialist services
NATHALIA MEDICAL CLINIC NOW A REGISTERED BULK BILLING CLINIC The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program was introduced on the 1 st November 2025. Nathalia Medical Clinic has registered for the program and can now bulk bill every eligible patient. Bulk billing means you don’t have to pay for your medical service from a health professional. The bill is sent directly to Medicare and the benefit received is accepted as full payment for the service. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment contact us today.
Appointments: 03 5866 9494 www.ncnhealth.org.au
COBRAM
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
Come along and meet with people living with, or supporting someone living with, Parkinson's Disease. We will connect, eat and enjoy meaningful discussions. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cobram Community House.
MEETING DATES April 14th
September 8th
May 12th
October 13th
June 9th
November 10th
July 14th
December 8th
August 11th For more information please contact: E: Pam.McPherson@ncnhealth.org.au P: (03) 5871 0900
Cobram Community House
NUMURKAH & NATHALIA
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Come along and meet with people living with, or supporting someone living with, Parkinson's Disease. We will connect, eat and enjoy meaningful discussions. Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Nathalia Community House or NCN Health Numurkah.
MEETING DATES April 9th - Nathalia
September 10th - Numurkah
May 14th - Numurkah
October 8th - Nathalia
June 11th - Nathalia
November 12th - Numurkah
July 9th - Numurkah
December 10th - Nathalia
August 13th - Nathalia For more information please contact: E: Pam.McPherson@ncnhealth.org.au P: (03) 5871 0900
Nathalia Community House NCN Health Numurkah
MOIRA PALLIATIVE CARE
OUTPATIENT CLINIC THE CLINIC
The Moira Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic is a public outpatient clinic for palliative patients with complex needs. The clinic is available, via referral, for GPs and the Moira Community Palliative Care team who feel their patients have complex medical or palliative care needs, difficult or unstable symptoms, or may benefit from additional medical support. The Moira Palliative Care Service will continue to provide community based palliative care support in partnership with the patients treating General Practitioner where appropriate. Clinic Days: Where:
Thursday mornings by appointment Yarrawonga Health - Community Services Hub 33 Piper Street, Yarrawonga
THE CLINICIAN Shannon is a Rural Generalist with special interest in Palliative Care. He began his medical career at Deakin University in Geelong before progressing to Northeast Victoria for post graduate positions at Northeast Health Wangaratta, Yarrawonga Medical Clinic and Albury Wodonga Health. He's worked in many roles including as a Palliative Care Registrar at Albury Wodonga Health and East Hume Regional Palliative Care Consultancy. More recently he has provided support for Moira Palliative Care Service, in a consultation liaison role. His main clinical role is as a GP at Yarrawonga Medical Clinic. Prior to his medical career he was a helicopter pilot in the Royal Australian Navy.
CONTACT US ncnmoirapalliativecare@ncnhealth.org.au ncnhealth.org.au 03 5862 0558
Cervical Screening Available in Numurkah Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. Free cervical screening tests (formerly called pap smears) are available for Medicare card holders, with self-collection options and no referral required. Screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix aged 25–74 who has had sexual contact. The test is quick, simple, and could save your life. Appointments are available at Community Health @ GV Health, 121 Corio Street, Shepparton, or at special cervical screening clinics at NCN Health Numurkah, 2 Katamatite Road, on September 28th November 23rd To book an appointment, call the GV Health Service Access Unit on 1800 222 582 (option 4). By keeping up with cervical screening, you are taking an important step to protect your health and wellbeing.
Consumer Story Details:
Department: Community Transport Program - Dialysis
Story: Steve is a 79-year old Cobram resident who has been receiving Hemodialysis for 4 years. Haemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for people whose kidneys are no longer able to work properly. During treatment, a dialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney, removing waste products, excess fluid and toxins from the blood before returning the cleaned blood to the body. Steve attends dialysis treatment three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each session takes four hours. When Steve was first referred for treatment he travelled to Shepparton for several months. Fortunately, a dialysis chair became available at Yarrawonga Health, which was closer to home. However, Steve is unable to drive himself to treatment, so transport has been an ongoing and costly issue. Steve says initially he was able to access transport through Ambulance Victoria's nonemergency patient transport (NEPT) system. In recent years, the eligibility criteria for this service changed and many dialysis patients, including Steve, were required to find alternative transport arrangements. “I go to dialysis three times a week and have been using a taxi to get there and back for years. The taxi service is good, but it is expensive. I have a taxi card, which covers half the cost. It works out to be approximately $800 per fortnight out of pocket, which is a lot when I am on the pension.” In June this year (2026) NCN Health launched its Community Transport Program to support local dialysis patients to access essential medical appointments outside the immediate area, such as Shepparton, Yarrawonga and Kyabram. The program was made possible thanks to a grant from the state government to purchase two patient transport vehicles. The program is facilitated by NCN Health’s Volunteer Coordinator Jacquie Hughes. “Jacquie got in contact with me about the new program and I was really thrilled to be a part of it and to be saving some money. At the moment I am being driven to dialysis three times a week. Jacquie has been unbelievable in getting this program going, she is really switched on.”
Consumer Story Tim is a volunteer driver with the program and drives Steve to his Monday morning appointments in Yarrawonga. Tim is a former employee of NCN Health and has been a volunteer in residential aged care for many years. “As an existing NCN Health volunteer I received an email from Jacquie about the Community Transport Program. I have experience with dialysis after suffering from kidney failure in my early 60s. I was on Peritoneal Dialysis for six weeks, then Hemodialysis in Shepparton for several months.” Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis that can often be performed at home. It uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer working properly. A special cleansing fluid is placed into the abdomen through a small tube, where it absorbs waste and fluid before being drained away and replaced with fresh fluid. “I was lucky and received a kidney donation from my sister, who was an excellent match. It can take a lot longer for patients waiting for a kidney from a diseased donor. I know how difficult it can be to live with dialysis treatment and decided to get involved. I talked to Jacquie about the roster and said I would be available one day a week, some volunteers do less that that, others do more. It is totally up to you. My wife and I also like to go away caravanning each year, so I just let Jacquie know my availability in advance, it is quite flexible.” Tim says the volunteer drivers pick up the Community Transport Car from an NCN Health Campus, then drive to the client’s home to pick them up, before heading to treatment. “The new cars (Subaru Foresters) are really easy and comfortable to drive.” While the Community Transport Program is helping local patients access dialysis services today, NCN Health is also looking to the future. With $255,000 in State Government funding, the health service is also undertaking planning work to explore the development of a day-stay dialysis and same-day cancer care unit at Cobram. If progressed, these services would allow more people to receive treatment closer to home, reducing the need for regular travel outside the region.
Consumer Story Steve said he is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the transport program but hopes to see a dialysis service in Cobram in the near future. “Let’s hope we get dialysis in Cobram, it would make a huge difference to people like me who have to travel so often, saving both time and money.”
Reflections / Recommendations: Steve’s experience reflects the reality for many people living with chronic kidney disease in rural communities, where essential treatment often requires significant travel several times each week. His story also highlights the value of a “hub and spoke” approach to healthcare, where local services, transport supports, volunteers and regional health services all work together to connect people to the care they need. This program also created collaboration with other community transport providers to identify gaps in community transport for our region. For Steve and others like him, the hope is that future services in Cobram will further build on this model, bringing more care closer to home and reducing the time, cost and distance involved in treatment.
Do you need help to get to
DIALYSIS APPOINTMENTS? NCN Health (based in Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah) is launching a volunteer-led Community Transport Program to help local people access transport to get to dialysis and other medical treatments. If you, or someone you know needs assistance with transport, we would love to hear from you.
This is a new free transport service open to residents on dialysis in Moira Shire and nearby. Please phone to discuss your needs. We can initially assist patients and their carers to get to one session per week from their home to the dialysis unit, with the aim of increasing as the program grows.
Flexible and compassionate volunteers will help patients get to appointments safely and on time.
To register your interest in accessing transport for dialysis contact the Project Coordinator Jacquie Hughes: E: volunteers@ncnhealth.org.au P: 0408 828 994
Would you like to drive dialysis patients to their appointments? We are looking for volunteer drivers to support our community transport program NCN Health has two vehicles to support community members to access dialysis treatment outside our local area for example, to Shepparton, Yarrawonga, Kyabram etc. We need volunteers to help us run this community transport program. This Community Transport Program is designed to complement - not replace existing transport services, working collaboratively to fill identified gaps in transport.
Volunteer opportunities available Monday to Saturday, morning and afternoon shifts.
Structured rosters with a clear schedule and volunteer support.
Choose your level of commitment, for example, once a week, fortnightly, or monthly shifts.
Support local people to access essential appointments and services.
Help community members stay connected.
Meet new people and build meaningful community connections.
DRIVE, CARE, CONNECT: VOLUNTEER TODAY! To register as a volunteer or for more information contact Volunteer Coordinator Jacquie Hughes E: volunteers@ncnhealth.org.au P: 0408 828 994
Ambulance Cover
NCN Health encourages you to have Ambulance Cover
Why Did you know that Ambulance travel is not free from Urgent Care Centres and Medical Clinics. This travel is at your own cost.
Are you covered?
Illness/Accident Can happen at any time. This is why it is vital you look at separate Ambulance Cover
How do I get covered? Cover is easy and affordable. Contact Ambulance Victoria to ensure that you are covered when you need it most. Phone: 1800 648 484 Scan the QR Code to sign up today, or ask for an Ambulance Victoria Membership form from reception.
If you do not have Ambulance Cover you could be expected to pay thousands of dollars in the event you need transport by Ambulance. Exceptions may apply for pension card holders and some Private Health policies.
NATHALIA GYM OPENING HOURS Supervised Sessions Monday & Wednesday 9.00am - 3.00pm Strength & Balance Classes Monday 1.30pm Wednesday 10.00am
Membership Options 10 Visit Card Pass
$45 pensioner fee $90 non-concession fee
Casual Visit
$5 pensioner fee $10 non-concession fee
Please see reception for more information, or contact our Allied Health and Wellness Facilitator Sharon: sharon.abel@ncnhealth.org.au 03 5866 9444
Contact us: ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au ncnhealth.org.au