Syphilis Cases on the Rise in Australia
Syphilis cases are on the rise in Australia, with case numbers more than doubling over the past decade (2014 – 2024) (1). Due to the scale and severity, syphilis was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) in 2025 by the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) (2). Syphilis can affect anyone, with […]
Healthy Ageing Frailty Early Intervention Program
Frailty Impacts Felt Across Western Sydney Increased visits of older people into General Practices are continuing to highlight the importance of early prevention and timely intervention of Frailty. A commonly held misconception of frailty is that it is a normal part of ageing. Frailty affects up to one in four people aged 70 and over, […]
National Advance Care Planning Week 2026 – A Call to Action for Western Sydney Clinicians
National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March) is an important reminder for all of us working in health care: despite strong community support for planning ahead, only one in three Australians have taken steps to plan their future healthcare, and just 6% have completed a formal advance care directive. For clinicians across Western Sydney, this […]
World Obesity Day 2026: A Call to Action for Western Sydney
Western Sydney continues to face some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in Australia, with half of the population above a healthy weight and at risk of chronic disease. Western Sydney residents are twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to those living in Sydney’s Eastern or Northern suburbs—impacting especially Aboriginal, Torres Strait […]
Genomics Hub Helps GPs with Genetic Detection
Western Sydney GPs now have access to a new national learning hub designed to strengthen early recognition of genetic conditions in primary care. Funded by WentWest and developed in Western Sydney, the PRECISE Genomics in Primary Care Hub, delivered by Medcast, offers rapid, point‑of‑care education and practical tools tailored specifically for general practice. Genomics is […]
Supporting Your Patients During Ramadan
Ramadan is an important month of fasting, reflection and community for many patients across Western Sydney. With 10.7% of Western Sydney residents identifying as Muslim, Islam is the second‑largest religion in our region, meaning a significant number of patients will be observing Ramadan and may require tailored clinical support during this period (1). For GPs, Ramadan presents […]
Healthy Ageing in General Practice
Spotlight on Frailty Prevention Frailty affects up to one in four people aged 70 and over, increasing the risk of falls, functional decline, hospitalisation and reduced quality of life. Early detection and timely intervention can help older adults stay active, independent, and at home for longer. To support general practices and practice teams across Western […]
Help Keep Western Sydney Safe During Extreme Heat This Summer
Western Sydney regularly experiences temperatures up to 6–10 degrees hotter than other parts of Sydney. Combined with rapid population growth, these conditions make the region highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as heatwaves. The first National Climate Risk Assessment warns that heatwave-related deaths in Sydney could rise by more than 400 per cent (1). […]
Sydney’s United Approach to Refugee Mental Health
Supporting people affected by the Gaza conflict is the focus of a recent mental health initiative offering tailored local services, and culturally sensitive support that’s improving emotional wellbeing and community connection. A joint initiative of Western Sydney, Central and Eastern Sydney and Sydney North Primary Health Networks, The Wellness and Resilience: Gaza Conflict Project tailored […]
MyMedicare Accreditation
All MyMedicare Registered Practices must keep their Accreditation Details up to date in the MyMedicare system to maintain MyMedicare eligibility and ensure incentive payments are not impacted. Information for practices on how to update these details is available at slide 9 of the following HPE resource. Practices may reach out to Services Australia or their […]