Murray PHN

01/11/2026

Grass pollen season runs from October to December, and people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever during this time. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma can occur when there is a lot of grass pollen in the air and a specific kind of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever, this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.

Thunderstorm asthma forecasts are designed to inform people at risk that they should be prepared.

To learn more about what you should do on days with increased risk, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma

UPDATE: the moderate risk alert for Northern Country has been upgraded to high risk. The high risk alert for North Central and North East region has been downgraded to moderate. The high risk alert for Mallee and Wimmera region remains for Monday 2 November. Continue to monitor local conditions and, if you have asthma, always carry your reliever and if at any time you develop symptoms, follow the four steps of asthma first aid.

There is also a moderate risk for the North Central and North East regions.

If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.

Go indoors and shut windows and doors and turn off air conditioners that bring outside air in.

Stay up to date at VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

23/10/2026

Help shape better healthcare for our communities. Explore five opportunities with Murray PHN in Albury, Bendigo, Mildura or Shepparton.

🔹Coordinator Health Measurement and Evaluation: two full-time ongoing roles. Apply by 29 October 2026.

🔹Manager General Practice Engagement: full-time permanent. Apply by 1 November 2026.

🔹Coordinator Workforce Development: part-time contract position. Apply by 1 November 2026.

🔹Business Partner First Nations Health and Healing: full-time permanent, designated position. Apply by 11 November 2026.

All applications close at 11.59pm on the listed date. To find out more and apply, visit: https://murrayphn.connxcareers.com/

19/10/2026

Stressed, worried or feeling overwhelmed?

Medicare Mental Health Check In offers free digital support to guide you through life’s challenges. No referral or diagnosis needed. Visit: https://www.medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au/

Alternatively, if you want to speak to someone now or want to hear about other services in your local area, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays.

14/10/2026

Happy Allied Health Professions Day!

Allied health professionals make a difference in everyday life—helping children thrive, supporting mental wellbeing, managing chronic conditions and enabling people to live independently at home for longer.

Today, we celebrate their expertise, compassion and dedication to individuals, families and communities across our region. If an allied health professional has supported you or someone you care for, take a moment to recognise the difference they have made.

At Murray PHN, we support allied health professionals and practices through tailored resources, education and meaningful opportunities to connect - helping strengthen accessible, sustainable care across our region. Learn more about our support for allied health: https://murrayphn.org.au/health-professionals/allied-health/

To every allied health professional: thank you for the vital work you do to build healthier communities and help people access quality care when and where they need it most.

08/10/2026

01/10/2026

We're seeking a casual Project Lead Service Implementation through to June 2027, with potential for extension. The position will lead the implementation of innovative youth mental health initiatives that improve access to care for young people across our region. For more information and to apply, visit: https://murrayphn.connxcareers.com/Job/Details/27cbe51a743c439db5fdc2bda51f83b7

30/09/2026

Bendigo Hospital is currently experiencing very high demand.

If you present to the Emergency Department and your condition is not critical or life-threatening, you will experience significant delays.

In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).

Alternative care options include:

Virtual Emergency Department (VED) https://www.ved.org.au/

Bendigo Medicare Urgent Care Clinic - 5445 5690 https://www.bendigoprimarycarecentre.com.au/priority-primary-care

Mental Health Triage and Enhanced Crisis Assessment Team - 1300 363 788

Nurse on Call - 1300 60 60 24
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nurse-on-call

Hot Docs - book a doctor near Bendigo https://www.hotdoc.com.au/find/doctor/VIC/bendigo-3550

For more information visit: https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/emergencydepartment/

Thank you for your understanding.

29/09/2026

The flu season is coming late this year; it’s never too late to get your flu vaccine.
It can take a week or more to recover from the flu. The flu vaccine can reduce the severity of illness, which means a quicker recovery. It can also make it harder to catch it in the first place.
Vaccines can be accessed through GPs, pharmacies, local councils and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations.
For more information, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/get-vaccinated
Victorian Department of Health

24/09/2026

A grand final should not make a home less safe. Victoria Police has previously reported an increase of around 20 per cent in family violence on AFL Grand Final day, and services have reported sharp increases in demand around both AFL and NRL grand final weekends.
If you or someone you know experiences family violence this long weekend, support is available at any time, day or night.
In Victoria, you can contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800015188, or 1800RESPECT on 1800737732. If there is immediate danger, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
The Men's Referral Service (MRS) is a 24/7 counselling, information and referral service for men who have chosen to use violence and want to change. Call 1300766491 or visit: https://mrs.org.au/get-help/

1800RESPECT is Australia's national support service for anyone impa...

22/09/2026

The future of support for children and families starts with understanding the workforce behind it. The Emerging Minds Australia 2026 National Workforce Survey is now open and invites participation from health, community services, social services, education, policy, research and leadership professionals. Help ensure your experiences are represented.
Take part: https://bit.ly/3TCGRbU