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August 2026 Volume 12 Issue 7

Acknowledgement of Country

Country SA PHN would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia and pay respects to the Elders past, present and future. We recognise and respect the unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters, and seas, which continue to be important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living today. 

Country SA PHN Activity


Primary Care and Digital Health Support

Aged Care, Older People and Palliative Care

Strategic Engagement

Mental Health and AOD

Health System Integration and Innovation

Country SA PHN Funded
Educational Events


Face to Face

Wound Care Management Workshop – Murray Bridge
Saturday 22 August, 9.00am – 4.30pm
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Hands-on Skin Cancer Workshop for GPs and Nurses – Port Lincoln
Wednesday 26 August 2026, 6.00pm – 10.00pm
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Webinars / e-Learning

What is palliative care? - PalliLEARN
Friday 7 August 2026, 11.00am – 12.00pm
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Palliative Care ECHO: Framing Hard Conversations
Tuesday 8 September 2026, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
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Community Education Series – PalliLEARN
Friday 7 August – Monday 12 October 2026
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Regional Primary Health Activity


Gawler Medical Clinic – 90 plus wall
Gawler Medical Clinic proudly features an Over 90s Photo Wall, an initiative created by Dr Adrian Borg to celebrate and honour some of the clinic's oldest patients. When asked what inspired the project, Dr Borg explained that as people age, they can often begin to feel invisible within society. He also noted that older people rarely have the opportunity to have professional photographs taken, despite the rich lives and experiences they have accumulated. As part of the project, each participant is invited to share their most important life lesson, creating not only a striking visual display but also a collection of wisdom, resilience and stories that can inspire patients, staff and visitors alike. The gold frame recognises the clinic's only centenarian.

Launching the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Scholarship Program
Mental Health First Aid International have launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Scholarship Program, an initiative investing in First Nations leadership and expanding access to culturally responsive Mental Health First Aid training across Australia. The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with strong community connections and a passion for social and emotional wellbeing to become licensed MHFA Instructors. More information

Lived Experience of Suicide Representatives sought for National Agreement Governance Groups
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, in collaboration with Roses in the Ocean, are recruiting people who have lived experience of suicide to support the work of key governance bodies involved in mental health and suicide prevention, under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. These groups include the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Senior Officials Group, Data Governance Forum and the National Mental Health Workforce Working Group.

Refugees Specific Populations Resource
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) has developed a new suite of resources to assist GPs in providing inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally safe care to patients from diverse backgrounds. One such resource addresses refugee patients. The resource offers advice on providing trauma-informed and culturally safe care to refugee patients and tailored information around the unique challenges refugee patients face. Explore the full suite of Specific Populations Resources.

MND Australia – Resources and knowledge for supporting people who have or may have MND
MND Australia provides information on helping people supporting others suffering from MND, including looking for signs, what to do after a diagnoses, referrals and general practice. More information is available via MND Australia's information and support resources, MND Hub's education and courses, and the An introduction to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) course.

PrEP Empowerment Project
GPs are being called on to contribute to an important new initiative aimed at improving access to HIV prevention. As part of the PrEP Empowerment Project, led by Charles Sturt University, GPs are invited to complete a short survey that will play a vital role in strengthening healthcare outcomes for young men, particularly in regional and rural communities. More information

Grant Opportunity: Support at Home in Thin Markers
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced the Support at Home Thin Markets 2026-27 (Round 3) Grant Opportunity. The grant provides flexible funding to eligible Support at Home providers delivering aged care services in thin markets, where access to services can be limited due to factors such as location, low population, workforce shortages or high delivery costs. More information

Chronic Conditions and LonelinessClinical trial recruitment
The Chronic Conditions and Loneliness clinical trial is a RCT examining the efficacy of The Chronic Conditions and Loneliness Course. This is an online psychology intervention designed for adults over 60, with significant physical health conditions, and feelings of loneliness or social isolation. More information

Dementia Support Australia (DSA) survey to GPs
Did you know Dementia Support Australia offers a dedicated service to support GPs? DSA are currently seeking feedback from GPs on their service offering to gather valuable insights and continue improving outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers. Complete the GP survey

Psychological Research Trial at Flinders University
The Sleep and Psychology Laboratory is conducting a research study for Child and Adolescent Treatment for Trauma and Sleep (CHATTS). More information

Updated RACGP Infection prevention and control guidelines
For more information, see the Reprocessing of reusable medical devices frequently asked questions.

Updated new Aged Care Act training
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published new eLearning modules to help providers and their staff meet the requirements of the Aged Care Act 2024. Recently updated 'Module 3: Embedding rights in practice' supports providers and their staff to apply the rights-based Act in their everyday work. Providers can complete or revisit Module 3 via eLearning webpage for providers, eLearning webpage for workers and the the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission's online learning platform. Providers can also request Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) packages to incorporate new Act eLearning into their Learning Management System by emailing [email protected].

Bring specialist heart failure support closer to home
HF-REACH is a nurse-led teletrial helping people with heart failure in regional and rural Australia access additional support without leaving their community. Participants continue their usual care with their GP or cardiologist while receiving remote monitoring, education, medication support and follow-up from experienced cardiac nurses. CardioNexus manages screening, consent, onboarding, monitoring and study administration. GP clinics and cardiology services in MM2–MM7 locations are invited to take part by identifying suitable patients and continuing their usual clinical care. Email for more information.

Invitation to participate in a national research project on access to psychological services for aged care residents in Australia
This study aims to understand if and how psychological services are accessed by residents in Australian residential aged care homes and to evaluate barriers and potential solutions for making such service accessible, from the perspective of facility staff. The findings will help inform future service planning to improve access to psychological services in residential aged care. More information

Support4Resilience Aged Care Leadership Workshop
As part of a Macquarie University research study, residential aged care managers and leaders are invited to participate in the Support4Resilience Aged Care Leadership Workshop. This initiative is designed to help aged care leaders better support the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce. Participants will receive free access to the evidence-based Support4Resilience Toolbox and attend a half-day leadership training workshop. More information

New resources available for health professionals for implementation of the Australian Asthma Handbook
The National Asthma Council (NAC) has released two new resources to assist with implementing the NAC's updated Australian Asthma Handbook guidelines and ensuring correct inhaler use. Both resources, the Asthma in adults and adolescents quick reference guide and Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD, are vital resources for improving asthma management in the community.

Dementia Action WeekMonday 21 to Sunday 27 September
World Alzheimer's Day on Monday 21 September kicks off Dementia Action Week. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia. An estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia right now and in 40 years that number is projected to reach one million. Dementia isn't a normal or inevitable. Get involved

Updated CHSP Data Exchange Guide
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has updated the Data Exchange (DEX) guide for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers. The revised guide supports reporting requirements from 1 July 2026 and helps ensure and helps ensure government-funded activities are reported consistently and in line with compliance requirements. More information

Immunisation update
For more information, see the Australian Immunisation Handbook’s guidance on Risk conditions for pneumococcal vaccination and eligibility for NIP funding, the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing resources on maternal vaccinations and winter vaccinations, and SA Health’s information on the Diphtheria Outbreak Response Immunisation Program.

Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Toolkit for General Practice
This toolkit has been created by CHN’s Indigenous Health team to bring resources and information together to assist primary health care providers when caring for First Nations people. More information

Physiology program for women in the menopausal transition clinical trial
UNSW is running a physiology program for women in the menopausal transition clinical trial with GPs and primary health care professionals. More information

Job Opportunities


Contract and Compliance Officer
Country SA PHN
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Manager of Business
Country SA PHN
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Industry Education and Events


Health Awareness Dates

National Stroke Week
3 – 9 August 2026
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Loneliness Awareness Week
3 – 9 August 2026
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Dying to Know Day
8 August 2026
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Kidney Action Week
10 – 17 August 2026
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International Overdose Awareness Day
31 August 2026
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National Homelessness Week
3 – 9 August 2026
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Aged Care Employee Day
7 August 2026
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
9 August 2026
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Daffodil Day
20 August 2026
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Dementia Action Week
21 – 27 September 2026
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Face to Face

Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) Level 2 Training
Saturday 8 August – Sunday 9 August 2026, 9.00am – 5.00pm
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GP Refresh Conference & Exhibition – Melbourne
Saturday 15 August – Sunday 16 August 2026
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Advancing Pelvic Pain Care: Diagnosis, Complexity and Clinical Practice
Saturday 22 August 2026, 8.00am – 6.00pm
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PC4 and Cancer Council SA Primary Care Breakfast Session
Wednesday 9 September 2026, 7.30am – 8.30am
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18th National Rural Health Conference
Monday 14 September – Wednesday 16 September 2026
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EMET Agitated Patient Cleve
Tuesday 15 September 2026, 8.00am – 2.00pm
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Australian Dermoscopy Meeting
Thursday 8 October – Saturday 10 October 2026
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International Celiac Disease Symposium
Tuesday 17 November - Friday 20 November 2026
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The Annual Helen Mayo House Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Conference 2026
Thursday 26 November – Friday 27 November 2026
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EMET Neonatal Emergency Assessment & Response (NEAR)Berri
Monday 10 August 2026, 8.00am – 4.00pm
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Central Adelaide LHN General Practice Education Day 2026
Saturday 15 August 2026, 9.00am – 3.30pm
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National MHFA Summit 2026
Tuesday 1 September – Wednesday 2 September 2026
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Endometriosis Symposium
Friday 11 September 2026, 8.30am – 5.00pm
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EMET Agitated Patient Cowell
Monday 14 September 2026, 9.00am – 4.30pm
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Dementia Australia Understanding Changes in Behaviour Victor Harbor
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10.00am – 12.30pm
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Be Chill CPD Retreat
Friday 13 November – Sunday 15 November 2026
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International Celiac Disease SymposiumDietician / GP Only 1 Day Event
Friday 20 November 2026
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Changed Behaviour Workshops
1 day workshops of engaging face-to-face learning on changed behaviour in dementia.
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Webinars / e-Learning

Could it be HIV? For Hospital-Based Physicians
Thursday 6 August 2026, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
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Adult Polypharmacy: Clinical Deprescribing Strategies – Webinar
Thursday 6 August 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
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Breaking the Cycle – Managing iron deficiency in the context of bleeding disorders across Women’s health in General Practice
Wednesday 19 August 2026, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
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Practical Dermoscopy Training for SA GPs (Fully Funded)
24 August 2026 – 23 November 2026
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Syphilis Update Discussion 
Wednesday 26 August 2026, 6.00pm – 7.00pm
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Effective Obesity Management in General PracticeWebinar
Thursday 10 September 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
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Who we think we are: the role of identity in making decisions as we get older
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 10.30am – 11.30am
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Endometriosis: Seeing the InvisibleWebinar
Thursday 15 October 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
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Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
Aged Care Learning Information Solution (ALIS) learning platform. More information

Better Health Coaching Service Information
Supporting South Australians to make lasting lifestyle changes. More information

Men in Mind: Engaging Men in Primary Care - Movember
Thursday 6 August 2026, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
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Sexual Health in Primary Care Workshop
Part 1: Tuesday 11 August 2026 & Part 2: Tuesday 18 August 2026, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
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Emergency Medicine ECHO: Endocrine Emergencies (Part 1)
Monday 24 August 2026, 7.00pm – 8.15pm
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Engaging adult users of domestic and family violence: Concepts, roles and practice tips for AOD and mental health practitioners
Wednesday 26 August 2026, 11.30am – 1.00pm
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Could it by HIV? For Emergency Department and Urgent Care
Thursday 27 August 2026, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
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Emergency Medicine ECHO: Agitated Patient with Dementia (Part 2)
Monday 21 September 2026, 7.00pm – 8.15pm
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Aged Care Transition to Practice Program: Provider Registration
September 2026 intakes
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Emergency Medicine ECHO: Paediatric Sepsis Update (Part 3)
Monday 19 October 2026, 7.00pm – 8.15pm
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Digital Health in Residential Aged Care
Supporting safe transfer from residential to acute care settings. More information

Published on: August 5, 2026

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