Northern NSW Local Health District has today congratulated local nurse, Emily Green who is among finalists nominated for the 10th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. Registered Nurse, Emily Green has been selected from nominations across eight categories which recognise nurses and midwives who have made a difference in clinical practice, management and leadership. NNSWLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Katharine Duffy, said Emily was a highly deserving local finalist for the awards, which recognise the contribution of nurses and midwives across the NSW public health

Wave of success as Oceanography leads University ranking

Southern Cross University is now listed among the world’s top 100 universities for ocean studies and research, according to the latest Shanghai Rankings.

The release of the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) has elevated Oceanography at SCU to the 76-100 band in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

With more than 10,000 universities in the world, it is effectively a top 1% result.

The Oceanography ranking represents a significant rise (from 101-150 band in 2021) and places Southern Cross as the best in Queensland, second in NSW and fourth overall in Australia.

The result for Nursing and Education is also outstanding. Nursing has jumped 50 places to be in the 101-150 band; while Education is now in the 301400 band, after improving 100 places.

Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the result represented not only the University’s excellence in marine and ocean studies and research but a broader trajectory of improvement.

“The Shanghai Rankings show overall improvement for the University driven by our performance specifically in the subject areas of Oceanography, Nursing, Education, Earth Sciences and Environmental Science and Engineering,” said Professor Carlin.

“It is deeply pleasing to see this level of global recognition for the consistently innovative work done by our academics and researchers.”

Administered by China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University, ARWU annually presents the world’s top 1000 research universities based on transparent methodology and objective third-party data.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Mary Spongberg, said the latest rankings affirmed the University’s longstanding reputation in marine research.

“We have some of the finest and most highly-regarded marine researchers and it is great to see our excellence in this field rewarded,” she said.

Community urged to stay alert for meningococcal symptoms

NSW Health is urging parents and young people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.

So far this year, there have been 15 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW.

Sadly, a man in his 40s from Sydney has died with the disease. His infection was identifed following his death and notifed to NSW Health last Thursday.

NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to his loved ones.

While meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, it can occur year round. We tend to see increases in late winter and early spring, with children under fve and 15 to 25-year-olds at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention can be lifesaving.

“Onset of meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly. If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately,” Dr McAnulty said.

Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or lifelong disability. They include: • Severe, unexplained limb pain • Diffculty waking up • High pitched crying in babies • Severe headache • Upset by bright lights • Stiff neck

• Red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass

“While it is a wellknown symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness,” Dr McAnulty said.

“If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.”

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection. Up to one in 10 cases die, and four in 10 infections result in permanent disabilities, including learning diffculties, sight and hearing problems, liver and kidney failure, loss of fngers, toes or limbs, or scarring caused by skin grafts.

SAMPLE FOOD FESTIVAL PLATES UP REGION’S BEST

Tourists can get a taste of the Northern Rivers when local producers, cafes, restaurants, distillers, and brewers showcase the best of the region at the 10th annual Sample Food Festival in September.

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the one-day festival in Bangalow will return bigger than ever, with a $75,535 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF) to deliver a huge selection of markets stalls featuring local producers, artisans, musicians, workshops, and pop-up events.

“Northern Rivers is a foodie hotspot, and this festival will not only give tourists a slice of the best locally-sourced produce, but also a shot in the arm of the local economy when they spend money in nearby shops, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant, pub or café, and stay local.”

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will put the popular tourism destination on display, with one of Australia’s top vegan chefs Shannon Martinez, bestselling cookbook author Julia Ostro and food writer Magdalena Roze headlining the festival.

“The NSW Government’s funding boost has allowed organisers to secure musicians, chefs, a larger stage, more seating options and activities that ensure patrons experience a taste of everything the Northern Rivers has to offer,” Mr Franklin said.

Sample Food Festival’s Rose Taylor-Tornow said the funding will help the festival return bigger and better than ever after a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions.

“I’m delighted to be able to celebrate our region’s fnest restaurants, chefs, distilleries, breweries, producers and artists, along with some special guest chefs at Sample again this September,” Ms Taylor-Tornow said.

The $40 million REAF is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.

Applications for Round Two of REAF are now open and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022. For further information, visit: nsw. gov.au/REAFund.