‘ANZAC’ stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. 

Lest we forget.

For more information, visit: https://www.army.gov.au/our-heritage/traditions/anzac-day

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/your-mental-wellbeing

Every year on 17 April World Haemophilia Day is recognised worldwide to increase awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders. This is a critical effort since with increased awareness comes better diagnosis and access to care for the millions who remain without treatment.

• Haemophilia occurs in 1 in 6,000-10,000 males internationally.
• Currently in Australia there are more than 2,900 people diagnosed with varied degrees of severity.
• Specialised treatment is needed to help blood clot normally. With appropriate treatment haemophilia can be managed effectively.

Get involved this April by:

• Spreading awareness
• Educating family and friends
• Making a donation

For more information, visit: https://www.wfh.org/en/events/world-hemophilia-day

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s control of their body movements.  Parkinson’s disease is degenerating and often life threatening, requiring an immediate stop.

• A diagnosis can occur at any age with the most common age of diagnosis being 65.
• 10% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are under the age of 45.
• There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are effective treatment and therapy options that can help manage symptoms, so people with Parkinson’s disease can continue to enjoy many years of independent and productive lives.

To promote awareness on Parkinson’s disease, get involved this April by:

• Holding an event doing something you love – morning tea, golf day, sausage sizzle or morning tea
• Raising awareness on social media using #pause4parkinsons
• Making a donation
• Spreading information on signs and symptoms amongst family members

For more information, visit:
https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/support-us/world-parkinsons-day

Sexual Assault Awareness month is a campaign designed to raise awareness in the community regarding the harms of sexual assault. This is a major problem in society and action needs to be taken to prevent further damage.

“1 in 6 women (17%, or 1.6 million) and 1 in 25 men (4.3%, or 385,000) have experienced at least 1 sexual assault since the age of 15.” (AIHW)

Fight against sexual assault this April by:

• Buying merchandise
• Donating to the foundation
• Organising a fundraising event
• Spreading the message on social media
• Educating family and friends

For more information, visit: https://www.nsvrc.org/saam

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month. Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus where the cells that normally form a lining on the inside of the uterus, also grow in the muscle wall of the uterus. Adenomyosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity for those who are affected to share stories of their journey and increase general awareness of the condition.

Get involved this April by:

• Educating friends and family about adenomyosis
• Spreading awareness on social media
• Learning more about the condition

For more information, visit: https://www.adenomyosisadviceassociation.org/Adenomyosis-Awareness-Month-.html

World Autism Awareness Day is a worldwide initiative aiming to increase understanding of the disability. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.

• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
• Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.

Show your support this April by:

• Wearing blue
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Fundraising
• Informing family and friends of the disability

For more details, visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater. World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis.

“Today, 1 in 3 people live without safe drinking water.”

Get involved this March by:

• Educating friends and family about World Water Day
• Spreading awareness on social media
• Joining the conversation on what water means to you using the hashtag #Water2me

For more information, visit: https://www.worldwaterday.org/ https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day

Waitara Family Medical Practice Information for COVID-19 Vaccination Based on Information Provided by Department of Health

COVID-19 Vaccination will be available at Waitara Family Medical Practice from 14^th April 2021.

Eligibility checker for COVID-19 vaccine: To find out when you are eligible to receive the vaccine, visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker. This will tell you which phase of the rollout you are in.

Booking your COVID-19 vaccination appointment:When it is your turn to get vaccinated, you can call us on (02) 8038 1070 to book your appointment to discuss with your GP. You can also book on our website online https://www.waitaramedical.com/, or come in to the practice.

Flu vaccine: Please feel free to discuss receiving the flu vaccine with you GP if you are having the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information, visit the following sites:

• Information on COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine
• Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-preparing-for-covid-19-vaccination
• COVID-19 vaccination – Eligibility declaration form – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-eligibility-declaration-form
• Australian Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/