Month: March 2026

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people will soon have greater access to free specialist women’s healthcare, with the locations of 5 more Women’s Health Clinics announced.

This latest announcement will bring the total number of Women’s Health Clinics to 20 across Victoria.

The 5 new clinics will soon open their doors to patients in the following locations:

• Ararat, led by East Grampians Health Service
• Bacchus Marsh, led by Western Health
• Heidelberg, led by Austin Health and Mercy Health
• Prahran, led by Bayside Health and based at The Alfred
• Parkville (a dedicated Kids and Teens clinic), led by the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Bridging the gap in women’s healthcare

Women’s Health Clinics are based in public hospitals and health services. Clinic services are delivered by specialist, multidisciplinary healthcare teams providing free and comprehensive care for a range of women’s health conditions, including:

• endometriosis
• menopause, perimenopause and hormonal disorders
• chronic pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• prolapse
• incontinence

Women’s Health Clinics also offer abortion care and contraception services, including access to long-acting reversible contraception options.

Services are delivered by a range of healthcare teams to ensure tailored support. This includes gynaecologists, urologists, urogynecologists, endocrinologists, specialist nursing and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians and social workers.

Dedicated care closer to home

The 20 new Women’s Health Clinics are transforming how women receive healthcare – removing the barriers many face when trying to access specialist care by delivering more services closer to home.

Fifteen Women’s Health Clinics are now operating across Victoria, with 6 in metropolitan areas and 9 across regional Victoria.

The clinics are being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s landmark $153.9 million investment to transform women’s health in Victoria.

Led by the Department of Health, the delivery of the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program is setting a new standard for comprehensive, inclusive and accessible women’s healthcare, including the following additional initiatives:

Find out more about how the Department of Health is bridging the gap in women’s healthcare through the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program.

Source: Resmed Inc

Insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries show global sleep health awareness is growing, yet an action gap remains 

• 53% of people surveyed rank sleep as the most important behavior for a long, healthy life, ahead of diet and exercise.
• Over half of respondents get quality sleep on only four nights a week or less.
• While 66% of people surveyed say they would seek medical help for ongoing sleep issues, just 23% actually do.

SAN DIEGO, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, today unveiled the findings from its sixth annual Global Sleep Survey.

Drawing insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries, the survey reveals a widening gap between recognition of sleep’s importance and action to improve sleep health. While over half (53%) of respondents rank sleep as the most important contributor to long-term health compared to diet and exercise, many are not taking meaningful steps to improve their sleep quality.

Sleep is increasingly recognized as a key pillar of long-term health¹, with 84% of respondents worldwide understanding that consistent, quality sleep can help extend a healthy lifespan. However, awareness has not translated into consistent results. The majority of respondents (53%) report getting a good night’s sleep only four nights a week or fewer, highlighting the persistent gap between knowing sleep is critical and being able to prioritize it as part of a healthy lifestyle.

As sleep awareness grows, so does the opportunity to turn intent into action.

• Increased Wearable Use Raises Sleep Awareness Higher Than Ever: Wearable use for sleep tracking has surged among respondents, increasing from 16% in 2025² to 53% in 2026. Smartwatches lead the way, with 58% of respondents globally using them to track their sleep. Among wearable users, 62% say they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential risk.
• Following Through on Healthcare Provider Conversations Remains a Challenge: While 66% of respondents say they would consult a healthcare provider for persistent sleep issues, only 23% have done so. Fewer than half (46%) of survey respondents say a healthcare provider has asked about sleep during a routine visit.

The findings suggest a clear opportunity to improve education, screening and diagnosis so more people can identify sleep issues earlier and access pathways to care.

How Daily Life Disrupts Sleep

The survey also highlights the everyday pressures shaping sleep patterns worldwide.

• Closing the Sleep Gap for Women: Nearly half of women surveyed (48%) struggle to fall asleep, up from 38% in 2025.² For 42% of women surveyed, stress and anxiety are key barriers to consistent, quality sleep compared with over one third (36%) of men surveyed. Family responsibilities widen the gender gap further, negatively affecting sleep for 39% of women versus 33% of men.
• Recognizing Sleep as a Mental Health Essential: Insufficient sleep is linked to higher risk of anxiety and depression across age groups.³ This is reflected in our survey, which shows after a poor night’s sleep, more than a third of respondents report higher levels of irritability (36%) and stress (33%). Feelings of depression also increased for a quarter of respondents globally (25%).
• Making Sleep a Workplace Priority: More than half of respondents (58%) agree that heavy workloads negatively affect their sleep. 70% of respondents report taking a “snooze day” — calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep. At the same time, 59% say flexible working arrangements help them better manage their sleep. 
• Improving Sleep in Shared Spaces: Sleeping together is associated with stronger intimacy, with 53% of respondents reporting a positive impact on their sex life compared to 23% of those who sleep apart. However, disruption is common: 39% of respondents say their partner interrupts their sleep at least weekly, and 80% experience some level of partner-related sleep disruption.

“People are increasingly recognizing sleep as a cornerstone to long-term health, which is encouraging,” said Dr. Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at Resmed. “But recognition alone is not enough. We need to help people move from awareness to action by addressing everyday barriers and improving access to screening, support and care.”

Are you getting enough sleep? Read the full 2026 Resmed Global Sleep Survey report to learn more about the trends impacting the way we sleep. To assess your sleep health, take our online sleep assessment.

Survey Methodology
Resmed commissioned an independent survey of 30,000 individuals across 13 markets: the United States (5,000), China (5,000), India (5,000), United Kingdom (2,000), Germany (2,000), France (2,000), Australia (1,500), Japan (1,500), Korea (1,500), Brazil (1,500), Poland (1,000), Singapore (1,000), and Mexico (1,000). The survey was developed in partnership with The Sleep Health Foundation (Australia) and The Sleep Charity (UK), leveraging their expertise to help identify and refine key focus areas. Samples within each country were representative of national gender and age distributions. The survey was fielded by Cint from 11 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.

About Resmed
Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We’re relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalized, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more about how we’re redefining sleep health at Resmed.com and follow @Resmed.

^{_______________________________
1} Resmed Global Sleep Survey 2026. Available at: sleepsurvey.resmed.com (Accessed March 2026) 
² Resmed Global Sleep Survey 2025. Available at: sleepsurvey.resmed.com (Accessed February 2026)
³ Li Y, et al. Sleep Med Rev. 2019;42:69–89

Source: Resmed, Inc.

Released March 3, 2026

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) has called on the Federal Government to use the National Employment Standards (NES) review to fix structural flaws in Australia’s workplace laws, not expand entitlements or add more complexity and business costs.  AREEA’s submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into the NES argues the central issue is the growing incoherence between the law and modern work practices.  “Nearly 17 years […]

The post MEDIA RELEASE | AREEA calls for modern workplace laws that reflect 24/7 industries   appeared first on AREEA.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a new International Engagement Strategy to guide how the organisation builds meaningful global connections that deliver real benefits for the local community.

The strategy is a key outcome of the Budget 2025-2026, supporting the City’s commitment to a thriving future and strengthening our local economy.

International engagement can take many forms, such as supporting local businesses to enter overseas markets, attracting new investment and skilled workers, promoting Greater Bendigo as a premier visitor destination, strengthening cultural and educational opportunities, and participating in global networks and partnerships.

The strategy will provide the City with a clear, focused approach to these opportunities. It will help determine where time and resources are best directed, ensuring decisions are made in ways that maximise benefits for Greater Bendigo.

Director Strategy and Growth Rachel Lee said the strategy is an important step in ensuring Greater Bendigo’s global connections deliver long-term value.

“International relationships can open doors for local businesses, create new learning and cultural experiences, and help attract investment that supports our region’s growth,” Ms Lee said.

“This strategy will ensure we take a coordinated approach so that partnerships benefit our community.

“We encourage all residents, businesses, cultural groups and community organisations to participate and help shape Greater Bendigo’s international future.”

A community survey will be open on the City’s Let’s Talk website from Monday March 2, 2026, to Sunday March 29, 2026.

Survey participants are encouraged to share their views on:

• What matters most to the community
• What Greater Bendigo is already doing well
• What concerns or opportunities should be considered

To complete the survey, visit:

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 2 Mar 2026

A targeted compliance blitz has put illegal glow worm tour operators on notice, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) warning that unlicensed guiding in Springbrook National Park will not be tolerated.

Springbrook National Park is not only home to ancient rainforests and jaw-dropping waterfalls; it’s also home to thousands of glow worms.

Glow worm tours are growing in popularity in Springbrook, particularly at Natural Bridge as the unique creatures light up the cave ceiling after sunset.

As demand for glow worm experiences grows, so too has the number of illegal operators attempting to cash in.

Illegal tour operators diminish the experience for visitors, impact local tourism businesses and disrespect the protected area.

QPWS led a targeted compliance operation, alongside the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on 21 February and engaged with dozens of legal and illegal operators.

Compliance Optimisation Manager Michael Devery said regular compliance was essential to protect and preserve the natural values of the World Heritage-listed area.

“We’re here to protect Springbrook National Park, including the resident glow worms, and any visitors who want to see these native creatures in the wild,” Mr Devery said.

“Glow worms showcase how incredible Queensland’s natural environment is, with fireflies and iridescent mushrooms often coming together to create a breathtaking lightshow.

“Taking a tour with a qualified guide allows nature lovers to bask in this beauty, learn about the ecology of glow worms and the significance of the surrounding ecosystem.

“These licenced guides follow the strict environmental obligations outlined in their permits, which is particularly important in an area as significant as Springbrook National Park.

“Unlicenced tours are a serious problem that not only negatively impact visitors and local tourism businesses – they’re harmful to the environment.

“Conducting a tour without a valid permit is an offence, and we’re regularly conducting compliance patrols and targeted operations to enforce the law.

“So, if you’re an illegal operator, let this be your reminder: if we catch you, we’ll direct you to leave and you can be charged with a maximum penalty of $27,538 – not to mention none of your guests will be able to see the glow worms.”

TMR Transport Inspectors were requested to assist by performing vehicle inspections to ensure that tour operators had the required approvals and were compliant with all legislative requirements.

In Queensland, any driver who operates a vehicle providing a public passenger service which includes most tour services, must hold a valid Driver Authorisation (DA) issued by TMR.

QPWS is urging anyone booking a glow worm tour to check that the operator holds the appropriate permit before finalising their booking.