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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

Casino Hospital staff welcome volunteers
Published: 29 Oct 2025

COMMUNITY NOTICE

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is inviting people from Casino, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin and Urbenville interested in volunteering their time to sign up to the Healthcare Helpers program.

NNSWLHD currently has about 110 Healthcare Helpers based at Tweed Valley, Ballina, Lismore, Grafton and Maclean hospitals and is now expanding the popular program to Casino District and Memorial Hospital and the four Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) facilities at Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin and Urbenville.

The hospitals are seeking volunteers to greet and guide patients and visitors through the facility, as well as roles to offer comfort and companionship to patients during their stay.

Casino District and Memorial Hospital Acting Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Darren Skinner said the Healthcare Helpers program offered people the opportunity to volunteer at their local health facility in a supported and meaningful way.

“Casino hospital is a busy health facility that has been caring for the local community for more than 90 years,” Mr Skinner said.

“Over the 2024-25 financial year, more than 14,110 people attended our emergency department, while the team performed some 560 elective surgeries.

“We are looking to build and develop a volunteer community who reflect the diversity of the broader community to help patients and visitors feel at ease during their visit to hospital.”

Allese Tansley, Executive Officer/Director of Nursing for the MPS Network, was also excited to invite the community to participate in the Healthcare Helpers program.

“Our MPS facilities at Bonalbo, Kyogle, Nimbin and Urbenville offer not just critical clinical care but also residential aged care for our more elderly residents,” Ms Tansley said.

“Our community is already at the heart of what we do in the MPS Network, so to formalise this through the Healthcare Helper program is an exciting opportunity which we are really looking forward to developing.” 

People interested in finding out more and to sign-up can visit our special pop-ups at:
• Casino Shopping Plaza, Canterbury St, Tuesday 4 November, 9am – 2pm
• Kyogle MPS Open Day, Summerland Way, Saturday 15 November, 9am – 1pm.

People from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply to be a Healthcare Helper, with no previous experience necessary.

All volunteers will undergo orientation and training to ensure they are well-prepared and supported in their roles.

NNSWLHD’s recent Healthcare Helpers Survey carried out in September this year received positive and encouraging feedback on the program, with an overall rating of 4.4 stars. The survey reported 90 per cent of respondents felt supported in the workplace, while 88 per cent said they would recommend the volunteering program to a friend.

For more information visit www.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/volunteering or contact NNSWLHD Community Programs Coordinator Jade Dolling at nnswlhd-volunteer@health.nsw.gov.au or 0459 953 520.

To apply online, visit: MyImpactPage - Northern NSW Local Health District.

Image: Come and join our friendly team at Casino and District Memorial Hospital by volunteering as part of the new Healthcare Helpers program.