As we mark R U OK? Day this week, it's a timely reminder that meaningful connection – whether through a simple question or check-in – could change a life. In this issue, we spotlight the power of everyday conversations, explore mental health support services available and share inspiring stories of how Australians are embracing technology to navigate complex care. Discover the latest breakthroughs in digital health, catch up on the latest happenings at the Agency and more.
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In this article:
- R U OK? Day
- Medicare Mental Health
- my health app
- Well connected
- Innovation spotlight
- Agency updates
- Upcoming events
- Careers with the Agency
- Share your thoughts
💛 R U OK? Day
Every year on 11 September, Australians come together for R U OK? Day, a national day of action that reminds us of the power of a simple question: 'Are you OK?'
This year's theme 'Ask R U OK? Any Day' reinforces a vital message: support doesn't need a calendar. Whether it's a friend, colleague, partner or neighbour, the people around us face life's ups and downs every day. And sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is showing up and asking with genuine care.
💬 Why it matters
New research from R U OK? shows:
✨ 1 in 3 Australians are checking in with others more often than last year
✨ 9 in 10 people feel supported, cared for and grateful when someone asks if they're OK
These conversations build trust, reduce stigma and help people feel seen – especially during tough times.
Learn more about R U OK? Day and how you can make a difference on the R U OK? Day website.
📞 Medicare Mental Health
Not feeling yourself lately? You're not alone. Medicare Mental Health provides free, confidential mental health support for anyone in Australia.
If you're looking for mental health and wellbeing support for yourself or someone you care for, Medicare Mental Health offers:
💚 face-to-face spaces for adults or kids
💚 a free national phone service
💚 free resources on their website
You don't need a referral or diagnosis to access support through Medicare Mental Health. For more information, call 1800 595 212 or visit www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
📲 my health app
With the my health app, you can access 24/7 helplines for confidential assistance, guidance and resources tailored to help.
Access to helplines include:
🔹 Beyond Blue
🔹 healthdirect helpline
🔹 Lifeline
🔹 National Relay Service
🔹 Poisons Information Hotline
For more information about the my health app, visit our website or download the my health app for iOS or Android from the App Store or Google Play.
The Agency has teamed up with The Guardian Australia to tell the compelling stories of real Australian families and the positive impact My Health Record and my health app are having on their lives.
In our second story of 'Well connected' we meet Patrick Dillon – a proud Ugarapul man, whose life was changed when a freak diving accident left him with quadriplegia.
'I was always active and independent,' he said. 'I played lots of footy and pretty much lived outdoors. The biggest frustration was not being able to do the things that I used to be able to.'
Since his accident, Patrick has embraced technology to support his independence and coordinate his multi-disciplinary care team.
'My Health Record and my health app have been game changers for my care team. Having access to the same information means each of them can see when I last had prescriptions dispensed, my upcoming appointments or any other information that helps them plan,' Patrick said.
Read more about Patrick's story on The Guardian website.
UQ scientists grow living skin in world-first
In a global breakthrough, researchers at The University of Queensland's Frazer Institute have successfully grown fully functioning human skin in the lab – complete with blood vessels, capillaries, hair follicles, nerves and immune cells.
Led by Dr Abbas Shafiee and Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani, the team used stem cells to create 3D skin organoids that mimic real human skin. This innovation is expected to revolutionise skin graft transplants, wound healing and treatment of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and scleroderma.
(Photo credit: The University of Queensland)
What sets this model apart is its self-contained blood supply, a world-first feature that dramatically improves its realism and therapeutic potential. It will open new doors for precision dermatology and regenerative medicine.
Read the full article on the University of Queensland website.
World-first spinal cord injury trial begins in Australia
Griffith University has launched a world-first clinical trial to treat chronic spinal cord injury using nasal cells known as olfactory ensheathing cells. These cells, taken from the patient's own nose, are used to create a tiny 'nerve bridge' implanted at the injury site to stimulate nerve regeneration.
Led by Professor James St John, the trial builds on decades of research and honours the legacy of the late Professor Alan Mackay-Sim. Patients undergo intensive rehabilitation before and after the procedure, with the goal of restoring vital functions like bladder control, hand movement and even the ability to stand.
Read the full article on the Griffith University website.
Another leap forward in modernising My Health Record with FHIR®
The Australian Digital Health Agency has awarded Telstra Health the contract to lead the transformation of My Health Record, ushering in real-time data flow and greater interoperable healthcare.
With over 1.8 billion clinical documents uploaded – and rising demand for seamless access – the initiative will transform My Health Record system to a FHIR®-based platform, future-proofing the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
Read the full media release on our website.
New eLearning course supports embedding clinical safety in digital health practice across Australia
Last month saw the launch of the Clinical safety in digital health course, a new national eLearning course that will strengthen clinical safety within digital health practices across Australia.
The course equips healthcare professionals with practical tools to embed clinical safety as digital technologies become integral to care delivery.
Jointly created by the Agency and the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH), it's the first course of its kind to be available nationally, supporting the ongoing delivery of safe and effective digital health and care.
Read the full media release on our website or learn more about the course on our online learning portal.
Interoperability annual progress report
The second annual progress report for the Connecting Australian Healthcare – National Healthcare Interoperability Plan 2023-2028 (the plan) is now available.
To date 55% of the plan's 44 actions have been completed in full, with 15 actions being completed in the 2024-25 financial year.
Read the report on our website.
Council for Connected Care annual review released
Complementing the 2024-25 progress report for Connecting Australian Healthcare – National Healthcare Interoperability Plan 2023-2028 is the annual review of the Council for Connected Care.
The Council facilitates and supports the implementation of the activities outlined in the plan and roadmap.
It also plays a key role in identifying and harnessing interoperability opportunities across the health system; finding solutions for interoperability barriers; and promoting digital health initiatives that drive connected healthcare.
Read the report on our website.
Advance Care Planning International
Date: 24–26 September 2025
Location: Gold Coast QLD
Advance care planning is a crucial starting point in the journey towards person and family-centred care. The conference theme 'Are we there yet?' aims to embrace these journeys by interweaving advance care planning best practices and research through cultural, personal, organisational, system and societal lenses.
Join Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing), Karen Booth, for a plenary session titled 'Digital Health in Advance Care Planning: Bridging Gaps and Building Trust.'
This session will explore how shared electronic health records such as My Health Record can enhance advance care planning by improving accessibility, fostering collaboration and building trust among patients, families and healthcare providers.
Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators Conference 2025
Date: 13–16 October 2025
Location: Perth WA
Embracing the Future – Healthcare Innovations and Challenges is the theme of the RACMA 2025 Conference and promises to bring together a who's who of medical and digital health leaders.
Join Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine), Dr Amandeep Hansra for a range of discussions exploring medical leadership, digital health insights and creative careers in medicine.
Practice Nurse Annual Forum Day
Date: 18 October 2025
Location: Sydney NSW
The Practice Nurse Annual Forum Day is a dynamic and informative day of workshops, engaging presentations and insightful discussions for nurses working within general practice settings.
Join Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing), Karen Booth for an insightful discussion about the future of primary care nursing with the use of digital technology.
Primary Care, Digitally Connected Conference
Date: 21 October 2025
Location: Sydney NSW
This conference will delve into the potential of digital health to uplift and transform primary care through a holistic lens.
Join Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine), Dr Amandeep Hansra for a plenary session on 'The (r)evolution of Medicare for a digitised, value-based primary care system' which will explore how Medicare must evolve to unlock the full potential of digital health.
MTAA MedTech Conference
Date: 22–23 October 2025
Location: Sydney NSW
The MTAA MedTech Conference will explore the latest breakthroughs and developments in healthcare. Discover cutting-edge solutions and strategies that are shaping the future.
If you're looking for a role that's professionally and personally rewarding and offers career growth and mentoring, check out the latest jobs at the Australian Digital Health Agency.
- Financial Frameworks and Assurance Manager – applications close 14 September
- Senior Business Analyst, Regulatory Transformation – applications close 14 September
- Availability and Continuity Manager – applications close 14 September
- APS6 Management Accountant & APS6 Internal Budgets & Reporting Officer – applications close 14 September
- Operational Service Officer – applications close 14 September
- Assistant Director Security Services – applications close 15 September
- Assistant Director, Governance Services – applications close 15 September
- Senior Procurement Officer – applications close 16 September
- Research & Evaluation Officer – applications close 25 September
- Temporary Employment Register – always open
- APS Section 26 Transfer - Permanent and Temporary - Employment Register – always open
See more vacancies on our careers page.
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