All About Dry July

Its Dry July! 

Let’s give a cheer for going alcohol-free! 


About Dry July: 

‘3 Men Walk didn’t into a bar’….  that’s how Dry July Started! 


The first Dry July was started in July 2008 by three friends, Brett, Kenny and Phil, who decided to give up alcohol for a month – not only did they decide to go dry, they decided to coin the term Dry July for a good cause. Each pledged to go alcohol free for the whole of July, starting a campaign that would raise funds for Cancer and started by asking their friends and families to sponsor them in this initiative. The Aim was simple – raise $3000 to buy a TV for a hospital waiting room and instead they ended up raising $250,000 with the support of Adam Spencer. 


3 Men, one small commitment and the birth of a massive campaign! 

It only took 3 blokes to make an incredible impact! 


Its a win-win situation – Dry July provides funding for much needed consultations, comfortable waiting rooms, advice from specialist nurses and most importantly raising awareness with a firm foundation. It doesn’t stop there though, Dry July has massive impacts on your own physical health, so in helping others you help yourself! 


 Reap the Benefits of going Dry, facts about going alcohol free! 


  • Better Sleep – did you know alcohol leads to poor quality sleep. Statistics show that just one week of avoiding alcohol puts a spring

a strong in your step, with extra wakefulness during the day, better work performance, better sleep and improved concentration! 

If that’s what one week can do, imagine a whole month! Say goodbye to fatigue and Good Morning to feeling rejuvenated. 


  • Slows down weight gain – alcohol affects the liver which in turn affects your metabolism and how your body absorbs sugar and fats. If alcohol becomes the focus of metabolism in your body, you’re going to store body fat and alcohol is loaded with kilojoules.

Give your liver a rest, and you are going to slow down weight gain and stabilise blood pressure. 


  • Improvement in Mental Health – We often use alcohol as a coping mechanism, but is it really working?

A temporary respite to let down your hair, but we can guarantee that the next day that anxiety and stress are still going

to be in the exact same place you left them. Use Dry July as a time in introspection, find out what you are really avoiding

feeling and seek proper assistance. Give yourself a chance to set up healthy coping mechanisms. 


Did you know that taking a break from alcohol lowers your risk of a chronic

disease such a liver disease, Cancer and strokes! 


Read about how Alcohol Reduction changed one bloke’s life here: 


The Rules Of Dry July 

1.Sign up to the Challenge Here 

  1. Rally your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you! 
  2. No Alcohol for the month of July! 
  3. Help people with Cancer – read about who your donations will help 


Feeling like you might need a night off in Dry July – the Dry July Campaign allows you to buy a Golden Ticket – its like Charlie and the Chocolate factory but for adults! For $25, you can purchase a Golden ticket that will allow you to have a drink on Saturday the 13th of July, so have a break midway through and put the round on you – all Golden Ticket purchases go to the donations. 

 

Sign up and join today – You will be able to create a profile, unlock achievements and share your milestones! 


Currently 17,902 people are going Dry for July 

There are 1,454 teams already registered (Why go it alone, make it a team effort!) 

$1,078,903 has already been raised! 


 The count down has begun…are you ready for a Challenge? 


Visit the Dry July Foundation Now! 

Celebrating World Kindness Day 2025

November 3, 2025
The Power of Kindness in Child Development Celebrating World Kindness Day – 13 November Every year on 13 November, we celebrate World Kindness Day — a day that reminds us that compassion and understanding have the power to make the world a better place for everyone, especially for children. The Origins of World Kindness Day World Kindness Day was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement (WKM), a global coalition formed a year earlier in Tokyo. Independent of any religion, culture, or political group, the WKM’s mission is clear: “to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world.” At its heart, the movement reminds us that kindness is a universal language — one that transcends barriers and celebrates our shared humanity. Why Kindness Matters — Especially for Children with Disabilities Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive — to be seen, heard, and included. For children with disabilities, kindness can be the difference between isolation and belonging. At Save the Children, we believe that early childhood development is an investment for life. When we nurture children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual growth, we lay the foundation for a future of confidence and independence. But for children with disabilities, this foundation also depends on something equally vital — acceptance, inclusion, and kindness. Acts of kindness help children with disabilities feel valued and capable. They also teach other children to look beyond differences and see the unique strengths that every individual brings to the world. The Science Behind Kindness Studies show that kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver. It: 💗 Boosts empathy, confidence, and self-esteem 🌱 Reduces stress and promotes emotional well-being 🧠 Encourages cooperation and stronger social bonds 🌈 Builds inclusive, compassionate communities When children grow up in environments where kindness is practiced and modeled, they learn to approach others with empathy — not judgment. This emotional intelligence shapes how they navigate relationships, school, and later life.

We attended the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2025

September 29, 2025
Health Staff Australia Going Places! Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2025 On Tuesday, 17 September 2025, we had an amazing time attending and showcasing at this year’s Shoalhaven Disability Expo at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre in Bomaderry. Now in its 11th year, this expo is the largest volunteer-run, not-for-profit event in the region, bringing together people of all abilities, families, carers, and friends for a day full of learning, connection, and fun. The expo was buzzing with over 90 service providers, engaging activities, and local community groups — and our stand definitely stood out! We had the chance to meet incredible people, make new friends, and connect with the community in a meaningful way. Every conversation, smile, and shared story reminded us why we love being part of events like this.  From meaningful chats with families and carers to connecting with other service providers, the day was packed with energy, inspiration, and a real sense of community. Our team brought their A-game, showcasing what Health Staff Australia has to offer, while having an absolute blast meeting everyone who stopped by our stand. A huge thank you to our amazing staff who made this possible — your energy and enthusiasm lit up the room! And of course, a big shout-out to the Shoalhaven Disability Forum for organizing such an inclusive and vibrant event, including the Quiet Hour from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, which made the day even more welcoming for everyone. We left the expo inspired, energized, and already looking forward to next year. To everyone who visited our stand — thank you for making it such a memorable day. Can’t wait to see you all again! Health Staff Australia is proud to be part of the Shoalhaven community , connecting, sharing, and supporting people of all abilities, their families, and carers — one exciting event at a time!
Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — ripplin

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

September 8, 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.