A Little Colour. A Big Conversation. 💄💚

Every day, we meet women who are caring for everyone else.

They’re the mums remembering every appointment, the daughters supporting ageing parents, the partners juggling work and home, the friends who are always there to listen.

From the outside, they often look like they’re coping beautifully.

But sometimes, behind the smile is exhaustion. Anxiety. Loneliness. Grief. Or simply the weight of carrying so much for so many.

This September, we’re joining the conversation through Liptember, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness for women’s mental health. Since 2010, Liptember has helped spark important conversations and funded programs, research and advocacy focused specifically on the mental health needs of women.

Imagine if something as simple as wearing a bright lipstick could open the door to a meaningful conversation.

“I love your lipstick!”

“Thanks—I’m wearing it for Liptember to support women’s mental health.”

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to remind someone they’re not alone.

At Brook Medical Centre, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of motherhood, menopause, work pressures, caring for loved ones, or life’s unexpected hurdles, support is available—and asking for help is a sign of taking care of yourself.

This September, let’s make women’s mental health visible. Wear a splash of colour, start a conversation, check in with the women in your life, and remember to check in with yourself too.

Because every conversation matters, and every woman deserves to be heard.

To learn more about Liptember or to get involved, visit Liptember.

Click here If you would like to donate to our Liptember Team

1800MEDICARE

1800MEDICARE App (formerly My Health App)

The 1800MEDICARE app is a secure and convenient way to access your important health information anytime, anywhere. Through the app, you can view information that you, your healthcare providers, or authorised representatives have added to your My Health Record.

The app also provides easy access to your electronic prescriptions and Active Script List, making it simpler to manage your healthcare.

Features include:

• View key information in your My Health Record
• Access your electronic prescriptions and Active Script List
• Find and book participating health services
• Use the symptom checker
• Access Medicare information, including medical and pharmaceutical services
• View links to Medicare enrolments and claims

Fast, easy, and secure, the 1800MEDICARE app puts your healthcare information at your fingertips. It is available for both smartphones and tablets.

Getting Started

To use the 1800MEDICARE app, you will need a myGov account that is linked to your My Health Record.

If you already have a myGov account, there is no need to create a new one—simply link it to your My Health Record if you haven’t already done so.

To get started:

1. Download the 1800MEDICARE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and select Get Started.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

Please note: you must have your MyGov set up and linked with Medicare and My Health Record before you join 1800Medicare

In Memory of Dr Adeney

Countless lives were touched by Dr Adeney, the man we were privileged to know.
His career may have begun as the new African doctor in town, but he became so much more — a much-loved doctor, colleague, friend, husband, father and grandfather.

He gave so generously of himself to his patients and to his community.
He brought skill, kindness, humour and compassion to his work, and generations of families will remember the care he gave them.

There were the serious moments, of course, but there was always room for laughter —
the strong black coffee, the misplaced pens, the memorable handwriting, the pantomimes,
and all those little quirks that made him uniquely himself.

For those who worked alongside him, he was more than a doctor.
For those he cared for, he was more than a physician. He was someone who listened, who cared, and who made a difference.

His legacy lives on in the people he healed, the babies he delivered,
the colleagues he supported, the friends he made, and most of all, in the family who loved him dearly.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever part of the story of Muswellbrook.

In keeping with Dr Adeney’s generous spirit and his deep connection to Africa,
his family warmly invites those wishing to honour his memory to consider a donation to one of his favourite charities, the Barbara May Foundation.

The Foundation provides lifesaving maternal healthcare and fistula repair in Africa, helping mothers and women receive the care, dignity and chance for a healthier future that he cared so deeply about.

Rather than flowers, donations in his memory to the Barbara May Foundation would be a beautiful way to continue the work he valued and to carry something of his compassion forward.

Barbara May Foundation — Lifesaving Maternal Healthcare in Africa

A life devoted to caring for others.
A legacy of compassion that will continue.
And a final gift that helps save lives.

Dr. Devani Gooneratne is an experienced and caring medical practitioner with over 20 Years
of extensive clinical experience, including several years working in Australia. Her diverse
medical background includes experience in Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Paediatrics,
Surgery, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology and General Medicine.
Dr. Devani has chosen to make Muswellbrook her long term home, relocating to the
community with her family. This move reflects her genuine commitment to becoming part
of the local community and providing continuity of care to the people and families of
Muswellbrook and the surrounding regions for many years to come.
Dr. Devani believes that good healthcare starts with listening. She takes the time to
understand each patient’s concerns, circumstances and individual healthcare needs. She
works collaboratively with her patients to develop practical and personalised treatment
plans, with a strong focus on clear communication, shared decision making and continuity
of care.
Her experience in emergency medicine has provided her with extensive skills in assessing
and managing patients with acute and complex medical presentations. Combined with her
experience across a range of medical specialties, this has given her a comprehensive
approach to patient care.
Dr. Devani is passionate about building long term relationships with patients and families
and supporting the health of the community in which she now lives. She is committed to
providing compassionate, evidence based care and helping her patients maintain their
health and wellbeing through every stage of life.
Having settled in Muswellbrook with her family, Dr. Devani looks forward to becoming an
active and trusted member of the local community and making a long term contribution to
the health and wellbeing of the people of Muswellbrook and surrounding communities.

BreastScreen will be in Muswellbrook from the 14 September to 23 October 2026 at the Muswellbrook PCYC, corner of Carl Street and Market Lane.

The BreastScreen program is specifically for women aged 50 to 74, but women aged 40 to 49 are also eligible to attend.

Click the link below to book your appointment.

https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/

BreastScreen

Our team will be wearing jeans this Thursday to show our support for Jeans for Genes and help raise awareness for children living with genetic diseases and birth defects.

Did you know that 1 in 20 children are born with a genetic disease or birth defect? Funds raised through Jeans for Genes help support vital medical research to develop better treatments and work towards life-changing cures.

If you’d like to support this important cause, every donation—big or small—can make a real difference.

You can learn more or make a donation here:
Jeans for Genes Australia

From all of us at Brook Medical Centre, thank you for helping create a healthier future for children and their families. 💙👖

Pyjama Day at Brook Medical

This July, Brook Medical will be taking part in National Pyjama Day to help raise awareness for children living in out-of-home care. By taking part, we are helping to spread the message that every child deserves someone who believes in them.

National Pyjama Day raises awareness and funds to help match more children in out-of-home care with a dedicated Pyjama Angel mentor, providing learning support, encouragement, and positive role models to help them reach their full potential.

Thank you for supporting this important cause by wearing your pyjamas and helping raise awareness.

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL PATIENTS 🚨

On Monday, 27 July, a national test of Australia’s new AusAlert emergency warning system will be sent to compatible mobile devices across the country.

What to expect:
🔹 Your phone may emit a loud siren-like sound (even if it’s on silent or Do Not Disturb).
🔹 Your device will vibrate.
🔹 A message will appear clearly stating that it is ONLY A TEST.
🔹 No action is required.

💙 We wanted to give everyone a heads-up, especially if you’re attending an appointment with us, have a sleeping baby, are sensitive to loud noises, or may find unexpected alarms distressing.

Please don’t be alarmed if your phone suddenly sounds during your visit—it will be happening to millions of Australians at the same time.

If you know someone who may be worried or confused by the alert, please share this post so they’re aware too.

For more information about the national test, visit the official AusAlert website: AusAlert National Test Information

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Mobile Donor Centre will be visiting Muswellbrook, giving our community a convenient opportunity to donate blood and help save lives. The mobile donor centre will be located at the PCYC car park on Carl Street. Every donation can make a real difference for patients in need.

To check eligibility, view appointment times, or book your donation, visit Lifeblood’s website.

Please consider rolling up your sleeve and helping support Australia’s blood supply.

Muswellbrook Mobile Donor Centre

Medicare Bulk Billing Consent Changes – From 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, there are changes to the way consent is provided for bulk-billed Medicare services.

For most patients, nothing will change. If you normally pay for your appointment and claim your Medicare rebate yourself, you will continue to do so as usual. These changes only apply if your doctor bulk bills your Medicare service.

What is changing?

The Australian Government has introduced new requirements for obtaining Assignment of Medicare Benefits consent for bulk-billed services.

A 12-month transition period will apply from 1 July 2026, which means verbal consent can still be used while medical practices prepare to introduce digital and paper consent options.

If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, you (or an appropriate person acting on your behalf) may be asked to provide consent before your Medicare claim is submitted. This consent may be completed:

• electronically (via SMS, email or the HotDoc app)
• on a Tyro terminal at reception
• on a paper form
• verbally during the transition period where appropriate.

What is Assignment of Medicare Benefits?

Assignment of Medicare Benefits means you agree for your Medicare benefit to be paid directly to your doctor as payment for a specific bulk-billed service.

This consent applies only to that individual service or claim. It is not ongoing consent for future appointments.

How do I provide consent?

If your appointment is bulk billed, providing consent is usually quick and straightforward.

Face-to-face appointments

If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, our reception team will guide you through the consent process before your claim is submitted.

Phone or telehealth appointments

If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, you may receive a consent request after your appointment via:

• the HotDoc app
• SMS
• email.

Please complete the request as soon as possible so we can process your Medicare claim promptly.

What if I don’t use HotDoc, SMS or email?

If you do not have a mobile phone or email address, or you are unable to complete the electronic consent, please let our reception team know.

During the transition period, verbal consent may still be available. If this is not suitable, we will arrange another way for you to complete the consent.

Can someone else provide consent for me?

Yes. In some circumstances, an appropriate person may provide consent on your behalf. This may include:

• a parent or guardian
• a carer
• someone with Power of Attorney
• another person legally or appropriately responsible for your care.

What if I don’t agree to assign my Medicare benefit?

If your doctor intends to bulk bill your consultation and you choose not to assign your Medicare benefit, the consultation cannot be bulk billed.

Instead, you will be privately billed and provided with an invoice so you can claim your Medicare rebate directly from Services Australia.

What do I need to do?

For privately billed appointments, no action is required.

If your bulk-billed phone or telehealth consultation requires consent, please complete any consent request sent to you via SMS, email or the HotDoc app.

We also recommend ensuring your mobile number and email address are up to date so we can send consent requests and other important appointment information when required.

If you have any questions or need assistance completing your consent, please contact Brook Medical Centre on (02) 6543 1222.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.