A mobile health van that has been saving lives across regional New South Wales will return to Ballina on tomorrow and Thursday offering free 10-minute checks in Fawcett Park.

The project was first created by the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in response to a familiar problem – men are often reluctant, or simply too busy, to make time for a visit to the doctor.

The travelling health service was designed to make it quick and convenient to pick up hidden issues before they became life-threatening.

Inside the van, a registered nurse provides fast, confidential checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Results are available straight away and if anything looks out of range, participants are referred directly to their GP.

Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club Service Director Jodie Shelley said the impact can be immediate. “Some people are genuinely shocked by their results,” she said.

 “It’s not unusual for the nurse to refer several people each day straight to their GP for further tests.”

Although it began as a men’s health project, the service has since opened to everyone.

“We now welcome both men and women,” Ms Shelley said.

 “It’s free, there’s no need for an appointment, and it only takes ten minutes.”

Local Rotarians will be there to meet and greet visitors and help them complete a short form before they step inside the van.

“It’s also a great way for our members to connect with the community,” Ms Shelley said.

📍 Fawcett Park (Richmond River end of Moon Street)
🗓 Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 September
⏰ 9:30am – 4:15pm

Over the years, the travelling health van has saved many lives and improved outcomes in towns right across NSW. 

As Ms Shelley put it: “That ten minutes could make all the difference for you or someone you love.”