Aged Care Funding Reprieve: Labor has backed down on merging the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) into Support at Home, guaranteeing CHSP funding until at least mid-2029 after a parliamentary inquiry urged it stay standalone to at least 2030—aimed at protecting preventative, low-level support for older Australians. Mental Health Risk From Family Loss: A Curtin University study using national survey data found children who experience parental loss are about twice as likely to develop a mental health disorder (21.4% vs 10.8%), with separation the most common form. Healthcare Sector Watch: ASX healthcare sentiment stayed buoyant as CSL continued its post-results recovery, while investors tracked other healthcare updates including Medibank’s results call. Occupational Lung Disease Alert: A new report flags a rapidly growing silicosis crisis among quartz countertop workers overseas, calling for stronger surveillance, earlier diagnosis and worker protections. Community Wellbeing: Wodonga Council launched a Community Fresh Food Swap pilot to reduce food waste and build local connections through free produce exchanges. Immunology Breakthrough: Garvan/UNSW research identified over 1,000 genetic switches that behave differently in female and male immune cells, offering a biological explanation for sex differences in autoimmune disease. Bird Flu Conservation Response: South Australia reported 1,000+ crested terns likely dying from H5N1, with suspected little penguin cases under investigation and targeted vaccination being considered for the most threatened native birds.