Eureka! Striking it rich in Ballarat

The gold rush city is still drawing people from far and wide. Karin Derkley meets two families who found life in the regional hub too good to pass up.

What do children want? Time, not toys

WHILE most Australian children continue to throw their Christmas presents around this weekend, breaking many along the way, one expert has a word of advice for their parents: forget about showering them with gifts, do not over-schedule their time and get down on their level to engage with them as much as you can.

Profile Ian Hickie

He's a 'big picture' thinker, who has paved the way for better mental health care.

Looking to the horizon

Multi-disciplinary interest in rural and general health education (MIRAGE) is doing its bit to promote country health workers.

Entrenching disadvantage

CORPORATE sponsorship in public schools will only further entrench disadvantage and increase ill health. "We have to understand there are trade-offs," says John Roskam, of the Institute of Public Affairs, an institution devoted to promoting privilege. He has no issue with "a can of fizzy drink flashed in front of our kids".

Troubled children left to wait

CHILDREN removed from their parents' home and placed in care are missing out on comprehensive health assessments €” which the State Government pledged €” because lack of funding has stalled the program.

Common Pool Cleaners 'a Risk To Kids'

POOL cleaners containing a chemical banned internationally due to fears it can cause cancer and long-term health problems in children are in daily use across Australia.

Taking Health Tips Abroad

THE director of Hunter New England Health's childhood obesity program Good For Kids, Good For Life will leave the position at the end of the week to take up a role with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

How Dads Measure Up In Our Kids' Eyes

On the scale of healthy eating, kids rate their fathers high, writes Jenny Tarran.