Nationals Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP has today welcomed the arrival of the free icare Lung Bus in Tweed Heads, providing local workers with access to vital lung health screenings.
Free lung screening checks are now available for Northern Rivers workers, with the icare Lung Bus visiting the region for the first time in 2026.
The $2.5 million Mobile Screening Clinic is currently located in Tweed Heads until 5 June, with several free screening appointments still available.
Mr Provest is encouraging local employers to register for the SafeWork NSW Silica Worker Register and take proactive measures to protect workers who may be exposed to hazardous silica dust in the workplace.
The Lung Bus and Silica Worker Register are important initiatives aimed at promoting early detection and regular health screening for workers at risk of silica dust exposure and other workplace-related lung diseases.
The Silica Worker Register is an online portal that allows Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) to record details of workers involved in processing high-risk crystalline silica substances. SafeWork NSW uses the data to monitor compliance with workplace health and safety obligations, including mandatory health monitoring for at-risk workers.
Currently, 14 Northern Rivers businesses are registered on the Silica Worker Register, with the NSW Government urging more businesses to sign up to help safeguard worker health.
Free lung screening appointments are available from 1–5 June at the HACC Centre, corner of Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads.
Employers can book screenings by visiting the Lung Screening Service website https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/…/lung-screening-service or calling 1800 550 027.