Other Service Providers - Dystonia Network of Australia Inc

Please click on the name of the organisation or service to go to their website.

Find trusted health information and advice online and over the phone (1800 022 222), known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Funded by the governments of Australia. Click here to access healthdirect’s online symptom checker.

Part of healthdirect, the National Health Services Directory is a national directory of health services and the practitioners who provide them. Click here to search for health services such as general practitioners, COVID-19 testing clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, dentists and counselling.

Medicare – Services Australia

For information on services that are covered by Medicare, costs and claims.

Australian Government Carer Gateway

The Australian Government has introduced a Carer Gateway website and call centre to assist carers with advice, support and services. You can access the gateway via their website or by calling 1800 422 737.

Transport, Travel and Parking Schemes

If you require assistance with transport, travelling for treatment and parking, the Australian Government Carer Gateway also has information about transport services which are free or subsidised in each state. These services include Taxi Subsidy Schemes, patient travel schemes for those who are required to travel long distances for specialist treatment and disability parking permits.

Carers Australia

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing unpaid carers. They work to deliver initiatives to meet the needs of carers and advocate on issues that affect carers. Carers Australia has member organisations in each state and territory.

National Companion Card

People with a disability who require attendant care support to participate in activities may be eligible for a Companion Card. The Australian Government Department of Social Services has information about companion cards in each state and territory.

Energy and Essential Medical Equipment

If you require life saving medical equipment at your home you may be entitled to register as a life support customer with your energy company. Contact your energy provider directly and once you register, you will be required to supply information including medical confirmation from your doctor. You may also be entitled to a rebate or concession depending on your personal and financial circumstances. If you are dissatisfied with the response from your energy retailer you should firstly raise the issue with them. If they do not resolve the issue to your satisfaction you can contact the relevant ombudsman scheme in your state. For a list of the state ombudsman schemes and their contact details click here.

Medicines Line

The Australian Government has a telephone service which provides consumers with information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. Calls are answered by registered pharmacists. Please call 1300 MEDICINE or 1300 633 424 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, AEST.

NPS Medicinewise

NPS Medicinewise is an Australian government initiative which is committed to supporting the quality use of medicines. Find information about medicines you have been prescribed or recommended for treatment. You can also download their app which helps you to keep track of your medicines.

Australian Pain Management Association

This association aims to help people living with persistent pain. They provide a list of pain support groups and newsletters. You may speak to a Peer Guide on their National Pain Link Helpline by calling 1300 340 357.

Chronic Pain Australia

This is a not for profit organisation that is staffed by volunteers. They provide a variety of resources on their website to assist people living with chronic pain.

Head to Health

This website is an initiative of The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. It offers multiple ways of searching for digital mental health resources. If you would like to speak to a mental health professional you can call 1800 595 212 from Monday to Friday during business hours.

Brain Foundation

The Brain Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to funding research into neurological disorders, brain disease and brain injuries. Their website has healthy brain resources and they run a ‘Healthy Brain Program’ which promotes strategies to improve brain health. More information can be found here.

Vision Australia

Vision Australia is a national not for profit organisation providing low vision and blindness services. They offer a variety of tools and resources for people with vision impairment here.

NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme

For information on how the organisation works, determining if you are eligible, how you apply and the planning process.

People with Disability Australia- NDIS Frequently Asked Questions

People with Disability Australia is Australia’s peak disability rights and advocacy organisation. If you are considering making an application for the NDIS you will find an extensive list of FAQs about the NDIS on their website.

My Health Record

For information about the online summary of your key health information, what records are included and how to apply.

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

The charter sets out what healthcare consumers should expect in Australia.

Consumers Health Forum of Australia

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia is the national peak body representing the interests of healthcare consumers and advocating on consumer health care issues. They aim to draw on consumer and community knowledge to drive innovation and improvements to the Australian health system. The following states have their own consumer health organisation. Information and resources are available free of charge however there may be a joining fee to become a member to access further information.

Health Consumers NSW
Health Issues Centre Victoria
Health Consumers Queensland
Health Care Consumers ACT
Health Consumers Alliance of South Australia
Health Consumers’ Council Western Australia

Genetic Alliance

Genetic Alliance is a national peak umbrella group for rare genetic conditions and diseases. They provide a list of support services and organisations here. Appointments can be made with a Telehealth nurse to help people with a rare or genetic disease navigate the health care system or find support services either through the website or calling 1300 75 50 50.

Neurological Council of Western Australia

The Neurological Council of WA provides a service known as Neurocare where skilled, neurological nurses work with people with neurological symptoms and conditions. This service is available in the Metropolitan, South West, Great Southern, Mid West and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. Referral may be made by a general practitioner, health care practitioner, community service workers, families or via self referral here.

Commonwealth Ombudsman

Should you feel a decision or service by an Australian government agency (such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme or Services Australia) is wrong, unlawful, discriminatory or unfair, you should firstly make a complaint to the agency concerned. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome you can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman who may investigate your complaint. Please click here to view the process and for tips and advice on how to make a complaint to an agency. States each have their own ombudsman where you may make complaints about state health agencies or services.