The NSW Government is rolling out its newest Lung Health Mobile Clinic, a $2.5 million upgrade aimed at helping workers catch dust-related diseases early. The mobile unit has now reached Gosford, where it is offering free checks to residents and workers who may have been exposed to harmful particles on the job or in their environment.
The service has become a fixture for regional communities, with more than 5,000 people screened each year. The new clinic continues that mission, turning up in towns across New South Wales through the icare Lung Bus program. Its route includes Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Tweed Heads, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill and Tamworth.
The refreshed mobile clinic brings improved technology and more space. Digital chest X-ray equipment gives clearer initial imaging, while upgraded spirometry tools offer a better picture of lung function. A digital monitoring system supports faster assessments, and a backup power supply keeps the clinic running in remote locations. Staff and visitors also benefit from a noticeably larger and more accessible treatment area.
This latest version builds on the legacy of the original lung bus, which travelled more than 700,000 kilometres over almost 16 years and provided more than 53,000 screenings across hundreds of regional stops. It became a trusted resource, especially in industries where exposure to dust can lead to conditions such as asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.
Dust-related illness has been a growing concern in recent years, especially following rising cases of silicosis in tunnelling. In response, the NSW Government has set up an Expert Taskforce to examine health risks in tunnelling projects and pushed for the national ban on engineered stone, which came into effect last year. A team of silica safety inspectors is also now in place to ensure businesses are meeting strengthened regulations.
The Gosford stop is part of the new clinic’s first run, with the unit based at Hylton Moore Oval Car Park on Wattle Street until 11 December. Bookings are currently full, although workers can still organise screenings through icare’s Sydney CBD clinic or with local providers when the bus is not in town.
Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said the upgraded clinic removes common barriers that prevent workers from seeking help, noting that early care can make a measurable difference. She added that the bus complements broader safety enforcement, including the engineered stone ban.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said the investment is particularly important for people living outside major cities, where access to regular screening can be limited.
Central Coast Minister David Harris encouraged locals to take advantage of the service, saying that everyday life often delays routine check-ups and that bringing the clinic directly to the community makes those checks easier.
Gosford MP Liesl Tesch welcomed its arrival, calling it a practical way to support workers’ long-term wellbeing. She said early detection can be key to managing dust-related illness and that having the service visit communities directly helps ensure no one misses out.
icare’s Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe, said a lung check could be life-saving and stressed the importance of giving all workers access to high-quality assessments regardless of where they live.
Anyone seeking a screening can contact icare on 1800 550 027 or visit its website for more information.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
