Mobile clinic expands to Canberra, bringing free health care to homeless residents

Street Side Medics, a volunteer organization that previously served Sydney and Melbourne, has begun a weekly outreach in Civic, Canberra, operating from a van at the Griffin Centre in collaboration with Vinnies Roadhouse. The service delivers comprehensive primary-care, including mental-health assistance, blood tests and medication, to anyone regardless of name, status or Medicare eligibility. Founder Daniel Nour noted that many clients prioritize basic needs such as shelter and food over health concerns, and that building trust will take time.

Doctor Sarah Peters described the initiative as a "no questions asked" approach that aims to create continuity of care for an often invisible population. Chief executive Nic Brown reported that about half of the patients lack a Medicare card and expressed hopes to expand the program to other sites, inviting partner organizations to join.