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                <title><![CDATA[Amplar Health unveils new brand as it accelerates its mission to transform healthcare for Australians ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-unveils-new-brand-as-it-accelerates-its-mission-to-transform-healthcare-for-australians</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Amplar Health has unveiled a new brand identity, marking an important milestone in its evolution and reflecting its growing role in delivering more seamless, personalised and proactive healthcare experiences for Australians]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Amplar Health has unveiled a new brand identity, marking an important milestone in its evolution and reflecting its growing role in delivering more seamless, personalised and proactive healthcare experiences for people in Australia.
As the healthcare delivery company of the Medibank Group, Amplar Health is central to the Group's vision of creating the best health and wellbeing for Australia and its 2030 ambition of supporting better health outcomes for more Australians while helping build a more sustainable health system.
The refreshed brand comes as Amplar Health expands its reach beyond its traditional business-to-business foundations and increasingly delivers healthcare services, under the Amplar Health identity directly to patients across Australia.
Over the past year, Amplar Health delivered 5.3 million patient interactions, helping Australians access care where and when they need it. Through innovative models of care such as home-based services, the organisation also helped save 194,000 hospital bed days in FY26, reducing pressure on the healthcare system while improving patient experiences.
Today, Amplar Health supports Australians through a growing range of services including home hospital services, virtual nursing and GP services, prevention and wellbeing programs, and primary care services through Myhealth and Better Medical clinics.
The new Amplar Health brand reflects our commitment to reshaping healthcare through experiences that combine technology, data and deeply human care. By focusing on earlier intervention and prevention, delivering care in the settings that work best for people and leveraging insights and clinical expertise to deliver more integrated care, we aim to improve outcomes for patients, customers and communities while making healthcare accessible, proactive and personalised to individual needs at every stage of their journey.
Amplar Health Group Lead Robert Read said the new brand represents both the organisation's evolution and its future ambition.
&quot;We're taking another important step in Amplar Health's evolution,” Mr Read said.

Our refreshed brand reflects our ambition to deliver better healthcare experiences for more Australians while staying true to what matters most, providing exceptional care and support

&quot;This is an exciting moment for our people, our customers and the future of Amplar Health.&quot;
Mr Read said Amplar Health's role in the future of Australian healthcare had never been more important.
&quot;Australia's healthcare system is undergoing significant change, and Amplar Health is well positioned to help support that transition. Through virtual care, hospital-in-the-home services, prevention programs, primary care and innovative partnerships, we're making healthcare accessible, connected and sustainable,” he said.
&quot;Our ambition is simple but powerful. We want to empower lives and transform health by delivering the integrated healthcare experiences Australians deserve. Every service we provide and every innovation we pursue contributes to Medibank's vision of better health and wellbeing for Australia.&quot;
The launch of the new Amplar Health brand signals the organisation's commitment to continued growth and innovation as it works to reach more people, support more communities and contribute to a more proactive, personalised and sustainable future for healthcare.
Abour Amplar Health
Backed by 30 years of expertise, Amplar Health connects Australians with personalised primary care, aged care, rehabilitation, hospital and mental health services. We deliver healthcare when and where people need it and are guided by a robust clinical governance framework. Through more seamless and proactive healthcare experiences, Amplar Health is helping create better health outcomes for individuals at every stage of their health journey while supporting a more sustainable healthcare system. That's how we deliver amplified healthcare, everywhere we are.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank Group releases Annual Report 2026, marking 50 years strong ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-group-releases-annual-report-2026-marking-50-years-strong</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[The report highlights another strong year for the Group, with growth across health insurance and health services, expanded healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, deeper customer engagement and continued investment in improving access to care.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank Group today released its Annual Report 2026, marking 50 years of supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Australia.
The report highlights another strong year for the Group, with growth across health insurance and health services, expanded healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, deeper customer engagement and continued investment in improving access to care.
Today, more than six million people in Australia trust Medibank Group with their health and wellbeing through Medibank, ahm and Amplar Health, reflecting the company's evolution from the only private health fund that covers Australia into a health company.
In a joint message, Chair Mike Wilkins AO and Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said FY26 demonstrated the strength of Medibank's strategy and its growing role across Australia's health system.

This October marks 50 years of Medibank. For 50 years, we have stood alongside people in Australia to help them choose the right care and access it when it matters most. Today, customers turn to us not only for health insurance, but for health and wellbeing support that makes a genuine difference in their lives,

A first look at the new Medibank Group brand
The 2026 Annual Report marks the first look at our refreshed Medibank Group brand identity, offering an early preview ahead of the official launch on 1 October 2026.
Coinciding with the Medibank Group's 50th anniversary, our new identity has been designed to celebrate the organisation's heritage while creating a clearer distinction between the Medibank Group and our consumer brands, Medibank, ahm and Amplar Health.
Our 50-year anniversary is the perfect opportunity to launch a Medibank Group brand identity that honours our heritage while reflecting our maturity, strength and future ambitions.
By drawing on elements of our original 1976 identity, we've created a modern brand that respects our history while positioning us for what's next.
Another strong year for the group
The Annual Report also highlights another strong year including:


Delivering value for customers through affordability and wellbeing initiatives, including more than $250 million of savings delivered through Members' Choice and no gap networks


Expanding healthcare delivery through Amplar Health, including supporting 5.3 million patient interactions


Expanding Medibank's primary care network through the acquisition of Better Medical


Continuing to invest in mental health and prevention programs, with $11.5 million invested in mental health initiatives as part of Medibank's five-year, $50 million commitment


Progressing towards becoming one of Australia's healthiest workplaces, including being recognised as Best Enterprise Organisation at the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work Awards


Releasing Medibank's first Sustainability Report aligned to Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards


These achievements reflect the dedication, expertise and care of our people across the organisation.
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                                    <author>kate.goggin@medibank.com.au (Kate  Goggins)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:55:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank Better Health Research Hub sets research focus on healthy ageing, innovative care and mental health]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-better-health-research-hub-sets-research-focus-on-healthy-ageing-innovative-care-and-mental-health</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[The Medibank Better Health Research Hub has announced three research pillars that will guide its investment and partnerships over the next two years.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Medibank Better Health Research Hub has announced three research pillars that will guide its investment and partnerships over the next two years.
The pillars are:


Prevention across life stages: Improving prevention, early detection and healthy ageing through primary, allied and community care.

Innovative care models: Enabling more access, choice and personalised care options.

Mental health in the community: Supporting mental health tailored to different needs and available at times when they are needed the most.

Shaped by input from customers, researchers, policy experts and Medibank people, the pillars respond to some of Australia's biggest health challenges, including chronic disease, mental health and growing pressure on the health system. They form the basis for the Hub’s expected investment of around $2 million in health research over the next two years.
Together, they place greater emphasis on healthy ageing, preventative health, delivering more care in homes and communities, improving mental health outcomes including for the healthcare workforce, and using technology to make healthcare more accessible.
The updated research focus also strengthens the Hub's commitment to health equity, including improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, regional and rural communities, and others who face barriers to care.
Medibank Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj said the updated research focus builds on the Hub's longstanding support for research that improves health outcomes and strengthens Australia's health system.
“Australia faces significant health challenges, from rising rates of chronic disease and mental ill health to increasing pressure on our health workforce and services,” Dr Sundaraj said.

Our focus over the next two years is on areas where research can make the biggest difference, helping people stay healthier for longer, improving access to care and supporting innovation that delivers better health outcomes.

“Importantly, these areas have been shaped by the voices of our customers, researchers and experts across the health system. We've sharpened our focus on the issues that matter most and where we can help turn evidence into action and improve the health and wellbeing of people in Australia.”
To learn more about the Medibank Better Health Research Hub and its research pillars, visit the Medibank Better Health Research Hub.
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                                    <author>juliet.williams@medibank.com.au (Juliet Williams)</author>
                                <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:28:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank expands access to specialist cost information for customers and GPs]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/specialist-cost-information-customers-gps</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank is making it easier for customers and their GPs to access information about specialists participating in Medibank’s GapCover arrangements, helping support more informed healthcare decisions.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank is making it easier for customers and their GPs to access information about specialists participating in Medibank’s GapCover arrangements, helping support more informed healthcare decisions.
Available through HealthShare’s Specialist Referrals Directory and HealthShare.com.au, this update provides customers and their GPs with additional information at the point of the referral.
Patients and GPs will be able to view information about a specialist’s participation in Medibank’s GapCover arrangements, including historical out-of-pocket cost information for some procedures over the previous 12 months.
Users will be able to easily identify specialists who participate in the Medibank No Gap program. The program aims to help eligible Medibank customers reduce out-of-pocket costs for included treatments and services as part of a hospital admission for select surgical procedures, provided the procedure is performed by a participating surgeon at a participating hospital.
Medibank Senior Executive Nathan Crothers said the health company wants to make it easier for customers to understand and navigate their healthcare options.
&quot;We know that some people are delaying specialist care because of cost concerns, so we're pleased to make information about specialists participating in GapCover and our No Gap program available through HealthShare at an important point in the patient journey,” said Mr Crothers.
“Choosing the right specialist is an important healthcare decision, with a range of factors influencing what is most appropriate for each individual patient. By making this information more readily available alongside specialist information, Medibank aims to give customers and their GPs greater visibility of available options and support informed conversations about specialist care.
&quot;This can help support informed discussions between patients and their GPs and give customers greater confidence when making decisions about their care.&quot;
HealthShare Co-founder Rami Weiss said: &quot;We're pleased to work with Medibank to provide patients and GPs with access to more useful information when considering specialist care.&quot;
&quot;Choosing a specialist is an important decision that takes into account a patient's individual needs and circumstances. By making information about Medibank's GapCover arrangements more accessible at the point of referral, we can help GPs have better-informed conversations with their patients and support patients to make decisions that are right for them.&quot;
For more information:


https://www.medibank.com.au/health-support/health-services/no-gap/


https://www.medibank.com.au/providers/medical/gapcover/


https://www.medibank.com.au/health-insurance/find-provider/


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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[2026 full year results]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/2026-full-year-results</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[The result reflects the strength of the business, the trust our customers and patients continue to place in us, and the progress we are making towards our 2030 ambitions.  ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[The result we have announced today reflects the strength of the business, the trust our customers and patients continue to place in us, and the progress we are making towards our 2030 ambitions.
We now support around 6 million people with their health and wellbeing, and our focus remains on helping people get more value from their health cover, greater certainty when they need care, and better access to the services that support their health.
Greater value
Despite cost-of-living pressures, people continue to prioritise their health. We delivered almost $300 million in value to our customers during the year, in addition to $6.9 billion in total claims paid.
We continue to balance the rising cost of healthcare with the need to keep health insurance affordable. And we’re supporting private hospitals to deliver that care to our customers, returning more of every premium dollar to providers than the industry average.

More health engagement
We are meeting more of the health needs of more people, with 334,000 enrolments in our everyday prevention programs and 36,000 clinician-guided prevention services delivered to customers. 57% of Medibank policyholders engaged with our health and wellbeing offerings this year. We continue to invest in our Live Better rewards program, which now has more than 1 million members. Highly engaged Live Better members are more active and report healthier behaviours, demonstrating the value of this program.

Growing in health
Our Amplar Health business is providing care right across Australia, supporting patients in both the public and private systems. With one of Australia's largest multidisciplinary primary care networks, we supported more than 4 million GP consultations across 169 GP and medical clinics. Through Amplar Health Online Doctor, our team of specialist GPs now offer 24/7 health advice to the community.

Driving the health transition
With demands on the system only set to increase, we're helping to drive the health transition that Australia needs. Over the last decade, we’ve invested more than $500 million to help meet more of the needs of our customers and make a positive difference to the health system.
Through our investments and partnerships in supporting personalised models of care, we are helping people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This is giving people more choice, greater value and more control over how they access care, while supporting the sustainability of the health system for the long term.
The future of health lies in the home and community, and we're already seeing that shift take place. We also continue to partner with private hospitals, providing more than $40 million to help drive the health transition too.

Strengthening our foundations
We continued to strengthen our foundations in risk, technology and AI, keeping clinical quality, safety and human care at the centre. These investments are improving the way we work, supporting our people, and delivering better customer experiences.
The opportunities ahead are many, and will require us to stay focused on what matters most: building customer trust, helping more people live healthier lives, and growing as a health company. This has, and will continue to, support our ongoing resilience and build on our record of managing through the cycles.
Our financial performance
We’re pleased to see strong growth across the business, with improved momentum in the Medibank brand, ahm continuing to grow above the market, and Medibank Health delivering another record result.
Our performance reflects the broader shift in health underway, and the importance of Medibank Health to our strategy. Now contributing around 12% of Group operating profit, it is helping us reach more people in more ways.

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                                    <author>emily.ritchie@medibank.com.au (Emily Ritchie)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:40:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[50 new transitional care beds helping South Australians recover outside hospital]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/50-new-transitional-care-beds-helping-south-australians-recover-outside-hospital</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[A partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) and Amplar Health has delivered 50 transitional (step-down) care beds at College Grove]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[A partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) and Amplar Health has delivered 50 transitional (step-down) care beds at College Grove, providing more South Australians with appropriate care outside hospital while improving patient flow and reducing pressure on emergency departments.
Transitional care bridges the gap between hospital and home by providing short-term clinical and personal support for patients who no longer need acute hospital care.
Demand for hospital services continues to grow as South Australia's population ages and healthcare needs become more complex.
Transitional care services help ensure hospital beds are available for patients requiring acute treatment while providing appropriate ongoing care for those recovering from illness, surgery or injury.
Following an initial 10-bed opening in April, all 50 transitional care beds delivered through the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Amplar Health partnership are now operational, including eight dedicated memory support beds as part of Central Adelaide Local Health Network Transition Care Service.
The service provides 24-hour care for patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but still require support before returning home or moving to another care setting.
The College Grove service is part of a growing focus on delivering healthcare outside traditional hospital settings, helping patients transition safely from hospital while improving capacity across the broader health system.
South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer said the service was helping ensure patients received care in the most appropriate setting while improving capacity across the hospital system.
“As of August, there were 466 patients in South Australian metropolitan public hospitals, and other SA Health services awaiting placement in a residential aged care home. Of these, 124 were waiting for dementia specific care,” Minister Boyer said.
“And in light of that, across Australia an additional 10,000 aged care beds each year will be needed to meet future demand. Of these, 124 were waiting for dementia specific care. But we are doing what we can, by creating the incentive for private investment in aged care facilities, that will take pressure off our health system sooner rather than later.
Amplar Health Group Lead and Chief Executive Robert Read congratulated the government: &quot;This is the health transition Australia needs. By delivering innovative models of care outside of the traditional hospital setting, we're improving access, choice and control for patients. Services like the one at College Grove demonstrate how we can add capacity to the health system in smart and sustainable ways.”
&quot;We're proud to work alongside Central Adelaide Local Health Network to deliver a service that supports hospital flow and responds to the changing healthcare needs of South Australians,” Mr Read said.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank transforms every goal at Spud’s Game into support towards mental fitness]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-transforms-every-goal-at-spuds-game-into-support-towards-mental-fitness</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[As the official health partner of Spud's Game, Medibank is bringing its mental fitness platform to life through a series of game-day activations and fundraising initiatives designed to remind Australians that fitness isn't just physical. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Marmalade set to headline The Hardest Kick, turning every kick, goal and donation into meaningful support for mental health and wellbeing.
Medibank is strengthening its commitment to mental fitness through its partnership with Spud's Game, supporting one of football's most significant community moments to encourage Australians to prioritise meaningful connection and mental wellbeing.
The sixth annual Spud’s Game, which will take place at Marvel Stadium on 9 August, is Australian sport’s largest fundraising event for mental health and this year will see the AFLW and AFL join forces in Marvel Stadium’s first ever double header.
As the official health partner of Spud's Game and a proud health partner of the AFLW, Medibank is bringing its mental fitness platform to life through a series of game-day activations and fundraising initiatives designed to remind Australians that fitness isn't just physical.
The partnership reflects Medibank's broader focus on preventative mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on helping Australians build meaningful connections, stay engaged with their communities and adopt small everyday behaviours that support wellbeing.
At this year's Spud's Game, Medibank will support fundraising for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute through a series of donation initiatives.
Throughout both the Spud’s Game AFLW and AFL matches, Medibank will donate $1,000 for every goal scored to the Danny Frawley Community, part of Black Dog Institute, helping turn every goal into tangible support for mental fitness initiatives.
Taking centre stage on game day will be The Hardest Kick, where Brendan Fevola, Stewart Loewe, Jane Bunn and Joel Eyles (DJ Checkers) will put their goal-kicking skills to the test in support of a worthy cause.
The challenge will see each participant attempt to kick a goal from one of four spots inside the 50 metre arc.
Supporters can donate to help their chosen Hardest Kick participant secure the best position, with the participant who raises the most money for the Danny Frawley Community and Black Dog Institute earning first choice of kicking spot.
Fans can support their chosen Hardest Kick participant by visiting the Hardest Kick donation page and donating before Saturday 8 August.
Every kick within the Hardest Kick challenge will contribute additional funds to the fundraising tally, with Medibank donating:

$1,000 for every goal
$500 for every behind
$150 for every miss

Medibank will also introduce the Medibank Interchange Bench, a dedicated space at Marvel Stadium designed to encourage fans to pause, connect and take a moment for their own mental fitness.
Inspired by one of football's most recognisable places of rest and reset, the activation will invite fans to call or text a loved one, check in with someone they care about, and reflect on the importance of staying connected.
A range of soon to be announced high-profile St Kilda players are set to make appearances on the Medibank Interchange Bench alongside Jane Bunn and Riley Srey (Marmalade).
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said: “At Medibank, we want to help Australians think about their mental fitness in the same way they think about their physical fitness – as something that can be supported through small, everyday actions.”
“Our partnership with Spud’s Game is about bringing that preventative health message to life in a place where connection already happens so naturally.
“Footy has a powerful ability to bring people together, whether that’s families, friends, teammates or entire communities, and those moments of connection can play an important role in helping people feel supported, included and less alone,” Dr Wilson said.
The Hardest Kick is one of several initiatives designed to spark conversations and raise vital funds on game day.
For long-time St Kilda fan Jane Bunn, being involved is an opportunity to honour Spud's legacy while backing an important cause.
“As a massive Saints supporter, Spud’s Game is really special to me because it brings people together around footy, community and a cause that matters,” said Ms Bunn.
“If taking part in The Hardest Kick helps encourage more people to think about their own mental fitness, or simply reach out to someone in their life, I’m really proud to be part of it.”
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                                    <author>sharna.rhys-jones@medibank.com.au (Sharna Rhys-Jones)</author>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Loneliness Awareness Week: Making room for connection]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/loneliness-awareness-week-making-room-for-connection</link>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank is proud to support Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), led by their social impact partner, Ending Loneliness Together.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[&quot;I used to feel disconnected and isolated and now with the neurodiverse support group, I feel very connected, I feel very empowered, I feel like I have a platform, and I feel like I have a voice.&quot; Gill Strong, Medibank Local Community Specialist.
For Gill, connection isn't about big gestures. It's the everyday moments – a colleague checking in, sharing a story, or just talking about cats – that can make a profound difference.
Her story is one of many being shared during Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), a national campaign led by our social impact partner, Ending Loneliness Together. This year’s theme encourages people to “make room for connection” in their everyday lives.
New research from Ending Loneliness Together highlights just how important social connection is to our health and wellbeing.
Their State of the Nation 2026: Understanding and Rebuilding Social Connection report found that one in two people are experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or both.
Australians aged 45–54 are the most likely to experience both loneliness and social isolation (28%), which could be contributed by many pressures including divorce, caring responsibilities and eroding workplace connection. Young adults aged 18–25 are the loneliest age group, with 1 in 5 reporting loneliness, despite being the most digitally connected generation.
These findings remind us that while loneliness can affect anyone, meaningful connection can make a significant difference. Often, it's the small, intentional moments that help people feel supported, included and a greater sense of belonging. At Medibank, we know connection is more than a nice-to-have. It's a powerful protective factor and fundamental to good health and wellbeing.
Medibank Group Medical Director Dr Shona Sundaraj said: “We know that loneliness is not only a risk factor for mental health issues but also affects physical health.
“Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Whether it's becoming a new parent, moving away from home, changing jobs, or experiencing ill health – some of life's most common transitions can also be among the periods when we're most vulnerable to loneliness,” she said.
Dr Sundaraj said loneliness and social isolation can have a compounding effect, reducing people’s energy, confidence, and motivation to engage in everyday activities like exercising. This reduced participation can negatively impact physical health and reinforce ongoing isolation.
She said we know many more people are experiencing loneliness than are openly talking about it.
“By talking more openly about loneliness, we can reduce stigma, help people feel less alone in their experiences, and encourage them to seek the connection and support they need,” Dr Sundaraj said.
She added that building social connection often starts with small acts of courage.
“Making new friends often requires us to be vulnerable, take a chance and put ourselves out there. It can feel uncomfortable, but those small acts of courage are often how meaningful connections begin,” she said.
No single organisation can solve loneliness alone. It takes collaboration across health, community, government and business sectors to build a more connected and healthier Australia.
It’s why Medibank is proud to continue its partnership with Ending Loneliness Together, Australia's peak body bringing people and organisations together to drive and coordinate Australia’s response to loneliness
&quot;At Medibank, we're committed to being a leading voice in normalising these conversations and supporting initiatives that strengthen social connection,&quot; Dr Sundaraj said.
Through our partnership with Ending Loneliness Together, our investment in research and community initiatives, and our 10-year commitment to help address loneliness in Australia, we're working to create more opportunities for meaningful connection and better health outcomes.
Join the Live Better Connection Challenge
This Loneliness Awareness Week and throughout August, we're encouraging Australians to turn awareness into action through the Live Better Connection Challenge, launching on Monday 3 August.
The challenge invites people to make room for connection at home, work, school or in their community through simple actions that can help strengthen social bonds and create a greater sense of belonging.
Each week, challenge yourself to:

Invite someone for a coffee.
Include a colleague in your lunch plans.
Reconnect with an old friend.
Do your daily walk and invite someone along.
Welcome someone new into a regular activity or group.

These small actions may seem simple, but they can have a meaningful impact. Because connection doesn't always come from big moments - often it's the everyday interactions that help people feel seen, valued and included.
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                                    <author>dianne.wynne@medibank.com.au (Dianne Wynne)</author>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Amplar Health and GemLife partner to deliver personalised healthy ageing program to their residents ]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-and-gemlife-partner-to-deliver-personalised-healthy-ageing-program-to-their-residents</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/amplar-health-and-gemlife-partner-to-deliver-personalised-healthy-ageing-program-to-their-residents</guid>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Amplar Health has signed an agreement with GemLife, a leading developer and operator of premium over-50s lifestyle resorts, to roll out its personalised healthy ageing program across GemLife communities]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Amplar Health has signed an agreement with GemLife, a leading developer and operator of premium over-50s lifestyle resorts, to roll out its personalised healthy ageing program across GemLife communities, following the success of a pilot program that delivered encouraging results for residents on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
The 12-week program pilot, conducted in three GemLife communities, demonstrated the value of proactive, preventative healthcare, with 94 per cent of participants making positive progress towards their healthy ageing goals through personalised coaching and tailored healthy ageing plans.
The program empowers residents to take a proactive approach to their health through a comprehensive Healthy Ageing assessment, followed by a personalised plan focused on key lifestyle factors including nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social connection and mental wellbeing.
Participants are introduced to a healthy ageing coach who works with them throughout the program to identify their goals, establish practical actions and provide regular check-ins and motivation. Regular coaching sessions enable participants to stay on track, celebrate progress and adapt their plans as their needs evolve.
Under the new agreement, the 12-week program will be offered to eligible residents who move into one of  GemLife’s lifestyle resorts over the next 12 months, opening access to the program to nearly 1,000 over 50s across NSW, VIC and QLD.
The service is delivered through a hybrid model, combining virtual coaching with Healthy Ageing Workshops and other community-based engagement events.  Amplar Health’s coaches are experienced health professionals including registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and physiotherapists.
Amplar Health Group Lead and Chief Executive, Robert Read said the partnership reflects growing demand for proactive healthcare solutions that enable people to continue doing what they love for longer.
&quot;Hearing residents talk about how personalised the experience is has been very rewarding. The program empowers them to focus on what's important to them and gives them practical strategies to make meaningful progress towards their health goals,” Mr Read said.

The pilot demonstrated just how powerful proactive health management can be. By enabling people to make meaningful changes to their nutrition, movement, mental wellbeing and social connection, they were better able to achieve their health and functional goals, which improves their lives.

&quot;Importantly, we're not just giving people the knowledge and tools to make progress over 12-weeks. We can connect residents to additional services if they need them, whether that's mental health services, online GPs or allied health care.”
GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich said the partnership further strengthed GemLife's focus on creating environments where residents can remain active, connected and engaged.
&quot;We know many residents are looking for practical ways to maintain their health and wellbeing as they get older. The pilot showed that personalised coaching, combined with clear goals and regular motivation, help people build lasting healthy habits,” Mr Puljich said.
&quot;Expanding the program gives more residents the opportunity to invest in their wellbeing, connect with others and gain knowledge and confidence that will assit them to continue living full and rewarding lives.&quot;
The expanded rollout represents an important step in supporting preventative, personalised healthcare into over-50s communities and empowering older Australians to stay healthier, more engaged and better equipped to improve their health as they age.
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:07:00 +1000</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Medibank partners with Ahead of the Game as AFL launches women and girls’ adaptation]]></title>
                <link>https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-teams-up-with-the-afls-ahead-of-the-game</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-teams-up-with-the-afls-ahead-of-the-game</guid>
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                                <description><![CDATA[Medibank has announced its partnership with the AFL’s leading youth mental health and wellbeing program, Ahead of the Game. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[Medibank has announced its partnership with the AFL’s leading youth mental health and wellbeing program, Ahead of the Game.
Ahead of the Game uses community sport as a platform to build mental health literacy, resilience and mental fitness among young people and their communities. Originally developed by Movember, the program has been implemented nationally in football communities by the AFL.
The AFL has funded and led a new adaptation of the original Ahead of the Game program – the Challenge W – building on the success of the Challenge workshop.
As proud partners of the AFLW, Medibank’s support extends to the newly adapted program, The Challenge W, which features content that is meaningful, relevant and relatable to women’s and girls’ experiences in community football.
Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj said connection through community sport can play a key role in building mental fitness.
“Being part of a sporting community is about more than physical fitness, it’s an opportunity for young people to connect and feel part of something,” Dr Sundaraj said.
“The Challenge W program places emphasis on team connection and peer support which is so important for young women and girls when facing challenges both on and off the field.

We’re proud to partner with the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program, so that more young players across the country can learn valuable mental fitness skills and grow their knowledge in how to look after their mental heath and wellbeing.

AFL Head of Health and Wellbeing Dr Kate Hall said The Challenge W harnesses the power of team sport for young women and girls to protect and strengthen resilience.
“On behalf of the AFL, we’re thrilled to welcome Medibank as one of the supporting partners of Ahead of the Game,” Dr Hall said.
“The Challenge W was designed with and for young women and girls in our game to help them build practical mental fitness skills, including emotional regulation, problem solving and healthy coping strategies they can use on and off the field, with the support of their team.
“With Medibank’s support, we’ll continue expanding the reach and impact of the Challenge W, helping more women and girls build vital mental fitness skills through community football clubs across Australia.”
The Challenge W programs are delivered by local partners, including AFLW players who have been trained as facilitators, using their positions as role models within the community to share their experience and connect with participants.
St Kilda AFLW players Serene Watson and Olivia Vesely hosted the first pilot session of the adapted Challenge W program at Beaumaris Football Club on Tuesday 23 June.
Learn more about the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program here. 
This article was updated on 15 July 2026
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                                    <author>alice.ross@medibank.com.au (Alice Ross)</author>
                                <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0930</pubDate>
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