$2.5m Lung Bus starts 2026 NSW tour in Newcastle for free worker screenings

newy.com.au – A $2.5 million mobile lung health clinic began its 2026 tour of New South Wales in Newcastle on Tuesday, offering free screening checks aimed at detecting dust diseases in workers.

The NSW Government says the “lung bus” program is designed to improve early detection of conditions including asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma, particularly for people in regional areas who may face cost and travel barriers to specialist testing.

The service provides checks for more than 5,000 workers each year in regional NSW, with appointments taking about 30 minutes and including a chest X-ray, lung function testing and a consultation with a specialist doctor, who can provide tailored advice and refer people for a CT scan if needed.

In Newcastle, the Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be based at The Station at the corner of Watt Street and Scott Street on Tuesday 27 January, with icare urging workers with potential exposure to book a free check.

The tour also links with the NSW Silica Worker Register, which SafeWork NSW uses to monitor and track the health of workers undertaking high risk processing of crystalline silica substances across their working lives.

SafeWork NSW data shows 12,214 workers from 597 businesses were registered as at 31 December 2025, most in construction and manufacturing, with close to 3,850 workers listed in tunnelling related roles. The register launched on 1 October 2025, and icare said 44 workers in Newcastle are currently listed and are being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said the government was expanding measures to reduce silica risks, including the register, a ban on engineered stone products containing one per cent or more crystalline silica, the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce, and a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW. “Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely,” Cotsis said.

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said: “A lung health check could save your life.”

The lung bus is due to return to the Hunter with a visit to Singleton on 20 April, followed by Newcastle stops on 29 June and 26 October. Workers can also arrange free screening at icare’s Kent Street clinic in Sydney or with regional providers when the bus is not nearby, with bookings available on 1800 550 027.