The lung bus has arrived in Wollongong to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by making sure early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in NSW.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at North Dalton Car Park on Monday 16 March 2026. 

The Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

Parramatta: 31 March, Gosford: 13 April, Singleton: 20 April, Tuncurry: 27 April, Coffs Harbour: 11 May, Byron Bay: 18 May, Tweed Heads: 25 May, Inverell: 9 June, Tamworth: 15 June, Newcastle: 29 June, Dubbo: 6 July, Orange: 13 July, Wagga Wagga: 27 July, Lithgow: 10 August, Blue Mountains: 24 August, Sydney: 3 September, Tomago: 6 October, Newcastle: 26 October, Central Coast: 9 November.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, contact icare directly by visiting the Lung Screening Service website or calling 1800 550 027.

The Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate lung health checks at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic or their mobile clinic or through local services.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of 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.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“We want to make sure that people in the Illawarra have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area - we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government making sure Wollongong residents have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy and helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”