EarBUZZ: February 2024

NEW BUS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN PILBARA

It's been ten years since we joined forces with WMHSAC Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation to make a difference in the hearing health of Aboriginal and at-risk children in the East Pilbara.?In that time, thousands of Aboriginal and at-risk children have engaged with our services in Port Hedland, South Hedland, Yandeyarra, Warralong, Strelley, Marble Bar, Nullagine and surrounding communities, and significant reductions in the rate of middle ear disease (Otitis media) have been recorded.?

Now, thanks to our friends at Albemarle Corporation Australia and Hatch , the region has a purpose-built mobile ear health clinic! The bus is beautifully adorned with artwork from children at Cassia and Marble Bar Primary Schools, featuring totems and landmarks unique to local communities.?"The children were surprised and delighted to see the new Earbus arrive at the beginning of the school term. A great way to engage them in a discussion about healthy ears",?Earbus CEO and co-founder, Dr Lara Shur said.?

The launch was attended by local stakeholders including Cassia Primary School, Treloar?Child Care, Hedland SHS, Child & Adolescent Health Services, Fortescue , BHP Pilbara Education Partnership and Regional Development Australia (Pilbara) as well as Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel MLA and Earbus Board Chair, Kariyarra Knowledge Holder Sue Beath. Kariyarra Knowledge Holder Nana Shirley welcomed guests to Country.?

OUR THANKS TO...

We are excited to be a beneficiary of Telethon7 for a second year. Funding will support infant diagnostic testing in regional WA, allowing families who refer on newborn hearing screening to have diagnostic testing closer to home. Telethon funding will also support outreach services in Carnarvon and the South Pilbara.

MEET OUR BOARD

Kariyarra Knowledge Holder Sue Beath is Earbus Foundation's Board Chair.?A longtime supporter of Earbus,?Sue has held board positions across a range of organisations since 1999.

For 24 years Sue worked in the WA Department of Education, including a decade as Manager of Aboriginal Education in both metro and regional settings.?

Sue advocated for the introduction of Earbus' ear health programs to many school sites across the state whilst with the Dept of Education and provides valuable cultural guidance and Governance for the Foundation today.

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