The consequences of poor hearing or late diagnosis of hearing loss can greatly disadvantage a child.
Last night, I shared my personal experiences of my hearing loss at the inaugural Ear and Hearing Care Summit, hosted by Macquarie University's HEAR Centre (part of Macquarie University Hearing) and Djurali Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education & Research Centre, in partnership with Dr Dawn Casey, PSM, Deputy CEO NACCHO, and Professor Kelvin Kong, first Indigenous surgeon. The day's summit was facilitated by Katrina Fanning AO PSM.
Bringing together leaders, policy-makers, clinicians, and researchers in hearing healthcare and Indigenous health, the Summit would explore opportunities for innovation, structural reform and strengthened partnerships to reduce health inequities and improve access to ear and hearing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
One of several highlights from the evening, was meeting Professor Catherine McMahon from Macquarie University. I mentioned in my talk of First Nations Eileen Byers from my hometown Casino on Bundjalung country. Eileen was the Casino Fun Run Ambassador last year, an event Sport Access Foundation supported to ensure we could have more of the First Nations community participate in the run. Eileen herself a runner and has run the New York Marathon as part of Robert de Castella’s Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Catherine told me that Eileen was one of ten First Nations people who had recently completed the Audiometrists course at Macquarie University. It was a lovely reminder of how all of us are collectively having a wonderful impact in our communities. 🙏
Thank you to Dr Kelvin Kong for all the work you have done and for inviting me to speak at this event. Also to Brooke O'Rourke Sarah Kyle Cochlear and Chris Rehn NextSense for your support with this conference.
Wela’lin Dr Casey for your warm welcome and for allowing me to have a yarn and seat at your table.
Photo description: Katie standing next to Dr Dawn Casey and both smiling facing the camera.
