Welcome to the Rural Health West ear health e-bulletin - July 2026

Rural Health West is the jurisdictional fundholder of the Outreach programs funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The First Nations Health Outreach Services program aims to increase access to a range of ear health services, including expanding primary health to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth (0-21 years) for the diagnosis, treatment and management of ear and hearing health.

Rural Health West works collaboratively with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) to provide the Ear Health Coordination Program in Western Australia (WA). The aim of the program is to work collaboratively with primary health care clinics and other stakeholders to identify and support activities needed to improve ear health across Western Australia.

The Ear Health Coordination Program e-bulletin provides quarterly updates where we reflect the wonderful work of the ear:

• the outer ear - where we collect sound waves in the form of good news stories to share experiences and learnings from stakeholders across WA;
• the middle ear - where we transmit vibrations via our ossicles: an update from Rural Health West, AHCWA and from ear health stakeholder groups; and
• the inner ear - transferring sound waves to nerve messages through our resources section where updated and new resources will be made available.

If you have a story, partnership or learning you would like us to feature in the next e-bulletin, please email outreach@ruralhealthwest.com.au. 

ACCHS Clinicians' Handbook Now Available

AHCWA and NACCHO have developed a new practical handbook for clinicians working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. A go-to guide for navigating the Sector with confidence to deliver culturally safe, holistic care from day one. A fillable version for national use is also available for download and adaptation. 

Download the ACCHS Clinicians’ Handbook here. 

New Editions of Simon Says: Let's Talk About Speech Therapy & Newborn Screening

The latest animation in the Simon Says series is now available on YouTube. Click here to watch it now!

The new Simon Says booklet, Hear Their Future, Support Your Baby's Future with a Newborn Hearing Test, is also now available here. This resource delivers a strong message to communities about the importance of ensuring every newborn has a hearing test soon after birth, supporting early detection and better ear health outcomes for babies and families.

Rural Health Outreach Services contracts - an update 

All service delivery Outreach contracts funded through the Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF), Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP), Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS), Eye and Ear Surgical Support (EESS), and Healthy Ears – Better Hearing, Better Listening (HEBHBL) were due to expire 30 June 2026, however will be continued through the following arrangements below beyond 1 July 2026. 

• Visiting Optometrist Scheme (VOS): Rural Health West has executed a four-year extension to the VOS program.
• Eye and Ear Surgical Support (EESS): Rural Health West has executed a one-year extension to this program.  
• First Nations Health Chronic Disease Outreach Services (FNHOS) program (previously MOICDP and HEBHBL): Rural Health West has executed a two-year contract for this program. 
• Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF): Rural Health West is has executed three-year agreement for this program. 

All Outreach programs through the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme (FNHOS, VOS, and EESS) are currently under review through the First Nations Health Funding Transition Advisory Group to ensure self-determined solutions for Aboriginal people through partnership, codesign, and shared decision making, as a recommendation from the 2023 National Evaluation of Outreach Programs and to support progress on achieving the Closing the Gap Agreement.

Following final endorsement from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (AGDoHDA), a Letter of Outcome, a new Service Provider Agreement and a Schedule A -  Payment Schedule with approved 2026-2027 services through Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF), First Nations Health Outreach Services (FNHOS) (previously MOICDP and HEBHBL), Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) and Eye and Ear Surgical Support (EESS) was issued to service providers. 

Rural Health Outreach services approved for delivery in the current financial year are listed on the Rural Health West website. Outreach services can be filtered by region, service provider, health professional, host facility and visit date.

We encourage service providers and stakeholders to utilise the approved service list for the coordination, integration and promotion of 2026-2027 services into community.

Closing 2025-2026 Outreach Reporting

As the 2025-2026 financial year comes to a close, please ensure all outstanding Service Activity Report/s are entered into the Visit Information Portal. If you need assistance entering your reports, please contact your Program Coordinator. As per the Service Provider Agreement, all Service Activity Reports for 2025-2026 are required to be entered into the Visit Information Portal no later than 31 July 2026. No reports after this date will be processed.

If you require assistance or need to submit a request to vary a current service, please contact the Regional Services team via email or telephone 08 6389 4500.

Nominations Now Open! 2027 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

We invite you to nominate a colleague who has made significant contribution to rural health, or encourage your patients to nominate you if they believe your work has made a difference in their lives.  This is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the hard work and commitment of rural health professionals.

Award Categories:

• Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
• Allied Health Professional of the Year
• Clinical Leader of the Year
• Early Career Health Professional of the Year
• General Practitioner (GP) of the Year
• Health Service Contributor of the Year
• Health Team of the Year
• Nurse or Midwife of the Year
• Specialist (Non- GP) of the Year

The Awards acknowledge the dedication of health professionals who have enhanced the range and quality of medical care available in rural Western Australia. Whether it's through exceptional patient care or leadership in clinical practice, we want to celebrate those who make a difference.

To learn more about each award category and the nomination criteria, please visit the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards website

EarTrain Feedback Survey

In line with priority reforms, the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is partnering with NACCHO to explore arrangements for transitioning ear health training to the ACCHO sector. Currently, this training is delivered by TAFE NSW to ACCHOs through the EarTrain program.

This survey seeks to understand your experience as an ACCHO health professional with EarTrain, including its strengths and areas for improvement. Your insights will help NACCHO strengthen the program’s relevance, accessibility, and impact for ACCHOs and the communities they serve as part of the next phase of the transition.

The survey will remain open until the end of July 2026. Please share with your teams and networks. Your feedback in appreciated.

ACHWA Launches New Health Heroes Campaign

Introducing Captain Check-Up, Shield Sista, and Aunty Lookout—AHCWA’s new community champions, powered by Indigiverse. Our deadly characters have hit the road via bus; tell us where you've spotted them for your chance to win in a fun competition!

How to play:

1. Find a Health Hero bus in Perth, Geraldton, or Bunbury
2. Snap a photo with it
3. Share it on your social media and tag @ahcwa_hq and @theindigiverse to receive three entries, or send your photo via DM or email to Zoe.Sullivan@ahcwa.org to receive one entry
4. Every different bus = an additional entry
5. Once you’ve entered, you’ll be asked to complete a short survey and select which major prize you’d like to go into the draw to win

Prizes up for grabs:

• Captain Checkup Prize: iPad A16 
• Shield Sista Prize: Nintendo Switch 
• Aunty Lookout Prize: $500 Baby Bunting gift voucher  
• Health Heroes Prizes: 10 x $50 gift cards

Competition closes 27 September 2026. Read the terms and conditions here.

Supporting the future Aboriginal audiology workforce: UWA Indigenous Students Master of Clinical Audiology Pathway 

Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health worker passionate about hearing, communication, and making a difference in your community? The University of Western Australia (UWA) is offering a unique opportunity to help you take the next step in your career through the Indigenous Students Master of Clinical Audiology (MClinAud) Pathway.

This pathway offers a six-month fully subsidised Graduate Certificate through UWA’s School of Human Sciences, providing an alternative entry route into the Master of Clinical Audiology program. The graduate certificate is designed to build foundational knowledge and strengthen academic skills — setting you up for success in the MClinAud course and a rewarding career in audiology.

• Indigenous students 
• Existing allied health work experience 
• Six month certificate running in both semesters 
• Must achieve an average WAM of 60 percent to enrol in the MClinAud program 
• Fully subsidised

For more information see here

Events and webinars

OMOZ 2026

• Dates: 4th to 7th Aug 2026

• Venue: Brisbane Conference Centre, South Brisbane, Meanjin

Hosted by the Deadly Ears mob, the OMOZ 2026 conference will provide a forum for all researchers, clinical practitioners and health workers investigating and treating chronic ear disease in Australia.

Register to attend via the OMOZ website.

Thursday 6 August 2026 | 5.30pm-8.00pm | Onslow

Understanding hearing, speech, language and movement skill development in young children, what to watch for and when to act. This event is presented by an audiologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist from Teach Speak Hear.

Run time:
5.15pm-5.30pm – Registration
5.30pm-7.00pm – Presentation & Q&A
7.00pm-8.00pm – Dinner and Networking

Register here

Aboriginal Health Conference 2026 | 15 August and 16 August | Perth - Boorloo

The Aboriginal Health Conference 2026: Healing Ourselves, Healing Country, Healing Community will bring together health professionals, community leaders, and advocates to explore the transformative role of storytelling in Aboriginal health.

The 2026 theme, Healing Ourselves, Healing Country, Healing Community, reflects the understanding that healing begins within each of us. When we care for our own wellbeing, we are stronger for our families and communities, and better able to care for Country. Grounded in Aboriginal knowledge systems and connection, the theme recognises the full circle of healing, where healthy individuals strengthen community, strong communities care for Country, and a thriving Country sustains us all.

Registrations close: Midnight Friday 17 July 2026
Click here to find out more and register.

Presented in collaboration with Kimberley Ear Health Coordinating Panel (a subgroup of the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum) and Rural Health West. 

Professor Kelvin Kong AM is a proud Worimi man truly delighted to be spending time in the Kimberley — a region he has held close to his heart for decades through ongoing outreach work. Kelvin is an experienced Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon (an ENT specialist), and his career reflects a commitment to healing and learning across many areas — including clinical research, medical education, general medicine and surgery, paediatrics, health policy, and Indigenous education. We are excited to see Professor Kelvin Kong in WA!

Dr Jafri Kuthubutheen is the WA Country Health Service ENT Clinical Lead for the Kimberley Region. He is a Clinical Professor with the University of Western Australia and works as a Consultant Otology and ENT surgeon at the Perth Children’s Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

We invite all health professionals who are interested in ear and hearing health to attend. 

Registrations will open soon.

WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum 2026 - Save the date

The WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum 2026 hosted by Rural Health West and the Aboriginal Health Council of WA is taking place Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November 2026 at the Parmelia Hilton Perth.

To register your interest in presenting at the Forum or to discuss the Forum further please email the Regional Services team at outreach@ruralhw.com.au

Registrations will open soon.

Webinar recording: Introduction to Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

If you are interested in learning more about audiology and expanding your medical knowledge please join us for our introductory webinar on Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). This webinar will cover what CAPD is, the co-morbid conditions of CAPD and provide a brief overview of the management and treatment processes of CAPD.

This webinar is presented by Dr Robyn Choi, Program Director for Audiology as well as a Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia, an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Curtin University and a Research Associate at The Kids Institute.

To view the recording, click here.

Webinar recording: Environmental Health Referrals for mums and bubs in the Pilbara

Samantha Barba and Scott McKenzie from the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA), recently presented on their Maternal Environmental Health Referral Pilot Program in the Pilbara with a focus on Otitis Media prevention. 

To view the recording, click here.

Advancing the Aboriginal Environmental Health Program

The webinar features information and updates on the work that the Department of Health has done and is doing to adopt the co-designed Model of Care for future procurement. 

The webinar covers:

• What has happened since the Model of Care co-design for a future Aboriginal Environmental Health Program was finalised.
• How the current contract terms have changed.
• Where things are now.
• What’s coming up early next year.
• A timeframe for the work that must be done in 2026 to have contracts available for the new co-designed program from 1 January 2027.

You can view the webinar here.

WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum recordings

Click on the links below to watch some of the presentations that took place at previous WA Ear and Hearing Health Forums

• Welcome from the WA Child Ear Health Strategy and Update 
• Ear and Hearing Health in First Nations Families Exploring Models of Care - Panel Discussion
• ACCHS Ear and Hearing Health Forum Update
• Ear Health in the ACCHS: A Case Study
• EarTrain Update Recap of 2024 Workshops Across WA and Future Education Planning
• Child and Adolescent Health Service Aboriginal Ear Health Update
• Enviromental Health Across the State and in Community
• Enhancing Ear and Hearing Health within Primary Health Care
• ENT Registrar Led Upskilling 

WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum (facilitated by Aboriginal Health Council of WA and Rural Health West) Presentations can be found here
2021 and 2022 Forums 
2023 - 2025 Forums - graphic minutes available; with recordings found here

AHCWA's Your Journey in Ear Health videos

• Diagnostic Procedures, please click here.
• Lesley Nelson CEO, please click here.
• Ear Care, please click here.
• Blow, Breathe and Cough, please click here.
• Ear Treatments, please click here.
• Real Client Story, please click here.

Jack and the Big Germ - hygiene education story book

WA Country Health Service has launched a new illustrated children’s storybook, Jack and the Big Germ, developed by the Pilbara Health Promotion team in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

This free resource is ideal for families, teachers and early childhood staff across various community settings, including:

• primary schools and early childhood centres
• community health clinics
• outreach programs and yarning circles
• health promotion sessions and family workshops.

You can download or view Jack and the Big Germ here or via Healthy WA’s Hand Hygiene webpage

My Health Record

My Health Record is a secure online summary of key patient health information. Healthcare providers can access the system to view and add information. My Health Record education and training resources can be accessed below:

• Webinars on the website and YouTube
• Request a presentation from the Australian Digital Health Agency Educator via the Agency website 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare | data report released

Ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has been passed down the generations for tens of thousands of years using language and storytelling. Having healthy ears and ability to hear well supports language development and transmission of culture through speech, as well as learning, employment and social and community connections. 

Information about ear and hearing health among First Nations people and their access to ear and hearing health services helps develop health policy and plan health services. This is the third Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) national report on the ear and hearing health of First Nations children and adults.

This report is prepared with expert guidance from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear and Hearing Health Data and Reporting Advisory Group, chaired by Professor Kelvin Kong.

To view report please visit Australian Institute of Health & Welfare website.

Subscribe to the Ear Health Coordination E-Bulletin

As part of the Ear Health Coordination Program, a quarterly newsletter is distributed to provide new, important information and updates where we reflect the wonderful work of the ear health services across the state. If you wish to subscribe please email outreach@ruralhw.com.au

The Ear Health Coordination Program is funded in partnership by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

The Outreach programs are delivered by Rural Health West on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.