Australia needs to do more for kids’ ears
DUBBO’S Hear our Heart Bus (HOH) hasn’t just helped local children suffering hearing difficulties, it’s also helped raise awareness so parents are on the lookout for potential hearing problems and can nip them in the bud.
So it was great to see a Symposium hosted as a joint project by NSW Department Specialist Teachers of the Deaf, Dubbo Deaf Club and Hear our Heart Ear Bus Project to ensure the message about ear health continues to get out to the broader community.
The otitis media symposium was held at the Bangamalanha Aboriginal Knowledge centre and attracted approximately 80 people including education and health department employees, learning and support teachers, hearing support teachers, GPS, speech and language pathologists, hearing test providers, community service groups and early childhood educators.
Keynote speakers included Associate Professor Kelvin Kong who is a consultant Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgeon and Conjoint university professor of Newcastle. December 1, the Dubbo and District Deaf Club celebrates its 21st Birthday Festival from 3-7pm, in Arthur St, Dubbo.
Donna Rees is a volunteer co-director on the Hear our Heart Bus and a founding member of the organisation. She was the inaugural President in 1997 and current Vice-president.
Hearing Testing Support Officer Virginia Redenbach said Donna has been actively and passionately involved the entire 21 years.
“She has worked tirelessly to overcome many obstacles to ensure the viability and sustainability of Dubbo and District Deaf Club,” Mrs Redenbach said.
The crew is hoping the community will turn out and support their efforts this Saturday. There’ll be market stalls, face painting, a photo booth, chocolate wheel, pony rides, barbecue, food stalls, snow cones, petting zoo, games, live music and much more.
Make it your family’s lead-in to Christmas and support a great cause.
For more information call 0407 081 009 or email dubbodistrictdeafclub@gmail.com. THE Dubbo RSL Club is hosting Lifeline Central West in presenting a free workshop based on Lifeline’s Drought Tool Kit on Thursday, December 6.
From 5.30pm to 6.30pm the workshop will cover strategies for people who are impacted by drought and how communities can work together to help those affected. A light meal will follow the workshop. To book a place, contact Lifeline Central West on 1300 798 258.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs a confidential talk, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) or access their services through webchat at www.lifeline.org.au/get-help (7 to midnight/7 days). If life is in danger, please call 000.