BHP has become the newest philanthropic partner for the Ear Science Institute Australia’s Gift of Hearing Appeal, providing $825,000 in funding to support the institute’s Healthy Hearing Outback program. This collaboration aims to enhance ear and hearing health outcomes for Aboriginal families in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia.
In close cooperation with the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), local communities, and other stakeholders, BHP’s contribution will be directed toward improving access to vital ear and hearing services in remote areas, reducing the need for travel. Over three years, the funding will be utilized to achieve several key goals:
- Provide on-site and portable ENT and audiological equipment for the region
- Employ two Martu Community Liaison Officers to guide service integration into the community
- Enhance ear health promotion activities to provide culturally safe education and information
- Build the skills and knowledge of local healthcare providers, particularly Martu and Nyiyaparli clinicians
- Reduce barriers for individuals requiring surgery in Port Hedland and Perth
“Access to quality health care is an ongoing challenge experienced by regional and remote communities,” said Meath Hammond, BHP’s Head of Corporate Affairs. “We are proud to partner with Ear Science to support the amazing work they do in the Pilbara, with a long-term vision to improve the ear health and quality of life for Indigenous Peoples.”
Adjunct Professor Sandra Bellekom, CEO of Ear Science, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Through building local awareness of ear and hearing health and building capacity to deliver services, the Healthy Hearing Outback project is bringing long-term benefits to families in Newman, Jigalong, Punmu, Parnngurr, and Kunawarritji that will have a life-long impact.”
Lucy Mitchell, Ear Health Coordinator at Ear Science, added, “With BHP’s support, we can expand and improve care on country, boost community involvement, and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability for the Martu and Nyiyaparli peoples in the East Pilbara.”
The Healthy Hearing Outback program aims to provide culturally safe education and information to the communities while reducing barriers and improving access to essential ear and hearing health services in remote areas.
About ESIA
Ear Science is a world-renowned, for-purpose organisation and centre of excellence that aligns multi-disciplinary teams from research, audiology, and clinical operations to develop innovative treatments for ear and hearing disorders, and eventually find a cure for hearing loss
Source: Ear Science Institute Australia
