An innovative program designed to improve access to quality hearing health services for people in remote areas, particularly indigenous Australians has been shortlisted in the prestigious NATIONAL ACCOLADES FOR EXCELLENCE – the awards program for the nationally focused Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council.
The World Health Organisation says that if the prevalence of chronic ear disease is higher than four percent of the child population, a massive public health problem exists which requires urgent attention. This is the reality facing Indigenous communities in Australia.
“In order to have greater reach into remote and regional Indigenous communities, Australian Hearing recgonised the need to increase its understanding of the experience of Indigenous Australians and reflect that awareness in internal and external service delivery.” Explains Australian Hearing project coordinator, Emma Scanlan.
“The aims of the project were to improve access for people in remote areas, particularly Indigenous Australians, and also to look at innovative ways of delivering services which could increase employment capacity with the community itself” she said.
Australian Hearing entered the awards in the Delivery of Excellence in Rural and Remote Areas – Health category, and was this week announced as a finalist. Key aspects of the project were:
• The use of innovative technology to delivery high quality services without having to travel
• Upskilling local workers and community members to provide a higher level of aural care
• Overcoming barriers to early detection of hearing loss including a lack of knowledge and cultural barriers
Industry Skills Council Research, Development and Policy Manager, Robin Flynn explained the need for such a prestigious awards program, “With over a million people employed, the Community Services and Health Industries are one of the largest employer groups in the country, and underpin the national economy. In fact, when other industries are shrinking, these industries continue to grow and employ more and more Australians. Everyday. The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council established the awards program to recognize excellence in the industries which support and care for our entire country”
The winner of the National Accolades For Excellence Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 21st.
To arrange an interview with any of the finalists or to speak with the Industry Skills Council about their awards program, contact Kate Engler 0412 526 851
