Free ear health forum to build on growing success in the Kimberley
A free two-day ear health education forum will be held in Broome to provide a deeper understanding of ear and hearing health for all health professionals.
Over the two days, the sessions will cover basic ear and hearing anatomy and screening, upskilling facilitated by Ear, Nose and Throat physicians, plenary sessions showcasing case studies from the Kimberley region.
It will also feature a mob-only session where Aboriginal health professionals will come together to yarn on ear health, genuine co-design and community-led research.
Supporting strong ear and hearing health outcomes
Healthy hearing is essential for communication with family and communities and connection to culture.
Middle ear infection is a common and preventable childhood disease and is the main cause of ear and hearing problems in First Nations children.
With ear disease disproportionately impacting First Nations communities, the Kimberley Ear Health Coordinating Panel, a subcommittee of the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum has been working to support strong ear and hearing health outcomes in the Kimberley region for more than 10 years.
Dr Jafri Kuthubutheen.
Delivered by Kimberley Health Professionals Network on behalf of the Kimberley Ear Health Coordinating Panel and Rural Health West, the Kimberley Ear Health Education Forum will feature two experts in the field, Professor Kelvin Kong, main photo, and Dr Jafri Kuthubutheen.
Dr Kuthubutheen is the WA Country Health Service ENT Clinical Lead for the Kimberley Region, while Professor Kelvin Kong, a proud Worimi man from Port Stephens, NSW, is the first Indigenous Australian ENT surgeon.
Kelvin’s 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. Kelvin has regularly provided specialist ENT outreach consultations and surgery across remote Kimberley communities in partnership with the WA Country Health Service.
“There has been consistent and collaborative work delivered over the years to improve ear health in the Kimberley,” Rural Health West Deputy CEO and General Manager Workforce Kelli Porter said.
Uniting health professionals and communities
“We want to keep this momentum going, helping professionals on the ground every day, who are face-to-face with those impacted.”
Ms Porter said the collaboration between Rural Health West and partners was promising for the future of rural healthcare.
“The Kimberley Ear Health Coordinating Panel is helping to boost promotion of ear health in the region, and we are privileged to work alongside them,” she said.
“The delivery of this forum shows how successful our Health Professionals Networks have been on the ground to unite health professionals and communities.
“We continue to work across the organisation between HPNs and regional outreach services to provide these kinds of events.
“We are privileged to have ear health champions Dr Kong and Dr Kuthubutheen leading this forum. Their wisdom and knowledge will help guide ear health in the Kimberley into the future.”
Event details
Thursday, August 20:
Session 1 (Mob Only): 8.30am – 12.30pm
Session 2 (All health professionals with an interest in ear health): 1.30pm–3.30pm
Venue: KAMS (Population Health training room), 27 Napier Terrace, Djugun
