Ear checks for children to prevent middle ear disease
3 May 2012

Indigenous Australian children have the worst ear health in the world. Studies have shown middle ear disease affects around 40% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children almost immediately after birth. One in three children has a perforated eardrum before the age of two. 

Middle ear disease can be a significant barrier to successful schooling as children who don’t hear well, don’t learn. 

The community service announcement (CSA) above tells the story of how dragonflies were traditionally used to test the hearing of young babies. The CSA is based on the story and artwork of Norma Benger Chidanpee. Click the preview to view the spot.


Where to get help

We encourage families to follow their primary health care pathway and to seek an appointment with their GP to have their child’s ears checked. 

Alternatively, families can check if the Centre’s Earbus program visits their child’s primary school, kindergarten, child care centre or playgroup by phoning (08) 9387 9831.

The Earbus Program

Telethon Speech & Hearing is working hard to address the significant issue of middle ear disease through the innovative and unique Earbus program. 

TSH has a network of Earbus – Mobile Children’s Ear Clinics which travel to primary schools, kindergartens and child care centres providing a free hearing and ear screening service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Click here to find out more about the Earbus program.

Bendat Parent and Community Centre Construction Updates: Apr - Jul 2012
1 April 2012

Due for completion in mid 2012, the Bendat Parent and Community Centre will be a world class ear health facility based at Telethon Speech & Hearing’s (TSH) Wembley campus. The modern building is a specialist hub offering on site integrated health services from a range of specialists working alongside TSH’s experienced team.

May 2012

  • Internal walls, electrical and data wiring, and air-conditioning installed. 
  • Doors and windows being installed.
  • Expected 'lock up' stage by end of May. 

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Construction progress - mid May.

April 2012

  • Roofing to be completed.

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Construction progress - mid April. 

There will be some minor disruption to Dodd Street during the construction phase of the Bendat Centre. We are working to minimise impact for all those concerned and appreciate the patience of those affected during this time. 

Bendat Parent and Community Centre Construction Updates: Dec 2011 - Mar 2012
1 February 2012

March 2012

  • Roof steel and roofing underway. 

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Construction Progress -  mid March 2012

February 2012

  • Remaining walls to be constructed out of brickwork. Due to be completed late February. 
  • Roof steel and roofing due to commence mid February. 

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Construction Progress -  mid February 2012

January 2012

  • Erection of tilt walls commenced and completed w/c 29 January.

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Construction Progress - January 2012

December 2011

  • Groundworks and services complete.
  • Ground slab poured 8 - 15 December.
  • Wall panels poured 15 – 25 December.