RDN Share
RDN Health’s Senior Coordinator of Health Access Services, Trent Wrightson and Ear Health Coordinator, Kate Newall recently attended the 2026 OMOZ Conference in Meanjin (Brisbane).
As a national forum, OMOZ brings together researchers, clinical practitioners and health workers dedicated to investigating and treating chronic ear disease in Australia, particularly focusing on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.
The conference highlighted innovative Outreach and service delivery models designed to tackle the disproportionate rates of ear disease experienced by Indigenous children.
"Attending this conference provided an invaluable overview of different approaches to delivering Outreach services," Kate said.
"Seeing how these models successfully support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in addressing ear disease reinforces the impact of collaborative healthcare."
Several standout initiatives demonstrated how integrated care can successfully overcome significant geographic, logistical and cultural barriers. Queensland’s Open Doors Clinic, a collaboration between the Queensland Children's Hospital and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), streamlines multidisciplinary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Integrating Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and other paediatric specialties, this model has enabled over 320 Indigenous children to access critical ENT treatment since commencing in 2021.
Another exemplary model is the partnership between The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. Supported by the Mirring Ba Wirring team, they provide culturally safe, wraparound care combining audiological and ENT services into a single episode of care. This approach drastically improves clinical service uptake for regional and remote patients who must travel to metropolitan areas for treatment.
Finally, the Deadly Ears Program showcased its remote surgical theatres. By transporting all necessary theatre and surgical equipment directly into remote community clinics, they overcome severe access challenges. Outreach ENT specialists perform essential procedures like grommet insertion and adenoid removal, ensuring isolated children do not miss out on vital care.
For the RDN Health team, the conference provided invaluable insights into versatile health Outreach and delivery frameworks, reinforcing their commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear health from a proactive service delivery perspective.