Outreach health program bolstered by community investment

Through the port authority’s Community Investment Program, the Foundation purchased new tympanometers and video otoscopes for use in its South West and Goldfields-Esperance programs.

Minister for Ports, Regional Development and Medical Research Stephen Dawson said this investment highlights the important role the Community Investment Program plays in regional communities.

“Initiatives like this show the real value of community investment," Mr Dawson said.

"By supporting health services with the equipment they need, we are helping ensure more children in regional Western Australia can access early intervention, better health outcomes and brighter futures.

“Our regional ports are part of the communities they serve, and this program supports the local organisations and volunteers working to make those communities even stronger.”

Southern Ports General Manager South West Marty Stafford said helping the foundation purchase specialist medical equipment helped to build local capability and created enduring value.

“Hearing is something a lot of us can take for granted and so is easy access to health services, but unfortunately that isn’t the reality for everyone,” Mr Stafford said.  

“For our regional communities the Earbus service provided by Ear Foundation Australia is invaluable, especially when you consider the size of our regions.

“We’re pleased to be able to support the Foundation’s continued delivery of its programs because they have a lasting impact.”

Ear Foundation Australia, formerly known as Earbus Foundation of WA, has been delivering ear clinics to regional and remote communities for 13 years.

Funding for the equipment purchases was provided through separate grants across multiple funding rounds in 2025 and 2026.

Ear Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Lara Shur said the Earbus program serviced 11 regions and visited 120 locations annually.

“Regional and remote communities deserve access to the same services available in metropolitan areas, and that’s why outreach programs such as ours are so important,” Dr Shur said.

“Our Earbuses and outreach programs allow us to screen Aboriginal and at-risk children where they live, play and learn to diagnose and then treat chronic middle ear disease.

“The support of organisations such as Southern Ports is critical to the ongoing success of our programs being delivered in regional communities."

Applications for the Southern Ports Community Investment Program are open until Friday 6 November.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support grassroot organisations and community groups roll out initiatives that create enduring value in the South West, Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern regions.

More than $360,000 of funding supported a record 134 initiatives over the past year.

Visit the Southern Ports website to learn more and apply now.