Hear and Say creating change for regional Queensland families

In a state as vast as Queensland, geographic isolation can mean families risk missing access to health and wellbeing services – hence the critical importance of initiatives such as Hear and Say’s Telepractice program.

For over a decade, the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF) has supported Hear and Say to empower regional Queensland children who are deaf or hard of hearing to achieve the same outcomes as their city-based peers.

“Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can progress at the same rate as their typically hearing peers. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure that all children who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to specialised support, so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential – regardless of where they live,” Hear and Say CEO, Chris McCarthy said.

In February 2021, TFFF met with some of Hear and Say’s executive team in Brisbane to celebrate the renewal of their partnership for a further three years. The support will enable Hear and Say to enhance connectivity for regional and remote families through increased social skills and wellbeing programs and specialist services.

TFFF applauds Hear and Say for their life-changing work connecting regional and remote Queensland children and their families with world-leading technologies and support.

Left to Right: Emma Rushbrooke (Hear and Say Clinical Director); Dr Dimity Dornan AO (Hear and Say Executive Director and Founder); Neal Harvey (TFFF CEO); Angela Timbs (TFFF Program Manager); and Chris McCarthy (Hear and Say CEO).

Text adapted with permission from this Hear and Say blog article.