Families in some of Western Australia’s most remote communities are experiencing life-changing outcomes thanks to a new ear health initiative being trialled in the East Pilbara. 

The Healthy Ears on Country program, a partnership between BHP and Ear Science Institute Australia (Ear Science), has introduced a Surgical Fast Track model that is breaking down barriers to critical ear surgery by providing fast and easy access to care.  

The program streamlines access to surgery in the Pilbara, regularly chartering group flights from communities such as Jigalong, Punmu, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji to Port Hedland, so patients can access surgery quickly and return home within three days – supported by familiar health staff.

The impact has been remarkable; almost 100 per cent attendance for surgery since the model started.  

Nine-year-old Sonny Pilkington recently underwent ear surgery through the program. His mum, Kaleisha Pilkington said the difference had been immediate: “He just seems happier, he’s not as miserable and he hasn’t had an ear infection since.”

Sonny adds: “I was nervous and had jelly legs before the surgery, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought. Afterwards my ears felt clear, and I could hear a lot better.”

Ear Science Institute Australia Community and Education Project Officer Emma Ireland said the organisation understood the importance of listening to the community to understand their needs and the partnership with BHP had allowed them to trial new solutions, like the fast-track model.

“Until now, families faced enormous challenges accessing specialist care, including language barriers, days of travel over unsealed roads and significant costs to reach major centres for surgery,” Emma said.

Ear Science Institute Australia CEO and Adj/Assoc Prof – UWA, Sandra Bellekom said: “With our strong and long-standing partnership with Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), Ear Science is proud to support families to navigate the complex ear and hearing health pathway - including access to surgery, in a culturally safe way with the pure intent of helping kids reach their full potential.”

Ear disease affects around 60 per cent of Aboriginal children before 12 months of age, often leading to hearing loss, speech and language delays and challenges at school if left untreated.  

Some of the surgeries performed include procedures like inserting tiny tubes (grommets) to drain fluid and repairing eardrum perforations (myringoplasty), which help restore hearing and prevent infections. 

PAMS nurse Taffy Nherera has travelled with patients on the charter flights and said the initiative had changed lives: “In these remote communities, people don’t ask for help. Often patients feel like if they go away, they won’t come back, it’s a strong fear they face.”

The partnership funding from BHP also provides for equipment, training of local Aboriginal health professionals and logistics to support PAMS to deliver culturally safe care on Country.

BHP Principal Community Newman Megan Ewing said: “The work that Ear Science and PAMS do for the community is truly life changing. Building strong, resilient communities is at the heart of BHP and backing local solutions like this makes real impact possible.”