Moonee Ponds residents will benefit from the latest hearing technology, with one of the nation’s largest and most advanced Australian Hearing centres officially opened today.

Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr and Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten joined staff and clients at the Moonee Ponds centre to mark the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said the Moonee Ponds centre was a true testament to what public services should be.

 

[caption id="attachment_2286" align="alignleft" width="300"] Local Member Bill Shorten opening the new Moonee Ponds Hearing Centre[/caption]

“For two decades, the staff of Australian Hearing provided services of the highest calibre through the old Moonee Ponds clinic. The new centre will give them the tools they need to maintain that reputation.

“This is a world-leading facility in every respect, with audiologists seeing children, veterans, senior citizens and the indigenous community,” Senator Kim Carr said.

“Moonee Ponds is also the Victorian base for a twenty-five year study of children with hearing loss, involving more than 400 families. That research will help clinicians all over the world do a better job for children.”

Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten MP said that Australian Hearing had worked from the outset to take the service from the centre out to the people.

“The staff who work here are really dedicated to the local community, going everywhere from veterans’ groups to nursing homes to private houses,” Mr Shorten said. “That service extends through the visiting sites from Coburg to Keilor Downs to Footscray.”

“It’s inspiring to meet so many people here whose lives have been changed by this service.”

Ms Georgia Cattlin, who received her first hearing aid from Australian Hearing at the age of four, spoke of her experience with the service.

“Australian Hearing has always been very supportive and I can’t imagine my journey without them.”

Senator Kim Carr also said it was important for people to have a regular check and make sure they are in good hearing health.

“Hearing loss affects one in six Australians, and the numbers are growing. That’s why the Moonee Ponds team provide free hearing services for many of our most vulnerable people.

“If anyone is concerned about their hearing, I encourage them to contact Australian Hearing Moonee Ponds, who offer eligible adults free hearing checks, and see children on referral.”

Australian Hearing is a leading provider of hearing services for children, young adults, pensioners, veterans and Indigenous people in the community.

For more information about Australian Hearing visit www.hearing.com.au or call 131 797.

Media Enquiries:    Senator Kim Carr’s office, 02 6277 7200

                                    Kieran Barns-Jenkins (Bill Shorten’s Office) 03 93261399

 Annette Zalaiskalns (Australian Hearing), 02 9412 6917