Our Reconciliation Journey
Audiology Australia has long worked to advance the hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by prioritising and advocating for their hearing health needs.
We are committed towards reconciliation – an ongoing journey that aims to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation seeks to bridge the gaps history has created, forging a brighter path forward together and ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the same opportunities, life chances and health outcomes as non-Indigenous Australians.
Our Reconciliation Action Plans
Audiology Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) outline a series of deliverables to help advance reconciliation. More than statements of intention – our RAPs are expressions of inclusion and respect.
The RAPs reflect our dedication to fostering positive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and strengthening hearing health and workforce outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
About the artist
Bitja (Dixon Patten) is a proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa and Yorta Yorta artist and designer. His RAP artwork for Audiology Australia represents the art of Deep-Listening; a spiritual virtue, based on respect, understanding, quietness, awareness and patience.
Phase 1: Reflect RAP (2023-24)
The development of our first Reflect RAP was an evolving process of listening, learning and understanding, and recognising the invaluable contributions these communities make to Australia.
We are proud to share that 98% of deliverables were completed in this RAP in areas including:
- Partnerships and beginning to understand our sphere of influence
- Understanding and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge, history and rights
- Creating and supporting employment and partnership opportunities
- Leadership, support, accountability and transparency.
Phase 2: Innovate RAP (2025-27)
Innovation is the key to making lasting and impressionable change.
Our Innovate RAP will help us gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence in the audiology and hearing health sectors and build strong foundations and connections to advance reconciliation.
Focus areas for our Innovate RAP include:
- Partnering with external stakeholders including international associations to deliver lasting positive change to improve hearing health equity
- Fostering a positive and innovative workplace culture that encourages understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, cultures and histories
- Promoting audiology career pathways to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation stories
The Power of Reconciliation in audiology
What does embedding reconcilitation into audiology look like? With audiologist Ashleigh Dyson and ear health coordinator Katie Edney.
Working towards systemic change
Yuat Nyungar man Luke Austin shares his experiences working to improve the hearing health of Aboriginal communities.
My journey into audiology
Rebecca Allnutt – descendant of the Dalrymple Tribe in Tasmania – charts her story to the NT.
Transforming hearing health for Aboriginal kids and families
Tamara Veselinović’s work in researching Otitis Media is transforming hearing health across WA.
Education and training
Culturally responsive care training
Elevate your audiology and hearing health practice with practical understandings of how to deliver culturally responsive care.
Online resources
Access written resources to further your practical understandings from our training videos.
The time for change is now
Pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Become Audiologists
It is essential that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples guide and shape Australia’s audiology profession. Learn why people choose a career in audiology, the degree options and entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the support you can expect when you join Audiology Australia.
Close the Gap Day
Audiology Australia supports National Close the Gap Day, held on the third Thursday of March each year – an opportunity for all Australians to call time on health inequity.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week aims to strengthen the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
NAIDOC Week
Beginning on the first Sunday of July, NAIDOC Week recognises and celebrates the history, values and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Read our position statement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hearing Health
We are committed to improving the ear health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and closing the hearing health gap.