OMOZ 2024 has been one of the highlights of my year. It was held on Awabakal and Worimi Country from 27 to 30 August, and I feel incredibly proud to have been part of the scientific organising committee for this conference. I also managed the social media throughout the event, which gave me the chance to capture the atmosphere, the energy and the depth of conversations happening across the rooms.
We brought together more than 300 people from all over Australia and overseas. Researchers, clinicians, audiologists, Aboriginal health workers, community organisations, policy leaders and students came together with a shared focus on improving ear health for all children. The program blended science, community knowledge and clinical practice in a way that really embodied what makes OMOZ unique.
Starting with Mob Only Day
This was the first time OMOZ opened with a Mob Only Day, which created a safe and culturally supported space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates to connect and yarn. It grounded the entire conference.
Hearing from leaders like Nathan Towney, as well as Jake MacDonald and Loren Collyer, set a powerful tone about Indigenous leadership and cultural governance in ear health. These sessions encouraged honest conversations about the work we do, how it affects our communities, and how we strengthen our approaches moving forward.
Being part of that space reminded me why these conversations matter. Ear health is not only a clinical issue. It affects culture, connection, learning and identity.
We brought together more than 300 people from all over Australia and overseas. Researchers, clinicians, audiologists, Aboriginal health workers, community organisations, policy leaders and students came together with a shared focus on improving ear health for all children. The program blended science, community knowledge and clinical practice in a way that really embodied what makes OMOZ unique.
Starting with Mob Only Day
This was the first time OMOZ opened with a Mob Only Day, which created a safe and culturally supported space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates to connect and yarn. It grounded the entire conference.
Hearing from leaders like Nathan Towney, as well as Jake MacDonald and Loren Collyer, set a powerful tone about Indigenous leadership and cultural governance in ear health. These sessions encouraged honest conversations about the work we do, how it affects our communities, and how we strengthen our approaches moving forward.
Being part of that space reminded me why these conversations matter. Ear health is not only a clinical issue. It affects culture, connection, learning and identity.
A Program Packed with Learning and Collaboration
Across the main program I was constantly impressed by the generosity of presenters who shared their work, their challenges and their insights. The keynote sessions stood out to me.
Dr Shelly Chadha (WHO) shared global perspectives on hearing health. Dr Celestine Aho spoke about otitis media and respiratory infections in Papua New Guinea. Professor Amanda Leach presented advances in vaccines and prevention. Professor Hasantha Gunasekera spoke about tackling otitis media as a complex public health problem.
There were sessions covering the Aboriginal ear health workforce, AI and telehealth innovations, community-led care, clinical practice, climate change impacts, audiology, laboratory science and ethics. The breadth of work being done for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is incredible, and OMOZ has become a central place to share and strengthen that work.
The article reporting on the conference captured this well and highlighted how important it is that Indigenous voices shape the future of ear health. It was special to see this recognition reflected back to the wider sector.
On Country at Murrook
The cultural afternoon was one of my personal highlights. We travelled out to Birubi Beach and the Murrook Cultural Centre for an On Country experience.
The sand dunes, the ocean, the weaving workshop and the time spent sitting together and yarning all brought a sense of connection that we cannot get inside a lecture hall. The land itself reminded us why we are doing this work and who we are doing it for.
It was a chance for delegates to slow down, breathe and understand the cultural context behind the ear health challenges faced by our mob.
Across the main program I was constantly impressed by the generosity of presenters who shared their work, their challenges and their insights. The keynote sessions stood out to me.
Dr Shelly Chadha (WHO) shared global perspectives on hearing health. Dr Celestine Aho spoke about otitis media and respiratory infections in Papua New Guinea. Professor Amanda Leach presented advances in vaccines and prevention. Professor Hasantha Gunasekera spoke about tackling otitis media as a complex public health problem.
There were sessions covering the Aboriginal ear health workforce, AI and telehealth innovations, community-led care, clinical practice, climate change impacts, audiology, laboratory science and ethics. The breadth of work being done for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is incredible, and OMOZ has become a central place to share and strengthen that work.
The article reporting on the conference captured this well and highlighted how important it is that Indigenous voices shape the future of ear health. It was special to see this recognition reflected back to the wider sector.
On Country at Murrook
The cultural afternoon was one of my personal highlights. We travelled out to Birubi Beach and the Murrook Cultural Centre for an On Country experience.
The sand dunes, the ocean, the weaving workshop and the time spent sitting together and yarning all brought a sense of connection that we cannot get inside a lecture hall. The land itself reminded us why we are doing this work and who we are doing it for.
It was a chance for delegates to slow down, breathe and understand the cultural context behind the ear health challenges faced by our mob.
Behind the Scenes
Being part of the scientific committee meant months of planning with an incredible group of people including Professor Kelvin Kong, Sharron Hall, Toni Manton, Yeena Thompson and others who put their heart into creating a meaningful conference. I am grateful to have been involved at that level.
Running the conference socials gave me a unique vantage point. I photographed the sessions, amplified key messages, created updates throughout the day and showed the energy and engagement that filled the venue. It was great to highlight the strengths and achievements of our presenters and attendees and to see how widely the posts were shared.
Why This Conference Matters
Otitis media continues to have a significant impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It affects hearing, early childhood development, education and wellbeing. OMOZ is one of the few national spaces that brings everyone together to approach the issue in a culturally grounded and collaborative way.
The conversations and partnerships formed here do not end when everyone goes home. They shape projects, policies, research programs and community initiatives across the country.
For me personally, OMOZ 2024 reaffirmed that culturally led, community driven approaches must be at the centre of ear health work. The momentum from this year’s conference will continue to influence the work we all do moving forward.
Looking Ahead
I left OMOZ feeling energised, proud and connected. It was a privilege to attend, contribute to the scientific leadership and help share the stories of the event. I am grateful to everyone who presented and supported the program, and all of our delegates for being part of the community.
I am already looking forward to the next OMOZ conference!!
Being part of the scientific committee meant months of planning with an incredible group of people including Professor Kelvin Kong, Sharron Hall, Toni Manton, Yeena Thompson and others who put their heart into creating a meaningful conference. I am grateful to have been involved at that level.
Running the conference socials gave me a unique vantage point. I photographed the sessions, amplified key messages, created updates throughout the day and showed the energy and engagement that filled the venue. It was great to highlight the strengths and achievements of our presenters and attendees and to see how widely the posts were shared.
Why This Conference Matters
Otitis media continues to have a significant impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It affects hearing, early childhood development, education and wellbeing. OMOZ is one of the few national spaces that brings everyone together to approach the issue in a culturally grounded and collaborative way.
The conversations and partnerships formed here do not end when everyone goes home. They shape projects, policies, research programs and community initiatives across the country.
For me personally, OMOZ 2024 reaffirmed that culturally led, community driven approaches must be at the centre of ear health work. The momentum from this year’s conference will continue to influence the work we all do moving forward.
Looking Ahead
I left OMOZ feeling energised, proud and connected. It was a privilege to attend, contribute to the scientific leadership and help share the stories of the event. I am grateful to everyone who presented and supported the program, and all of our delegates for being part of the community.
I am already looking forward to the next OMOZ conference!!