Cochlear implants open up a whole new world for young brothers
The day Huxley Totman made his first friend at childcare was a milestone worth celebrating for Wollongong couple Harry and Tash Totman. They saw it as another positive step in clearing the fog of anxiety and confusion that set in three years ago when they discovered newborn Huxley had significant hearing loss, and he would […]
International Women’s Day 2024
At The Shepherd Centre, we recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women within our organisation and throughout our wider community. From CEOs to clinicians, to key supporters and ambassadors, women play integral roles at every level, embodying the essence of inclusion and diversity. Our mission extends beyond providing exceptional services; we strive to cultivate […]
A sound investment helping children with hearing loss
The Shepherd Centre, a not-for-profit group that helps children living with hearing loss, has received $4,800 for specialist audiology equipment through the Hydro Tasmania Community Grants Program. Shepherd Centre Tasmania regional manager Tiffany Slater said the grant helped the statewide service support 50 children with hearing loss listen and difficulty speaking. “The grant from Hydro […]
Breaking the Silence: Voices of Resilience and Advocacy on World Hearing Day 2024
World Hearing Day 2024 revolves around the theme of ‘changing mindsets,’ aiming to reshape perceptions and address societal misunderstandings through heightened understanding and collaborative efforts. As part of this initiative, The Shepherd Centre conducted interviews with individuals living with deafness or hearing loss, exploring common misconceptions and ways to overcome them. Hear from Stephen Tang […]
It was so special when he heard his family for the first time
When Sydney’s Jessica Kerr’s much anticipated first born baby arrived, he brought both overwhelming joy and unforeseen heart ache and challenges. Nixon’s deafness, discovered early on, sent ripples of doubt and self-reflection through Jess’ thoughts. “I couldn’t help but wonder if I had somehow caused it during pregnancy,” she shared, a natural but heart-wrenching thought […]
The Shepherd Centre to expand therapy services for hearing loss
The Shepherd Centre, a specialist centre that helps children with hearing loss learn to listen and speak, has received $300,000 in state funding to expand its services in Northern Tasmania. Shepherd Centre CEO Dr Aleisha Davis, said the organisation wanted all Tasmanian children with hearing loss to access specialised therapy service regardless of their location. […]
‘Had to grieve those moments’: Michelle spent hours singing to her daughter who couldn’t hear
When Michelle Cook fell pregnant for the first time she and her husband Robert would spend hours trying to connect with their growing bub. “We would have these wonderful intimate moments as a family where we would talk to Riley,” she tells 9Honey Parenting, recalling the special time in her life. When Riley was finally born, the family […]
Joe Symons on a mission to empower Territory’s hearing impaired
Joe Symons was born with moderate to severe hearing loss, but raised with an acute sense of self-advocacy. So he often forgets his deafness. “I’ve got the label, but I’ve never thought of myself as having a disability and I have achieved all I have by just being me,” the Deafness Resource Centre executive officer […]