Click on the project title to view details and photos
Organization: Deafness Forum Australia
Title: Address commemorates World Hearing Day and International Women’s Day
Alternate tite:
Address commemorates World Hearing Day and International Women’s Day
Description:
The 26th Libby Harricks Memorial Address commemorated World Hearing Day and International Women’s Day in 2025.
Hosted by Deafness Forum Australia, the event at Tasmania’s State Parliament featured a distinguished audience and was officially opened by the leader of the government, Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Keynote speaker the Honourable Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Health, Aboriginal Affairs, and Veterans Affairs in the Tasmanian Government, is an influential advocate for accessibility and healthcare equality. She spoke passionately about her experience living with hearing loss and a Cochlear implant, highlighting the challenges many face in the hearing health community.
The Address united not-for-profits, service providers, government representatives, and consumers, fostering collaboration to drive meaningful change for the One in Six Australians affected by hearing challenges.
The Libby Harricks Memorial Address, honouring Deafness Forum’s first Chair, continues her vision of making hearing health a national priority.
More at https://www.deafnessforum.org.au/events/libby-harricks-memorial-oration/
Primary site: WPR – Australia
Secondary sites: WPR – New Zeland / Tokelau
Impactful Story:
The 26th Libby Harricks Memorial Address set the stage for meaningful progress in hearing health policy and inclusion.
With the Government leader opening the event and Government Minister Jacquie Petrusma as keynote speaker, potential outcomes include new policy discussions, stronger government-community partnerships, and increased funding for hearing loss research and services.
The event may also influence workplace and education inclusion policies and drive national-level initiatives aligned with Australia’s Disability Strategy.
With high-level political engagement, this gathering could lead to long-term improvements in hearing healthcare, accessibility, and public awareness, benefiting the One in Six Australians affected by hearing challenges.
General Photos
Premier Rockcliffe (left), acquie Petrusma (wearing red)
Deafness Forum chair Rae Walker, Jacquie and Julie Watts
Jacquie supported by Interpreter and captions
Types of Engagement:
Screening: No
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: Women, hard of hearing and Deaf people, culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No