The Albanese Labor Government is improving access to specialist hearing services for children and families across southern Tasmania with the opening of a new Shepherd Centre in Montagu Bay.
The Government is investing $6.5 million over three years to support the new centre in Hobart which will provide permanent, on the ground support, including audiology services, family and child counselling, and listening and spoken language therapy.
It is expected the new centre in Hobart will support dozens of young Tasmanians who are experience hearing loss.
The opening of this new Shepherd Centre delivers on a commitment made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Federal Labor team in Tasmania.
This commitment also includes the expansion of the HearHub online platform, which supports health professionals working with children with hearing loss across Australia and internationally.
It is estimated that around 9,000 Australian children will benefit from the platform.
The Hobart facility expands The Shepherd Centre’s national network, which includes centres in Oran Park in New South Wales, and Launceston in Tasmania.
Children with hearing loss often require intensive, specialised support to develop speech and communication skills.
By delivering these services locally, the new Hobart centre will significantly reduce travel time, delays and disruption for Tasmanian families.
The Shepherd Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that has provided specialist hearing support to children and families for more than 50 years.
It currently supports more than 900 families through its centres and telehealth services.
The new Shepherd Centre in Hobart is located at 93 Montagu Bay Road, Montagu Bay. Tasmanian families can visit shephercentre.org to find out more or to access this service.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins:
“This investment will make a real difference for Tasmanian families, ensuring children with hearing loss can access specialist support when and where they need it.
“I committed to delivering this service for the people of Franklin, and I’m proud to see it now open and supporting families across southern Tasmania.
“Prior to this centre, some local families were having to travel interstate to receive specialist hearing care This facility ensures Tasmanian children can get the support they need closer to home."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Kids with hearing loss deserve the best possible start in life, and having The Shepherd Centre here in Hobart means more Tasmanian families can get specialist support closer to home.
“Labor’s investment is about delivering early intervention for families who need it, helping children develop life skills and emotional resilience to better prepare them for the future.
“By expanding HearHub, we’re also supporting health professionals so more children can benefit from best practice care, no matter where they live.
Quotes attributable to Senator Carol Brown:
“I saw the impact The Shepherd Centre was having in other parts of the country, the difference it was making for kids and their families, and I knew we needed that here in Tasmania. That’s why I pushed so hard to get this funding, so local families could access that same support, right here at home.
“As a mum or dad, all you want is for your child to be okay and to have the same chances as every other kid. When something like hearing loss comes along, it can be overwhelming – this centre gives families support, guidance, and a bit of certainty at a really tough time.
“There’s something pretty special about seeing kids build confidence – finding their voice, connecting with others, and keeping up with their mates. That’s what this centre is about.”