Geraldine Hogarth, Aboriginal health worker at Leonora Community Health
Geraldine Hogarth, Aboriginal Health Worker at Leonora Community Health, has been presented with a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to the Indigenous community of regional Western Australia through the provision of improved ear health care for children.
Geraldine was born and bred in Leonora and has committed all of her working life in her home town. Today marks the 33rd anniversary of her joining the WA Country Health Service (WACHS).
The award recognises Geraldine’s long service to the Ear Health Program which specifically supports ear health in children. As part of this work Geraldine attends to children at the Leonora District High School and provides education to both teachers and parents regarding the importance of healthy ears. The award also acknowledges Geraldine’s support in community issues especially in the promotion of her language.
Through her ear health program at the school and at community health, Geraldine has identified many children that require further investigation and intervention by the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon Francis Lannigan.
Not only has Geraldine has been instrumental in arranging clinics in Leonora but she also works closely with other services in Kalgoorlie to ensure as many children as possible receives surgery at Kalgoorlie hospital if required for chronic perforations of their ear drums.
Geraldine Ennis Regional Director of WACHS – Goldfields said she was delighted that Geraldine has received the award and offered her warmest congratulations.
Geraldine is a great credit to WACHS and she is a very warm and friendly person. We are all thrilled that she has received the award,” Ms Ennis said.
She is also a strong and diligent advocate who is very adept at liaising with other services to ensure that members of the community are able to access the support they need.
Congratulations Geraldine.