WA Ostomy Association

28/08/2026

This scams awareness week we're encouraging our members to be scam aware! If you're ever unsure about a communication from us, please just reach out and we will happily clarify things for you.

For more information on being scam ready visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/stop-check-protect/help-to-spot-and-avoid-scams or pick up a copy of the Little Book of Scams next time you visit us.

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

It's always fascinating to read of developments home grown in WA! We need more committed health professionals like the team behind this

Sixty years ago, regional West Australian GP Kevin Cullen had a brainwave.

Dr Cullen asked his patients in the West Australian regional community of Busselton, 220 kilometres south of Perth, if they would agree to be measured, tested, and followed over the course of their lives — all in the name of science.

STORY: https://ab.co/4gpRjew

The response rate was astounding. More than 90% of Busselton's then-4,000 adult residents agreed to take part, unaware their commitment would eventually shape modern medicine.

Caravans, fitted out with medical gear, were set up across Busselton, where nurses and doctors tested the participants.

"We wanted to see whether mortality would decline, and [what we found] was something that was most exciting," he told the ABC in the 1980s.

Since its inception in 1966, the Busselton Health Study has collected data from more than 20,000 participants and has published 500 scientific papers.

The findings have helped to shape clinical guidelines around the globe for life-threatening conditions including heart disease, sleep apnoea, diabetes and asthma.

21/08/2026

When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s, I didn’t really know what a stoma was. I thought they were for old people.

A few years later, I was begging for one.

Before Crohn’s, life was pretty normal. I was a full time waitress, socialising and adventuring. Then it became six or seven biologics, severe reactions, steroids, colonoscopies and what seemed like another hospital admission every year. In 2024, I broke down in hospital and told the doctors I couldn’t do it anymore. They said I was too young for surgery and there were still more treatments to try. I just remember thinking, how many more times have I got to go through this? How many more hospital visits, steroids and medications? By October I was asking for surgery. I finally felt heard.

Then in January 2025, I was back in hospital and everything moved quickly. Surgery was happening, I had around two weeks to prepare, and I chose a permanent stoma.

Crohn’s had changed my body long before surgery did. The bloating, steroid weight gain and years of wishing I looked different left me hating photographs, feeling self conscious in bikinis and sometimes barely recognising myself. I thought I’d mourn the body I had before. Instead, I mourn the way I treated her.

Now I look at my body and see how strong she has been. I wear crop tops and bikinis, I’m working, adventuring again and with someone who loves me for me. I call my stoma Patricia, and she gave me my life back.

Your body will change, but so will your life. Your spark will return.

—Jade ❤️

17/08/2026

We're so grateful for the contribution of the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation to allow us to continue the valuable remote services of our Stoma Nurses via Bowel & Stoma Health WA

Care in the Community – Support of Stomal Therapy Nurses

The Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of Western Australia (SMCF) is proud to support organisations that make a tangible difference in the lives of people in our community. One such organisation is the WA Ostomy Association, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting people who have undergone bowel surgery resulting in a stoma.

The SMCF has provided a $20,000 grant to support the Association’s Stomal Therapy Nursing (STN) Programme. In particular, the grant will assist a Stomal Therapy Nurse to travel throughout Western Australia, providing vital support to patients in regional and remote communities. This includes the distribution of stoma care appliances and pharmaceutical items approved under the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS), together with practical advice, information, encouragement and ongoing support on all aspects of stoma care.

The Stomal Therapy Nursing outreach programme helps improve health outcomes, reduce preventable complications and build the capacity of local health professionals. It also strengthens community support through the establishment and ongoing development of rural ostomy support groups.

Pictured from left to right are George Rogers, SMCF; Lorrie Gray, Secretary, WA Ostomy Association; and Julie Rogers, Former Ostomate at the presentation of a cheque for $20,000 in support of the STN Programme.

This particular initiative is close to our hearts. George Rogers’ daughter, Julie, recently underwent surgery for bowel cancer and benefited from the loving care and support provided by the WA Ostomy Association. Now well on the road to recovery, Julie asked that we pass on an important message:

"Do not ignore changes in your bowel habits, and do not ignore the bowel screening test kit sent to you when you turn 50. Early detection and intervention can be critical to survival."

We wish you continued health and a smooth recovery journey, Julie!

14/08/2026

If you still have your re**um in place after ileostomy surgery, you may need to pass mucus from your back passage from time to time. It can come as a surprise, especially when you've got used to not needing to use the toilet in that way.

It's normal. Your re**um continues to produce mucus even after surgery, because it doesn't know stool is no longer passing through. The amount and consistency varies from person to person, and so does the frequency. For some people it happens rarely, for others more often.

If you feel the urge to go to the toilet, it may be an accumulation of mucus. Sit on the toilet as you normally would and the mucus may pass. Avoid excessive straining.

What to look out for: if the discharge is bloody, contains pus, has a foul odour, or is causing significant pain or discomfort, speak to your stoma care nurse or GP.

This information does not replace advice from your healthcare team.

04/08/2026

21/07/2026

Disability or Universally Accessible Toilets are for anyone with additional needs - not just those with visible accessibility requirements. This is why we give everyone a toilet access card when they join. If you have misplaced your card please just reach out and we can pack one in your next order.

11/07/2026

Never enough spoons 🥄

04/07/2026

Turns out an ostomy bag is no reason to stop chasing waterfalls 💦 Chasing them all the way through the Kimberley, far north WA ☀️🏞️, one gorge at a time