WA Ostomy Association

19/10/2026

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻💛

It’s estimated that around 80% of disabilities are non-visible. These can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible, but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in helping everyone feel seen, understood and supported.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps people with non-visible disabilities discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or patience. 🌻

Learn more about the Sunflower 👉 https://shorturl.at/9uyZQ

06/10/2026

03/10/2026

On the first Saturday of October we celebrate Ostomy Awareness Day

At WA Ostomy we add on average 74 new ostomates each month, and support them throughout their journey. Some ostomates will only be with us for a few months, while others will have their stoma for their whole life.

If you or someone you know is facing life with a stoma there is help available, you just need to reach out.

25/09/2026

Want to help us make the lives of ostomates easier? Vote for us at My Giving Circle to help us win a share of their grants!

Voting takes just a minute or two and could help fund vital programs and supports for ostomates across WA

Takes 10 seconds. Share this and make it count.

21/09/2026

***AGM NOTICE***

The WA Ostomy AGM will be held on 7th November at 10am. The meeting will be in person in Mount Lawley, or you should receive an email with a link.

We are seeking suitably skilled members to join our Management Committee - particularly those with IT or Accounting skills. If this might be you a nomination form was included in the email. If you are interested and haven't received the email please just reach out!

This is your Association – come and hear about our activities and plans. Meet the team and have your questions answered.
You will be welcome as part of the Ostomy Family.

11/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JLdD5X97Z/

Brookton/Narrogin 1st & 2nd of Sept 2026

Spring has come around quickly this year and it's such a wonderful time to be in the Wheatbelt.

On the way to Narrogin, I stopped in Brookton to visit two ostomates in residential care and to provide education to the staff. It was very apparent that the staff loved their jobs, in addition to their clients and colleagues- a wonderful atmosphere.

Once in Narrogin, I visited one ostomate at home, another in residential care and a further 4 in clinic.

The support group was well attended and it's wonderful to see how the group has developed and friendships formed over the years.

Next week it's on to the Pilbara, where 7 different education sessions have been organised in addition to STN clinics in both Karratha and Hedland. For more information on this visit, please email [email protected] or telephone 92721833 during office hours

10/09/2026

💛 R U OK?

Today isn’t just about asking the question, it’s about really listening to the answer.

For those living with an ostomy, “Yeah, I’m okay” can sometimes be the easiest answer. We don’t want to be a burden, or we know the person asking doesn’t really want to hear that we’re not.

So ask. Listen. Check in again.
Sometimes “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay with me” is what someone needs to hear.

And if you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. 💛
WAOA has a peer support program where you can connect with someone who understands.

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.