Better Hearing Australia Brisbane

06/08/2026

TMR Disability Action Plan 2026–28 Released: Better Hearing Australia is pleased to have contributed to the development of the co-designed Transport and Main Roads Disability Action Plan 2026–28, which is now available on the TMR website.

Through our involvement in the TMR Accessibility Reference Group, BHA provided lived experience perspectives and feedback to help inform the plan and TMR’s priorities for improving accessibility across Queensland’s passenger transport network.

The plan is currently available in PDF format, with additional accessible versions expected in the coming weeks, including HTML, Auslan, Easy Read, audio and a Plain English large-print Word version.

We welcome the plan’s release and thank Transport and Main Roads Queensland for the opportunity to contribute on behalf of people with hearing loss.

See the plan at: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/disability-access-and-mobility/disability-action-plan

05/08/2026

On Tuesday 11 August, make sure you're represented in the 2026 Census!

If you sign at home, make Auslan your answer for question 21.

🫶 Every Auslan user counts.

Every five years, the Census helps shape Australia's future. For the Deaf community, it also shapes how governments understand the size, diversity and needs of people who communicate in Auslan.

✴️If Auslan is your primary or preferred language, make sure you record it in the 2026 Census.

In the 2021 Census, 16,242 people recorded using Auslan at home. Many believe the true number is much higher. Every person who identifies Auslan helps build a clearer picture of our community and strengthens the case for better accessibility, services and recognition.

When completing either your own (or the person you are helping) Census form:

✅ Go to Question 21
✅ Select "Yes, other language (please specify)"
✅ Write or type "Auslan"

It takes only a few seconds, but the impact can be felt for years to come.

Please share this post to help spread the word so every Auslan user has the opportunity to be counted.

05/08/2026

THIS SATURDAY: Join Your Local Hearing Loss Support Group in the Redlands! Living with hearing loss can feel isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Community Connect groups are a supportive space where you can share experiences, make new friends, and learn from others living with hearing loss. Join us to connect, feel empowered, and build friendships.

What to Expect:
✅ Friendly conversations with others who understand hearing challenges
✅ Practical tips for living well with hearing loss
✅ Guest speakers and useful resources

Whether you wear hearing aids, are just starting your hearing journey, or support someone with hearing loss, there’s a place for you here.

This Saturday at the Donald Simpson Community Centre at 9.30am

05/08/2026

Action Group to Drive Universal Standards for Hearing Accessibility Established by IAHA

Chaired by Andrew Thomas with Vice Chair Andrew Bellavia, the International Association for Hearing Accessibility (IAHA) has established a new working group to assess global regulations, identify areas for improvement, and take action in concert with local stakeholders to make assistive listening technology universally available.

The International Association for Hearing Accessibility (IAHA) has established a new working group to assess global regulations, identify areas for improvement, and take action to make assistive listening technology universally available.

03/08/2026

From today, VRS is available until midnight, Monday to Friday.

This is Stage 1 of the planned move to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. It is an important step we will take together that will improve access for Auslan users and support greater equity.

This is the first of 4 increases to hours. We will keep you informed as each stage begins.

Emergency services in Auslan will be available during VRS operating hours.

Right now, the platform cannot identify or prioritise emergency calls.

As VRS hours increase in each stage, access to emergency services in Auslan will also increase.

Shortly video relay service will be fully available 24/7, you will be able to contact emergency services in Auslan at any time, day or night.

We are proud of this expansion and thankful to everyone helping make it happen. We look forward to sharing each stage with you over the coming months.

Need help?

Contact the NRS Helpdesk if you have questions. Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6pm (AEST). If you are outside these hours, you can leave a message, and a Helpdesk staff member will get back to you to work through your query.

Information on how to contact the Helpdesk is available here:

Helpdesk staff can help you with: Information about the NRS and Access Hub Feedback on the NRS and Access Hub (including complaints) Information about different relay call options Practice relay calls Instructions for different relay call options. Contact detailsYou can contact the Helpdesk staff us...

29/07/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY! - The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) is working to make sure the Games are sustainable, inclusive and create long-term benefits.

To make sure the Games are accessible and inclusive for everyone, and increase the benefits for people with disability, Brisbane 2032 is developing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

They would like to hear from anybody with disability who enjoys attending events, as well as their support people and companions. This doesn’t just mean sporting events. We’d like to hear about your experiences going to festivals, concerts, community celebrations, community markets, and live performances.

https://www.olympics.com/en/brisbane-2032/the-games/impact-and-legacy/diap-survey

27/07/2026

TODAY at 2PM - Monday 27 July: AusAlert is Australia’s new national emergency warning system. It sends emergency alerts to compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches to help keep people informed during disasters.

AusAlert will be tested nationally on Monday 27 July 2026 at 2pm AEST. All compatible mobile devices across Australia will receive a test alert. Your device will:
Vibrate: Play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even if they are on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’
Turn on the screen and display a Critical, Presidential or Extreme Threat Alert message.

If this emergency test could disrupt your work, cause distress or reveal a safety hidden device, please turn off the device or switch it to airplane mode before the test time, and leave them off for at least one hour.

Information is available in multiple languages, including resources for people with disability and the Deaf community (including Auslan). Visit AusAlert for more details -

On Monday 27 July 2026, a test Critical Alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia.The alert will override 'silent' and 'do not disturb' device settings. It will appear like a system notification on screens and make a loud siren sound for 10 seconds.

23/07/2026

NOTICE: Nationwide AusAlert mobile phone test – 27 July 2026

AusAlert will send a nationwide test alert to compatible mobile devices at 2 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026.

AusAlert will send a nationwide test alert to compatible mobile devices at 2 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026.

18/07/2026

Registration is now open for our North Lakes Lip Reading Course, commencing in August.

This supportive course helps you build everyday communication skills, including how to read visual cues, recognise speech patterns, and feel more confident in conversation.

Whether you are new to lip reading or looking to strengthen your skills, this course is a practical and welcoming place to start.

Register today here: https://bhabrisbane.org.au/services/advocacy-support-connection/lip-reading-course/

17/07/2026

Living with Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)? The upcoming Acoustic Neuroma Conference is for you!
Next Saturday 25th July at the Russell Strong Auditorium at the PA Hospital.

Register here today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/10th-biennial-david-brown-rothwell-memorial-acoustic-neuroma-conference-tickets-1983591971985?aff=oddtdtcreator

Check out the program here:https://d2m2f6sf8pi19u.cloudfront.net/7399ef7fedbf3cef4b297e59328feb5d.pdf