Community
6 July, 2026
Local family benefits from crucial health funding
A Southern Highlands family has welcomed landmark investment by the NSW Government into securing specialist cochlear implant support services across the state.
A Southern Highlands family has welcomed landmark investment by the NSW Government into securing specialist cochlear implant support services across the state.
The NSW Government recently announced in its State Budget that they will invest $20.4 million over four years to fund specialist support for children with cochlear implants.
Golf fans may remember Ewan Porter as a commentator and media personality in the sport.
But behind the microphone, he and wife Emily, who live in Moss Vale, were navigating a challenging and emotional journey, and doing it twice over, simultaneously, with twin babies.
The couple’s twin boys, Artie and Jack, both received life-changing cochlear implants earlier this year.
In what is believed to be an Australian first – Artie and Jack, both born with the same genetic cause of deafness, both received bilateral cochlear implant surgery on the same day, and both had their implants activated together.
Two boys, four ears, eight hours of surgery and 15 days later; they reached a remarkable milestone the moment they both heard sound together, with their cochlear implants activated simultaneously.
"When Artie and Jack were diagnosed at birth, we were overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future would hold,” Ewan and Emily said.
“The support we have received has helped us navigate every stage of this unique journey so far, and we know it gives our boys the best possible start in life. Knowing families will now have fully funded access to that same support means the world to us.”
For over 50 years, The Shepherd Centre has been transforming the lives of deaf children, helping them develop the skills to listen, speak, and thrive.
They provide world-class, evidence-based support to nearly 900 children and young adults across New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania, and Queensland each year.
From their specialised and evidence-based early intervention programs for babies and young children, to tailored support for school years and beyond, they empower deaf individuals at every stage of life, ensuring they have the confidence and skills to reach their full potential.
It was The Shepherd Centre who assisted the family to receive these life–changing implants.
"We're incredibly grateful to The Shepherd Centre, the clinicians, our family and friends, and everyone who helped us along the way,” the Porters said.
The State Government also believes the investment will also help reduce future costs.
“Data shows deaf children who miss out on early intervention can cost the community more than $580,000 over their lifetime through additional health, education and other support needs,” a NSW Government spokesperson said.
“The announcement now brings NSW into line with every other Australian state and territory and ensures families will no longer have to rely purely on The Shepherd Centre’s philanthropic efforts to access this essential care.”
Dr Aleisha Davis, CEO of The Shepherd Centre, said the funding was a landmark investment.
"This truly is a lifechanging moment for deaf children and their families accessing cochlear implant support services,” she said.
“The investment gives children the best possible start in life, provides certainty for families and delivers long-term value for NSW by ensuring children receive the support they need when it matters most.
"Cochlear implants are only one part of the journey. Children need ongoing specialist care before and after surgery to learn to interpret sound, develop communication skills and build confidence with this technology. This funding ensures more families can access that support and focus on their child's future.
"For families who choose a spoken language pathway, this funding opens the door to exceptional outcomes. It gives children the opportunity to communicate with confidence, connect with others, and participate fully in the hearing world around them.
"On behalf of the thousands of children and families we support, I want to thank the NSW Government, Health Minister Ryan Park, our clinicians, supporters, advocates and the many families who courageously shared their stories to help achieve this outcome."
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park agreed with Dr. Davis's sentiments.
“I am so pleased to announce that NSW Health will partner with The Shepherd Centre and NextSense to deliver essential pre- and post-implantation care to children who receive a cochlear implant,” he said.
“Early diagnosis, technology, and surgery are just the start. Children need specialist support before and after cochlear implantation to learn how to interpret sound and fully benefit from this remarkable technology – and this funding recognises that.
“In Australia, approximately 1 in every 1,000 newborn babies have some form of hearing loss, and those rates increase among babies born prematurely.
“We know how important it is to identify hearing loss early and provide the right support. This funding supports children with cochlear implants to develop communication skills, confidence, and independence – essential skills for education and socialisation.”
For more information on what The Shepherd Centre does, visit https://shepherdcentre.org.au/.
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