WA Ostomy Association

24/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting the volunteers behind the scenes who keep WA Ostomy running

Lorrie has been volunteering with WA Ostomy since 2009, however she had a relationship with the association long before this as a Stomal Therapy Nurse.

Many of us here would describe Lorrie as the heart of our organisation. She donates full time hours to keep the association running, and to advocate for ostomates on both a state and national level. As the association secretary since 2018 she has been integral in helping us to become one of the most wide-reaching associations in the country. Lorrie was also at the heart of the development of the WA Ostomy STN clinic and has been a key player in our ongoing efforts to educate the general community about stomas.

If you attended our new member meetings, you have met Lorrie. If you have called in stressed and overwhelmed, you have spoken to her. And, if you have come into the association you've been greeted by her smiling face

Thank you Lorrie!

23/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting the volunteers behind the scenes who keep WA Ostomy running

Ian joined us last year and brings years of post experience to the warehouse. He had always intended to volunteer after retirement and when we put out a call for more help he was eager to put his hand up.

He says the best part of his time here is the team he gets to work with, he also really appreciates the chance to stay physically and mentally active.

When we asked Ian what volunteering gives to him he said that his time with us each week gives him "self worth and satisfaction in knowin that I am knowing part of a team fulfilling a vital link in the supply of product to ostomates"

Thank you Ian!

22/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting the volunteers behind the scenes who keep WA Ostomy running

Abbey joined us late last year and is a breath of fresh air in the warehouse. She was looking to give back to the community outside of her studies and connect with others and we're so grateful she chose us!

She says the best part of her time here is having the chance to be part of a really friendly and welcoming team.

When we asked Abbey what volunteering gives to her she said "Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and community during what has been a difficult time in my life. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come here every week"

Thank you Abbey!

21/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting the volunteers behind the scenes who keep WA Ostomy running

Paula joined us late last year and is an organisational wizard in the warehouse. She started with us because she enjoys helping others and appreciates the support that her husband has always received through us.

She says the best part of volunteering is "being able to support a community that has also been a part of my family's journey" We know that Paula feels she is making a positive difference, and we're thrilled she chooses to do so with us.

Thank you Paula!

20/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting the volunteers behind the scenes who keep WA Ostomy running

Margaret has been volunteering with WA Ostomy since mid 2023.
She started with us because she believes that "WA ostomy is a good organisation, notwithstanding that it is close to home. My husband is an ostomate and I appreciate the care given to members by those who work and volunteer for the organisation"

Thank you Margaret!

19/05/2026

EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations ASCN UK is proud to present the EXPASS Best Practice Recommendations – Exercise and Physical Activity after Stoma Surgery. Date of…

05/05/2026

Northam report 17th April 2026

A whistle stop visit to Northam to run a STN clinic at the hospital outpatient’s department and visit an ostomate at one of the local RCHs.

A total of 6 ostomates were seen at the clinic and one at the RCH. All were very grateful of the visit and positive outcomes were had with any changes made.

Talking of the Wheatbelt plans are underway to visit Merredin in early August where a STN clinic will be held in addition to an evening education session in conjunction with Rural Health West. In the meantime I am looking forward to my next Narrogin visit in June which will be shortly followed by Geraldton, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Kalbarri and Northampton. More on these visits closer to the time…..

27/04/2026

Would love to see this around WA!
Great job Jordan!

23/04/2026

🏃‍♀️ 👏
Any other ostomates want to share their athletic achievements?

Manchester I’m coming back for you…
I said I wouldn’t run a marathon again, but I realised I have not come this far to only come this far.
After a period of time I thought I would be never walk again, the aches in my calves are a reminder that I kept going and then some.
Running is proof my body keeps going, when so many times it almost didn’t.
If you are looking to challenge yourself, see what your body can do and experience being part of the most incredible community, how about signing up for next year and training with me. 👀
I would love to see you all there! ❤️

02/04/2026

To help raise awareness of ileostomies for Ileostomy Awareness Month, we love to know, ‘what do people often assume about ileostomies that isn’t true?’

Let us know in the comments.

31/03/2026

Report from Rural Health West Conference 14th/15th March 2026

A couple of weeks ago I manned the WAOA stand at the Rural Health West Conference 2026. As expected, the conference didn’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network with other organisations and increase awareness of ostomates whilst promoting the services of WAOA .

The conference is attended by rural GPs, medical students and health providers from Aboriginal Medical Centres from all over the state. It is great to see some familiar faces in addition to making new connections.

One of the medical students from Curtin University who came to WAOA on placement last year made a point of coming to the stand to thank us profusely for the experience she had. The student said shed told everyone on her course how much shed enjoyed it and what she had learnt. Our next cohort of Yr 3 medical students will be joining us in May.

I was privileged to attend some of the seminars over the weekend which included learning more about the benefits and precautions of using AI in medicine, and how Drs can work better with patients using a shared care model. I learnt about the new My Health Care record now called 1800 Medicare where you can access your test results within the 1800 Medicare app. I listened to a debate on whether Drs should be forced to work in remote regions to fill the gaps– both sides presented good arguments but those against the idea won.

I spoke to a surgical registrar from Albany and a GP from Geraldton who had both worked with the STNs in their corresponding areas. Both Drs were very impressed with the STNs standard of care which proves the value of the services provided, particularly in our regional areas - well done Rachael and Kristina!

The conference ended with the keynote speaker: Jana Pittman-such an inspirational woman who is widely known for her achievements in the 400m and hurdles. Plagued by injury that ruled her out in competing in the Olympics Jana took to joining the Australian bobsleigh team. Her career then took an about turn when she decided to pursue a career in medicine whilst being a single parent to 6 children, the youngest being 3 year old twins!! Just goes to show what can be achieved with the right mind set!

Next month I have the privilege of attending the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Conference in Canada where I will be presenting a poster on our Peer Support Service whilst enjoying many networking and learning opportunities.

My next rural trip will be to Exmouth in June- my thoughts go out to all those affected by the impact of the cyclone….