Parent leaders - Ann Porter
Ann Porter - Brunswick Heads, AustraliaCo-Chair
Ann’s advocacy journey began in 1996 when her youngest daughter, Bonny, lost her hearing at age 7. This personal experience inspired her to create a trusted online resource for families navigating a similar journey. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aussie Deaf Kids, a leading Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Aussie Deaf Kids provides accessible, evidence-based information and peer support to empower parents in making informed decisions about their child’s development and communication needs.
Ann’s advocacy journey began in 1996 when her youngest daughter, Bonny, lost her hearing at age 7. This personal experience inspired her to create a trusted online resource for families navigating a similar journey. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aussie Deaf Kids, a leading Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Aussie Deaf Kids provides accessible, evidence-based information and peer support to empower parents in making informed decisions about their child’s development and communication needs.
Beyond her work in Australia, Ann is a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPODHH). In recognition of her significant contributions to the hearing health sector, Ann was honoured with the 2024 Hearing Australia Lifetime Achievement Award and the FCEI International Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to families and children with hearing loss. Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master of eHealthcare. She continues to serve on national and international advisory committees, including the Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee, Healthy Hearing Early Intervention Working Group and the Family-Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) Advisory Group.
Ann enjoys being a proud grandmother to her four grandchildren, taking great joy in watching them grow and develop. She has a wide range of interests including gardening and travel. She likes starting her day with a coffee and winding down in the evening with a glass of wine.