BRIDGING THE GAP FOUNDATION LIMITED
Bridging the Gap Foundation (the Foundation) was established by Menzies to support and fund initiatives to address the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non Indigenous people s health and education opportunities and outcomes. Ear Health was a major focus of the Foundation during 2023. In a nation where equitable access to health care is fundamental, one fact that cannot be disputed is the unseen and rarely reported health crisis facing Indigenous populations. It is a littleknown fact that Australia s Indigenous populations, especially those in rural and remote communities, are particularly susceptible to ear disease, with this issue particularly prevalent amongst children. Ninety per cent of Indigenous children in remote areas of the Northern Territory currently suffer some form of otitis media, a disease that results from inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear, causing hearing loss. The disease has been found to persist for years in up to 70 per cent of Indigenous children, with nearly 30 per cent developing chronic ruptured eardrums, the most severe form of the disease which causes hearing loss classified as disabling by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Notably, these rates are the highest reported in the world. While many Australians are unaware of this alarming situation, it continued to be a driving motivation for the Foundation to shine a light on the inequalities experienced by Indigenous Australians and ensure Indigenous community members have access to the same opportunities as every other Australian. The Foundation was able to donate almost $400,000 to Menzies during 2023 to support their ongoing work including Ear Health, the Ramaciotti Centre and the Diabetes, Health LAB and Stay Strong Programs. The Foundation auspiced a generous stage one donation of 50,000 English pounds from the Compass UK Foundation and by Deed of Agreement assigned the project to Menzies who will undertake the research in collaboration with the Maningrida community and Compass Australia. In the current economic environment, factors including the cost of living, interest rates, global conflicts and a shift in the causes supported by some corporates and philanthropists, have created significant financial pressures and challenges for notforprofit organizations, including Bridging the Gap. This led to the unfortunate decision to close the Foundation on 29 December 2023. We wish to place on record our appreciation to the eminent voluntary Board, the staff, and supporters of the Foundation for the tremendous work undertaken in collaboration with Menzies over many years, to the benefit of Indigenous people