News & Events

July 2024

Healthy Connections AI in Research – WADSIH – Research Rumble

Healthy Connections teams members spoke at the inaugural Curtin AI in Research Forum 2024 as part of Research Rumble. It was a resounding success! Tristan spoke about the rationale, utility and potential of Onco-genomic Foundation Models for Precision Medicine. Alastair spoke on machine translation and Prasanna spoke on Computer Vision for throat and skin analysis. Huge thanks to Alex Jenkins for his continued support of our students and researchers!

Aug 2024

Andrew and Kit from Healthy Connections attend CSANZ ASM 2024

Andrew Maiorana and Kit Yan Chan from the Healthy Connections team attended the 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was a massive event drawing cardiology expertise from around the world! What awesome teamwork from Andrew – our Healthy Connections Health Lead, and Kit – our legendary AI expert! Andrew chaired the hashtag CSANZ Allied Health track, and gave a significant keynote drawing on his experiences as Head of Department of Exercise Physiology at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the Curtin School of Allied Health. Andrew believes in the potential of digital health to improve cardiovascular disease prevention and management, and has a strong passion for working with Aboriginal communities to improve cardiovascular health through accessible and culturally appropriate models of care.

July 2024

Healthy Connections wins Social Impact Awards at WAITTA INCITE Awards

The Healthy Connections team was tremendously grateful to be winners in the 33rd WAITTA The INCITE Awards City of Perth Social Impact category! It was a jubilant cheer from our team on the announcement! We are so proud to be recognised in front of our technology peers. We have worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to build the mobile Medi-Kit Proof of Concept for preventative health screening in remote Indigenous communities. Thank you to community, clinicians, and collaborators. We thank you for your support!

July 2024

Healthy Connections mentor IAES students

Several team members from the Healthy Connections team mentored high school students from all over the state interested in studying Engineering at uni. It was so wonderful to engage with these bright and super knowledgeable students. We brainstormed digital health innovations for diabetes health, eye health, healthy eating and ‘mums and bubs’ health. Healthy Connections mentors had a great time and were impressed with how much they learnt from the students in healthcare and local knowledge.

June 2024

Healthy Connections Team Shines at ECU’s BIG Day In Event!

Sharing excitement! our AI Lead, Sonny Pham, along with our research assistants and student team—Shale Moothen, Jay Nicholson, Alin Ibrahim, and Prasanna Asokan—represented the Curtin School of Electrical Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences at the BIG Day event at Edith Cowan University.

The event had an impressive turnout, providing a great opportunity to showcase our Medi-Kit solution to high school students interested in technology. It was inspiring to witness their curiosity and excitement about our Medi-Kit and other projects. Engaging with the next generation of tech-minded students was a highlight for us.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth; your enthusiasm and feedback are crucial as we continue to advance our healthcare solutions.

June 2024

Healthy Connections’ Mobile Medi-Kit Named INCITE Awards Finalist!

We are thrilled to announce that our project, Healthy Connections, the mobile Medi-Kit, has been selected as a finalist in two categories for the INCITE Awards: Social Impact and Research and Innovation Project of the Year Industry!

Our innovative solution is a briefcase-sized healthcare screening device designed to bring the clinic to the community. This device aims to enhance health service delivery and bridge the health inequity gap in the Pilbara region.

We are incredibly proud to have our solution recognised, reflecting the dedication and passion of our entire team to reimagine healthcare delivery through community collaboration and cutting-edge technology.

Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate this exciting milestone and continue forward in our mission.

June 2024

Healthy Connections Team Attends Curtin University’s Research Rumble

The Healthy Connections team had the pleasure of attending Curtin University’s Research Rumble last week at The Lantern in the library. The event, led by MC Jonathan Bullen, featured speakers such as Rhonda Marriott AM, Carol Michie, Cindy Prior, Carolyn Lewis, Dolores Gilbert, and Carrington Shepherd. These distinguished speakers discussed various collaborative projects between Curtin researchers and their partners, including the Ngangk Yira Institute and Telethon Kids Institute, as part of Curtin Medical School’s Indigenous Health Research program.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of Elder and community-led approaches in health research, covering topics from stillbirth risk awareness to dementia prevention. Aunty Millie, a proud Noongar Yorga from Pinjarra, joined the speakers for a panel discussion, addressing: culturally secure healthcare, the researchers’ journeys into their fields, encouraging more male Aboriginal researchers to get involved, the necessity of community-led and co-designed research, and building trust and respect, and the time it takes to achieve these goals.

The panellists emphasised a powerful message: they aspire to see systemic change and a better life for future generations. The event concluded with insightful remarks from Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Professor Gretchen Benedix.

We extend our gratitude to the Research Rumble organisers and Curtin Medical School for hosting such an enlightening event. The discussions and insights gained will profoundly influence our research practices.
Photos courtesy of the professional photographer

May 2024

Insightful Contributions from Medical Students: Driving Medi-Kit Progress

We recently had the privilege of demonstrating our Mobile Medi-Kit solution to fifth-year medical students and academics staff during their practical break. This hands-on demo allowed us to engage with future health professionals in small groups, receiving invaluable feedback and insights.

The students and staff provided detailed advice and sparked engaging discussions that will help us refine and enhance our Medi-Kit. We are grateful for their time and contributions, which are crucial as we continue to test and iterate the Medi-Kit.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your input is helping shape the future of healthcare technology. Stay tuned for more updates as we integrate these feedbacks and move forward with our mission to reimagine healthcare access.

May 2024

Healthy Connections at ANDHealth Summit in Conjunction with AusMedTech

Susannah Soon and Stanley Chong proudly represented the Healthy Connections team at the ANDHealth Summit and AusMedtech in Adelaide, engaging in our favourite topics: AI and Health!

The summit’s theme, “Digital Health: Hype or Here to Stay? AI, Investment, and Industry Trends,” sparked high-quality discussions in an intimate format, making for an enjoyable and insightful day. We gained valuable insights into commercialisation and TGA pathways for our innovative mobile Medi-Kit.

May 2024

Healthy Connections at TEDxKings Park – Future Innovation

Our cutting-edge mobile Medi-Kit made a splash at TEDxKingsPark, showcased at the Heath Ledger Auditorium. This innovative end-to-end prototype. Thank you to Alex Jenkins for the invitation.

A big round of applause goes to our research assistants Shale, Tristan, Jaxson, Jay, Alin, Robin, Alastair, Prasanna, Stefan, and Xuelan Amy – a lively booth engaging and outreaching to the community and young minds.

The event, a true celebration of ideas worth spreading, featured five brilliant speakers from Perth Dr Jessica Kretzmann (Origami Chemist), Prof Jingbo Wang (Quantum Computer Pioneer), Dr Tracy Redhead (Musician, Composer & Researcher), Dr Andrzej Gwizdalski (Web 3 Ecosystem Builder), Dr Philipp Bayer (Computational Biologist), and surprise demo from Scitech sparking the excitement of science in all of us.

Thanks to hosts Gavin Buckley, Rob Lines, Jen Walsh, Mabel Abatania, Opeyemi David, and Monica Kander for an inspiring evening. Thank you to everyone who showed interest in the Medi-Kit! Your positive feedback and diverse perspectives are invaluable for our future iterations.

April 2024

Back to Newman: Community and Stakeholder Consultation Trip!

Returning to Newman after our recent visit in March, the Healthy Connections team, including Susannah, Prof Andrew, Cate, and Tristan, felt the familiar warmth of being back on-Country. Unlike the wet weather in March, this time, the perfect weather greeted us, accompanied by the ever-present Pilbara flies!

Despite the short visit, it was incredibly valuable. We held nine stakeholder and community engagement meetings, discussing how our WA Challenge finalist innovation, the mobile Medi-Kit, can enhance health equity in the Pilbara.

Learning about culturally sensitive health delivery from Liesl Dowling and Ted Dowling, both seasoned in Aboriginal Health, provided invaluable insights. We also received valuable input from Chris Pickett and Jodie Burgess of the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA), as well as Christina Hunn from Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service. Our discussions during our time with the community on self-determination and culture were powerful and heartfelt.

We’ll be returning to Newman in May for further community and stakeholder consultations. Thank you to the welcoming Newman community for their support – we eagerly anticipate our next visit!

April 2024

Back to Newman: Kenley Gordon’s Legacy and Curtinnovation Application

We had an amazing encounter during our recent trip to Newman, where Susannah, Cate, and Tristan stayed at the highly recommended Newman Visitor Centre Chalets. They had the pleasure of meeting the legendary Kenley Gordon, former Director of Marketing & Alumni at Curtin University.

Reminiscing about the good old days at Curtin and marvelling at how much the campus has evolved. These days, Kenley is immersing himself in the wonders of the Pilbara, showing incredible passion for Newman and its people.

An advocate for Indigenous equity, Kenley shared stories and insights that inspired the team. It was an honour to learn that Kenley initiated Curtinnovation—the Curtin Innovation Awards—18 years ago at Curtin University. Hearing his pride in our innovation, the mobile Medi-Kit, truly meant the world to us.

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be applying for Curtinnovation this year, with Kenley’s unwavering support behind us.

April 2024

Unlocking Connectivity: Satellite Testing for Mobile Medi-Kit

In a quest to assess our satellite connectivity capabilities, our team embarked on a scorching adventure. Led by Networking Lead Dr Himanshu Agrawal and Sensors Specialist Stanley Chong, we ventured on-Country armed with cutting-edge technology and a spirit of determination.

Despite facing scorching temperatures and relentless flies, we meticulously conducted tests to validate the remote connectivity and power supply for our Medi-Kit, collecting crucial latency, throughput, and failover metrics at the edge of 4G coverage.

With unwavering support from Optus, Cisco, and Curtin University’s Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) team, we made it happen.

This successful testing is a major milestone in our quest to reimagine healthcare access, edging us closer to providing preventive healthcare to communities in need. Through collaboration, perseverance, and cutting-edge technology, we are confident that our Medi-Kit will withstand the challenges of remote landscapes, ensuring healthcare reaches those who need it most.

March 2024

Exploring Innovations: Healthy Connections Stall at the FHRI Open Day!

Step into the vibrant world of Healthy Connections as we recount our exhilarating experience at the recent Future Health Research and Innovation Fund (FHRI) Open Day on the 8th International Women’s Day!

We were buzzing with excitement to be part of the FHRI Open Day, an event originally planned for Karratha but relocated to Harry Perkins North. This change enabled our Pilbara friends and more of the Curtin University team to participate.

Showcasing our Medi-Kit
The theme centred around Research and Innovation in Women’s and Children’s health, in partnership with Aboriginal communities. We eagerly set up our stall to showcase our ground-breaking Medi-Kit proof-of-concept. Alongside other finalists of The Challenge, we proudly demonstrated our end-to-end working prototype; a mobile solution equipped with satellite connectivity and AI-guided support for health workers, empowering them to deliver culturally sensitive preventative healthcare and screening directly to community members.

Engaging with Attendees
Interacting with attendees was a highlight of the day! We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, ideas, and feedback shared with us. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow innovators and potential collaborators, and we’re excited to follow up on the many leads generated during the event.

Highlights of the Day
From Brett Collard’s moving Welcome to Country to insightful talks by researchers in Aboriginal Health, like June Councillor, the day was filled with poignant moments. Stacey Waters’ announcement of 11 new FHRI funding programs added to the excitement. Despite the jam-packed schedule, Chris Pickett’s humorous remark about the event being a ‘Bladder Challenge’ left us laughing!

Towards a Brighter Future
As we reflect on this memorable day, we’re inspired to continue our journey towards collaboration and innovation to enhance equity in healthcare.

The FHRI Open Day was an event and celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress in healthcare. We’re excited for the opportunity and to be part of this transformative experience and look forward to the inspiring developments ahead!

March 2024

Cisco-Curtin University Showcase: Healthy Connections Shines Bright!

Join us for an exciting recap of our recent showcase at the Cisco-Curtin University event at Innovation Central Perth. It was a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and remarkable strides forward in innovation.

Celebrating Success: Healthy Connections Hits the Stage!
At the event, our project lead, Susannah Soon, took the spotlight to provide a riveting update on the project. With immense pride and passion, Susannah highlighted our unwavering commitment to delivering preventive healthcare to remote Indigenous communities in the Pilbara. The energy in the room was palpable as we showcased the tangible outcomes of our recent endeavours.

We’re also honoured to share the stage with our esteemed colleagues and partners who are driving innovation across various domains.

A special shoutout to Reg Johnson, General Manager of Education for Cisco Australia and New Zealand, and James Stewart, National Industry Innovation Network Program Manager, Cisco, for their unwavering support and optimism.

Student Power: Fuelling Innovation
We couldn’t be prouder of our incredible student team, who, as recent 12-week Innovation Central Perth interns and volunteers, have achieved remarkable milestones. From concept to execution, they’ve spearheaded the development of an end-to-end solution that we’re thrilled to present to the world.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Success
As we bask in the glow of our achievements, we’re already gearing up for the next phase of our journey. The horizon is brimming with possibilities and plans for further consultation, validation, testing, and commercialisation. The excitement is contagious as we chart our course towards making a lasting impact on healthcare accessibility.

Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and make waves in the world of healthcare!

March 2024

Wrapping Up a Summer of Innovation: Healthy Connections Summer Internships

Join us as we celebrate the conclusion and reflect on the impactful summer internships at Healthy Connections! Over the past 12 weeks, our team of seven dedicated students, alongside five volunteers, embarked on a transformative experience at Innovation Central Perth. Let’s delve into the heartwarming story of their journey!

Learning and Growing Together:
Throughout this unique internship, the students were privileged to delve into health equity challenges for remote Indigenous communities. Guided by the wisdom of Elders, they immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, learning invaluable lessons in ‘knowing, being, and doing’. This experience ignited a profound commitment within them to continue learning and walking together on this journey.

Celebrating Teamwork:
At the core of their journey lies the spirit of teamwork, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Hailing from various faculties, including Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Business and Law, they brought together a range of expertise in AI, IoT, networking, cybersecurity, Biomed, mechatronics, innovation and marketing. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, fostering genuine friendships and unwavering support for one another. Together, they celebrated every milestone, empowering each other to reach new heights!

Proud Progress with the Medi-Kit:
Over the course of 12 weeks, their proudest achievement was the development of their physical product – the Medi-Kit. This innovative solution has immense potential in revolutionising preventative healthcare and screening, empowering healthcare workers and community members. As they gear up to trial the Medi-Kit in the Pilbara, they are filled with optimism and determination to make a meaningful difference in healthcare accessibility.

They extend their heartfelt gratitude to all their supporters who have been instrumental in their journey. The unwavering encouragement and belief in their vision have fuelled their dedication and passion.

As they transition into their roles as Research Assistants, the journey of Healthy Connections continues. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on the next phase of our mission to transform healthcare accessibility.

March 2024

Optus Drops By Healthy Connections: Unveiling Our Latest Breakthroughs!

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a special visit from Optus to witness the progress of our Mobile Medi-Kit.

Optus’s active involvement and genuine interest in our project have been incredibly inspiring. It was a moment of pride for the team to showcase our strides and demonstrate how our innovative solution is reshaping the landscape of remote healthcare delivery.

Our portable Medi-Kit brings preventive care directly to the heart of the Pilbara community. Powered by cutting-edge generative AI and satellite technology to address the pressing health challenges faced by remote communities.

During the visit, we had the privilege of demonstrating the capabilities of our Medi-Kit and sharing insights into its development journey. We deeply appreciate the valuable feedback and encouragement provided by Susan Maguire, Gurpreet Kohli, and Serena Reid. Their support fuels our passion to push the boundaries of innovation and make a meaningful impact on healthcare accessibility.

We thank Optus for their unwavering support and commitment to collaborative efforts to drive positive healthcare accessibility changes. With each step forward, we are excited to continue this innovation journey and look forward to showcasing our next iteration to Optus and the world!

February 2024

Exploring Culture: Healthy Connections’ Journey through Wadjuk Country and Acknowledgment Writing Workshop

We had the privilege of embarking on a profound cultural journey led by Jayde Conway, Curtin University’s Lead for Indigenous Cultural Capability. Our experience during the Wanju Curtin Mia On Campus walking tour and Acknowledgment writing workshop left a lasting impact on our team, reshaping our perspectives and deepening our understanding of Aboriginal culture.

Led by Jayde, our journey through Aboriginal culture unveiled the rich tapestry of traditions and values. From learning about totems and their significance in defining roles to exploring the interconnectedness of Aboriginal ways of viewing the world, every step was a lesson in reciprocity and sustainability.

Walking on Wadjuk Country, we immersed ourselves in the significance of native plants, understanding their multifaceted roles in Aboriginal life, from shelter to toolmaking. The Rainbow Serpent (Wagyl) captivated our imagination as we delved into its role as the giver of life, shaping waterways and landscapes. Stories, songs, and dances brought to life the cultural richness of the land, while discussions on the six Noongar seasons deepened our appreciation for the cyclical nature of life.

Each step uncovered new layers of Australian history and Aboriginal culture as we travelled through the Rob Riley Walk and explored the Centre of Aboriginal Studies. This journey empowered us to make informed decisions, expand our perspectives, and foster cultural knowledge.

The Acknowledgment of Country workshop was a poignant reminder of the profound significance of acknowledging and respecting Indigenous land, fostering a moment of solemn reflection. Delving deeper into the true essence of acknowledgment, we gained valuable insight into the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.

Together, we embarked on a transformative journey of cultural understanding and respect, guided by the profound wisdom passed down through Jayde’s maternal lineage. These invaluable insights have become integral to our approach to developing the Mobile Medi-Kit, allowing us to infuse every aspect of our project with cultural sensitivity and awareness.

January – February 2024

Navigating Innovation: Lean Canvas Workshop Series

Workshop one:
Professor Kate Brooks led the first of three Lean Canvas workshops for the Innovation Central Perth interns. Themed “Innovation Concepts,” the session explored starting with “Why,” refining Customer-Centric Design, and navigating the Innovator’s Dilemma. With project leads and academic experts in attendance, the collaborative energy set the stage for an exciting journey.

Workshop two:
Guided by Lean Startup principles, the second workshop focused on refining our approach and strategies. Key highlights included discussions on the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), customer testing, and market segmentation. We highlighted the importance of a robust business model, regulatory compliance, and quality management. Our vision for Generative AI Patient Education and Culturally Inclusive Information remained at the forefront.

Workshop three:
The final Lean Canvas workshop refined the vision for the Mobile Medi-Kit project. We explored our purpose and honed our pitching skills, ensuring resonance with stakeholders. We identified key problem statements through interactive exercises, guiding our focus towards impactful solutions. Collaboratively completing the Lean Canvas, we navigated through delivering, creating, and capturing value, harnessing collective expertise and innovative thinking. The team emerged with a strengthened vision and a unified sense of purpose as the workshop concluded.

January 2024

Healthy Connections at the AI in Cardiovascular Disease Student Symposium

Healthy Connections proudly presented its innovative Mobile Medi-Kit at the AI in Cardiovascular Health Symposium. Held at Harry Perkins Fiona Stanley Hospital, the event showcased the Medi-Kit’s role in addressing health challenges in the Pilbara region.

The presentation, supported by Susannah and led by the student team, featured a live demonstration and discussions on AI, connectivity, cybersecurity, and our vision for seamless integration into existing healthcare systems, robust support for healthcare practitioners and our commitment to cultural sensitivity.

In an exclusive opportunity, Professors Andrew Maiorana and Girish Dwivedi provided a captivating tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at Harry Perkins South and Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH). The tour encompassed a firsthand look at FSH’s remarkable cardiovascular testing, rehabilitation, and care facilities.

The symposium also highlighted five other groundbreaking AI solutions from UWA/Perkins, sparking enthusiasm for positive changes in healthcare. This event marks the beginning of collaborative efforts to impact the future of medicine and technology.

December 2023

Progress Unveiled: Highlights from Our Sprint Demo Day

As we wrap up our two-week sprint just before the holidays, we’re thrilled to share key moments from our recent Demo Day. A special shoutout to Dr Judy Edwards, Prof Andrew Maiorana, Dr Margaret Gidgup, and Prof Robert Eikelboom for their unwavering support. Our focus centred on the Mobile Medi-Kit, showcasing significant progress in line with our commitment to reimagining healthcare.

Here’s a snapshot of the highlights:
User-Friendly Showcase by Jaxson Brown: Jaxson provided a walkthrough of the Medi-Kit’s user interface and database structure, highlighting its user-friendly design tailored for the regional community.

Technological Marvels Unveiled by Stanley Chong: Stanley delved into the technological aspects, unravelling the journey of integrating cutting-edge technology into our prototype.

Networking Insights by Tahsin Shorat Ahmed: Tahsin shared insights into networking aspects, including satellite selection and plans for a resilient network topology.

AI Deep Dive with Tristan Carlisle: Tristan’s presentation thoroughly explored the AI aspects of the Medi-Kit, detailing machine learning techniques for electrocardiogram (ECG) classification and streptococcus A bacterial pharyngitis diagnosis.

Looking ahead, our focus is on refining the user interface and developing tailored language models for cultural relevance. These steps will support clinicians and offer health-centric lifestyle recommendations rooted in Aboriginal ways of life. Reflecting on our achievements, we’re grateful for the collaborative spirit propelling us forward. Here’s to a year of innovation, collaboration, and positive impact on healthcare. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!

December 2023

Celebrating Mya’s Milestone: Redefining Digital Health Innovation

Today, we proudly commend Mya for her outstanding Honours final project, which explores the vital intersection of ear health, mental well-being, and education in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Under Susannah’s mentorship and Prof Robert Eikelboom’s external supervision from the Ear Science Institute Australia, Mya demonstrated unwavering dedication, passion, and a commitment to impact lives positively.

Mya’s study introduces an advanced system for collecting data tailored to educate and monitor ear, hearing, and mental health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This cutting-edge system, featuring an app and classroom-centric designs, lays the groundwork for holistic educational and monitoring systems.

The SoundSmiles app is designed to infuse joy into learning for Aboriginal children while improving their hearing and mental health. This endeavor has received substantial backing, securing an impressive $1.5 million grant from Western Australia’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund. This funding will propel the app’s continued development and testing, benefitting Pilbara and South-West communities.

Congratulations, Mya! We eagerly anticipate the positive ripple effect of your groundbreaking contributions.

December 2023

Gratitude in Focus: Networking and Project Highlights at EECMS Morning Tea

We express our appreciation for the privilege to address the esteemed staff of the Curtin School of Electrical Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences during the EECMS Morning Tea. Special thanks to Head of School Prof. Kate Brooks for giving our interns the platform to introduce themselves and present the exciting advancements in our project. It was a valuable moment of connection and collaboration with our academic peers.

December 2023

Empowering Futures: Unveiling Healthy Connections to Year 11 Students in Kimberley at Innovation Central Perth

We were honoured to introduce Healthy Connections to the enthusiastic Year 11 students from the Kimberley region during their visit to Innovation Central Perth. This exciting tour was part of their exploration of the diverse educational offerings at Curtin University, providing them with valuable insights into a wide range of courses and opportunities. Our interns seized the moment to share their university and internship experiences, igniting inspiration for the next generation.

December 2023

Team Unity Through Weekly Sports: Boosting Health and Connection

Our team actively engages in weekly team-building activities through spirited sports competitions, ranging from badminton to table tennis. These activities not only promote physical health but also contribute to mental well-being, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and connection among team members.

November 2023

A Transformative Pilbara Venture

Susannah and Prof Tim’s expedition into the Pilbara region over three days was nothing short of exceptional. Engaging in vibrant discussions with fellow finalists, insightful conversations with PAMS, and connecting with the incredible healthcare providers was an enriching experience. A special thanks goes to Minister Stephen Dawson for joining our group, attentively listening to our trip insights, and contributing to the depth of our discussions.

The tour navigated through hospitals in each major town, allowing us to visit essential healthcare services, including Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Jigalong Health Centre, Wirraka Maya Health Service in South Hedland, and MAWARNKARRA HEALTH SERVICE in Roebourne. Our sincere appreciation extends to the dedicated healthcare staff who warmly hosted our group of Challenge finalists.

Despite grappling with obstacles like distance, staffing shortages, and difficulties in data system interoperability difficulties that significantly affect service delivery, the healthcare providers in the Pilbara exhibited steadfast dedication. The facilities radiated warmth and care, demonstrating a profound commitment to serving their communities – a truly humbling and inspiring experience.

The tour was a profound learning experience– moving and eye-opening. We shared these insights with our students, recognising that being on the ground is irreplaceable. In our next trip up North, we hope to bring students along, deepening our understanding of the “why” behind our mobile Medi-Kit innovation and further committing to this crucial work.

Our gratitude extends to all who made this journey possible, and we’re excited about the future. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our commitment to transformative healthcare.

November 2023

The Mobile Medi-Kit Takes Center Stage

We were honoured to receive an invitation to share the latest developments in our project. At the event, we had the opportunity to introduce our revolutionary Mobile Medi-Kit to a diverse audience of over 200 individuals from various sectors, including health, medical research, innovation, industry, business, and the startup community, with Hon Stephen Dawson among the attendees. Susannah’s pitch was a culmination of numerous hours, innovative ideas, and steadfast dedication invested in our project.

During our presentation, we highlighted the profound impact of the Mobile Medi-Kit, emphasising a shift from conventional clinical pathways. The AI-driven chatbot integrated into the medi-kit assists health workers, interprets data on-site, connects to local clinic GPs online, and generates visual care plans. This not only enhances health literacy but also facilitates the early detection of critical conditions.

Our efforts bridge healthcare gaps, empowering communities with prompt support and personalised care plans. Yet, this is just the beginning. The Mobile Medi-Kit’s potential, leveraging secure network connectivity and advanced AI analytics, expands to screening and detecting conditions like renal failure, diabetes, respiratory issues, and skin conditions.

November 2023

Healthy Connections Project Takes Flight with Dynamic Team Kick-off

Healthy Connections has officially commenced with our dynamic team of Innovation Central Perth interns and volunteers, launching a transformative journey to reshape Pilbara healthcare. Our diverse student team, skilled in AI/ML, IoT, networking, cyber security, health, marketing, and engagement, initiated the project with a collaborative and energetic kickoff, setting the stage for an impactful and innovative summer ahead.

November 2023

Visit to RPH HIVE

Our team visited the East Metro Health Service Health in a Virtual Environment (HIVE) at Royal Perth Hospital, a transformative healthcare initiative operational for two years. The immersive tour of HIVE showcased its vital role in empowering healthcare professionals through remote access to patient signs and innovative real-time monitoring, with a particular emphasis on mental health