Our Telethon Speech & Hearing staff and community were saddened to hear about the passing of WA businessman and philanthropist, Dr Jack Bendat OAM this February.

Dr Bendat, Eleanor and his family have been enduring supporters of Telethon Speech & Hearing for many years. Most significantly, Dr Bendat, alongside many other corporate and private supporters, helped to fund the “Bendat Parent and Community Centre” back in 2011.

This photo (left) of former Telethon Speech & Hearing student, Riley, dressed in high-vis construction attire and Dr Bendat was captured just before this major building project began.

Their generosity allowed our existing Centre to be revitalised and expanded to make room for state-of-the-art audiology booths, customised family therapy suites, the first dedicated early literacy library in WA, and training and conference facilities.

It was a much-needed expansion that today, allows thousands of Western Australian children with hearing loss, or speech/language difficulties to access world-class early intervention right here in Perth.

We will always treasure Dr Bendat's support of our community and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.