**We recommend that you book accommodation and flights early. August is a particularly busy time in Darwin. There are the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards on, the Darwin Festival, and it is peak tourism time for the parks around Darwin. Accommodation can book out quickly. 

Otitis Media Australia (OMOZ) offers an evidence-based forum, for experts in diverse disciplines, to collaborate in reducing the severity and high prevalence of otitis media, hearing loss and social disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Otitis Media Australia Conference (OMOZ) attracts Australia’s leading ear health investigators. it provides a forum for all researchers, clinical practitioners, health workers, policy makers, audiologists, speech therapists, ENT surgeons, consumers, educators and primary health care services investigating the prevention and treatment of chronic ear disease and hearing loss in Australia.

The conference provides an opportunity to share and learn about the latest evidence-based research and best practice treatment and prevention methods. All aspects of science, public health, policy, pathology, surgery, technology, hearing services, education and community engagement will find an audience. Indigenous researchers, practitioners and officeholders are encouraged to attend.

OMOZ 2018 is committed to excellence in evidence-based research and practice to reduce rates of otitis media and hearing loss in Australia. This biannual conference encourages innovation by collaborating to find new approaches to solving this problem.

We look forward to your participation in the 5th biannual OMOZ Conference, being held from 14 -16 August 2018 in Darwin, Northern Territory. 

DARWIN

Situated on the edge of a harbour bigger than Sydney's, Darwin is a beautiful, fascinating tropical city – a melting pot of people and cultures that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Sail across the harbour from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands, glide across wetlands and spot local wildlife, or cool off under a waterfall in Litchfield National Park, you'll be spoiled for choice in this very special city.

OMOZ occurs concurrently with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Art Awards and the Darwin Festival. Come and enjoy our weather, culture, art and the Australian landscape at its best.

Darwin is a significant location for OMOZ. The Northern Territory has the highest recorded prevalence of otitis media in the world, up to 90% of children in some communities. Darwin also boasts one of Australia’s leading research facilities, Menzies School of Health Research, and the Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear and Hearing Health.