About Wide Bay Ostomates
WBOA provides medical supplies, support, information and guidance to our Ostomates in a friendly & relaxed environment.
Wide Bay Ostomates Association (WBOA) is a not-for-profit organisation who provides medical supplies to people who have lost the use of their bladder or bowel due to medical conditions such as (but not limited to) cancer or irritable bowel syndromes.
WBOA have been assisting Ostomates (people with a stoma) for over 15 years in the Wide Bay area and beyond, there are members who have had their stoma for many years and new members who have only just received one and everyone in between, some come and go whilst others stay with WBOA permanently.
As well as the above WBOA also provides support, information and guidance to our Ostomates in a friendly and relaxed environment, either in person at the office in Bundaberg or by means of communication (phone & email).
Our volunteers
WBOA relies heavily on our volunteers to ensure all our Ostomates receive their supplies in a timely manner, these volunteers pick and pack parcels for posting and collection every week. WBOA employs an Office Manager and an Admin Assistant to ensure the smooth operation of our office headquarter is Bundaberg.
To access our services
To receive Commonwealth Government funded supplies you need to be the holder of a valid Medicare Card or relevant DVA Card and become a financial member of WBOA by paying an Annual Access Fee. This is reviewed each year and ratified at the WBOA’s AGM.
WBOA is a registered charity
WBOA is a registered charitable organisation and gratefully accepts donations to support our ostomates and the services we offer.
Annual open days
WBOA conducts Open Days each year in Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg where all Ostomates, family and friends are welcome, and we aim to provide
- A supportive and friendly environment
- Supplier Reps present to show you their products
- Somewhere to meet new people, the staff and volunteers
- Information sessions from guest speakers and our Stomal Therapy Nurses
- Answer all your questions (where possible) or find out and let you know the answers.
- A place to ask questions and learn from others' experiences.
- An environment to promote self-confidence with your stoma.
- Refreshments to socialise
- Generally, to have fun, laugh and cry (even need be) in the safe knowledge you are surrounded by other Ostomates.