4 July 2025
In 2024, we awarded a community grant to Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) to help improve access to epilepsy education, resources and support services in the Pilbara region.
With over 800 people in the Pilbara affected by epilepsy, and national awareness levels low, this small but meaningful investment helped extend Epilepsy Action Australia’s ‘Equip’ program to where it was needed most.
With support from our Community Grants Program, Epilepsy Action Australia rolled out the ‘Equip’ program across the region, reaching more than 40 community members and included:
Seizures are one of the leading causes of avoidable hospital visits in the Pilbara, and access to support and education can make a lasting difference for individuals and families managing the condition.
For one Port Hedland family, the program provided critical support at a challenging time. After their son Jake* began experiencing seizures, they faced months of medical appointments, uncertainty around his diagnosis, and long trips to Perth for specialist care.
Living in a regional area compounded the stress. However, with the support of Epilepsy Action Australia’s Equip program, Jake’s family received clear information, strategies to manage seizure triggers, and help arranging a second neurology opinion. This support was a lifeline for the family, helping them navigate the diagnosis and ongoing care.
“Jake’s story highlights the isolation many regional families feel and reinforces the importance of expanding access to tailored, face-to-face epilepsy education and support,” said Jocelyn Geary, Grants Manager, Epilepsy Action Australia.
“Thanks to PLS, we were able to offer practical assistance and a pathway forward for families like Jake’s.”
We believe that healthy communities are strong communities. That’s why we invest in programs that improve access to services and support long term wellbeing in the places where we live and work, like Port Hedland.
“The Equip program is a great example of how small, targeted investments can deliver real outcomes in community health and wellbeing,” said Sandra McInnes, Chief Sustainability Officer, PLS.
“By supporting organisations like Epilepsy Action Australia, we’re helping build confidence, capacity and connection in our communities.”
We believe that shaping tomorrow starts with the health and wellbeing of our communities. That’s why we partner with organisations making a difference on the ground, and remain committed to strengthening access to essential services across the Pilbara through our Community Investment Framework, helping more families like Jake’s access the support they need, closer to home.
* For privacy, the individual will be referred to as ‘Jake’ throughout this news article.