Our 160-year history

Our future
In 2021 we’ll unite under one brand. In 2023, we have exciting plans to move our North Rocks functions to Centres of Excellence in hearing and vision at Macquarie University.
Reaching out
RIDBC officially expands its services to Victoria through merging with Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children (EEP) and Taralye – an early intervention, preschool and audiological service provider.
Woman of the Year
RIDBC ENT surgeon, Professor Catherine Birman, wins the 2017 New South Wales Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year. She is one of the most experienced cochlear implant surgeons in the world, having performed over 1,000 cochlear implant surgeries.
SCIC partnership
RIDBC partners with the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC) to provide Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cochlear implant program for people of all ages.
A record achievement
Assisting thousands of children each year, RIDBC is now Australia’s largest non-government provider of therapy, education and diagnostic services for children with hearing loss or vision impairment.
A world leader
Professor Gibson becomes the first surgeon in the world to perform 2000 cochlear implant surgeries, making him one of the most prolific surgeons in his field and a world leader in cochlear implantation.
150 years young
RIDBC celebrates its 150-year anniversary with a new tertiary facility for Renwick Centre opened by Her Excellency, Governor Marie Bashir. Chris Rehn is appointed as Chief Executive.
Teleschool launches

Teleschool (Remote Services) launches, providing services and support to rural and regional Australian families with children who are hard of hearing or vision impaired.
Record enrolments

RIDBC reaches a new record: over 600 children and families are enrolled in its services.
Graduation time

The first 13 graduates of Renwick College receive their Masters, awarded by the University of Newcastle.
Our 160-year history

Our future
Our future
In 2021 we’ll unite under one brand. In 2023, we have exciting plans to move our North Rocks functions to Centres of Excellence in hearing and vision at Macquarie University.
Reaching out
Reaching out
RIDBC officially expands its services to Victoria through merging with Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children (EEP) and Taralye – an early intervention, preschool and audiological service provider.
Woman of the Year
Woman of the Year
RIDBC ENT surgeon, Professor Catherine Birman, wins the 2017 New South Wales Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year. She is one of the most experienced cochlear implant surgeons in the world, having performed over 1,000 cochlear implant surgeries.
SCIC partnership
SCIC partnership
RIDBC partners with the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC) to provide Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cochlear implant program for people of all ages.
A record achievement
A record achievement
Assisting thousands of children each year, RIDBC is now Australia’s largest non-government provider of therapy, education and diagnostic services for children with hearing loss or vision impairment.
A world leader
A world leader
Professor Gibson becomes the first surgeon in the world to perform 2000 cochlear implant surgeries, making him one of the most prolific surgeons in his field and a world leader in cochlear implantation.
150 years young
150 years young
RIDBC celebrates its 150-year anniversary with a new tertiary facility for Renwick Centre opened by Her Excellency, Governor Marie Bashir. Chris Rehn is appointed as Chief Executive.
Teleschool launches
Teleschool launches

Teleschool (Remote Services) launches, providing services and support to rural and regional Australian families with children who are hard of hearing or vision impaired.
Record enrolments
Record enrolments

RIDBC reaches a new record: over 600 children and families are enrolled in its services.
Graduation time
Graduation time

The first 13 graduates of Renwick College receive their Masters, awarded by the University of Newcastle.