Resources
Find professional support, educational materials, support groups, travel information and practical tools to help you live well with a stoma.
Find a Stomal Therapist
Locate a specialist STN near you for expert clinical advice.
Ostomy Australia Journal
Read the latest and past issues of the ACSA journal.
Support Groups
Connect with local ostomates in your state or territory.
Toilet Map & MLAK
Find accessible toilets and get your MLAK key.
Find a Stomal Therapy Nurse
Stomal Therapy Nurses (STNs) are specialist nurses trained to help with stoma care, product selection and clinical advice.
The Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses (AASTN) maintains a directory of qualified STNs across Australia. Your STN can help you with product selection, stoma care education, managing complications, and connecting you with ongoing support.
When to see an STN
Consider contacting a Stomal Therapy Nurse if you:
- ✓Are preparing for stoma surgery
- ✓Need help selecting the right products
- ✓Are using more supplies than your monthly allowance
- ✓Have skin irritation around your stoma
- ✓Want a routine check-up or product review
Ostomy Australia Journal
Australia's Leading Ostomy Publication
The ACSA journal Ostomy Australia was established in 1992 through the inaugural sponsorship of ConvaTec Australia. Published three times per year, the journal is provided free to every member of an Australian Ostomy Association.
Packed with articles, stories and tips for people living with a stoma, Ostomy Australia is considered one of the best ways to find out about new products available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme. Reader contributions and feedback are encouraged.
Read Current Edition ↗📖 Quick Facts
Published: 3 times per year
Issues: April, August, December
Cost: Free to all association members
Established: 1992
Archive: Issues from 2012–2026 available below
📂 Journal Archive
Show earlier issues (2012–2022) ▾
A New Beginning
A practical ready-reference guide for people facing or recovering from ostomy surgery. Covers what a stoma is, how to manage it, available resources, the Stoma Appliance Scheme, and frequently asked questions.
Travelling with a Stoma
International Departure — Body Scanning
Full body scanning was introduced to Australia's main international airports in December 2012 as an additional layer of security. Body scanners will detect stoma and ostomy pouches on a person.
The Australian Government has developed guidelines for screening officers when dealing with persons with a medical device or aid, including an ostomy, to ensure privacy is maintained at all times. We recommend being aware of these guidelines before travelling.
Persons are randomly selected for body scanning. Persons who refuse to participate will not be allowed to pass through the screening point and will not be allowed to board their flight.
Ostomy Appliances Overseas
Ostomates travelling overseas should ensure they take enough supplies for the duration of their stay, as supplies cannot be sent by associations to destinations outside of Australia. It is recommended to carry a list of associations/contacts within your destination country in case of emergency. A full list can be obtained from the International Ostomy Association (IOA) website.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Australia has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with certain countries. As an Australian resident, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of medically necessary treatment while travelling in these countries.
To access assistance, travellers may need to provide an Australian passport and a valid Australian Medicare card. More about RHCAs →
When travelling to a destination without an RHCA, stoma appliances will need to be purchased. Medicare reimbursement cannot be obtained for stoma appliances purchased overseas.
Travel Certificate
It's a good idea to carry a doctor's letter or an ACSA Travel Certificate explaining your condition. The certificate comes in a range of languages to assist while obtaining customs clearance. It requires your personal information and must be signed by your STN or doctor.
✈️ Travel Checklist
☑ Passport & travel insurance
☑ Medicare Card
☑ Travel Certificate (signed by STN/doctor)
☑ Adequate stoma supplies for your trip
☑ Small travel kit for appliance changes
☑ Pre-cut appliances for hand luggage
☑ Drainable pouches (in case of tummy upset)
☑ Supplier contact list for your destination
☑ Product codes & supplier details
☑ Scissors packed in checked luggage only
Ordering for travel: Up to 6 months' supply can be issued by your association for international travel. Remember to work within your association's order availability timeframes.
Travel Insurance
Obtaining travel insurance with a stoma can be difficult due to "pre-existing condition" clauses, but there are companies that will cover ostomates depending on the underlying condition. Keep trying!
🌏 Visiting Australia
While ostomates visiting Australia should bring sufficient supplies, emergency supplies may be obtained from any Australian Stoma Association. Visiting ostomates fall into two categories:
RHCA Country Visitors
Visitors from countries with reciprocal health agreements who have registered with Medicare Australia may be eligible for normal benefits, including subsidised issue of approved stoma supplies. They will be required to become temporary members and pay the appropriate membership fee.
Other Country Visitors
Visitors from RHCA countries who haven't obtained a temporary Medicare card, and visitors from all other countries, may — at the discretion of an individual association — purchase supplies at a price determined by that association.
Note: The range of ostomy products held in stock varies by association. Visitors should, if possible, provide advance notice of any supplies required.
Ostomy Product Suppliers
Approved suppliers of ostomy products available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme.
Support Websites
Organisations providing information, community and support for people affected by stoma-related conditions.
BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia ↗
Australia's leading patient advocacy organisation for the bladder cancer community, including those living with a urostomy. Provides a patient-friendly website and a national online monthly support group.
Bowel Group for Kids (BGK) ↗
An Australian charity providing emotional support to families of children born with Hirschsprung's disease, imperforate anus/ano-rectal malformations and associated conditions.
Crohn's & Colitis Australia ↗
The peak national body representing more than 75,000 Australians diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
iConnect — Crohn's & Colitis Chat ↗
Chat line support for people diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide ↗
A non-profit organisation that collects donated ostomy supplies from the United States and sends them to those in need worldwide.
A Bigger Life ↗
A warm and friendly online space that people living with a stoma can visit any time of the day or night.
Liberty — Freedom to Live ↗
Educational support for persons facing ostomy surgery and for new ostomates.
Parenteral Nutrition Down Under ↗
A non-profit support group for consumers and carers in Australia and New Zealand on HPN for Intestinal Failure.
Support Groups
Connect with local ostomates in your state or territory. Select a state below to find a group near you.
Can't find a support group in your area? See our guide to establishing an ostomy peer support group.
Facebook — Ostomy, Dating, Relationships, Intimacy and Social Support. Join on Facebook ↗
Ostomy Information Group
Coffs Ostomy Group
Broken Hill Ostomy Support Group
St George / South East Sydney OSG
Grafton Ostomy Support Group
Hastings Macleay OSG
Manning / Great Lakes OSG
Newcastle District OSG
Illawarra Ostomy Information Group
Eurobodalla Region OSG
Shoalhaven Area OSG
Far South Coast OSG (Bega)
Albury Wodonga Stoma Support Group
Orange & District OSG
Campbelltown Stoma Support Group
Bowral Stoma Support Group
Bowen Ostomy Support Group
Beenleigh Ostomy Support Group
Brisbane Ostomate Support Group
Gold Coast SONG
Mackay Ostomy Support Group
QSA Members Support Group
Rockhampton Ostomy Support Group
South Burnett Ostomy Support Group
Sunshine Coast OSG
FNQ Ostomy Support Group
Colostomy Association of Victoria
Bairnsdale & District OSG
Albury Wodonga Stoma Support Group
Benalla / Wangaratta OSG
OstWest Support Group
Northern Hospital OSG
Warrnambool & District OSG
Young Ostomates United (Y.O.U)
Fawkner Ostomy Support Group
Mildura Ostomy Support Group
Perth — New Members' Support Group
Perth Regular Support Group
Riverton — South of the River
Mandurah
Albany
Bunbury
Esperance
Geraldton
Kalgoorlie
Narrogin
York
Dunsborough
Perth Young Ostomates
West Ossie Gutsy Kids
Central Stoma Support Group
Fleurieu Stoma Support Group
Southern Stoma Support Group
Port Augusta & Beyond
Port Pirie Stoma Support Group
Yorke Peninsula Stoma Support Group
South East Stoma Support Group
Barossa Stoma Support Group
Northern Stoma Support Group
Eyre Peninsula Stoma Support Group
Adelaide Hills Stoma Support Group
No support groups currently listed for Tasmania.
Start a peer support group →
No support groups currently listed for the Northern Territory.
Start a peer support group →
Accessible Facilities
Practical tools and access systems to help ostomates find and use public facilities across Australia.
MLAK — Master Locksmiths Access Key
The MLAK enables people with disabilities — including those with a stoma — to gain 24/7 access to a network of public facilities including accessible toilets, elevators at railway stations and adaptive playground equipment across Australia.
Who is eligible?
- ✓People with a disability (including a stoma)
- ✓People with written authority from a doctor, disability organisation, community health centre, or building management
How to get an MLAK
MLAK keys are available for purchase from Business Members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.
Find a Master Locksmith ↗Further information: Master Locksmiths Association (03) 9338 8822 or Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (02) 9661 8855 / 1800 819 775
National Public Toilet Map
The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private toilet facilities across Australia — including along major travel routes and for shorter journeys.
Information provided
- ✓Location and opening hours
- ✓Availability of baby change rooms
- ✓Accessibility for people with disabilities
- ✓Details of other nearby toilets
Other Links
Links to other organisations and sites which may be of interest to ostomates.
Resources
Find professional support, educational materials, support groups, travel information and practical tools to help you live well with a stoma.
Find a Stomal Therapist
Locate a specialist STN near you for expert clinical advice.
Ostomy Australia Journal
Read the latest and past issues of the ACSA journal.
Support Groups
Connect with local ostomates in your state or territory.
Toilet Map & MLAK
Find accessible toilets and get your MLAK key.
Find a Stomal Therapy Nurse
Stomal Therapy Nurses (STNs) are specialist nurses trained to help with stoma care, product selection and clinical advice.
The Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses (AASTN) maintains a directory of qualified STNs across Australia. Your STN can help you with product selection, stoma care education, managing complications, and connecting you with ongoing support.
When to see an STN
Consider contacting a Stomal Therapy Nurse if you:
- ✓Are preparing for stoma surgery
- ✓Need help selecting the right products
- ✓Are using more supplies than your monthly allowance
- ✓Have skin irritation around your stoma
- ✓Want a routine check-up or product review
Ostomy Australia Journal
Australia's Leading Ostomy Publication
The ACSA journal Ostomy Australia was established in 1992 through the inaugural sponsorship of ConvaTec Australia. Published three times per year, the journal is provided free to every member of an Australian Ostomy Association.
Packed with articles, stories and tips for people living with a stoma, Ostomy Australia is considered one of the best ways to find out about new products available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme. Reader contributions and feedback are encouraged.
Read Current Edition ↗📖 Quick Facts
Published: 3 times per year
Issues: April, August, December
Cost: Free to all association members
Established: 1992
Archive: Issues from 2012–2026 available below
📂 Journal Archive
2026
Show earlier issues (2012–2022) ▾
A New Beginning
A practical ready-reference guide for people facing or recovering from ostomy surgery. Covers what a stoma is, how to manage it, available resources, the Stoma Appliance Scheme, and frequently asked questions.
Travelling with a Stoma
International Departure — Body Scanning
Full body scanning was introduced to Australia's main international airports in December 2012 as an additional layer of security. Body scanners will detect stoma and ostomy pouches on a person.
The Australian Government has developed guidelines for screening officers when dealing with persons with a medical device or aid, including an ostomy, to ensure privacy is maintained at all times. We recommend being aware of these guidelines before travelling.
Persons are randomly selected for body scanning. Persons who refuse to participate will not be allowed to pass through the screening point and will not be allowed to board their flight.
Ostomy Appliances Overseas
Ostomates travelling overseas should ensure they take enough supplies for the duration of their stay, as supplies cannot be sent by associations to destinations outside of Australia. It is recommended to carry a list of associations/contacts within your destination country in case of emergency. A full list can be obtained from the International Ostomy Association (IOA) website.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Australia has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with certain countries. As an Australian resident, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of medically necessary treatment while travelling in these countries.
To access assistance, travellers may need to provide an Australian passport and a valid Australian Medicare card. More about RHCAs →
When travelling to a destination without an RHCA, stoma appliances will need to be purchased. Medicare reimbursement cannot be obtained for stoma appliances purchased overseas.
Travel Certificate
It's a good idea to carry a doctor's letter or an ACSA Travel Certificate explaining your condition. The certificate comes in a range of languages to assist while obtaining customs clearance. It requires your personal information and must be signed by your STN or doctor.
✈️ Travel Checklist
☑ Passport & travel insurance
☑ Medicare Card
☑ Travel Certificate (signed by STN/doctor)
☑ Adequate stoma supplies for your trip
☑ Small travel kit for appliance changes
☑ Pre-cut appliances for hand luggage
☑ Drainable pouches (in case of tummy upset)
☑ Supplier contact list for your destination
☑ Product codes & supplier details
☑ Scissors packed in checked luggage only
Ordering for travel: Up to 6 months' supply can be issued by your association for international travel. Remember to work within your association's order availability timeframes.
Travel Insurance
Obtaining travel insurance with a stoma can be difficult due to "pre-existing condition" clauses, but there are companies that will cover ostomates depending on the underlying condition. Keep trying!
🌏 Visiting Australia
While ostomates visiting Australia should bring sufficient supplies, emergency supplies may be obtained from any Australian Stoma Association. Visiting ostomates fall into two categories:
RHCA Country Visitors
Visitors from countries with reciprocal health agreements who have registered with Medicare Australia may be eligible for normal benefits, including subsidised issue of approved stoma supplies. They will be required to become temporary members and pay the appropriate membership fee.
Other Country Visitors
Visitors from RHCA countries who haven't obtained a temporary Medicare card, and visitors from all other countries, may — at the discretion of an individual association — purchase supplies at a price determined by that association.
Note: The range of ostomy products held in stock varies by association. Visitors should, if possible, provide advance notice of any supplies required.
Ostomy Product Suppliers
Approved suppliers of ostomy products available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme.
Support Websites
Organisations providing information, community and support for people affected by stoma-related conditions.
BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia ↗
Australia's leading patient advocacy organisation for the bladder cancer community, including those living with a urostomy. Provides a patient-friendly website and a national online monthly support group.
Bowel Group for Kids (BGK) ↗
An Australian charity providing emotional support to families of children born with Hirschsprung's disease, imperforate anus/ano-rectal malformations and associated conditions.
Crohn's & Colitis Australia ↗
The peak national body representing more than 75,000 Australians diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
iConnect — Crohn's & Colitis Chat ↗
Chat line support for people diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide ↗
A non-profit organisation that collects donated ostomy supplies from the United States and sends them to those in need worldwide.
A Bigger Life ↗
A warm and friendly online space that people living with a stoma can visit any time of the day or night.
Liberty — Freedom to Live ↗
Educational support for persons facing ostomy surgery and for new ostomates.
Parenteral Nutrition Down Under ↗
A non-profit support group for consumers and carers in Australia and New Zealand on HPN for Intestinal Failure.
Support Groups
Connect with local ostomates in your state or territory. Select a state below to find a group near you.
Can't find a support group in your area? See our guide to establishing an ostomy peer support group.
Facebook — Ostomy, Dating, Relationships, Intimacy and Social Support. Join on Facebook ↗
Ostomy Information Group
Coffs Ostomy Group
Broken Hill Ostomy Support Group
St George / South East Sydney OSG
Grafton Ostomy Support Group
Hastings Macleay OSG
Manning / Great Lakes OSG
Newcastle District OSG
Illawarra Ostomy Information Group
Eurobodalla Region OSG
Shoalhaven Area OSG
Far South Coast OSG (Bega)
Albury Wodonga Stoma Support Group
Orange & District OSG
Campbelltown Stoma Support Group
Bowral Stoma Support Group
Bowen Ostomy Support Group
Beenleigh Ostomy Support Group
Brisbane Ostomate Support Group
Gold Coast SONG
Mackay Ostomy Support Group
QSA Members Support Group
Rockhampton Ostomy Support Group
South Burnett Ostomy Support Group
Sunshine Coast OSG
FNQ Ostomy Support Group
Colostomy Association of Victoria
Bairnsdale & District OSG
Albury Wodonga Stoma Support Group
Benalla / Wangaratta OSG
OstWest Support Group
Northern Hospital OSG
Warrnambool & District OSG
Young Ostomates United (Y.O.U)
Fawkner Ostomy Support Group
Mildura Ostomy Support Group
Perth — New Members' Support Group
Perth Regular Support Group
Riverton — South of the River
Mandurah
Albany
Bunbury
Esperance
Geraldton
Kalgoorlie
Narrogin
York
Dunsborough
Perth Young Ostomates
West Ossie Gutsy Kids
Central Stoma Support Group
Fleurieu Stoma Support Group
Southern Stoma Support Group
Port Augusta & Beyond
Port Pirie Stoma Support Group
Yorke Peninsula Stoma Support Group
South East Stoma Support Group
Barossa Stoma Support Group
Northern Stoma Support Group
Eyre Peninsula Stoma Support Group
Adelaide Hills Stoma Support Group
No support groups currently listed for Tasmania.
Start a peer support group →
No support groups currently listed for the Northern Territory.
Start a peer support group →
Accessible Facilities
Practical tools and access systems to help ostomates find and use public facilities across Australia.
MLAK — Master Locksmiths Access Key
The MLAK enables people with disabilities — including those with a stoma — to gain 24/7 access to a network of public facilities including accessible toilets, elevators at railway stations and adaptive playground equipment across Australia.
Who is eligible?
- ✓People with a disability (including a stoma)
- ✓People with written authority from a doctor, disability organisation, community health centre, or building management
How to get an MLAK
MLAK keys are available for purchase from Business Members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.
Find a Master Locksmith ↗Further information: Master Locksmiths Association (03) 9338 8822 or Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (02) 9661 8855 / 1800 819 775
National Public Toilet Map
The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private toilet facilities across Australia — including along major travel routes and for shorter journeys.
Information provided
- ✓Location and opening hours
- ✓Availability of baby change rooms
- ✓Accessibility for people with disabilities
- ✓Details of other nearby toilets
Other Links
Links to other organisations and sites which may be of interest to ostomates.