(Financial statements provided separately)
We are pleased to introduce the 31st Annual Report of Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) for the year ended 30 June 2006. This year has seen many changes in the organisation. BCA has a number of new Board members who have worked hard to govern the organisation during a complex and demanding time for the business. There have also been staff changes at the BCA National Office which will be covered later in this report. This report is the collective effort of various Directors, Staff and Branch Presidents. As you read it, you will understand the valuable work that BCA undertakes on behalf of Australians who are blind or vision impaired and the positive impact this work has on the Australian community overall.
The highlights for BCA this year include:
In 2005-2006, BCA has contributed to consultations conducted by the departments of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Human Services, Centrelink and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
BCA collaborates with other blindness organisations on matters of common concern through the Australian Blindness Forum. BCA collaborates with producers of material in accessible formats through its membership of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc. As a founding member of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), BCA works co-operatively with national disability peak bodies on issues of mutual interest. BCA is actively engaged in international action for blind or vision impaired people through the World Blind Union, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment and our Overseas Service Branch.
Other Blindness agencies provide in-kind support to BCA. These include:-
BCA encourages other State and Territory governments to look to the Victorian and Western Australian models as examples of how a consumer driven information and advocacy service can assist in the improvement of services and support for blind or vision impaired residents and taxpayers in their States and Territories. We continue to pursue funding for an information and advocacy service in New South Wales and in February 2006 recommenced our discussions with the New South Wales Department of Disability Housing and Community services towards this end.
In 2005-2006, The Federal Government Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs provided $168,326 for BCA's secretariat support and to meet the substantial costs of communicating with our members in a range of formats. BCA has been funded again for its secretariat and communications costs in 2006-2007. Unfortunately, the amount of the increase in this funding does not keep pace with our increasing costs.
However, on the positive side, we received additional funding of $21,700 from the Department of Family and Community services and Indigenous Affairs to produce its promotional literature and distribute BCA information into the community e.g. to Doctors' surgeries. We appreciate this grant as it will enable us to fulfil an important part of our business plan to increase the public recognition of BCA and build our networks of members and supporters.
The Board recognises that the organisation's financial position is critical and that the 2006-2007 year is one in which BCA is at the financial crossroads. The Board has acted to substantially reduce the deficit in our operations. However, the need to rebuild our income base means that BCA is likely to incur another deficit in the 2006-2007 financial year. The Board will work diligently to reduce this deficit by tightly controlling expenses and rebuilding our ability to generate the income we need to sustain the organisation. Corrective actions have included reductions in staff hours and in member services, the details of which have been communicated to members prior to this annual report. Full details of BCA's finances for the 2005-2006 year are in the Financial Statements which form a part of this report.
At the 2005 AGM, three Board members, Karen Knight, John Simpson and Greg Madson did not seek re-election. Craig Magill was elected to the Board at the 2005 AGM. Shortly after the AGM Theresa Smith resigned from the Board. The Board gave considerable attention to the filling of its three casual vacancies. Robyn McKenzie was appointed to the Board for a two year term in November 2005. In December 2005, Natale Cutri was appointed to the Board for a two year term and Jayson Hanrahan was appointed to the Board for a one year term. On behalf of BCA, we express our appreciation to Karen, John, Greg and Theresa for their contributions as Board members and their continuing involvement in BCA and its work.
Due to health reasons, BCA's National Advocacy Officer, Aileen McFadzean, requested a reduction in work hours. In October, BCA employed Alyena Mohummadally as Assistant National Advocacy Officer to provide support to Aileen McFadzean with her ever increasing caseload. Aileen and Alyena have worked hard this year to provide individual advocacy to many blind or vision impaired people who contact the Office. BCA is working hard to obtain increased funding for this important work.
Approximately 110 cases were undertaken during the year. Disability discrimination complaints and Centrelink related issues made up the bulk of these cases, with a portion of these requiring emergency assistance.
To ensure members are kept up to date with the relevant fare discounts applicable to people who are blind or vi sion impaired and the dog guide policies, BCA continues to review its airline policy web page (http://www.bca.org.au/airlinepolicy.htm).
* Centrelink
BCA is a member of the Centrelink Customer Reference Group. Aileen McFadzean was BCA's representative until December. BCA would like to thank Aileen for her participation on the group. Robyn McKenzie was appointed BCA's representative following Aileen's departure. Robyn is a BCA Board member and manager of Vision Australia's Employment Service.
Membership of the Reference Group has enabled BCA to obtain up to date and quality advice from Centrelink as well as feed to Centrelink issues of concern to our members.
Through BCA's Individual Advocacy work, the organisation has been successful in having debts to Centrelink significantly reduced or waived. The organisation has supported people in claiming back payments from Centrelink as well as providing advice in relation to payment portability, income and asset testing, taxation and appropriate payments.
* Inquiry into Teacher Education
BCA entered a comprehensive submission to the House Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training, Inquiry into Teacher Education. In addition to this submission, four representatives from BCA, including the organisation's Executive Officer and President, provided formal parliamentary evidence to the House Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training, Inquiry into Teacher Education.
* Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Standards on Education)
During October, BCA presented a dedicated workshop on the DDA Standards on Education at the 2005 BCA National Convention in Perth. This workshop was financially sponsored by the Federal Attorney General's Department.
BCA's National Policy Officer published the following article:
Power, John (2005) 'Teaching the teachers braille. A call to build equality into the literacy needs of students who are blind or severely vision impaired', Access Online, Vol. 7, No. 3, Winter.
BCA entered a submission in response to HREOC's interim report for the Inquiry and made representations to the Inquiry's working groups throughout the reporting period.
* BCA Employment web page
The National Policy and Development Council's employment working group continues to provide the employment web page (http://www.bca.org.au/employment/index.htm) as part of our web site. The purpose of this page is to provide employment information and support to people who are blind and vision impaired. The following information is available from the page:
The web page also includes a facility for people to register their employment details and to express interest in acting as mentors to blind people seeking employment in their field of activity. This employment web page has proved a popular part of our web site.
* Employment Email group
During October 2005, BCA launched its employment email discussion group (bca-employment@yahoogroups.com.au) to facilitate discussion between members and interested parties on employment matters facing people who are blind or vision impaired. This list has proven to be popular and has provided an accessible avenue for BCA members to share their thoughts on this important issue.
Other Policy and Advocacy initiatives undertaken during the year include:
It has been a busy time in the Victorian Advocacy and Information service. As a result of Nadia Mattiazzo taking up the position of Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, Jessica Zammit began her work in the Victorian service in January 2006.
This year has seen a number of great initiatives emerge from the Victorian service, including collaboration into the Draft Standards for Pedestrian Railway Crossings, work to renew our obstacle notices as well as the resolution of a number of advocacy cases.
The Victorian Advocacy and Information project has continued this year in line with an agreement from the Department of Human Services. We would like to acknowledge the support of the staff from this department in enabling BCA to meet our role within the State Disability Plan and to inform legislation that supports people with disabilities.
* SoundAbout
Whilst the format of SoundAbout may have changed within the last year, the high level of content from Victoria has remained consistent, with a host of interesting interviews conducted with people who are blind or vision impaired in the community. Victoria's contribution to national content also continued through our involvement with the National SoundAbout working Group.
* Parent News
Parent News was initiated in 1999 to provide information to parents of students who are blind or vision impaired, visiting teachers and educators and blind or vision impaired students. After a short hiatus, Parent News returned this year with editions released in March and June. It is envisaged that further editions will be released towards the end of each school semester. The newsletter continues to focus on vision impairment and the inclusion of articles for parents that are not only relevant but interesting. Regular sections have been included in the magazine with articles on technology, recreational pursuits, international events and profiles of individuals who work in, are involved in or experience vision impairment.
The newsletter has been revamped to include a three month calendar of events. This included events that were not only vision impairment-specific, but public events such as the State of Origin Junior Development Day held by the City of Melbourne and the NRL, a welfare to work workshop for parents, as well as events that the whole family could enjoy. These events were specifically included to widen the focus of the newsletter, promoting the need for equality in community participation.
* Safety at Pedestrian Railway Crossings
BCA has been extensively involved in the drafting of the Victorian Rail Industry Operators Group Standards for pedestrian railway crossings. Four crossing prototypes involving active and passive crossings were established earlier this year at Carnegie, Thornbury, Kooyong and Kensington. Comment was sought on these prototypes from the vision impaired community. Based on the feedback received, BCA put forward recommendations for the installation of warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) prior to the access gate (active crossing) and warning TGSIs at the beginning of the crossing point (passive crossing), with the installation of continuous raised pavement markers parallel to the crossing at both types of crossings. The draft standards are under final review and are pending approval.
* Introduction of the new ticketing system
BCA has been afforded limited consultation in regards to the new transport ticketing system to be implemented in 2007. However, within this limited opportunity, we have expressed our concerns relative to the inaccessibility of the proposed system to the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor and the Shadow Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder. A response from the Minister's office is pending, with negotiations to be taking place shortly.
* Yarra Trams & VicRoads - Installation of Tram Superstops
A recent meeting was held with representatives from VicRoads and Yarra Trams in relation to the installation of Superstops in the Bourke Street precinct, Melbourne. Our recommendations included that the preferred placement of Superstops should be close to the original stop location, where controlled crossings already exist.
In instances where engineering constraints predominated, it was agreed that the installation of zebra crossings with flashing lights, with directional TGSIs leading to the safe crossing point, and warning TGSIs installed to indicate the beginning and end of the road surface were necessary. Consultation will be continuing throughout the construction process.
* Railway Stations - Upgrades
- Flinders Street Station
In June this year, BCA was asked to provide feedback on a prototype for new pedestrian information displays (PIDs) which have been proposed for Flinders Street Station. BCA provided recommendations in terms of luminance contrast, text size and accessibility considerations. As this is only in the initial stages, BCA will be advocating for further consultation at all stages of development.
- Southern Cross Station
The redevelopment of Southern Cross Station is close to completion. BCA has had some involvement in this upgrade including discussions around accessible signage, the installation of TGSIs and general accessibility. A strong working relationship has been established with the Southern Cross Station Authority and disability access consultant, Blythe Sanderson. This relationship will ensure that the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired remain a priority.
- North Melbourne Station
North Melbourne station has been earmarked for upgrade as part of the State Government's election commitment to improve Victoria's public transport system. Plans for the station upgrade were presented to BCA for comment, with specific consultation sought in the areas of TGSI and accessible signage installation. We are confident that our input in the planning stages will assist the station's accessibility for people who are blind or vision impaired.
- Box Hill, Parliament and South Yarra Stations
Earlier this year, a trial to reduce fare evasion was undertaken at the above three stations, which resulted in the closure of ticket barriers. Inadvertently, this meant that individuals who held National Travel Passes were required to go to the service counter in order to enter and exit the stations. Many individuals contacted BCA, expressing their concerns. BCA, in turn expressed these concerns to senior representatives at Connex and the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). In light of our lobbying, BCA was assured that no other station would be included in this trial and that staff would be present at the participating stations to assist people who are blind or vision impaired. BCA will continue to monitor this arrangement and inform members of any further changes.
- VLine
Recent consultation has been held with VLine in relation to the placement of TGSIs at regional and rural railway stations throughout Victoria. BCA has strongly recommended that a consistent approach be applied throughout the train network, with TGSIs to be consistent in placement to those in the metropolitan system. Further talks will be held in the coming year.
BCA has also worked with a number of individual councils in relation to their Disability Action Plans and to resolve issues relating to accessibility and compliance. This is an ongoing process and we look forward to continuing in this consultation process.
BCA's NSW Administration Officer, Rowena Dowling, is employed two days a week to undertake the day-to-day administrative duties associated with running the office. This includes answering BCA member inquiries and making referrals to other agencies where appropriate. Advocacy advice and requests for BCA representation on local community access issues make up the majority of member inquiries.
The NSW service also provides administrative support to the NSW/ACT Co-ordinating Committee and to BCA's Sydney Branch. The NSW service is represented on the Interagency Access Forum (IAF). The IAF consists of a group of organisations which meet regularly to discuss and respond to issues related to environmental access for people who are blind or vision impaired.
The NSW service has also been involved with revising and updating the document "Getting the Message". This document was researched and written by the Sydney Branch Executive, and is a resource that provides information for organisations who want to provide information in accessible formats for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Back to top of PageThe National Policy and Development Council (NPDC) currently comprises of the BCA Board and a representative from each state with more than 50 individual members, except Tasmania. At the November NPDC face to face meeting the decision was taken to concentrate the NPDC's resources as a whole on a number of major policy issues. These included employment, environmental access, access to library services, copyright, electronic voting, membership development and welfare reform. Where highly specific resources are required to tackle these policy matters, the NPDC forms dedicated ad hoc groups.
Noteworthy NPDC achievements this year include finalising and publishing BCA's Library Services Policy and beginning the development of BCA's Employment Policy. The HTML plain text version of the Library Services Policy can be found at http://www.bca.org.au/libservpolicy.htm. Copies of this policy can also be distributed in alternative formats upon request by contacting BCA's head office. Contact details are provided at the end of this report.
The impetus for drafting this policy includes the high level of unemployment amongst people who are blind or vision impaired, the introduction of the Australian Government's 'Welfare to Work' policies and the release of HREOC's final report on the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability.
Back to top of PageBCA communicates with its members and with the blindness sector and the broader community through a number of media channels using a variety of alternative formats.
Our Newsletter, BCA News, is read widely both in Australia and internationally. Nadia Mattiazzo has edited BCA News during this year.
The Horizons radio program, broadcast on Radio for the Print Handicapped each week and a number of community stations ceased operations during March. We express our appreciation to Neville Kerr for hosting Horizons over the past 22 years.
Our audio magazine, SoundAbout, which has been produced for more than ten years, continues to provide a style of communication welcomed by many of our members. Thanks to Greg Madson and Karen Knight who chaired the SoundAbout Committee and to Stephen Jolley who presented and co-ordinated the magazine until February at which time Robyn McKenzie took on this role. We welcome Robyn as the new presenter and appreciate her enthusiasm and skill in the role.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale Simpson for his technical expertise and commitment to the magazine, and those around Australia who have provided additional support.
The BCA website is maintained by Barry Chapman. John Power, BCA National Policy Officer, has assisted him by keeping current documents available on the policy page. Our fully accessible website is becoming increasingly important as a means of communication with our members and the general community both in Australia and internationally.
The BCA-l discussion list is available for members as an e-mail forum for discussion and sharing of information on issues important to them.
Back to top of PageMembership of BCA is voluntary and achieved through a once only membership joining fee payment. Membership provides entitlements to vote and receive regular news, information and invitations to BCA events.
All blind or vision impaired citizens, carers and family members have access to BCA advocacy services and advice irrespective of whether they are members of BCA.
| Individual Membership | Number | Criteria - As stipulated in BCA's Articles of Association |
| Full Members | 2,707 | Eighteen years or over, permanent residents of Australia and meet the Australian social security definition of blindness. |
| Junior Members | 27 | Under the age of eighteen years, permanent residents of Australia and meet the Australian social security definition of blindness. |
| Associate Members | 276 | Persons who identify with the aims of the organisation, but who are ineligible to be Full Members. |
| Total: | 3,010 |
| Organisational Members | Number | Criteria - As stipulated in BCA's Articles of Association |
| Organisation (Class A) Listed below | 8 | Incorporated organisations within Australia where the membership and governing body comprise a majority of blind persons or the parents of blind children under the age of 18 years, or which have a substantial involvement in representing the interests of persons with vision or print disabilities from the consumer perspective. |
| Organisation (Class B) Listed below | 5 | Incorporated organisations which identify with the aims of Blind Citizens Australia but which are ineligible as Class A Organisational Members. |
| Total: | 13 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 3,023 |
BCA would like to thank our organisational members for continuing to support our work in advocating for the rights of people who are blind or vision impaired.
To acknowledge this support BCA would like to include an example of the important work our organisational members undertake.
Member organizations exist in New South Wales, West Australia, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. Each one has an autonomous committee which manages local affairs.
This report is a consolidation of reports from:
Retina Australia (NSW) Inc, President Mr Graeme Banks
Retina Australia (Queensland) Inc, President Mr Graeme Ferguson
Retina Australia (Victoria) Inc, President Mr Charles Rogers
Western Australian Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation Inc, President Mr Murray Witham
Retina Australia (SA) Inc, President Mrs Philippa Cooper
Retina Australia (ACT) Inc, President Mrs Faye Martin.
The Deafblind Association (DBA) was formed after a Rubella outbreak in the 1960s caused many babies to be born profoundly or completely deaf and blind.
No two people are exactly alike. So, the mix of programs and services offered by DBA are tailored to meet each individual's goals and needs.
- Rebranding
The DBA has begun a rebranding process to help best reflect our current service provision and to ensure that our current name is successful in attracting people with multiple disabilities including dual-sensory loss. Feedback to date from families, our staff, health groups, government and the public tells us that we may be able to serve many more people with a more effective name that best reflects the entire range of our skills and services.
- Tasmania - New Service Development
The Deafblind Association has successfully opened its first accommodation service in Launceston, Tasmania. Parents of those people being supported and the DBA team were thrilled with the roll-out of the new venture and we look forward to hopefully securing more work in the state.
- Lifestyle Centre
The aim of The Deafblind Association's new Lifestyle Centre at its head office in Camberwell is to provide not only people with disabilities, but also the general community, with the opportunity to access DBA's occupational therapy program. The centre will be open to the public as well as disability and other community groups, reflecting the aim of the current Disability State Plan where disability groups coexist with business and other community groups.
The new Lifestyle Centre will provide a number of different services from massage and hydrotherapy to communications and a sensory relaxation room. It will not only encourage participation but also provide an important and exciting service - one which the whole community can participate in.
Bringing the deafblind, disabled, aged and wider community together will also aid in promoting understanding of marginalised groups within society.
- School Education Program
The Deafblind Association is delighted to report that an exciting school education program is to be launched later this year. Aimed at Victorian primary schools, the program is designed to raise awareness about deafblindness and multiple disabilities and to help children appreciate diversity in the community. This program has been made possible by the generous support of the Ivor Ronald Evans Foundation.
Back to top of PageOnce again, the Branches of BCA have been working hard in their local areas to advocate for the needs and rights of people who are blind or vision impaired. This year has also seen our Branches undertake a number of exciting and innovative projects which have assisted to ensure the participation of members at a local level.
The ACT Branch has continued to enjoy good attendances at general meetings and held a joint function with the Canberra Blind Society which focused on budgeting on a low income. The Branch also held a forum which focused on disability discrimination and involved a presentation from a member of the ACT Human Rights Office.
The Brisbane Branch has been very active in working with the Residential Tenancy Authority of Queensland and successfully gained funding from the Authority to produce some of their key information into alternative formats. This year the Branch presented the Mercy Dickinson Bursary to Cheryl Pascual. Cheryl has been the Secretary of the Branch and continues to provide invaluable support to the Branch and regularly attends the Branch office. Members attend quarterly meetings with a focus on library services. A final highlight for the year was a day of therapeutic shopping at a Brisbane discount outlet. This outing gave members the opportunity to experience a large shopping precinct; a place which would have ordinarily been difficult to negotiate independently.
Taxi access has been an ongoing issue for the Adelaide Branch. Currently there are a number of complaints of discrimination which are seeking formal resolution. Members of the Branch have also been busy producing audio material for 'SoundAbout' South Australia. To further assist the Branch in undertaking this work, they have undertaken to purchase a Digital Sound Editing Program this coming year.
Blind Citizens Western Australia (BCWA) has also been very active by playing a vital role in hosting the BCA 30th National Convention in Perth during September/October 2005. The Convention was an overwhelming success, attracting over 120 attendees. BCWA members were pleased with the opportunity to meet their other BCA members throughout Australia. Aside from the busy Convention work, BCWA has continued to provide advocacy services at an individual and systemic level to people who are blind or vision impaired. The Branch has also been very successful in obtaining several grants to update their computer equipment and improve Internet connectivity. As well, the Branch has successfully sourced funds to purchase cassettes and mailers to continue its production of "Consumer Voice" and other audio information materials.
The Tweed Valley Branch has been very active on the issue of electric vehicles and the problem they pose for people who are blind or vision impaired. They have also been active in working to promote the needs of blind or vision impaired pedestrians in their community. BCA acknowledges and encourages the work which Branch members do to highlight these important issues.
The Computer Users Group has again enjoyed a successful year with an increase in membership and a number of successful meetings being held this past financial year. Highlights of this year's meetings included presentations on podcasting, the move towards providing books and other reading materials in digital formats, reviewing accessible mobile phones and a look at the latest products from Quantum Technologies and Dolphin Systems.
Young Blind Citizens Victoria has also conducted a number of recreational activities aimed at young people who are blind or vision impaired. A bowling day was again held this year. This day was well attended and the feedback was very positive. A joint function was also held with the Retina Australia (Vic) Youth Group. Participants enjoyed a walk around Upwey and the Dandenong Ranges and feedback indicates that it was great to meet other young blind or vision impaired people. Other activities conducted by the Branch included information sessions on managing finances and living independently.
The Branch AGM saw a very healthy election process with ten nominations for six positions. Thank you to those women who nominated but were unsuccessful in obtaining a committee position this term. We appreciate the strength of the membership and will require as much help and resources as can be made available to the Branch. There are always activities and projects that welcome involvement from outside the committee structure.
The new Women's Branch committee comprises of:
Jordie Howell - President (VIC),
Nadia Mattiazzo - Vice President (VIC)
Jenny Dawson - Secretary (WA),
Lee Kumutat - Treasurer (NSW),
General Committee Members:
Zeliha Iscel (WA),
Patricia Stillman (QLD),
Eleanor Waight (ACT).
Aspirations Award Patricia Stillman from Queensland was presented with this year's Aspirations award. The criteria for this award is as follows:
The award is given in celebration of the support, strength, leadership and friendship demonstrated amongst vision impaired women. It is an acknowledgment of a vision impaired woman who has set an example through her aspirations and achievements and, as a result, has proven herself to be an outstanding role model.
The Aspirations award was given to Patricia to recognize her strong commitment to vision impaired people and women especially within her local community. Patricia is on many local access committees and community groups. Patricia's involvement in these groups is mostly community education and peer support.
Patricia has also sought and won funding for a range of technology projects to acquire equipment for TAFE and local libraries. It has been said that, if someone new pops up in Patricia's local area with a vision impairment and requires resources or information, they are automatically sent to Patricia for their first point of contact.
These project ideas stem from brainstorming sessions we have held recently and continue on from the work of the previous committee. Each committee member will take responsibility for coordinating a project and it is my hope that Branch members will express interest in some of these ideas and become involved in organising and assisting with the projects. If you are intrigued by any of the ideas outlined or have some of your own, please contact the Branch.
If you are interested in joining a Women's Branch Email Discussion List please contact Patricia Stillman by email: trishys@queenslander.net
Back to top of Page| ACT Branch | |
| Michael Johnston PO Box 7206 DUFFY ACT 2611 Phone: 02 6288 4149 | President |
| Adelaide Branch | |
| Tony Starkey PO Box 3103 Rundle Mall ADELAIDE SA 5000 Phone: 08 8223 7622 Fax: 08 8223 7836 | President |
| Blind Citizens WA | |
| Greg Madson Locked Bag 2 MAYLANDS WA 6931 Phone: 08 9371 2111 Fax: 08 9371 2155 | President |
| Brisbane Branch | |
| Karen Knight Phone: 07 38912522 E-mail: bcabrisbane@pacific.net.au | President |
| Central West NSW Branch | |
| Mary Lovett 433 Melrose Rd, MUDGEE NSW 2850 Phone: 02 6373 1293 E-mail: mlovett@winsoft.net.au | President |
| Macleay/Nambucca Branch | |
| Ossie (Oswald) Gallagher 3 Belle O'Connor Street SOUTH WEST ROCKS NSW 2431 Home 02 6566 5904 | President |
| Melbourne Branch | |
| Terry Carlson Room 32 355 Wellington Road Mulgrave Home 03 9560 1065 | President |
| Geelong Branch | |
| Peter Madden 5 Jennifer Court Grovedale, Geelong 3216 Phone: 03 5241 6033 Email: petermadden@bigpond.com | President |
| Sydney Branch | |
| Diana Braun PO Box 493, BURWOOD NSW 1805 Phone: 02 9744 7366 E-mail: sydney@bca.org.au | President |
| Tasmanian Branch | |
| Maree Brown 1/36 Parliament Street SANDY BAY TAS 7005 Phone: 03 6273 7416 E-mail: maree.brown@utas.edu.au | President |
| Tweed Valley Branch | |
| Ian Harrison Unit 5, 15-17 Pearl Street TWEED HEADS NSW 2485 Phone/Fax: 07 5536 1491 E-mail: ianh@onthenet.com.au | President |
| Computer Users Group | |
| Frank Nowlan 20 Goodwin Street GLEN IRIS VIC 3146 Phone: 03 9889 0527 | President |
| National Women's Branch | |
| Jordina Howell Mobile: 0402 308 484 Email: jordina@optusnet.com.au | President |
| Overseas Service Branch | |
| Ivan Molloy 8 Morrison Avenue MT MARTHA VIC 3934 Phone: 03 5975 1858 | President |
| Young Blind Citizens (Qld) | |
| Amanda Tink 5/18 Lima Street AUCHENFLOWER QLD 4066 Phone: 07 3371 3400 | President |
| Young Blind Citizens (Vic) | |
| Michael Curran Phone: 03 8802 9688 (H) | President |
Our responsibility is to represent people who are blind and vision impaired. We believe it is critical to be part of other organisations and to receive information from them, to give advice to them and to ensure that when they speak out or develop policies on blindness or disability related matters, they do so in the context of our published policies. BCA has enjoyed productive working relations with many external bodies, and we value the contacts we have made and the information and advice we have received.
Members of BCA serving on national organisations and committees as direct representatives or nominees of BCA chosen by the Board are:
Lynne Davis, a member of BCA, was appointed by the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. This Council completed its term of office at the end of 2005 and is to be replaced by a new advisory body which will cover disability and carer issues. We await the government's announcement of the establishment and membership of this new advisory body and look forward to working with it in the future.
Back to top of PageMembers of BCA serving on the WBU include:
WBU First Vice-President: Maryanne Diamond;
WBU Nominations Committee: Bill Jolley;
WBU Low Vision Working Party: John Simpson.
The Board meets monthly by teleconference and held two face-to-face meetings during the year, in association with meetings of the National Policy and Development Council. Board meetings are also attended by Nadia Mattiazzo as Executive Officer and Mary Latham as Operations Manager.
John Simpson was Company Secretary until his resignation from the Board in October 2005. Michael Janes was appointed a Company Secretary from September 2005 to November 2005. Robert Altamore was Company Secretary from October 2005 to March 2006. From March 2006, Nadia Mattiazzo was appointed as Company Secretary and Mary Latham as alternate Company Secretary.
| Nadia Mattiazzo | Executive Officer |
| Aileen McFadzean | National Advocacy Officer |
| Alyena Mohummadally | Assistant National Advocacy Officer |
| John Power | National Policy Officer |
| Jessica Zammit | Victorian Advocacy & Information Officer |
| Judi Potts | Fundraising & Administration Officer |
| Robert Mascitti | Administration & IT Support Officer |
| Mary Latham | Operations Manager |
| NSW Office | |
| Rowena Jitts | Administration Officer |
National Office - Melbourne
13 Barrett Street
Kensington, VIC 3031
Post: PO Box 24 Sunshine 3020
Phone: 03 9372 6400
Freecall:1800 033 660
TTY: 03 9376 9275
Fax: 03 9372 6466
E-mail: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au
BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA
ABN 90 006 985 226