Wednesday 11th June
There are only two more sleeps until Convention, and we’re so excited to finally be in the same room with you, our wonderful members! Whether you’re joining us for the full weekend or just popping in for a session or two, or joining online, we can’t wait to connect, share stories, and celebrate together. To top it off, the forecast is calling for sunshine in Victoria throughout the Convention weekend, adding an extra touch of brightness to this special occasion!
By now, you should have received an email with key Convention details, including the full Program, Venue Information and menus booklet, and an audio map of the Novotel’s ground floor. We can’t wait to connect with you all this weekend!
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
What’s Coming Up at BCA?
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for June is available on our website, or you can access the calendar via audio by phoning 1800 033 660 and following the prompts.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us on events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
Trivia
Please note that there will be no Trivia on Saturday, 14th June, due to the BCA National Convention taking place this weekend. Our next Trivia night will be on Saturday, 21st June 2025.
BCA Inform – Advocacy in Action: How BCA Supports You
Tuesday, 1st July from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for a practical and engaging session with Martin Stewart, BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, as he outlines the many ways BCA advocates for its members and the broader blind and vision impaired community.
From systemic reform to individual advocacy, discover how BCA champions your rights and pushes to drive meaningful change. You’ll also learn how to get involved, advocate for yourself, and make sure your voice is heard through our ongoing advocacy efforts.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions or if you require assistance registering, please feel free to contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.
Peer Connect Groups
The Peer Connect groups meeting in the next week are listed below. You can also find out more about all our peer connect groups, including session times and other details on the BCA Website.
Music Group
Please note that there will be no meeting for the music group tonight, Wednesday, 11th June.
Art Appreciation Group
Friday, 13th June at 11:00am AEST.
Do you enjoy discussing different styles of art, exploring critiques of art, reading writings from curators, and sharing online resources to expand your understanding of art? Then join the Art Appreciation Peer Connect Group – a space to connect, exchange ideas, and deepen your appreciation for arts in an inclusive and engaging way.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 837 4942 3547
- Passcode: 705441
Assistive Technology Group
Monday, 16th June at 8:00pm AEDT.
Assistive Technology is useful and increasingly necessary in our daily lives. However, not everything is easy to navigate, and new technologies develop every day. Join Adam and others to learn more about assistive technology and how to get the best from it.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 867 4417 4647
- Passcode: 581563
BCA Updates
Update from the CEO
Dear members,
With just two days to go, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most memorable events in our organisation’s history – BCA’s 50th Anniversary Convention. The theme, “Individually, and together, we create change,” perfectly captures the spirit of our movement. I’m excited to celebrate with so many of you in person and online and mark this significant moment in our shared journey.
Below are some important updates regarding convention logistics and how you can make the most of your experience.
Convention Update: EFTPOS Not Available for Raffle
Following our update on this last week, we wish to inform attendees that EFTPOS facilities will not be available at the upcoming convention for raffle ticket purchases.
Due to administrative challenges, including the cost of hardware, service fees through our not-for-profit account provider, and the complexity and inaccessibility of current EFTPOS systems, we have made the decision to proceed without a card payment option.
As a result, all raffle ticket payments at the convention will be cash only.
We understand this may be inconvenient and appreciate your understanding as we work within the constraints of accessibility and financial responsibility. Please ensure you bring sufficient cash for any raffle ticket purchases you wish to make during the event.
For your convenience, the nearest ATM is available at Century City Walk, near Archie Brothers and the Century City Tavern, just a 1-minute walk from inside the hotel.
BindiMaps will be available at the Convention
We’re excited to announce that BindiMaps will be available throughout the convention to help you navigate the venue with ease.
BindiMaps is a user-friendly wayfinding app designed to make indoor navigation simple and accessible for everyone.
Download the app ahead of time to make the most of your convention experience:
Don’t forget you can also visit the BCA website to access an Audio Map of the venue.
Listen to the Convention on YouTube
Can’t make it in person? No worries! You can listen to the convention live on YouTube for both days. Simply click the links below to join us remotely and stay connected.
Saturday: https://youtube.com/live/REVMY3nNoz8?feature=share
Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/wR-DvdIA3tg?feature=share
King’s Birthday Honours
On behalf of Blind Citizens Australia, I extend our warmest congratulations to two individuals whose dedication to public service and the blind and vision impaired community has been nationally recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Peter Granleese, a proud member of Blind Citizens Australia based in Canberra, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to people who are blind or vison impaired. Peter’s long-standing commitment to advocacy and accessibility has made a profound difference in the lives of many, and we are incredibly proud to see his impact acknowledged at a national level.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Natale Cutri, who has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in this year’s Honours. Natale’s contributions to BCA span nearly a decade, including service as Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee, as well as holding numerous leadership positions from 1999 to 2007. His efforts shaped the direction of our organisation, from leading branches and committees to helping establish the Geelong and District Branch and supporting key state and national events.
To Peter and Natale – we thank you, we celebrate you, and we honour the legacy of leadership and advocacy you bring to our community. Your achievements highlight the strength and influence of lived experience, and they inspire us all to continue striving for a more inclusive and equitable society.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
BCA signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
In other news, we’re delighted to announce that BCA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. This 12-month agreement strengthens a long-standing relationship between our organisations.
We’re committed to removing the barriers that continue to limit participation in everyday life and advocating for greater understanding across government, business and the broader community. This partnership will also aim to raise public awareness about blindness and vision impairment, promoting a more accurate and empowering image of people with lived experiences.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update
BCA has submitted a response to the Draft National Principles for the Regulation of Assistance Animals. In our submission, we emphasised the need for strong accreditation requirements for assistance animal trainers and supported a nationally consistent Public Access Test. We also expressed support for the wellbeing of assistance animals throughout and after their working lives, while noting uncertainty around how protections would apply post-retirement.
We discussed other principles, including minimum training standards, national identity cards and requirements for evidence of disability, but did not take firm positions due to the need for further information or the range of member views. BCA also endorsed the recommendations made in the submission from Vision 2020 Australia.
Around the Branches
Queensland Branch
You are invited to join us for a social get together in Toowoomba. Anyone from Brisbane is welcome to attend. We will be meeting for lunch at the Coffee Club Restaurant on the corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets, Toowoomba.
Date: Saturday, 12th July at 12:00pm AEST.
We’ll gather at midday and enjoy a meal and discuss issues.
Hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to Adrian Watson or Joyce Jones via email at Queensland@bca.org.au
Queensland Branch Committee needs a Treasurer
The Treasurer is required to prepare and present reports at the Committee’s 4-5 Zoom meetings during the year.
If interested, please send your expression of interest to the Branch President, Adrian Watson via email at queensland@bca.org.au or call Adrian on 0481 587 612.
News From Outside BCA
National
Revolutionary Cane Tip “Sensaball” Designed by BCA Member – BCA Member Discount Now Available
BCA member Peter Rickards and his son Rohan have invented the “Sensaball,” a groundbreaking white cane tip designed to improve mobility and safety for blind Australians. Unlike traditional tips, the Sensaball features a multi-directional ball design that rolls smoothly in all directions, offering greater tactile feedback, reduced strain, and better performance across varied terrain like stairs, gravel, grass, and even shallow water. It’s durable (lasting 12+ months), compatible with most canes, and cost-effective.
The idea came from Peter’s own frustrations with cane tip limitations, leading him and Rohan through a lengthy design and testing process with input from numerous white cane users. The result is a patented product praised for increasing user confidence, comfort, and independence.
Preorders are open at www.sensaball.com.au, with a special 20% discount for BCA members until the end of June using code: bca50, in celebration of BCA’s 50th anniversary. Anyone at the BCA Convention who would like to try the Sensaball – Peter, Rohan, and the team will be in the foyer near the entrance between 5pm and 7pm on Saturday afternoon.
National Art by Description Event – National Gallery
Friday, 13th June from 2:00pm to 3:00pm AEST.
Get your gears turning in this program exploring the innovative world of kinetic and mechanical art. We will discuss works in the National Collection that utilise precise mechanisms to create movement or to simulate aspects of human experience. Utilising machinery and technology, the featured artists experiment with the possibilities of combining man, material and machine.
To join visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81609452272?pwd=NEF4dlkrOHNUd0FBZnpqaHVRWnhidz09
Meeting ID: 816 0945 2272
Passcode: 786390
To register, visit The National Gallery of Australia website.
For assistance call the Access Program Convenor on 02 6240 6777 or email access@nga.gov.au
Retina Reporter Winter 2025 is Out Now – Retina Australia
We are delighted to share with you the Winter 2025 edition of Retina Reporter – our bi-annual newsletter.
This publications features:
- Message from the CEO
- Research into Inherited Retinal Disease matters – 2025 Annual Appeal
- Retina Australia Research Grant Impact Report
- Research Grant Impact Highlight
- In Focus: From Lab to Life – The path to new medicines and How patients can participate and have their say
- Research Update: Recent developments from ARVO
- Research Project and Clinical Trial Register – Summary of projects open for participation
You can find it on the Retina Australia website or select the format below:
Please feel free to contact us on info@retinaaustralia.com.au if you have any queries about this newsletter.
New South Wales
Audio Described Show Bangarra Dance Theatre: Illume – Sydney Opera House
Saturday, 14th June at 1:30pm AEST.
From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience.
To book, contact accessibility@sydneyoperahouse.com
For more information on Sydney Opera House shows call +61 2 9250 7777 or email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com.
Outback Disability Expo 2025!
Saturday, 26th July from 10:00am to 2:00pm AEST.
Following the incredible success of last year’s event, led by Colette Bessell and her team, we’re aiming to make this year’s expo even bigger and better — with more stalls, more connection, and even more community engagement.
If you have any questions, contact Community.development@brokenhill.nsw.gov.au or phone (08) 8080 3330.
Victoria
Nominations open for the 2025 Victorian Volunteering Awards!
It’s time to celebrate the heart of Victoria – our volunteers.
Nominations are now OPEN for the 2025 Victorian Volunteering Awards!
Every day, volunteers across our state make a powerful difference – offering their time, skills and energy to strengthen communities and change lives. The Victorian Volunteering Awards are your chance to say thank you and spotlight the individuals and organisations who make it all possible.
Two major honours will also be awarded:
- The Volunteer of the Year, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award, will be selected from outstanding candidates in the individual volunteer categories. The winner will also receive a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.
- The Volunteer-Involving Organisation of the Year, the Volunteering Excellence Award, will be selected from outstanding candidates in the organisation categories.
Finalists will be recognised at a special Awards Ceremony in November 2025.
For further information and to submit a nomination, please follow the link below.
Nominations close Friday, 4th July 2025 at 4:00pm AEST.
Announcing the City of Ballarat Accessibility in Practice Forum
We invite you to register for the Accessibility in Practice Forum! This forum will host a range of expert keynote speakers presenting on a range of topics including disability inclusion in sports and recreation.
When: Tuesday, 26th August 2025
Time: 10:00am to 1:30pm AEST.
Where: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility Function Centre
Support our work
By donating to BCA, you contribute to important programs and services that empower our community. Every dollar goes a long way in helping us achieve our purpose and enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Have you got something to contribute?
If you have something you would like included in the Member Update, please send it to memberupdate@bca.org.au or call us on 1800 033 660. Items received by 12:00pm Monday will be considered for publishing in the Wednesday update.
Blind Citizens Australia
Email: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au
ABN: 90 006 985 226
BCA acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We also pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past, present, and future.