Wednesday 31st May
Dear Members,
National Reconciliation Week is on now until 3rd June. This year’s theme is “Be a Voice for Generations”, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
Find out more about National Reconciliation Week events near you, or join the conversation on social media using #NRW2023.
BCA Video Update
In this month’s video update, BCA CEO Sally Karandrews acknowledges National Reconciliation Week and the board’s endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Sally also provides an update about a successful submission by Policy and Advocacy Manager Jackson Reynolds-Ryan, and outlines the many opportunities that are currently available to provide feedback and input to BCA.
View the transcript of the video update at this link.
What’s Coming Up at BCA?
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for June is now available on our website.
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
Saturday, 3rd June at 8:00pm AEST presented by Debra Simons.
Every Saturday evening BCA holds a Trivia Night featuring guest presenters and new categories each week. Join in for a casual night of fun and games.
- Join via weblink (for computers, tablets and mobiles using the Zoom app)
- Join with one tap mobile (via smart phone)
- To join via a landline telephone, dial 03 7018 2005, then enter the Meeting ID: 879 4562 5553.
June BCA Inform – Talking Healthcare with the NPC
Tuesday, 6th June from 7:15pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for this month’s BCA Inform to discuss a range of topics relating to healthcare.
The National Policy Council (NPC) is currently working on updating and refreshing BCA’s health-related policy positions. The role of the NPC is to help articulate to the BCA board the views of members across a range of public policy areas. Come along and share your healthcare experiences and contribute to the work of the NPC.
Register Now! or contact BCA at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660 for more information or assistance to register.
A New Look BCA Conversations starts this month!
Thursday, 15th June at 7:30pm AEST.
BCA will be hosting a new series of monthly conversations, facilitated by BCA President, Fiona Woods. These informal discussions are a chance to have your say and hear what others think on a variety of topics. The thoughts you share during these conversations will inform the way that BCA operates into the future.
Our first conversation will create the opportunity for you to tell us what you think about language. How do you like to be referred to as a person who is blind or vision impaired? Do you consider yourself blind? Legally blind? Low vision? Or do you prefer something different?
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 3 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 879 4562 5553.
Peer Connect Groups
There are no peer connect groups scheduled for the coming week. Please note that the Music Group will now meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
You can find out more about all our peer connect groups, including session times and other details on the BCA Website.
BCA Updates
Update from the CEO
Over the past twelve months, BCA has been providing feedback to the NDIS on the trial of their new computer system, PACE. The NDIS will be continuing to use the system in Tasmania before rolling it out Nationally in the near future. We are aware that there are quite a few issues with the new system. To ensure we provide the most complete feedback, we’re very keen to hear from Tasmanian members who have experience using the system and how it works for them. If you have thoughts, you can send them to bca@bca.org.au.
During 2022, the Human Rights Commission reached out to BCA regarding a proposal from the City of Ryde in NSW requesting a 5-year exemption during which their bus stops would not have to meet the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. While BCA supported the intention of the Council to upgrade their bus stops, we believed that the 5-year exemption was too long and that this posed safety risks to people who are blind or vision impaired. Jackson Reynolds-Ryan, BCA’s then Policy Officer and now Policy and Advocacy Manager, drafted and submitted BCA’s response on the issue. This week, we received a notice from the Human Rights Commission stating that the exemption had not been granted and that the bus stops located within the City of Ryde’s geographical boundaries must remain compliant with the standards during their upgrade. This is a great win for local residents, and BCA thanks the Human Rights Commission for recognising the importance of safe access to public transport.
Connecting and Supporting BCA’s Younger Members
Back in February, BCA held its first forum for members aged 18 to 34 to discuss how the organisation can better support and engage its younger members. This initial conversation was the basis for the development of a new Framework to guide a future program targeting younger people who are blind or vision impaired. The Framework was recently reviewed at a follow up forum, where interested members provided feedback to refine its overall objectives and activities. Specifically, how BCA may work to connect, empower and activate younger people to be leaders and influencers within BCA, the blindness and vision impaired community, and beyond. We look forward to providing further details on the Under 35s program as it develops in the coming months. For more details, or to find out how you can be involved, contact BCA on 1800 033 660 or email bca@bca.org.au.
Job Vacancy at BCA
Project Manager
BCA is looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of BCA’s various projects and initiatives. The position will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and successful delivery of multiple projects, and will work closely with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and members to ensure that all projects are completed within the given deadlines, scope, and budget.
For further information and how to apply, go to the BCA website, or contact Naomi on 1800 033 660 or recruitment@bca.org.au. Applications for the Project Manager position close at 5:00pm, Sunday 4th June.
Around the Branches
Casino Richmond Valley Branch
The branch June meeting will be a special homemade hot soup luncheon held at the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets, Casino, on Monday, 5th June at 10:00am. Special guest speakers from the View Club will be in attendance. After the meeting, the hot soup luncheon will be served. New members are very welcome to join and enjoy a “cuppa” with everyone before the meeting. Free transport is also available. For further details, contact Denise Green, Branch Vice-Coordinator, on 0448 014 682 or deniseg.vip@outlook.com.
New Horizons
In this week’s episode, we discuss all things Dog Guides! The upcoming conference is an important feature in Dog Guide Handlers Australia’s calendar. It presents an opportunity for Dog Guide handlers from all over Australia to meet, discuss issues of using a Dog Guide, and find out about the latest research, equipment available and more. Check out the Dog Guide Handlers Australia website for more details.
Take a listen to the New Horizon’s podcast or find out how to tune in live.
Do you have any ideas for stories, or feedback about the show? Contact us on new.horizons@bca.org.au.
News From Outside BCA
National
Privacy consultation for the National Disability Data Asset
Persons with disability are invited to nominate themselves to participate in one of three online privacy consultation sessions to be held from 1:00pm to 3:00pm AEST on Thursday 22nd, Monday 26th, or Wednesday 28th of June 2023.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is running the sessions to seek views on the information privacy of the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA). You can find out more about the privacy of the disability data asset at the NDDA website, with information available in accessible formats on the page.
Participation in the consultation sessions is voluntary and will take two hours, including a short break. Auslan interpreters and live closed captioning will be available. Each participant and support person who attends the consultation will receive a $100 pre-paid gift card.
Register Now! or contact ndda@abs.gov.au for further information or assistance. Registrations will be open until 6th June.
New South Wales
FREE Inclusion showcase of Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo
Wednesday, 7th June 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman.
Ignite your wild side at Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo during the 2023 Vivid Sydney festival. Due to the tremendous success and demand from the inaugural event in 2022, Wild Lights will welcome visitors from community groups, special needs schools, disability associations, inclusive sporting clubs, and parenting groups to attend the much-loved Wild Lights at Taronga via a free ticket.
Book Online using the Code: NOICUSHWAKE at check out or call 02 9969 2777 or email access.wildlights@cushwake.com for assistance and more details.
South Australia
Have your say on the development of the SALHN Strategic Plan
The Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) is developing its Strategic Plan for the next four years. Accordingly, the SALHN wants to hear from the community, consumers, and other key people to co-create their vision for the future.
You can get involved in the following ways:
- Read the Draft Strategic Direction.
- Complete the short online survey.
- Email your feedback to salhncommunityengagement@sa.gov.au.
The SALHN Strategic Direction 2023-2027 will be launched later this year. Updates on the Strategic Direction’s progress will be provided on the SAHLN website.
Victoria
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) is hiring!
WDV, the peak organisation for women with disabilities in Victoria, is currently recruiting for the role of Health Resource Promotion Officer. This is a four day per week, hybrid / work from home position, with two days per week based at WDV’s Bourke St Office in Melbourne. Confidential enquiries can be made by phoning Vikki Cummings on 03 9286 7823 or emailing recruitment@wdv.org.au. You can also download a copy of the position description from the WDV Website. Applications close 5:00pm Friday, 9th June.
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 published in the Wednesday update.