Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
We’re excited to share an update on New Horizons, BCA’s long-standing radio show and podcast that explores issues relevant to people who are blind or vision impaired. After a period of hiatus, we’re excited to announce the next chapter for the program with the appointment of Steve Richardson as New Horizons Producer.
Steve is an audio engineer with 30 years’ experience in community radio, specifically at reading radio in Brisbane, where he produced and presented programs, as well as working with and supporting the volunteer team.
Joining the Blind Citizens Australia’s Brisbane Branch in 1994, he produced the Queensland edition of Sound About for a number of years and served on the committee of the branch. Later, he worked on the national Sound About Committee and represented Queensland on the National Policy Council.
Steve is also known for a number of songs around the BCA community, including writing the theme for New Horizons and performing at BCA’s 50th Anniversary Convention.
As part of the refresh of New Horizons, we will be reviewing our processes and building a volunteer team. We look forward to publishing an episode in the coming months and greatly value our members’ ongoing contributions to this important platform.
In other news, it is an exciting time for our sector as we welcome two new leaders who will shape the future of organisations supporting people who are blind or vision impaired.
Jonathan Brookes has recently commenced as CEO of Retina Australia. Most recently, he served as Director of Engagement at Eating Disorders Victoria, where he led the organisation’s inaugural Income Diversity Strategy and expanded its education and fundraising initiatives. Jonathan brings extensive senior leadership experience and will guide Retina Australia into its next phase.
We also welcome Daniel Cox, who will commence as CEO of Guide Dogs SA/NT on Monday, 9th February. Daniel joins Guide Dogs SA/NT from Mission Australia and brings experience from senior executive roles at UnitingSA, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, SA Government, SA Health, and Boarding Australia. He succeeds Aaron Chia, who we thank for his commitment to Guide Dogs SA/NT for the past nine years.
Finally, a couple of reminders for our members. Applications for the 2026 BCA Hugh Jeffrey Scholarship have been extended by one week to Wednesday, 11th February. We encourage anyone interested to visit our website and learn more about the application process.
I would also like to remind members that all Peer Connect groups will relaunch this February. Weekly updates and session details can be found in the Peer Connect section below, or you can visit our website for an overview of what’s on offer.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
More from BCA
Employment Opportunity – Project Coordinator (short-term parental leave cover)
BCA is seeking a motivated and experienced Project Coordinator to manage the continued delivery of Eye to the Future, a nationally focused project aimed at improving employment outcomes for people who are blind or vision impaired.
This full-time (0.8 part-time option considered), fixed-term position (parental leave cover) runs from Monday, 2nd March 2026 to Friday, 26th June 2026. The role is classified at Level 5 under the SCHADS Award, reports to the General Manager Operations and has no direct reports. Flexible, work-from-home arrangements are available.
The successful candidate will be a strong self-starter with demonstrated project management experience, excellent communication skills and a sound understanding of accessibility and employment pathways for people who are blind or vision impaired. You will work autonomously to deliver project outcomes, manage reporting requirements, build partnerships and represent BCA at external events.
Your lived experience with blindness or vision impairment is a highly valued asset, and we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria in the attached PD to recruitment@bca.org.au
If flexibility in the starting date or part-time hours are required, please be in contact to discuss options.
To ensure accessibility for the recruitment team, applications must be submitted in Word format. Applications close end of day Sunday, 8th February 2026.
For more information, contact Angela Jaeschke, General Manager Operations, on 1800 033 660.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update: NDIS rules: public consultation on new framework planning - Melanie Chatfield
The NDIS is changing the rules about how participant plans are made. NDIS rules set out how the NDIS Act works in practice. The new planning framework rules will affect:
- how a participant’s disability support needs will be assessed
- how reasonable and necessary budgets will be developed
- how a participant can use their plan
New framework plans will be created using a support needs assessment. Participants will go through a new process that will gather information to assess their disability support needs and that information will then be used to determine a reasonable and necessary budget.
BCA wants to understand:
- What can be done to make it easier for people to understand changes to the rules?
- What might not work?
- What is your biggest concern or hope about the changes?
You can provide a comment to BCA via telephone by calling 1800 033 660 or email melanie.chatfield@bca.org.au by COB Tuesday, 10th February 2026.
Information on the consultation can be found on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Representation Update: NSW Ageing & Disability Advisory Board – Melanie Chatfield
BCA is seeking a member to represent our community on the NSW Ageing and Disability Advisory Board. This is a valuable opportunity to help advise the Commissioner on issues affecting older people and adults with disability in NSW, including matters of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
We are looking for members who:
- Have lived experience of disability and/or are older adults
- Have experience in advocacy for older people and adults with disability
- Have a strong understanding of issues relating to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older people and adults with disability
- Have experience representing people employed in disability or aged care service
If you meet the criteria and are interested, please send us your expression of interest by COB Friday, 6th February to melanie.chatfield@bca.org.au
We will review submissions and put forward nominations to the Commission.
For more information, visit the Ageing and Disability Commission website.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for February 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
Saturday, 7th February at 8:00pm AEDT.
Are you interested in expanding your general knowledge in an easy-going and fun atmosphere? If so, join this week’s trivia for an enjoyable night of team competition.
Please be aware that, to ensure the smooth operation of the game, Trivia will be limited to 25 players. To give everyone an opportunity, the Zoom waiting room will open to admit people who sign in from 7:45pm Sydney time and closes at 8:00pm.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile (via non-iOS)
- Join with one tap mobile using the number below (via iOS):
+61280156011,,84491693225#,,,,*424050# - Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 844 9169 3225
- Passcode: 424050
Peer Connect Groups
Music Group
Wednesday, 11th February at 7:30pm AEDT.
Are you passionate about music? Look no further and join the Music Group! Hosted by Jennifer Parry and open to musicians who are blind or vision impaired, of all skill levels, the group provides a welcoming space to discuss tunes, share your experiences and collaborate on creative pieces. Whether you’re an experienced performer, singer or have just recently picked up an instrument, you’re welcome to join this supportive and inspiring group.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 873 4667 6799
- Passcode: 876125
Around the Branches
Sydney Branch
Join our First Mystery Tour!
On Thursday, 9 April 2026 BCA’s Sydney branch – partnering with Cocky Guides – will be conducting its first-ever mystery tour.
This is a great opportunity for Sydney members to: have fun undertaking an interesting and informative activity; and come together for a visit to a destination which could not be contemplated within the limits of BCA Sydney Branch resources, and without assistance from an external provider.
Where are we going? We can’t tell you that. It’s a mystery!
Come and join us on what promises to be a great day out enjoying the company of others.
Please contact BCA Sydney Branch for cost, registration, payment and other information as soon as possible and before Monday, 9th March.
Contact us via phone 0407 492 102 or email sydney@bca.org.au
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch
February Outing
What: Morning Melodies
Who: Owen Blundell
When: Monday, 23rd February 2026
Where: Evans Head RSL
Time: Leave Casino at 9:00am
Cost: $10 show and morning tea then $15 lunch
For more information contact Denise Green on 0448014682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com
News From Outside BCA
National
Braille Literacy Survey Opportunity
Aasha Rose is a PhD candidate at the University of Southern Queensland. Her focus is on Braille literacy’s impact on life satisfaction.
You are invited to complete a survey that will contribute to knowledge about Braille.
Participants who learned Braille and are over 18 years old are encouraged to complete the survey.
Take the Braille literacy and Life Satisfaction Survey
Victoria
Enjoy a Disability-led Play: Specials
Specials is a funny and furious work of theatre that’s both rally cry and rebellion. Premiering at Arts House this March, Specials is an unapologetically disabled-led play that exposes the hidden histories of Australia’s special education system.
A Tactile Tour and audio described performance is set to take place Friday, 27th March.
To book tickets, visit the Arts House website.
Join our new Footscray Art Studios – Arts Access Victoria
Arts Access Victoria has two new multi-arts Studios in Footscray. In partnership with Footscray Community Arts. Explore visual arts, performance, animation and sound. There are two studios: performance and digital. You can join one or both!
All experience levels welcome. You can choose what you want to work on. Bring your interests, skills and curiosity.
When: Tuesday, 3rd February – Thursday, 10th December, 2026. During Victorian school terms.
Where: Footscray Community Arts, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray
Cost: NDIS fee for service
Find out more about Footscray Studios on the Arts Access website.
South Australia
Postal Voting Applications Open – Electoral Commission South Australia (ECSA)
If you are travelling, unwell, infirm or living with disability, located more than 8km from a polling booth or due to give birth soon, you may be eligible to apply for a postal vote.
How to make a postal vote application?
Voters will have the convenience of applying for a postal vote online, via the new Postal Vote Application Portal on the ECSA website or the ECSA call centre 1300 655 232.
Postal voting applications close for voters outside of South Australia on Friday, 13th March.
For voters within South Australia, the last day to apply is Tuesday, 17th March.
More information can be found on the Electoral Commission South Australia website.
Postal voting packs will be distributed from Tuesday, 10th March once candidates are declared and ballot papers are printed.
If eligible electors are unable to access the online Postal Vote Application Portal, please contact the ECSA call centre on 1300 655 232 for assistance.
Tasmania
Have your say in the Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan
Registrations are open for in-person and online consultation sessions on Tasmania’s first Disability Inclusion Plan.
You can register via the Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan consultation page on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.
In-person sessions are being held in Hobart, Launceston and Ulverstone from Thursday, 12th to Thursday, 19th February. More details, including venues and the registration link, are available on the Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan consultation page.
Can’t make a session? You can also complete a survey or make a submission in a format of your choice. The discussion paper, Towards a Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan, provides background information and asks questions to consider.
To find the discussion paper in a format that suits you and to learn more about consultation activities, go to the Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan consultation page.
For more information email disability@dpac.tas.gov.au or call 1800 431 211.
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.