Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
I recently had the opportunity to connect with Rose Wilkinson, Blind Citizens New Zealand CEO, where we covered organisational updates, strategic planning and the latest sector developments. It was a valuable discussion and a chance to exchange perspectives on our respective priorities, as well as the broader advocacy landscape across our organisations. I encourage you to read their latest newsletter for an update on the important work and initiatives underway across New Zealand.
Behind the scenes, it has been a busy period for our team as we progress key recruitment activity, including roles for a Systemic Advocacy Lead and a Business Manager. These positions are an important part of strengthening our capacity and ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful impact for our members. I look forward to sharing a more detailed update on these developments soon.
Planning is also underway for next year’s Convention, with the Program Committee having recently met for the first time. I’d like to thank everyone involved for volunteering their time and expertise to make this important event possible. Together, their leadership and experience will help shape a Convention that brings members together and reflects the strength of our community. You can view the full list of Committee members in our previous announcement.
And finally, we want to be transparent about how we care for the information members share with us. If you would like to learn more about how we collect, use and protect the information you share with us, I encourage you to read our Privacy Policy. Taking a moment to do so will give you a clear understanding of how your information helps us deliver our work and support our community.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Advocacy Update – Martin Stewart
We are pleased to share that as a result of the advocacy efforts of BCA and other organisations; the NSW Labor government has introduced tougher penalties to address discrimination against passengers with disability using the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS). Taxi drivers who refuse TTSS payments – including dockets and cards – can now face fines of up to $3,000, closing a loophole that previously allowed drivers to reject subsidy payment methods without consequence.
The reforms also increase fines to $3,000 for drivers who start the meter before wheelchair users are safely secured and require taxi providers to comply fully with TTSS obligations.
These changes represent a significant step forward in improving accountability and ensuring safer, fairer access to transport for people with disability.
Policy Update – Melanie Chatfield
On Monday, Stefan Slucki and Melanie Chatfield gave evidence before the Parliament of Victoria’s Electoral Matters Committee following a policy submission to the Inquiry into voting centre accessibility.
In our submission, BCA called for consistent accessibility standards at all voting centres including clear signage, unobstructed pathways, sufficient lighting, trained staff and dedicated accessible facilities; provision of information in accessible formats across the entire voting process (including postal votes); and systems that enable voters to cast their ballot independently and privately without relying on others.
Read the full policy submission on the BCA website.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for March 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, 28th March 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. If we are full, or you don’t make it before 8:00pm, you are still very welcome to stay and listen on mute.
- 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
BCA Inform – AI and Cyber Security
Tuesday, 7th April from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for April’s edition of BCA Inform as we explore the fast-changing world of AI, technology, and cyber security. The session will feature two guest speakers: Dr Scott Hollier, Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for Accessibility Australia and Vithya Vijayakumare, Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist at VisAbility.
The session will explore what developments in this space mean for people who are blind or vision impaired, including practical insights, emerging opportunities, and everyday considerations for staying safe while navigating an increasingly connected digital world.
To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.
If you have any questions or require assistance, 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.
Book Club
Wednesday, 1st April at 7:00pm AEDT.
In this meeting, the group will discuss “Does My Head Look Big in This?” by Randa Abdel Fattah available from the Vision Australia library. This group is open to all readers, whether you’ve just embarked on your reading journey or have been immersed in books for many years you are welcome to come along. You will have the chance to discuss books, exchange ideas, and broaden your horizons through the magic of storytelling.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 850 6354 6612
- Passcode: 934727
Around the Branches
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch
Casino / Richmond Valley Branch April meeting is on Monday, 13th April 2026 at 10:00am in the Casino Baptist Church Hall corner Canterbury and West streets Casino.
This is a follow-up meeting on emergency and disaster preparedness. It will be run by Karin Ness, Disaster Ready Together Coordinator. Community members are welcome to attend this meeting.
New members are very welcome. Join us for a “Cuppa” at 10:00am. Free transport is available.
For more information phone Denise on 0448 014 682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com
News From Outside BCA
National
Expressions of Interest now open: Optimal Care Pathway for People with Disability Working Group
Cancer Council Australia are partnering with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and the Melbourne Disability Institute to develop a new Optimal Care Pathway for people with disability. The OCP’s are a framework for the delivery of consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer.
We are looking to create a Working Group that includes:
- People working in the disability sector as support workers, service providers and advocacy groups
- People with lived experience (and family members) of cancer and disability prior to cancer diagnosis
- Medical professionals
- Allied health and supportive care professionals
- Supportive care professionals
To learn more and to apply visit the Cancer Council website and submit your Expression of Interest by Friday, 3rd April 2026.
The first Working Group meeting will be held in late May 2026.
If you have any questions or require additional support, please contact cancercontrolpolicy@cancer.org.au
Internship Program – Australian Disability Network
Calling all students and recent graduates with disability, mental health conditions and chronic illness looking for paid internships!
Are you a student or recent graduate with disability, or do you know a student or recent graduate with disability looking for a paid role? Australian Disability Network’s Internship Program now is now open for applications.
With over 100 roles available, students with disability can apply for a range of positions – from interning in Public Services at the State Government departments, to working with leading Australian private businesses – there’s a diverse range of jobs for a diverse range of degrees.
Applications open: Friday, 27th March 2026. Applications close: Midnight Sunday, 19th April 2026.
For more information visit the Australian Disability Network website.
Applicants are able to complete a Pre-Registration Form to receive updates and additional support in the leadup to applications opening.
Victoria
Enjoy an Audio Described Comedy Show: Jeremy Moses is Hard to Work With – Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Thursday, 26th March to Sunday, 5th April 2026 (excluding Wednesdays)
Just over a year ago, vision impaired comedian Jeremy Moses mounted the biggest theatre production of his career, bringing costumes, stunts and set pieces to literally dozens of onlookers.
But for reasons yet understood, his collaborators abruptly severed ties, never to utter a word to him since…and it isn’t the first time either.
Now, using sketches, songs, puppetry and a little bit of resentment, Jeremy shines a light on the eternal struggle of artistic friction – a light that’s helpful given his bad eyesight.
Join Jeremy as he re-litigates a lifetime of creative rejection (time permitting) to ultimately let you decide whether or not Jeremy Moses is HARD TO WORK WITH.
- All Performances are Audio Described
- Tactile Tours (available 15 minutes before all sessions. Please request at time of booking, or notify FOH staff before the show)
Please include a note in your order if you would like to access either of these services, or contact the Festival’s Access Booking Team: access@comedyfestival.com.au
For show dates and times and to purchase tickets, visit the Comedy Festival website.
Here is how to catch a bus like never before – Hailo
Hailo is a free app that lets you hail a bus directly from your phone – before it even arrives at your stop. No waving, no guessing, no getting left behind. You can also let the driver know where you want to get off before you even board.
Built from lived experience by a team that includes a blind co-founder, Hailo is designed for everybody – blind and low vision passengers, wheelchair users, people with anxiety, older passengers, parents with prams and anyone who has ever struggled to use public transport.
Hailo is live right now across all Ventura Bus Lines services in Melbourne and is completely free to download.
Want to learn how to use it? The Hailo team runs a free community session every Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am AEDT on Microsoft Teams. Come along to see a live demonstration, ask the engineering team anything and share your feedback directly with the people building Hailo.
No registration needed – just click the link below on any Friday morning to join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/45576309100142?p=PS5MUoeEYjbM2kVKr3
Find out more and download Hailo.
Queensland
Free Come and Try Golf Clinics – Empower Golf
Empower Golf is excited to invite the disabled community to attend their upcoming free April “Come & Try Golf Clinics”. No prior experience in Golf is needed – just come along and give it a try at the following locations:
- Topgolf Gold Coast – First Tuesday of each month from 10:00am to 12:00pm, therefore the next clinic is on Tuesday, 7th April.
- Carindale – Pacific Golf Club – April clinic is on Tuesday, 21st April between 10:00am and 12:00pm.
- Bribie Island – Pacific Harbour Golf Club – First Thursday of each month between 10:00am and 12:00pm. Therefore, next clinic is on Thursday, 2nd April.
These clinics are open to anyone living with a disability and are run by accredited specialised coaches who provide expert advice and guidance.
Bookings are essential and can be made on the Empower Golf website.
For more information you can watch their promo video or visit the Empower Golf website.
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.