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Wednesday 18th March 2026

Update from the CEO

Dear Members,

It was wonderful to spend time with the BCA team and Board in Melbourne last week. It provided valuable in-person time for the BCA team, strengthening our professional development and teamwork, with sessions from experts in cybersecurity and accessible technology deepening our understanding of digital safety, inclusive design and evolving tools that support greater accessibility for all.

The weekend with the board brought together governance development and early work on our next strategic plan, alongside important conversations about leadership, sustainability and our ongoing partnerships. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the broader environment facing for-purpose organisations, while staying grounded in BCA’s commitment to members.

I’d also like to acknowledge some recent Board developments, including welcoming Ross Hurford and upcoming leadership transitions over the coming months. I would particularly like to congratulate Andrew Webster, current Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee, who will be stepping into the role of President from May until the Annual General Meeting. These changes, covered in more detail in the Board Communique below, position us well as we move into the next phase of our work.

Meanwhile, the NDIA is inviting NDIS participants to help test new parts of the NDIS Supports Needs Assessment (SNA) in a safe practice environment. The practice SNA interview is a structured conversation about your life and the supports you use. Your feedback is intended to help improve the design and usability of the assessment and planning tools, make sure it is clear and fair, and identify early problems in the process. Importantly, your involvement will not affect your current NDIS plan or funding.

The activity sessions will take place across multiple days with up to 6 hours of engagement, which includes 1 hour pre-reading, a 30-minute recorded online information sessions and a 3 to 4 hour online practice SNA interview. The interviews will be conducted from Monday, 23rd March to Friday, 1st May. If you would like to register your interest, I encourage you to fill in the expressions of interest form.

In positive news, telephone-assisted voting is now available for people who are blind or vision impaired during the South Australian state election. While telephone voting has previously been available at local government elections, this marks the first time it will be used at a state poll in SA. The service is only for enrolled electros who are blind or vision impaired or cannot vote without assistance due to motor impairment. Voting via phone is a two-part process that includes registering for the service, then casting your vote over the phone. To learn more about the process, visit the Electoral Commission SA website.

If you’re in SA and would like to cast your vote, the service will be operating during the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday, 18th March to Friday, 20th March – Registration and voting from 8:00am to 6:00pm
  • Thursday, 19th March – Registration and voting from 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Saturday, 21st March – Registration from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Voting from 8:00am to 6:00pm

And finally, as we approach Harmony Day on Saturday, 21st March, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on the importance of connection, respect and working together across our communities. The day is also a chance to celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity and reaffirm the values of inclusion, belonging and mutual respect. The many cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences within our communities are true strengths that, when embraced together, help shape a vibrant and cohesive society.

I would also like to acknowledge World Glaucoma Week, which was held from Sunday, 8th March to Saturday, 14th March, highlighting the importance of awareness and supporting eye health across our communities.

– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.

A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.

BCA Board Communique

The Board met in Melbourne on the weekend of 14 -15 March, alongside the combined Board and staff session to develop our next strategic plan, which was held on the Friday beforehand.

  • On Friday, Kate Larson led a stimulating workshop to lay the foundation for the strategic plan, building on member feedback already received. There was real energy in the room as staff and board worked together and got to know one another in person.
  • On Saturday, Kate returned to the room, this time for governance training. The session focused on current trends in small to medium for‑purpose organisations and ways of streamlining what we do. Many boards have faced significant challenges since the pandemic, such as fatigue among volunteers, erosion of trust and pressure on funds. It was valuable to place BCA’s experience within this wider context and reaffirm our commitment to members, social justice and compassion.
  • On Sunday, Maryanne Diamond (Chair) and David Blyth (Founding Director) presented on the Jeffrey Blyth Foundation – its origins, its activity, and its plans for the future. We are the beneficiaries of the foresight and foundations laid by David, Hugh Jeffrey and others to establish a trust fund to sustain BCA into the future.
  • We discussed the outcomes of the February meeting between representatives of BCA and United Blind Leaders (UBL). We agreed on a direction for ongoing engagement on leadership development and policy work relating to remuneration for lived experience. We invited UBL to present findings of its leadership survey to the April Board meeting.
  • We warmly welcome Ross Hurford from Queensland, who joins the board to fill a casual vacancy. Ross, who is an active member of the National Policy Committee, brings a keen intellect and extensive public sector management experience, most recently in the National Disability Insurance Agency.
  • We also announce that Andrew Webster will step into the President role from mid‑May through to the AGM in November, and Helen Freris will return to the Vice‑President role. Arrangements for the Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM) committee will be announced soon.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Representation Update: Committee on Standards

BCA is seeking a member to represent our community on a committee at Standards Australia. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping standards that ensure accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Nominations must be sent to Layal Hage, BCA’s Engagement and Consultation Officer at layal.hage@bca.org.au. Nominations should include a brief statement of 1 to 2 paragraphs, including name, contact details, an outline of background and experience, and why you would be a suitable representative.

The closing date to submit nominations is COB on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.

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, 21st 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.

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 highlight what these developments 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.

Guitar Group

Saturday, 21st March at 2:00pm AEDT.

The guitar group offers a welcoming space for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to come together to share tips and techniques. This group is an open platform for guitar enthusiasts where you can find support and share resources to help you along your musical journey.

Acquired Sight Loss Group

Monday, 23rd March at 7:30pm AEDT.

Hosted by BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart, this welcoming and friendly group is a forum for members to meet and talk with others with acquired sight loss.

Gardening Group

Wednesday, 25th March at 7:30pm AEDT.

Gardening can be therapeutic and bring joy when plants are growing and thriving. Join Silvana and other gardening enthusiasts and share your knowledge, tips, and techniques for a flourishing home garden. All are welcome!

Music Group

Wednesday, 25th March 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.

Around the Branches

National Women’s Branch

Members of the National Women’s Branch are invited to attend our afternoon chat session.

Title: All about Meta Glasses.

Guest contributor: Jim Pipczak.

Date: Tuesday, 24th March 2026.

Time: 3:00pm AEDT.

Registration is required. To register for this session email Margaret Margaretbooth@gmail.com

Casino / Richmond Valley Branch

The “Cycle for life” trishaws will be operating on the rail trail on Saturday, 28th March from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Come and enjoy a ride in the trishaw along the rail trail.

RSVP is essential ASAP if you would like to come to the rail trail and have a ride.

RSVP to Denise Green on 0448014682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com

News From Outside BCA

National

Survey on accessible government communications for people living with disability – Monash University

Monash is doing research for the Dept of Health, Ageing and Disability on barriers people with disabilities face in accessing government information. This research will guide the implementation of the Australian Disability Strategy.

We want to hear from people with disabilities who are over 18.

We want to know:

  • how you find government information
  • what is hard or confusing
  • what works well
  • how government communication can be better

This research will help the Australian Government improve the way it gives information to people with disabilities.

You can choose one or more:

  • an online survey
  • a focus group
  • co-design workshops

If you’d like to join, do the survey or sign up for a focus group or codesign workshops

The close date is Tuesday, 31st March 2026.

If you have any questions, call 0449 192 832 or email jing.hu@monash.edu

Friendships, relationships and intimacy for people with disability – The Disability Dialogue

Wednesday, 25th March from 1:00pm to 2:30pm AEDT.

The Disability Dialogue team would like to invite you to our next Open Dialogue event about our rights in relationships. We will hear from people with disability about their experiences of relationships, including family, friends and romantic partners.

We will talk about the good things, the hard things, and everything in between. We’ve got a great lineup of guest speakers including co-hosts Jax Brown and Madeleine Gay, and speakers Daniel Johnson and Isabella Choate.

To learn more and to register visit The Disability Dialogue website.

New South Wales

Audio Described Event at the Sydney Opera House: Windcatcher

Playhouse: Sydney Opera House

Date: Saturday, 2nd May at 11:00am AEDT.

Duration: 80 minutes

Cost: $10 per ticket

Percy, a 10-year-old Aboriginal boy, bands with his friends Keithy and Daisy to win the school’s upcoming sports carnival; but when a natural disaster strikes their remote town, Percy has a new challenge to overcome. The film will be screened with Audio Description developed by Fran Mathey and pre-recorded by Haylee Rivers for Access Media Pty Ltd. The recorded AD track will be integrated into the film screening and heard by everyone in the audience.

To book visit the Sydney Opera House website.

For assistance in booking, you can call 02 9250 7777 or email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com

Queensland

Now open – 2026 Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey

The 2026 Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey is now open.

Now in its 4th year, this landmark survey gathers lived experience insights to strengthen disability advocacy, supports and policy across Queensland.

Whether you live with disability, support someone with disability, are a carer, family member or work in the disability sector, this survey is for you. Your experiences help shape advocacy priorities and inform discussions with government and sector leaders.

Complete the survey.

The survey will remain open until 5:00pm on Friday, 17th April 2026.

Accessible formats and support to complete the survey are available. Please contact dignityproject@griffith.edu.au or call QDN on 1300 363 783.

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.

Donate to BCA

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.

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