Update from the CEO
Dear Members,
On International Guide Dog Day, we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary role guide dogs play in supporting independence, mobility and confidence for people who are blind or vision impaired. It is also a moment to acknowledge our members who are guide dog users. Their lived experience continues to inform and strengthen our work in practical and important ways.
I have also had the opportunity to attend several important sector gatherings in person, including the Vision 2020 2026 CEO Forum, the Vision 2020 Barry Jones Vision Oration, and the Vision 2020 Victorian Member CEO session. It has been a valuable time for connection and conversation across the sector, with strong engagement from leaders and organisations alike. These forums continue to play an important role in bringing people together, sharing perspectives and reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities ahead as we work collectively to strengthen impact for the blind and vision impaired community. If you would like to watch this year’s Oration, you can do so via Vision 2020’s YouTube page.
In other news, a significant focus has been the establishment of a Strategic Sector Collaboration on Advocacy, an initiative proposed by BCA to strengthen and better coordinate our collective voice of our sector. While there is already excellent advocacy work being undertaken across organisations, there is a clear opportunity to reduce duplication, identify gaps and ensure we are aligning our efforts where it matters most. The response to this proposal was very encouraging, with strong engagement from sector leaders who are keen to come together to shape shared priorities.
The first meeting brought together Guide Dogs Victoria, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Guide Dogs Queensland, Guide Dogs SA/NT, Vision 2020 and Vision Australia. The session began with a shared commitment to developing a more unified advocacy voice for the blind and vision impaired community. Each organisation shared their top three pressing advocacy issues or upcoming government submissions, which helped surface both common themes and areas of divergence. We then moved into open discussion across key topics, before turning to the important task of identifying where efforts are currently overlapping and where critical gaps exist. The group agreed to continue meeting regularly to maintain momentum and improve coordination. A follow-up workshop will identify shared priorities, clarify leadership roles and explore opportunities for collaboration, with strong support for ongoing quarterly meetings.
– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.
A reminder, you can also read this update on BCA’s website.
Board Communique
Hello everyone,
As we previously announced, I will continue in the role of BCA President until Monday, 18th May, then hand over to Andrew Webster, who will serve as President until this year’s AGM. I will continue to support Andrew as Vice President.
The board is making arrangements to ensure a smooth leadership and financial management transition. Neale Huth will chair BCA’s Finance and Risk Committee, and Ross Hurford will also join this committee to provide support. We thank both Neale and Ross for taking on these roles. As President, Andrew will oversee budgetary and audit processes.
On a sad note, Rajdeep Reddy tendered his resignation from the BCA Board earlier this week due to increased family and work commitments. On behalf of all directors, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Raj for his contribution during his time on the Board. Raj served on the National Policy Committee in addition to his general role as a director, and he demonstrated diligence and sincerity in all his contributions. We wish Raj well and hope that his service to BCA can continue in other ways.
We express appreciation for members’ support as we navigate leadership transitions this year. Please be assured that BCA’s central role in advocacy, policy and peer support remains at the forefront of director and staff priorities, as we welcome new staff and maintain focus on issues important to all of us.
Your feedback is always welcome, and you can either email me directly at president@bca.org.au or contact the BCA Team for general inquiries.
Warm regards,
Helen Freris, Acting President
Policy, Advocacy & Representation
Policy Update: Have your say on Aged Care and access to vision services – Melanie Chatfield
As part of our ongoing advocacy to improve aged care supports for people who are blind or vision impaired, we’re seeking feedback from members. Your experiences will be used (in deidentified form) to inform our advocacy with the government. Do you receive an aged care package? If so,
- Are you having difficulty accessing vision-related supports and services?
- What are the barriers to accessing services?
- Are you experiencing long wait times?
- What impact are delays or other service access issues having on you?
Your input will help highlight key issues, particularly as the system transitions from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to Support at Home (SAH).
If you’d like to share your experience, please get in touch directly with Melanie Chatfield Policy Officer via email melanie.chatfield@bca.org.au before Friday, 15th May 2026.
BCA Events
Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for May 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, 2nd May at 8:00pm AEST.
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 – Advocacy in Practice
Tuesday, 12th May from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.
Join us for an engaging session on advocacy, where BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart and our recently appointed Systemic Advocacy Lead, Francois Jacobs come together to unpack the full scope of advocacy.
From empowering individual advocacy to driving large-scale systemic reform, this session will explore how BCA works to protect your rights and create meaningful, lasting change.
You’ll gain insight into the ways BCA advocates on behalf of our community, while also learning practical strategies to strengthen your own self-advocacy skills. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
Please note that, for May only, this event has been moved from the first Tuesday of the month to the second Tuesday.
BCA National Volunteers Week Gathering
Wednesday, 20th May from 1:00pm to 1:45pm AEST.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be held from Monday, 18th to Sunday, 24th May 2026. This year’s theme is “Your Year to Volunteer”.
To recognise our wonderful volunteers, BCA will host an online National Volunteer Week lunchtime get-together on Wednesday, 20th May, from 1:00pm to 1:45pm AEST.
We will be in touch with our volunteers to invite them to this event. We also warmly invite members of the BCA community to attend and celebrate our volunteers and the valuable work they do across BCA.
To register for this event, please visit the Humanitix website.
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.
Employment Group
Monday, 4th May at 7:30pm AEST.
Are you actively seeking employment or looking to navigate the job market? Join our Employment Peer Connect Group – a supportive space where job seekers can come together to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange valuable tips and resources. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating interviews, or exploring career opportunities, this group offers a chance to connect with others on a similar journey.
- Join via weblink
- Join with one tap mobile
- Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 864 4868 5967
- Passcode: 337783
Book Club
Wednesday, 6th May at 7:00pm AEST.
In this meeting, the group will discuss “My Forbidden Face: Growing Up Under the Taliban: A Young Woman’s Story” by Latifa 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
Queensland Branch
The Queensland Branch President’s trip for May will include three stops. This is a great opportunity for Branch members to engage with the branch in person.
Details are as follows:
On Thursday, 7th May from 11:30am to 2:00pm at the Toowoomba City Library. (155 Herries Street, Toowoomba).
On Saturday, 9th May from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Club Yeronga (391 Fairfield Road, Yeronga).
On Friday, 29th May in Hervey Bay – Time and place to be confirmed.
If you have any questions, please contact Branch President Adrian Watson via email thewatto@yahoo.com.au or call 0437 724 221.
News From Outside BCA
National
Improving access to geometry – Touchetech Labs
Geometry can be challenging for blind or vision impaired learners – not because of the concepts, but due to the way they’re typically taught using indirect and often cumbersome tactile tools. The Touchetech Labs team has worked on a practical solution, allowing students to draw directly on standard paper and experience geometry in a more intuitive, independent way. With thoughtfully designed tools that prioritise safety, precision, and ease of use, the kit reduces cognitive load and empowers learners to explore, construct, and verify their work with confidence.
To learn more, visit the YouTube website.
For more information, contact Nirmal Verma via email at nirmalkatara@gmail.com
New South Wales
Pre-Book Your Accessible Parking – Vivid Sydney 2026
Applications are now open to pre-book accessible vehicle parking for Vivid Sydney 2026. Vivid Sydney supports guests with accessibility requirements by offering complimentary, bookable accessible vehicle parking.
Vivid Sydney 2026 will take place from Friday, 22nd May to Saturday, 13th June, with Lights On from 6:00pm to 11:00pm daily.
For more information and specific requirements, please contact the Vivid Sydney Team at vivid.access@dnsw.com.au or 0429 897 028.
Victoria
Come and Try Blind Golf events in Beechworth and Euroa – Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV)
Please join BSRV at these upcoming Come and Try Blind Golf events in Beechworth and Euroa. BSRV will organise a minibus to Beechworth and Euroa if they have sufficient interest. They will have one or two stops in regional centres along the way to pick up regional participants as well.
Participants will be required to pay a small non-refundable fee of $15 to BSRV in advance to hold their place on the minibus.
Dates and times:
Beechworth – Saturday 2nd May from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Euroa – Sunday 17th May from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
They propose the following pick-up points:
Southern Cross Station at 8:00am
Broadmeadows Station at 8:30am
Benalla Station at 10:40am
Wangaratta Station between 11:00am and 11:15am
Beechworth Golf Club arrival 12:30pm
Return will be at 3:00pm. Depart Beechworth to Wangaratta at 3:30pm, Benalla at 4:00pm, Broadmeadows at 6:00pm, and Southern Cross Station between 6:30pm to 7:00pm.
Please BYO lunch. Afternoon tea provided at the end of the event. All equipment provided and no cost to participate. Please bring comfortable warm and sunsmart clothes, hat, water bottle and lunch.
No golf experience required. We will all be learning on the day.
For more details or to make a booking you can email or call Tegan Allen via tegan@blindsports.org.au or phone 0478 626 393.
State Disability Plan and Autism Plan Consultations Now Open – Victorian Government
Consultations for the next State Disability Plan and the next Victorian Autism Plan are now open.
The Victorian Government encourages everyone to share their ideas and feedback.
The next plans will set out priorities and actions to make Victoria a more inclusive, accessible, and fair place for all.
The government wants to hear about:
- what is working well and what could be improved
- priorities for the future
- ideas for the next plans.
The Victorian Government will also work with the disability community to respond to national disability reforms. This includes changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the delivery of foundational supports such as Thriving Kids.
Consultation on the next State Disability Plan and the next Victorian Autism Plan will happen at the same time. This way, the new autism plan will line up with the new State Disability Plan.
Here are different ways to participate in the consultation. You can choose one or more of these options to have your say.
- You can take part in an in-person or online forum
- Complete an online survey
- Share feedback and ideas on Engage Victoria
- Send us an email with a voice or video recording to disabilityplan@dffh.vic.gov.au.
- Mail a picture, document or recording with your ideas to Office for Disability, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.
For more information, visit the Engage Victoria website.
For assistance with accessible formats email disabilityplan@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Deafblind gardening program – Cultivating Community
Where: 70 Middleborough Road, Burwood East
Facilitated by: Cultivating Community
Days: Fridays
Dates: Friday, 8th May until Friday, 12th June 2026
Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Held in Person.
Participants will take part in a range of hands-on experiences, including plant exploration, seed sowing, propagating plants, harvesting, wicking beds, composting and worm farming and creative garden projects such as kokedama balls and terrariums.
The program provides opportunities to build practical skils, confidence, and well-being, while creating meaningful experiences and items that participants can take home.
If you would like more information about the program, please contact Simone and Trudy simone@cultivatingcommunity.org.au
For more information, visit the Cultivating Community website.
Queensland
Optometry Clinic Vision Rehabilitation Centre – Queensland University of Technology
The QUT Optometry Clinic Vision Rehabilitation Centre offers a comprehensive range of free services to support people with low vision or vision impairment. Open to the public, the clinic provides personalised assistive technology advice, orientation and mobility support in partnership with Guide Dogs Queensland, access to digital skills and wellbeing programs through SeeWay, and referrals to podiatry, psychology, and counselling services.
Additional offerings include low vision assessments, adaptive equipment trials, bioptic and monocular telescope prescriptions, and access to subsidised spectacles. With no referral required, free appointments, and free parking, the clinic is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to maintain independence and quality of life.
For more information, visit the QUT Health Clinics website.
South Australia
Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grants – CreateSA
Richard Llewellyn acquired severe disability when he was 20 years old. He approached this new way of life as an adventure, beginning a series of small businesses, including running Llewellyn Galleries, in Dulwich and North Adelaide, which promoted local artists.
Richard had a passion for South Australia, the arts and people with disability. The Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grants continue to support the values for which he worked and lived.
There are 4 grant categories available for d/Deaf and disabled South Australian artists.
Applications close: Monday, 11th May 2026 at 5:00pm ACST.
If you would like support to complete your application, contact Access2Arts at hello@access2arts.org.au or call them on 08 8463 1689.
For more information, visit the CreateSA 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.