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Member Update

Wednesday 15th October

Dear Members,

Today marks White Cane Day – an event celebrated globally to honour the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence, safety and mobility for people who are blind or vision impaired.

Across Australia and around the world, organisations such as BCA’s Casino / Richmond Valley Branch and Vision Australia are hosting walks and community activities to raise awareness about the experiences, achievements, and rights of people who are blind or vision impaired.

These events not only highlight the importance of the white cane itself but also shine a light on the broader goal of creating more accessible, inclusive public spaces where everyone can move with confidence and dignity.

And on a different note, if you’d like to become involved in the life of BCA, a reminder that this is the final opportunity to submit nominations and EOIs for the NSW/ACT State Division, National Policy Committee and the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARM). All information and supporting documentation are available on our website.

The closing date for expressions of interest is this Friday, 17th October at 5:00pm AEDT. We’d love to welcome more members into these important roles and continue shaping the future of BCA together.

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

What’s Coming Up at BCA?

Plan ahead using our monthly calendar – the events calendar for October 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, 18th October 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.

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, 18th October 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.

Assistive Technology Group

Monday, 20th October at 8:00pm AEDT.

Assistive Technology is useful and increasingly necessary in our daily lives. However, not everything is easy to navigate, and new technologies develop every day. Join Adam and others to learn more about assistive technology and how to get the best from it.

Gardening Group

Wednesday, 22nd October 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, 22nd October 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.

BCA Updates

Update from the CEO

Dear members,

Following BCA’s congratulations to David Williamson, we look forward to working closely with him in his new role as CEO of Vision Australia. We also extend our sincere thanks, both from the organisation and from me personally as a fellow CEO, to Justine Heath. Our positive working relationship over the past 15 months has been invaluable, and her support, particularly for BCAs 50th Celebration Convention, was deeply appreciated. We wish Justine all the very best in her future endeavours.

Yesterday, the BCA staff gathered virtually for a dedicated half day of professional development and team building. The sessions focused on several key areas: a thorough refresh of our Incident Policy and Procedure protocols, reinforcing our commitment to clear, swift, and professional resolution should an issue arise. We also watched on Cyber Safety Webinar to ensure every team member is equipped with the latest best practices for digital security, safeguarding your data, and maintaining a secure operational environment. We held a strategic brainstorming session focused on Fundraising which helps us plan for long-term sustainability. We enjoyed some team-building activities to strengthen cohesion and collaboration.  It was a productive and highly engaging day, reaffirming our team’s dedication to operational excellence, our commitment to serving you and our culture of continuous learning and developing as a team.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Advocacy Update: Inclusive Education Success Story – Martin Stewart

After receiving a call from a vision impaired individual who was enrolled in a Bachelor of Science and Mechanical Engineering course which was far from accessible, we provided our advocacy support to engage together with him and his online course provider. This engagement included a meeting at our request where we explained the importance of an inclusive practice which means all course material should be both accessible and workable.

We also informed them of different examination methods where extra time and segmenting over several consecutive days could be introduced. For example, if an exam would normally take 6 hours over one day, our client could have nine hours over three sequential days in order to step through each evenly divided section more easily. We also suggested that they may wish to consider if some exams could be conducted verbally if possible.

Our client was pleasantly surprised with how positively the educator responded to all of these suggestions. As a result, he is moving forward and enjoying the experience of a now inclusive education.

Around the Branches

Sydney Branch

BCA Sydney Branch Annual General Meeting will be on Saturday, 25th October at 2:00pm AEDT with attendees to connect by 1:50pm.

The AGM will be followed at 3.00pm by a social catch up; with both activities to be conducted via Zoom.

This is your opportunity to: hear firsthand what BCA Sydney Branch has been doing over the past year; receive an update regarding the Branch’s financial situation; and find out how you can help our Branch in performing its important role in Sydney.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87886709701?pwd=BUprv071fVQQi1vJFsbTH71ThFzzv6.1

Meeting ID: 878 8670 9701

Passcode: 045417

One tap mobile

+61871501149,,87886709701# Australia

+61280156011,,87886709701# Australia

For further information, please contact BCA Sydney Branch via phone 0407 492 102 or email: sydney@bca.org.au

Queensland Branch

The Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Branch will be this Saturday, 18th October at 3:00pm AEDT via Zoom.

To join the Zoom meeting visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84579446402?pwd=9tmSTN5opbQgY0DfXAzJXgbkpRq9bj.1

Meeting ID: 845 7944 6402

Passcode: 331165

Documents will be forwarded to members via the Queensland Branch discussion list. See you there!

News From Outside BCA

National

Have your say and help improve Australian digital health services – People with Disabilities Australia (PWDA)

PWDA are calling for people with disability to provide feedback on how they use digital health services provided by the Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency), and how privacy and security concerns may affect their experience.

Digital health services include:

  1. MyHealth Record,
  2. my health app and
  3. Electronic prescriptions.

More information can be found on the Digital Health website.

Complete the survey.

Complete the PWDA Digital Health Technologies Survey on Usage and Privacy Concerns before Monday, 27th October at 9:00am (AEDT).

If you need help to fill out this survey, you can ask a family member, friend or support person to assist you.

If you have questions or need help you can email us at projects@pwd.org.au or call 1800 422 015.

New South Wales

2025 Snowy Valleys Council de-amalgamation referendum: Braille ballot paper applications and telephone assisted voting – NSW Electoral Commission

The Snowy Valleys Council de-amalgamation referendum will be held on Saturday, 29th November 2025.

Blind and low vision electors are eligible to vote by post, telephone assisted voting or request Braille ballot papers.

Electors who wish to vote using Braille can apply by either:

Braille ballot papers can be posted to a voters address or alternative address. They can also be delivered to a voting centre within your council area.

Applicants for Braille ballot papers will be asked to include the following information:

  • if voting by post, the postal address the ballot paper will be sent to
  • if voting in person, which early voting centre or voting centre the ballot paper should be delivered to
  • contact details

Telephone assisted voting will be available during the pre-poll period and election day (Saturday, 22nd November – Saturday, 29th November (excluding Sunday). To access telephone voting, call the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 248 683 to register and vote.

If voting by post, the postal vote certificate must be signed by the elector and a witness on or before election day (by 6:00pm Saturday, 29th November 2025) and then returned to the NSW Electoral Commission by 6:00pm on Friday, 12th December 2025.

For further information about this election please visit the Elections website or call 1300 135 736.

Audio Described Show “Calamity Jane” – Sydney Opera House

Thursday, 6th November at 7:00pm.

Virginia Gay returns as the legendary frontierswoman in this stripped-back, rough-and-ready reimagining of the classic musical. Grab a drink and prepare to be immersed in the world of the Golden Garter Saloon.

Book online or call 02 9250 7777 or email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com

Audio Described Performance: The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country, The Studio Theatre at Bangarra

Bangarra Dance Theatre is offering an Audio Described performance during our 2025 season of The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country in Sydney. Audio description post-show tactile experience:

Date: Friday, 17th October at 10:00am and Saturday, 18th October at 11:00am.

Booking information can be found at the Bangarra website or email bangarra@bangarra.com.au , or call us on 02 9251 5333.

Victoria

Join us to try Blind Bowls in Shepparton in a relaxed and supportive environment – Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria

Have you ever thought about trying Lawn Bowls?

We invite adults with vision loss to try Blind Bowls at Shepparton Park Bowls Club – a unique, social, and inclusive version of lawn bowls adapted for people with vision loss. It’s time to give it a go!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned bowler, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

Our friendly coaches will be on hand to guide you, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm! Equipment provided.

Where: Shepparton Park Bowls Club, located at Kialla Park Recreation Reserve.

When: Sunday, 19th October. Join us from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Arrive at 12:00pm for a BYO lunch and social chat.

Play from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Afternoon tea: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (tea, coffee, and refreshments provided).

Cost: Free.

To learn more, visit the Blind Sports website.

RSVP: Bookings are essential.

To register or for more information, please contact Tegan via email tegan@blindsports.org.au or call 0478 626 393

Expressions of Interest for New Peer Support Group – Guide Dogs Victoria

Guide Dogs Victoria is planning to launch a monthly peer support group at their Kew campus, offering a welcoming space for people with blindness, low vision, deafblindness, acquired brain injuries, deafness, mental health conditions, other disabilities, and volunteers.

The group, initiated by the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), will feature social activities, guest speakers, accessible technology, advocacy, health and wellbeing sessions, art therapy, and more. It will be facilitated by long-time disability advocate Trudy Ryall, who brings over 25 years of lived experience and leadership in disability inclusion.

If you’re interested in joining, please contact:

Luke Price – lukep@guidedogsvictoria.com

Trudy Ryall – trudy.ryall@bigpond.com

South Australia

EmpowerU Life Skills Camp – Guide Dogs SA/NT

Each school holidays, Guide Dogs SA/NT holds their ever-popular ‘School Holiday Sessions’ for young Clients under the age of 18. Their sessions support children and teenagers living with vision loss to work towards their personal goals for improved independence and confidence, all while having fun and learning the value of leadership and teamwork.

The October School Holiday Sessions were no exception – with some of their clients reaching the point in their lives where they may consider getting a part-time job, they had the opportunity to hear from lived experience speakers about their journey and advice on managing their finances, applying and interviewing for a job, picking out an appropriate outfit, and preparing a meal to take to work!

During these sessions, their specialist team works with clients to identify their goals and practice independent living skills through occupational therapy and orientation and mobility training that is incorporated into fun activities. The sessions also offer a unique opportunity for social inclusion and community connection with others their age who share similar life experiences.

BCA’s Project Coordinator, Rachael Johinke, presented a session titled “Finding Your Path: Confidence, Careers and Creating Your Future”. Students were encouraged to reflect on what they want to do and explore the many ways they can build their confidence and experience; whether through extra-curricular activities, skill-building, taking on more responsibilities at home, volunteering in the community, or gaining work experience.

Congratulations to Isaac, who attended the school holiday session and has just been awarded Blind Australian of the Year in the inaugural Youth category. What an incredible achievement!

Milestone – Audio Description Ticket Offer

Friday, 31st October at 7:30pm ACDT.

Celebrating his 80th birthday, pioneering artist William Yang reflects on his extraordinary life in Milestone. In this ambitious new performance, Yang weaves together an epic slideshow of documentary photographs from his vast collection. Through personal stories, he explores themes of family, sexuality, and culture with his signature humour and candour.

Location: Adelaide Town Hall

Exclusive offer: $49 A Reserve/Stalls tickets for audio description service users ($10 off standard price).

For more information and to book visit the Ticketek Australia 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.

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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