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Member Update

Wednesday 27th August

Dear Members,

We’re looking forward to connecting with you at our BCA Conversations session tomorrow night. A big thank you to everyone who has already registered for this important discussion. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on the direction you’d like BCA to take over the next few years – your voice is central to shaping our future. If you haven’t registered yet, this is your final chance so don’t miss out! Visit the Humanitix website.  More details can be found below.

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 September 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, 30th August 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.

BCA Conversations – Help shape the future of Blind Citizens Australia: Your input matters!

Thursday, 28th August from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.

You may recall that BCA adopted its most recent strategic plan in mid-2022. This plan concludes at the end of this year.

Join this BCA Conversations event where you, as members, can input into the key strategic priorities of our organisation which will set the tone of our work over the coming three to four years.

From this conversation, we will put together a survey which we hope all BCA members will complete. This will seek broader input on the issues most important to people who are blind or vision impaired and how BCA might develop strategies to remedy them. Following this, all of the information we have gathered from members will be consolidated and discussed by the Board and Staff team, and a new Strategic Plan will be developed. We expect to conclude this process by early 2026.

To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.

If you cannot attend, you’re welcome to put your thoughts forward in writing by emailing president@bca.org.au.

If you require assistance registering, please feel free to contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.

BCA Inform – BCA’s Response to the Disability Discrimination Act Review

Tuesday, 9th September from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEST.

Join us for an important session as we seek your input on BCA’s response to the review of the Disability Discrimination Act. Presented by BCA President, Vaughn Bennison and BCA Policy Officer, Melanie Chatfield, with contributions from BCA’s National Policy Committee and Board members, this conversation will explore the key issues identified and opportunities for reform.

We’ll share BCA’s priorities for strengthening the Act and discuss what the proposed changes could mean for our community. To help you prepare and contribute meaningfully, a short discussion paper will be made available ahead of the session. Your views will play a vital role in shaping BCA’s response to this important review.

To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website.

If you require assistance registering, please feel free to 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.

Employment Group

Monday, 1st September 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.

Book Club

Wednesday, 3rd September at 7:00pm AEST.

In this meeting, the group will discuss “Catch Me If You Can” by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding, 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.

BCA Updates

Update from the CEO

Dear members,

It’s been a busy week at BCA, and I’m really looking forward to connecting with many of you at our BCA Conversations session tomorrow night. Led by Vaughn, our President, and Helen, our Vice-President, for an important discussion about the future direction of BCA, and most importantly, to hear from you.

As many of you will recall, our current Strategic Plan was adopted in mid-2022 and will be completed at the end of this year. We’re now beginning the process of developing a new plan that will guide our work over the next three to four years, and your input will be central to shaping it. Following this session, we’ll create a member survey to gather broader input from across our community.

We’re also preparing for a major event on the international stage – the World Blindness Summit and World Blind Union (WBU) General Assembly, taking place in São Paulo, Brazil, from Monday, 1st September to Friday, 5th September 2025. This global gathering brings together leaders, advocates and allies who are blind and vision-impaired from around the world.

Under the theme “A fragile world, an unbreakable movement: together towards inclusion”, the Summit will feature important discussions on accessibility, inclusion and disability rights, as well as the latest in assistive technology. I’m honoured to represent BCA alongside Helen Freris at this important event. We are both excited to connect with other delegates. It is an exciting time to be representing our organisation, community and country. During my absence, Angela Jaeschke, our General Manager of Operations, will be available to support members and staff.

Finally, for those who want to revisit the highlights from our unforgettable 50th Anniversary Convention held earlier this year, or experience it for the first time, the recordings are now available on our website.

It was such a special event, and I hope you enjoy reflecting on the incredible voices, stories and insights that were shared.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Policy Update – Melanie Chatfield

BCA provided a submission to the recent consultation to review the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (ADA) (NSW).

Our submission highlighted the valuable opportunity to align and harmonise Commonwealth and State/Territory anti-discrimination legislation, particularly considering the ongoing review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).

BCA’s recommendations included: Updating the ADA to modernise language and reflect contemporary understandings of disability and assistance animals; importance of recognising intersectionality; introducing the requirement for duty holders to be proactive (positive duty); including digital goods and services and sport as additional protected areas, and prohibiting vilification based on the protected attribute of disability.

Read the full submission our website.

Around the Branches

Casino Richmond Valley Branch

The September meeting will be on Monday, 1st September at 10:00am in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino.

This is the AGM meeting, so all members are encouraged to attend. Come and enjoy a “Cuppa” before the meeting. Free transport is available.

For more information contact Denise on 0448 014 682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com

Tasmania Branch

Launceston Catch-Up on Saturday, 20th September from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Venue: Local Hideout Café, 82 Brisbane Street, Launceston.

Come along for a relaxed lunch and chat with fellow members and friends. If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can support you. We look forward to seeing you all there.

RSVP to emmabennison@me.com with “Launceston lunch” in the subject line by 11 September – this event will only go ahead if we receive at least five RSVPs.

For more details about this event and upcoming events visit the Tasmania Branch page.

News From Outside BCA

National

Your Feedback Can Improve App Accessibility: Paid Testing Opportunity – Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)

AFDO is looking for a small group of people with disability to help test an Augmented Reality app, in development as part of a current AFDO project.

It’s a storytelling app designed to be accessible and easy to use, and we’d love your help to make sure it works well for everyone.

This is a paid opportunity. Testing involves trying the app on your own device and completing a short survey or interview, depending on your preference. We’ll also follow up with you in early 2026 to get feedback on improvements made.

We are currently seeking people who are Deaf/hard of hearing, neurodivergent, Blind/low vision, and people with intellectual disability.

If you or someone you know would be a good fit, please express you interest by emailing office@afdo.org.au or call 1800 219 969.

Digital Literacy Program for seniors with sensory loss – Macquarie University

Macquarie University is seeking volunteers to co-design a novel digital literacy program for seniors with vision and/or hearing loss.

What is involved? 30min to 1 hour interview to understand the needs and preferences of seniors with sensory loss relating to the design and implementation of a bespoke digital literacy program.

The interview will be held online or in-person at Macquarie University You will be reimbursed a $30 Coles-Myer gift card.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • Aged 60 years or older and have self-reported hearing and/or vision loss OR aged 18 years or older and a staff/volunteer at a participating partner organisation.
  • Proficient in spoken English.

Responses are kept confidential and used to be incorporated into Digital literacy program (Phase 2 of the research study).

For more information or to participate, contact us at 0416 786 591 or email Shermin.lim@mq.edu.au

Want to have a say on the law that protects your rights? – Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)

Next month, CYDA is hosting an online Focus Group to make sure young people’s voices shape the government’s review of the Disability Discrimination Act.

That’s the law that makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disability at school, work, and everywhere else – but after more than three decades, it needs an update!

They’re looking for disabled young people aged 16 to 25 to take part in a two-hour CYDA consultation on the DDA.

Where? Online, from anywhere in Australia

When? Wednesday, 17th September 2025

Participants will be paid for their time and insights.

Apply now.

Australian Screening Events – Focus on Ability

After thousands of votes, inspiring feedback, and global impact, the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is hitting the road – and you’re invited to join us!

Come along to one of their free Australian screening events and experience these incredible short films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen, with community, and full of heart.

Each event showcases powerful stories of courage, inclusion, and talent — all created to challenge perceptions of ability and celebrate diverse voices.

Upcoming Screenings:

  • Brisbane – Tuesday, 2nd September – Day (12:00pm – 2:00pm) or Evening (6:00pm – 8:30pm) at the PIP Theatre, Milton
  • Sydney – Wednesday, 10th September – 10:30am – 1:00pm at the Liverpool Catholic Club Theatre, Prestons
  • Canberra – Friday, 12th September – 10:30am – 12:30pm at the National Museum of Australia
  • Adelaide – Wednesday, 17th September – 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Hotel Grand Chancellor
  • Fremantle – Thursday, 18th September – 11:00am – 1:00pm at the WA Maritime Museum
  • Melbourne – Tuesday, 7th October – 10:30am – 1:00pm at the Crown Towers, Southbank

All events are free, but registration is essential. For more details and to register visit the Focus on Ability website.

Victoria

PTV website integration into Transport Victoria – Department of Transport and Planning

In early August 2025, the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website moved to the Transport Victoria website. This change brings together public transport, road and active transport information in one place – making it easier for Victorians and visitors to access all their transport needs in one place.

This integration responds to customer preferences for a simpler, more unified transport experience. It’s part of our phased approach to building a more user-friendly and seamless digital presence, following the introduction of the Transport Victoria website in 2024.

Looking ahead, the Transport Victoria website will continue to evolve, with new features and services being introduced over time. These enhancements are designed to improve the way people plan, access, and experience transport across the state – supporting a more connected and customer-focused transport network.

For more information visit the Transport Victoria website.

Queensland

Accessible Theatre Experience: Lady Macbeth Uncut – Vox Productions

Vox Productions invites you to a powerful, inclusive performance of Lady Macbeth Uncut – a bold contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy – designed specifically for patrons who are blind or have low vision.

Details: Saturday, 13th September at 1:30pm at Sandgate Theatre, Sandgate. Brisbane.

This Australian premiere will feature a tailored access package including:

  • A pre-show touch tour of the set, costumes, and key props
  • An audio described program provided in advance
  • Pre-recorded audio description of each scene, sent ahead of the show

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience high-quality theatre in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Book to attend.

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

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