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Member Update

Championing your voice – Update from the President

Dear Members,

Our Annual General Meeting on 26 November is an opportunity to take a more active role in BCA. Members will elect representatives to the Board, including the President and the NSW/ACT State Division, and you can also express interest in joining the National Policy Committee or the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this could be your moment to put your hand up.

BCA is a member organisation. It is up to us to bring our talents, commitment and hopes for the future to its work. Joining the Board, the State Division or a committee takes time and effort, but it also offers the companionship of other members, the chance to develop new skills and the satisfaction of contributing to something worthwhile.

Each of us has our own story about how we became involved in BCA. For some, it was a deliberate decision. For others, a small step led to bigger things almost without us noticing. Sometimes, all it takes is a tap on the shoulder.

If you feel inspired to take part, we welcome your interest. Please read the relevant position descriptions and the information on how to nominate for election or express interest in a committee. Consider the skills and commitment you could bring and talk it through with someone you trust.

You can also come along to Inform on Tuesday, 6th October to find out more. To register for the session visit the Humanitix website.

For further information, please read the notice of the 2026 AGM.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Advocacy Update – What is the Call to Action on the Victorian Election advocacy tool?

The Call to Action on the Victorian Election advocacy tool is a clever online form that allows Victorian voters to email candidates in the upcoming election about issues that matter to them.

The tool was developed by Disabled People’s Organisations Victoria (DPOV) and Disability Advocacy Victoria (DAV). BCA members are encouraged to use it to urge our potential pollies to take action in areas of life that impact people with blindness or low vision.

The emails that the Call to Action tool sends are mostly pre-populated, but BCA members can edit it to reflect which issues are most important to them. For instance, BCA members have recently been campaigning on:

  • Public transport
  • Pedestrian safety and public spaces
  • Dog guide access
  • Employment in the Victorian public sector
  • Victorian Government information and services
  • Emergency information and preparation
  • Voting in Victorian elections

How it works

  1. First, you’ll be asked to enter your postcode to find your electorate. This will give you a list of Lower House candidates in your area. Screen reader users will need to arrow through to read the list. All the candidates are pre-ticked to be included in the email
  2. The Upper House candidates are automatically cc’d and you need to select “view more” if you want to know each candidate’s name
  3. Enter your first name, last name and email address
  4. Next is the main body of the email. You’ll be prompted to talk a little bit about yourself, and the rest is prefilled. BCA members can edit this text or send it as is
  5. At the bottom of the template there’s a radio button to choose to if you would like to get campaign updates from DPOV and DAV.

If you’re a voter in the upcoming Victorian elections, let your candidates know what matters to you by using the Call to Action on the Victorian Election advocacy tool.

More from BCA

An Eye to the Future Resource Spotlight

Are you a jobseeker looking to build confidence, develop new skills, or explore different employment pathways?

An Eye to the Future continues to provide practical resources to support people who are blind or vision impaired in their employment journey. Whether you’re preparing for your next job opportunity, considering a career change, or exploring self-employment, our growing library of resources is designed with real-world outcomes in mind. The project offers a range of free employment-focused resources, including the Job Ready Workshop Series, Entrepreneurial Mindset Webinar Series, information sheets, and practical guides. These resources cover topics such as job seeking, workplace skills, career development, and entrepreneurship.

Members can explore the full range of resources through the An Eye to the Future website: View Eye to the Future Resources.

BCA Events

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, 3rd October 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.

BCA Inform – Championing Your Voice: Election 2026

Tuesday, 6th October from 7:30pm to 9:00pm AEDT.

Ready to make a difference and help shape the future of BCA? You’re invited to stand for election for a range of key leadership roles, including President, Director positions, NSW/ACT State Division Committee members, National Policy Committee (NPC) members, and representatives on the Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM) Committee.

If you’ve been considering taking on one of these leadership roles and would like to learn more about what’s involved, we encourage you to join us for this BCA Inform session. It’s a great opportunity to hear first-hand from those with experience about the responsibilities of each role and what you can expect.

If you have any questions before the Inform session, please email companysecretary@bca.org.au by COB Wednesday, 30th September.

To register for the event please visit the Humanitix website. If you have any questions, or if you require assistance registering, please feel free to contact us at events@bca.org.au or call 1800 033 660.

BCA’s 51st Annual General Meeting

Thursday, 26th November at 7:30pm AEDT.

All members are warmly invited to join us for the 51st Annual General Meeting of BCA, taking place via Zoom. We encourage all members to register and join us for this important event.

In preparation for the AGM, you’ll find the relevant documents, reports and meeting information in the notice sent to members and on the BCA website.

To register for the AGM visit the Humanitix website.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Wellbeing Peer Connect Group

Thursday, 1st October at 7:30pm AEST.

Join Janene and others at the launch of BCA’s new Wellbeing Peer Connect Group.

The group provides a welcoming opportunity to chat about everyday wellbeing, exchange ideas and strategies, build resilience, and encourage one another in a friendly and supportive environment.

Whether you’re looking to connect with others or simply be part of a positive and supportive group, you’re very welcome to join.

Employment Group

Monday, 5th October at 7:30pm AEDT.

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, 7th October at 7:00pm AEDT.

In this meeting, the group will discuss “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman 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.

Around the Branches

Casino / Richmond Valley Branch

The October meeting is on Monday 12th October at 10:00am in the Casino Baptist Church Hall corner Canterbury and West streets Casino.

Special guest speaker is Robyn Spruce. New members are very welcome. Join us for a “cuppa” at 10:00am.

For more details or to RSVP Phone Denise on 0448 014 682 or email deniseg.vip@outlook.com

New Horizons

This week, Steve chats with Damo McMorrow from Humanware about the BrailleNote Evolve, the latest in the BrailleNote family of products. Take a listen to the New Horizons podcast.

Do you have any ideas for stories, or feedback about the show? Contact us on new.horizons@bca.org.au.

News From Outside BCA

National

Call for Expressions of Interest: World Blind Union Asia Pacific Region (WBUAP) Subregional Chairs and Committee Vacancies

The World Blind Union Asia Pacific Region (WBUAP) invites expressions of interest for several key leadership and committee roles within our region.

Delegates are welcome to self-nominate or seek expressions of interest from qualified individuals within their country for the following positions:

Sub regional Chair Roles (1 vacancy each)

  • Oceania Sub regional Chair
  • East Asia Sub regional Chair

Note: If more than one nomination is received for a Sub regional Chair role, an election will be conducted. Further details and arrangements will be provided if required.

Committee Positions (4–5 vacancies each)

  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Committee
  • Employment Committee
  • Technology Committee

If you are interested, please complete the WBUAP Expression of Interest Form.

To submit a nomination. A separate form must be filled out for each individual expression of interest.

Submission Deadline: Friday, 2nd October 2026

Opportunity to join the NDIS Participant Reference Group

The Office of the Participant Advocate is inviting Participant First members to express their interest in joining the NDIS Participant Reference Group (PRG).

The PRG brings together participants, carers and family representatives from across Australia to share their experiences, ideas and feedback to help improve the NDIS. Members meet online once a month, with up to three in-person meetings each year. Members are paid for their time and contributions, and reasonable accessibility supports are available.

Expressions of interest close Sunday, 4th October 2026.

To be eligible, you must be a member of the Participant First Engagement Initiative and be an NDIS participant, plan nominee, carer, child representative or family member.

Express your interest in joining the Participant Reference Group

For questions, email participant.engagement@ndis.gov.au.

Evaluation of Australia’s Disability Strategy Consultation

Australian Research and Development Consultants (ARTD) is looking at how Australia’s Disability Strategy is working on behalf of the Australian Government. Governments want to know if the Strategy has made a difference in people’s lives since it started in 2021.

You don’t need to know about the Strategy to share your thoughts.

People with disability, their families and carers can:

Find out more on the ARTD evaluation webpage.

For more information contact adsevaluation@artd.com.au or call 0483 699 258.

World Blind Union Aannounces selection of Kevin Kelly as Executive Director

The World Blind Union (WBU) is pleased to announce the selection of Mr Kevin Gerard Kelly of Ireland as its new Executive Director, following a comprehensive and competitive selection process.

The selection process involved a thorough assessment of candidates against the experience, leadership capabilities, professional expertise, and organizational skills required to lead the Secretariat of the World Blind Union and to support the implementation of its strategic priorities.

Following careful consideration of the applications and interviews, Kevin Kelly was selected for the position and will assume responsibility for the executive management and day-to-day operations of the WBU Secretariat very soon.

He brings with him extensive leadership experience from across the blindness and disability sectors, together with valuable experience in government and media. He has held senior roles with Vision Ireland and the Wayfinding Centre, contributing to the development and delivery of vital services for people who are blind or partially sighted. He has also served as Second Vice President of the European Blind Union, working with colleagues throughout Europe to promote equality, inclusion and human rights.

As Executive Director, Kevin Kelly will work closely with the President, Officers, Executive Committee, regional and national members, committees and networks, as well as WBU partners and stakeholders worldwide. He will provide leadership to the Secretariat and support the effective implementation of decisions and priorities established by the WBU’s elected leadership.

The selection marks an important step in strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of the WBU Secretariat and enhancing its service to its members across the world.

The World Blind Union extends its appreciation to all those who participated in the selection process and to the members of the selection panel for their careful and comprehensive consideration of the candidates.

WBU looks forward to welcoming Kevin Kelly to his new role and to working with him in further advancing the Union’s mission and strategic objectives.

Shape the future of sport for people with disability

Australia’s Play Well Sport Participation Strategy is working toward a future where everyone has a place in sport, with safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun experiences for all.

To help bring this vision to life, the Australian Sports Commission and The University of Queensland are developing a person-centred, codesigned National Disability Sport Action Plan.

You can be part of the development by attending an online or face to face workshop in Canberra. Explore what is working well, what needs to improve, and the practical actions that could help more people with disability start, stay and thrive in sport. Whether it be as participants, volunteers, coaches, officials, administrators, leaders or any another roles in sport.

  • Online Wednesday 14th October, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
  • Online Friday 16th October, 9:00am – 11:00am

Or you are welcome to share your experiences, ideas and priorities by completing the anonymous online survey which takes around 15–30 minutes.

Get more information and do the survey

What’s school like for students with disability in Australia in 2026? – Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)

CYDA’s new National Education Survey aims to capture the experiences of current and former students with disability, and their parents or caregivers.

They want to know:

  • What’s working for you or your child?
  • What isn’t?
  • What needs to change?

In a similar CYDA survey in 2024/25, three of every four students with disability said they had experienced some form of bullying or exclusion at school.

Two years later, have things improved or does more need to be done?

Whether you or your child have had similar experiences, or you attend a genuinely inclusive school, they want to hear from you.

Click on the links below to take the short survey today.

Link for young people

Link for parents or caregivers

CYDA repeats these surveys every two years so they can tell schools and governments exactly how things are tracking.

The surveys close 15th October 2026

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Using your NDIS plan

When we talk about using an NDIS plan, we mean helping participant’s understand how to make the most of the supports and funding available to them.

In this session we will talk about:

  • understanding your support budgets and how funding can be used
  • what to expect at a plan implementation meeting so you feel prepared
  • how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
  • tips for managing your plan budget to stay on track.

Session date:

  • Wednesday, 14th October 2026, 1-2pm

To register, visit the Humanitix page.

2027 Round Table Conference – Call for Abstracts

On behalf of the Round Table Program Committee, with great pleasure we share with you the Call for Abstracts for the 2027 Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities (Round Table) Conference to be held in Sydney.

This year’s theme, Access in Action: Digital, Tactile, Connected, will explore how technology, tactile formats, and collaboration are shaping the future of accessible information and inclusion for people with print disability.

We invite submissions from researchers, practitioners, educators, students, technology developers, service providers, advocates, and people with lived experience. Abstracts are welcome for presentations and workshops across a range of topics including digital access, braille and tactile literacy, accessible formats, assistive technology, collaboration, community engagement, and future innovations.

Please visit the conference website for full submission guidelines, presentation formats, key dates, and to submit your abstract:

Round Table Conference Call for Abstracts

Abstract submissions close on Monday, 9th November 2026.

New South Wales

Enjoy a Free Bachata Class – Dance With Me Sydney

We invite you to a free, beginner-friendly introduction to Bachata, a Latin partner dance focused on connection through movement and music. The class is for people who are blind or have low vision and will be led by experienced Bachata teachers in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

No previous dance experience is needed. You’re welcome to attend solo or with a partner or support person, and optional partner rotation will be available.

Saturday 31st October 2026, at 10:00am

“Dance with Me Studio”, 4 James St, Waterloo, Sydney

The event is free, but registration is requested so we can plan the class. For more information and to register, visit Free Bachata Class – Blind & Low Vision

For questions or to register directly, contact Michael at wealldance.au@gmail.com or call/text 0430 339 697.

Victoria

Join our team! We are recruiting Regional Program Coordinator and Board Interns – Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV)

Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria is passionate about growing blind sports – particularly in Victoria, and creating opportunities for people with vision loss to participate in sport and recreation.

We are seeking a motivated person with a passion for advancing blind sports and recreation for an intern role supporting our Regional Program Coordination.

The position is part time – 30.4 hours per week, for approximately 12 months.

The role will report to the BSRV Program Manager. Mentoring support will be provided by our Program Coordinator.

The role will be mostly working from home, with occasional face-to-face events in metropolitan and regional Victoria, and occasional meetings at the BSRV office at Vision Australia in Kooyong, or at a mutually agreeable location.

Persons who are blind or have significant vision loss are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 12th October.

To apply: For the Board intern role please apply through Ethical Jobs. For the Program Coordinator intern role please send a copy of your CV, cover letter, and one to two page summary document addressing your suitability for the position to info@blindsports.org.au with the subject line ‘Program Coordinator Intern Application’

For any enquiries about the Program Coordinator role please contact BSRV Program Manager Rachel DeSumma 0493 105 800 or email rachel@blindsports.org.au with the subject line ‘Program Coordinator Intern Enquiry’

For any enquiries about the Board Intern role please contact Maurice Gleeson, CEO on 03 9822 8876 or email info@blindsports.org.au or kerry@blindsports.org.au with the subject line ‘Board Intern Enquiry’.

Tasmania

Tasmania Voters: An early opening for telephone voting

Telephone Assisted Voting will be available to eligible voters at Tasmania’s local government elections for the first time in 2026.

For voters who are blind or have low vision, this service provides a way to vote without needing to complete and return printed ballot papers.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) is encouraging voters with a print disability to call during an early service period on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October, from 9 am to 5 pm.

This is before the service opens to all eligible voters, including people who are interstate or overseas, from 12 to 23 October, 9 am to 5 pm weekdays.

Telephone voting can be completed in one phone call and ensures that your identity is kept separate from your vote. TEC staff check your enrolment and eligibility and give you a unique voting code. You are then transferred to a separate voting team, who use that code instead of your name when recording your voting preferences.

To vote by phone, call 1800 801 701 and follow the telephone voting option.

Full details are available on the TEC website Telephone voting – 2026 Local government elections Tasmania

Support BCA’s 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.