Font Size:
Font Size:
Link to homepageBCA logo

Member Update

Wednesday 4th March

Update from the CEO

Dear Members,

Last week, I attended the Disability Strategy National Forum in person at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The Forum brought together leaders, advocates and stakeholders from across the country to share experiences, exchange ideas and gain insights on health and safeguarding within the disability sector.

As part of the program, BCA member and Victoria’s Public Advocate Dan Stubbs participated in the panel discussion “Safeguarding: What keeps people safe?”, chaired by Natalie Wade, Associate Commissioner, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Experts, advocates and leaders from government, research and community organisations shared their perspectives, while JFA Purple Orange and First Nations Yarn hosted sessions that provided space for participants to reflect and contribute their experiences. It was also great to catch up with Tim Harte, advisor for BCA FARM, and to see several other BCA members and supporters at the Forum.

While in Adelaide, I had the opportunity to spend time with Amila Dedovic, BCA Communications Coordinator and Rachael Johinke, Eye to the Future Project Coordinator. It was fantastic to finally meet our partners at Not For Profit Accounting Specialists (NFPAS) in person and spend time discussing our finances. It was also lovely to have lunch with the SA Branch members and get to know them.

Recruitment for a Business Manager is now underway, with the new BCA role overseeing finance, human resources, governance, risk, IT and day-to-day processes. We’re seeking someone with strong leadership and organisational skills who can help drive BCA’s strategic priorities and support our growing team. You can find more information about the position below in ‘More from BCA’.

In other news, our latest report to the Jeffrey Blyth Foundation is now available on the BCA website. The report provides a snapshot of our recent activities. Also available is the most up-to-date Shirley Fund financial report. We encourage you to explore the report to see how the Foundation’s contributions are helping BCA continue its work and impact.

I would like to thank all members who joined us last night for BCA Inform on the topic of Empowerment through Braille. It was a fantastic session and a great opportunity to explore the power and importance of Braille in our community. In line with the topic, this is a reminder that our new Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group kicks off next Tuesday. You can find more details in the Peer Connect section below.

And finally, the BCA office will be closed on Monday, 9th March due to the Labour Day public holiday. The office will also be closed on Thursday, 12th March and Friday, 13th March for staff development and strategic planning with the board. We continue to welcome feedback from members regarding our strategic plan and encourage you to share your thoughts by contacting bca@bca.org.au

– Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO.

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

More from BCA

Employment Opportunity – Business Manager

Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) is seeking a skilled and driven Business Manager to oversee our operations and strengthen the systems that support our national advocacy work for Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

This part-time position (30 hours per week) is a remote, work-from-home role offered under the SCHADS Award – Level 7. The contract is fixed term through to March 2028. The position reports to the CEO and has direct reports, including the Information and Administration Officer, Communications Coordinator and Fundraising Manager.

As Business Manager, you will provide high-level oversight and hands on leadership across finance, human resources, governance, risk, IT systems and operational reporting. You will ensure our “back-of-office” functions run efficiently and effectively, supporting BCA’s strategic goals and national impact.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Financial Oversight: In consultation with the CEO, Treasurer and Finance Service Partner, oversee all accounting activities and payroll.
  • Human Resources: Oversee all HR functions including recruitment, induction, performance review documentation, and compliance with the SCHADS Award and Fair Work legislation.
  • Governance & Company Secretary: Act as a Co-Company Secretary to ensure BCA is compliant with ACNC and ASIC requirements, annual financial audits, and AGM procedures.
  • Risk & Policy Framework: Lead the implementation of BCA’s risk management framework, maintain the Risk Register and ensure all organisational policies (WHS, Privacy, etc.) are fit for purpose.
  • Systems & IT: In consultation with IT support, act as the Product Owner for the CRM to optimise data use and cybersecurity.
  • People Leadership: Provide mentorship and support to direct reports, ensuring activities are integrated and aligned with BCA’s strategic operational plan.
  • Board Support: In consultation with the CEO, Chair of the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee, prepare briefing papers and budgets.

Your lived experience with blindness or vision impairment is a highly valued asset, and we encourage you to apply.

More details available: https://www.bca.org.au/employment/

To apply, please submit your resume and a response to the selection criteria in Word format to recruitment@bca.org.au using “Business Manager” in the subject line.

To ensure accessibility for the recruitment team, applications must be submitted in Word format. Applications close Sunday, 15th March 2026.

Policy, Advocacy & Representation

Advocacy Update – Martin Stewart

The advocacy team is hearing reports on too many occasions where taxi drivers are refusing to accept fares when using a Taxi Subsidy Scheme card.

We recently dealt with a regional New South Wales case where when the booked taxi arrived, the driver informed our client that he could not pick up anyone who was a half-fare customer, explaining that he only takes full-fare customers. He then drove away, leaving our client having to call another taxi. Our client immediately reported this incident to the taxi company. We have spoken with the taxi company’s manager who was disappointed to hear about our client’s experience, saying that he will follow up with the driver involved to educate him to ensure that there is no repeat of these discriminatory actions from him.

For Victorians whose Taxi Subsidy Scheme cards expired in the month of January 2026, there is a problem with the renewed card not being accepted onto the system. We have been told that work is being done to resolve this matter. In the meantime, taxi drivers have been informed that they should use their supplied emergency vouchers which will supplement the use of the currently defective card.

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, 7th 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.

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.

Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group

Tuesday, 10th March at 7:30pm AEDT.

Are you passionate about Braille or keen to build your skills? Our new Braille Enthusiasts Peer Group is a lively and supportive space for Braille users of all levels. Whether you’re a long-time user, brushing up your skills, or just starting out, this group is all about sharing tips and celebrating the power of Braille in everyday life.

Music Group

Wednesday, 11th 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.

News From Outside BCA

National

March 2026 NDIS Webinars – National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Community Engagement team is delivering a national series of free online information sessions to help participants, families, carers and community organisations better understand and navigate the NDIS.

The Understanding the NDIS webinar series covers key topics including how the scheme works, how plans are developed and used, how to request changes, what supports may be funded, and how decisions are made.

March sessions (1:00pm – 2:00pm AEDT):

Registrations close one business day prior to each session, with login details emailed to registered participants.

For further information, contact community.engagement@ndis.gov.au

Call for Submissions: July 2026 Issue of The Educator

The ICEVI Publication Committee invites submissions for the July 2026 issue of The Educator. The theme of the issue is “Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Education and Daily Life of Persons with Visual Impairment”.

As digital innovation accelerates globally, this issue will explore how technology and artificial intelligence are shaping inclusive education, accessibility, literacy, independence, and participation for learners who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

By contributing to The Educator, your work reaches a global audience of professionals, organisations, and advocates working in the blindness and low vision field. Your contribution helps to amplify solutions, innovations, research, and lived experiences across borders. All submissions are fully attributed, providing visibility and connection opportunities for authors and organisations.

Submission Deadline: Sunday, 31st May 2026.

Access the ICEVI Consent Form.

Email submissions to publications@icevi.org

Welcome to The Somebody, Nobody, Anybody and Everybody Blog! By Mister Kayne

The Somebody, Nobody, Anybody & Everybody Blog, authored by Mister Kayne, is a rare corner of the internet where the “bittersweet symphony” of life is played without a filter. Whether you are interested in the realities of accessibility or just want a good laugh at the absurdity of the human condition, this site is a winner!

If you wish to subscribe visit The Somebody, Nobody, Anybody & Everybody Blog! and enter your email to receive content.

New South Wales

Imagining Play: A workshop for creatives living with disability – Woollahra Gallery

This tactile, mixed-media sculpture workshop invites participants with disability to explore ideas of play through hands-on art making. Working with accessible materials, participants will imagine and build their own imaginative playful environments such as playgrounds, amusement parks or abstract playscapes.

Materials are chosen for their tactile and flexible qualities and include cardboard bases and tubes, foam shapes, fabric and felt, yarn, pipe cleaners, straws, craft sticks, modelling clay, textured papers, foil, glue and tape. The workshop is designed to be supportive, open-ended and playful, creating space for experimentation, enjoyment and self-expression.

Date: Thursday, 5th March from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Location: Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf Double Bay, NSW.

For more information and to reserve a spot visit the Eventbrite page.

Audio Described event at the Sydney Opera House: SAINT-SAENS’ ORGAN SYMPHONY

Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Tactile Tour

Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Saturday, 21st March, 1:00pm (2:00pm performance)

Conductor Alexander Soddy connects these beloved works with striking clarity and flair. Three rising stars. Two Romantic masterpieces. One unforgettable concert. A 45-minute pre-concert tactile tour is available for people who are blind or have low vision. The tour provides access to the Concert Hall stage and to selected instruments to enhance your experience ahead of your performance of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony. Available ahead of the performance on Saturday, 21st March only.

Make a booking.

For more information you can call the Box Office on 1300 764 849 or email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com.

Victoria

Applications open for Accessibility Reference Group – Metro Trains Melbourne

Metro Trains Melbourne’s Accessibility Reference Group (ARG) brings together people with accessibility needs to help Metro identify priorities and advocate for meaningful change on Melbourne’s rail network.

Who they are looking for:

Applications are welcomed from passengers who:

  • have a disability and/or accessibility needs;
  • are the carer of a person with disability;
  • can show knowledge of issues relating to accessibility through personal, professional or volunteer experience; and/or
  • reflect our diverse community, applications are especially encouraged from young adults, First Peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ community members, and people with invisible disabilities.

What being an ARG member involves:

As a member, you will:

  • Be a member for two years.
  • Prepare for and participate in meetings.
  • Respond to requests for inputs to initiatives, projects and consultations relating to accessibility.
  • Identify current and emerging accessibility issues.
  • Provide advice on possible solutions to accessibility barriers.
  • Use insights from the broader community to inform their feedback.

About the meetings

  • Metro will hold ARG meetings at least four times a year. Unless otherwise agreed, members are required to attend at least 75 per cent of meetings.
  • Meetings will be held in person at Metro’s CBD office, and an online and phone option will also be available.
  • Meetings will generally be between one and two hours long.

What ARG members will receive

ARG members will receive:

  • A payment for participation in each meeting.
  • Opportunities to influence projects and improvements across the rail network.
  • Experience working in a structured advisory group.
  • Connection with other advocates and transport operators.

Closing date

Applications close 5:00pm Friday, 20th March 2026. For more information, please read the ARG terms of reference

How to apply

  • Apply by completing the online application form.
  • Download and complete the application document and send either by email or post to the address below.
  • Email the application to Customer.accessibility@metrotrains.com.au
  • Post the application to: Attention Network Inclusion Team, Metro Trains, Level 16, 700 Collins Street, Docklands, VIC 3008.
  • If you would like to submit your application via phone or need any other assistance with your application, please call 1800 800 007 and provide your contact details.

South Australia

Audio Described Performances – Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival Productions

With festival season in Adelaide at its peak, there is an extensive list that captures all the Audio Described events for March – offering plenty of opportunities to experience the arts accessibly during this vibrant time of year.

For more information, visit the BCA 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.

Read our Privacy Disclaimer