BCA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Event Information
We are thrilled to share that Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) will be hosting its 50th Anniversary Convention in Melbourne, Victoria from Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June 2025. This momentous event marks five decades of BCA’s unwavering commitment to supporting Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
The convention will take place at the Novotel Glen Waverley, chosen for its accessible facilities, prime location and dedication to ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees. We are confident that this venue will offer the ideal setting for reflection, celebration and forward-thinking discussions about the future of the blind and vision impaired community.
This special anniversary convention will feature a dynamic program, including engaging speakers, informative sessions and ample opportunities for networking and celebration. Key moments will include the presentation of BCA’s ongoing advocacy achievements, discussions on future initiatives and reflections on the progress made over the past 50 years.
Below are the details regarding the costs for attending the convention, both in-person and online:
- Full Convention (In-Person): $350
This fee covers access to all sessions, events and activities for the entire convention. It also includes the Saturday Convention Dinner. The Friday welcome function will include a selection of canapés. Drinks will be available at your own cost. - Day Registration (Saturday & Sunday): $140 per day
If you can only attend on specific days, day registration will be available for $140 per day, with a total of $280 for both Saturday and Sunday. Please note this does not include the Saturday Convention dinner. - Online Registration: $120
For those who are unable to attend in person, you can join us virtually for $120. - Saturday Convention Dinner: $70
Registration opens in January 2025, so be sure to mark your calendars! We look forward to celebrating this major milestone with all our members and making the 50th anniversary an unforgettable experience.
BCA 2025 Convention Program
Friday from midday onwards
- Tech expo
- Opportunity for groups to meet past Executive Leadership Program, Branch Presidents
- Welcome function
Saturday
- Tech expo for part of the day.
- Convention Opening: Including prominent guest speakers.
- Keynote Session. Contributions from members who were there at the beginning.
- Concurrent:
(A) Careers including life choices
(B) Self Advocacy - You Can’t Ask That: Panel question and answer session
- Convention Dinner
Sunday
- Support Workers – Are we using them to build our independence?
- Concurrent:
(A) AI – Technology and Us
(B) Life Hacks - Concurrent:
(A) The evolution of our rights
(B) Women’s Branch – A historical look at Leadership and contributions of the Women’s Branch to BCA. - Hypothetical: Our ownership of the way forward and how the future could look
- Convention Summary and Closing
Special Discounted Accommodation Rates Available
Discounted rates are offered for stays from Thursday, 12th June to Monday, 16th June 2025. Please note there’s a 7-day cancellation policy for these special rates. Book early to take advantage of these great deals.
- Customer Code: SCP4410021
- Access Code: BL633AU829
To book, select the destination and hotel name (Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley), enter your dates, and the special rates will be applied.
Alternatively, you can contact the reservations team at 03 8561 2345 or email keshia.congreve@accor.com.