The best way to find out what’s happening within the Tasmania branch is to join. Use the contact information below to get in touch with the branch directly or contact BCA. You can also find out about Tasmania events by checking the 2025 calendar of events below or phoning 1800 033 660 and following the prompts to listen to the Tasmania update.

2025 Calendar of Events

Whether you’re based in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport or elsewhere in the state, we’ve got something for everyone this year, including coffee catch-ups, lunches, statewide Zoom meetings and more. Here’s what’s planned:

Saturday, 20 September – Launceston Catch-Up

Venue: Local Hideout Café, 82 Brisbane Street, Launceston

Time: 12:00pm – 2:00 pm

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

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

(Reminder: RSVP is essential to ensure the event goes ahead. As some of us are travelling from Hobart to meet with you, this event will only happen if at least five RSVPs are received.)

Saturday, 27 September, Statewide Online Catch-Up

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Where: Zoom

Join via Zoom: https://utas.zoom.us/j/85447865309

A friendly statewide check-in. Pop in with your updates, questions, or ideas for future branch activities. If you’re new to Zoom and would like a quick run-through ahead of time, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up.

Monday, 15 September – North-West Zoom Gathering – Notice from Lil Deverell

My name is Lil Deverell. I am an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist, and I worked on the NW coast for Guide Dogs Tasmania in the late 1990s, before disappearing to the mainland for 25 years. I recently moved back to Burnie to live closer to family. Before setting up for work, I am keen to meet people in North-West Tasmania who are either living with low vision/blindness or supporting people with low vision/blindness, including parents, other family members and carers. Professionals might be interested too.

I would like to learn:
1. What services are currently available in the North-West region for people with low vision/blindness?
2. What is working well to serve, support and connect people?
3. Where are the gaps?
4. What are the barriers?
5. What are the service opportunities?

This is a chance to connect with old friends, meet some new people, tell your story, and scope some possibilities for people living in North-West Tasmania.

If you live anywhere between Devonport, Smithton and Strahan, you are warmly invited to join a Zoom Meet and Greet session with Lil and her admin assistant, Mel.

When: Monday 15 September at 7:30pm
Join the meeting here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83853327383?pwd=vWQVFmNii4vPrZpB1bz6DAWNGr9tvm.1

Saturday, 25 October – Lunch in Devonport

Time: 12:30pm

Venue: To be confirmed

Saturday, 29 November – AGM and Catch-Up

Time: 10:00am

Venue: Zoom

Saturday, 13 December – Christmas Lunch

Time: 12:30pm

Venue: Old Woolstore Hotel

Please mark your calendars and we’ll provide more details closer to each event, including how to RSVP. Note that events will only go ahead if we receive sufficient interest from members in each location. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year.

Expressions of Interest – Drumming Circle

We’re exploring the idea of starting a drumming circle in Hobart later this year. No musical experience is necessary and drums will be provided. If you’re interested in taking part, please let us know. Your responses will help us confirm the location and other details.

March Info Session Recap and Advocacy Update

Thank you to everyone who participated in our online Information Session and Discussion Forum on 22 March. It was a great opportunity to connect and share ideas and we were pleased to have some new members join us.

Here’s a brief summary of our recent advocacy:

The branch has endorsed Disability Voices Tasmania’s submissions on electoral reform and the National Aviation Customer Rights Charter.

We are also advocating to the Department of State Growth about the inaccessibility of the Metro Tas iOS app.

We’re always keen to hear from members about issues that matter to you. If there’s something you think the branch should consider doing or if you have any questions, please get in touch with me on 0410553383 or with another member of your Committee.

As always, thank you for being part of the BCA Tasmania community. We look forward to another exciting and meaningful year together.

Warm regards,

Emma Bennison, President on behalf of the BCA Tasmania Branch Committee:

Committee Members:

Emma Bennison – President
Duncan Meerding – Vice-President
Doug McGinn – Treasurer
Jodie Jacobs – Secretary
General Committee Members – Jan Miller, Mark Warrington, John Krishnan, Savannah Boyd and Roz Sargent

Reminder: We Are On Facebook

Don’t forget to visit our Tasmania Branch Facebook page, where we share regular updates and event reminders:

https://www.facebook.com/p/BCA-Tasmania-100071196563893

As always, thank you for being part of the BCA Tasmania community. We look forward to seeing you online on Saturday or at one of our other events later in the year.

Warm regards

Emma Bennison, President, on behalf of the BCA Tasmania Branch Committee.

Toolkits

Ever wanted to know what is available to you as a person who is blind or vision impaired where you live? Our state based toolkits outline information around financial support, transport entitlements, home and living, aids and equipment, health and wellbeing, leisure, as well as advocacy and legal support.

You can access the TAS Toolkit on this page.

Contact Information

Coordinator: Emma Bennison

Email: emmabennison@me.com

Phone: 0410 553 383