Interview Highlights: Recent Episodes
Interview Highlights - Vision Australia Radio
This interview highlight explores Melbourne Airport's proposed Noise Sharing Plan for the future third runway, due to open in 2031. Peter speaks with Romina Cavallo from GHD, the independent team leading community engagement on the project, about how aircraft noise could be distributed across Melbourne rather than concentrated over specific suburbs. They discuss the challenges of balancing fairness with safety, weather conditions, and airport operations, as well as the feedback received from more than 500 community members during earlier consultation rounds.
With a draft Noise Sharing Plan now open for public feedback, Romina explains how residents can review the proposals, attend webinars and community information sessions, and share their views before consultation closes in October. A fascinating insight into the planning behind Melbourne's aviation future and the role the community can play in shaping it.
More Info: Noise Sharing Plan | Major Projects Hub | Melbourne Airport
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Melbourne Airport is preparing for significant growth, with a third runway, terminal expansions, and major changes to passenger access planned over the coming years.
In this highlight, Peter Greco speaks with Rosie Offord, Head of Planning at Melbourne Airport, about the airport's future and the upcoming public exhibition of the Melbourne Airport Master Plan.
Rosie explains how a projected increase in passenger numbers is driving more than $10 billion in infrastructure investment, including the airport's third runway, expanded international facilities, and changes to pick-up and drop-off arrangements for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 from October.
The discussion also explores accessibility, community consultation, and how people with disability, including those who are blind or have low vision, can help shape the future of Melbourne Airport through the consultation process.
MORE INFO:
Public consultation opens on 10 August and runs until early November, providing opportunities for individuals and organisations to have their say.
People will be able to find more information and make a submission at: melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au
They can also email masterplan2027@melair.com.au, or send a letter to:
Head of Planning
Melbourne Airport
Locked Bag 16
TULLAMARINE VIC 3043
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Do you know someone making a positive difference in their community? Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards are open, but not for much longer.
In this episode, Peter Greco speaks with Todd Greenberg, Interim CEO of the Australian of the Year Awards, about the importance of recognising everyday Australians whose actions inspire others and create meaningful change.
Todd explains how simple it is to nominate someone, outlines the four award categories, and shares how the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding Australians from all walks of life, including volunteers, advocates, community leaders, educators, scientists, artists and more.
Nominations close on 31 July, so now is the time to recognise someone who has made a difference.
For more information or to nominate, visit the Australian of the Year website or call 02 6120 0600.
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The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) returns from 6–23 August, bringing hundreds of films and a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
In this episode, MIFF Operations Manager Hamish Reid joins us to discuss the festival's growing accessibility program, including audio-described screenings, sensory-friendly sessions, step-free venue access, baby-friendly screenings, online streaming options, and dedicated support for patrons with accessibility requirements.
Hamish also highlights Joybubbles, an innovative documentary featuring open audio description, alongside several other accessible films and events available throughout the festival.
Whether you're a film lover, a first-time festival attendee, or looking for accessible entertainment options, this conversation provides a valuable guide to what MIFF has to offer in 2026.
For more information, visit the MIFF website or contact the MIFF Box Office on (03) 8660 4888.
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Vision Australia's Anushka Singh joins Peter Greco to discuss the Hear and See Me project, a national podcast initiative celebrating the lived experiences of people who are blind or have low vision.
The project is currently seeking participants aged 18 to 64 who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or are First Nations people who speak English. No media experience is required, and participants can choose to remain anonymous.
Anushka explains how the process works, why these stories matter, and how sharing personal experiences can help challenge stigma, raise awareness, and inspire others. Participants will be supported throughout the process and thanked with a gift card for their time.
If you're interested, or know someone who may be, now is the time to get involved.
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Darwin Fringe Festival’s much-loved Secret Art exhibition is back, showcasing unreleased works from talented young artists aged 12 to 25 across Darwin and the Northern Territory.
In this episode, Peter speaks with emerging curator and local artist Ifa Sadiq, who shares her journey from exhibiting in Secret Art since 2020 to curating the exhibition in 2026. They discuss the importance of creating opportunities for young creatives, the vibrant Darwin arts scene, the diverse range of artworks on display, and the role Secret Art plays in building confidence and celebrating local talent.
Ifa also reflects on her own artistic practice, her passion for telling Territory stories through art, and why Darwin Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year for the local creative community.
A fascinating conversation about creativity, community, and the next generation of Northern Territory artists.
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Australia is preparing for the first national test of its new OZ Alert mobile emergency warning system, and millions of compatible devices are expected to receive a notification and 10-second alert tone simultaneously.
In this episode, host Peter Greco speaks with Megan Hebert about how the new cell broadcast technology works, why it is being introduced, and what Australians can expect when the test takes place. Megan explains which devices will receive the alert, how it differs from a standard SMS, and how accessibility features such as text-to-speech are expected to work for people who are blind or have low vision.
The conversation also covers important considerations for people with disability, older Australians, people experiencing domestic violence, and anyone who may find the alert distressing or disruptive. Megan shares practical advice on phone settings, explains what the test message will say, and discusses the extensive planning underway to ensure the community is informed before the nationwide test.
Whether you're curious about the technology, supporting a family member, or simply wondering if your phone will sound an alert, this episode provides a clear and accessible overview of Australia's newest emergency communication system.
For more information, visit https://ozalert.gov.au/.
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Former Senator Gerard Rennick joins Peter to discuss the formation of the People First Party, his departure from the Liberal Party, and his vision for Australia's political and economic future.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerard outlines the party's focus on federal economic reform, reducing government duplication, supporting regional Australia, and proposed changes to taxation, housing and childcare. He also shares his views on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including concerns about service delivery, accountability and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
The discussion explores the challenges facing regional communities, the importance of listening to people's lived experiences when developing policy, and why Gerard believes Australia's political system needs significant reform.
Whether you agree or disagree with his views, this interview offers an insight into the ideas and priorities shaping one of Australia's emerging political movements ahead of the next federal election.
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As part of the Darwin Fringe Festival, Amelia Aberasturi and Eloy Mason are running “The Open Curtain Presents”. Peter Greco gets all the info about this inclusive, accessible and amazing community event. Sessions available 24th and 25th July at the Browns Mart Studio.
More info: Darwin Fringe
Website: The Open Curtain
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Vision Australia Radio presenter Sam Colley sits down with Vision Australia Radio's new Operations Manager, Nat Grant, to learn more about their career journey, the projects they've worked on, where their passions lie, and their vision for the future of our radio network.
In this engaging conversation, Nat shares what drew them to the role, the strengths they see in Vision Australia Radio today, and the opportunities they believe lie ahead as we continue to serve listeners across Australia.
We're delighted to welcome Nat to the team and hope you'll join us in supporting them as they begin this exciting new chapter with Vision Australia Radio.
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Peter Greco chats with Kelly Schulz, Chief Curiosity Officer from Knowable Me, about their latest report into recruitment, in particular some of the challenges just applying for a job. This report examines how Australia’s largest listed companies are currently approaching disability inclusion through what is visible, embedded and sustained.
More info: Australia's productivity problem
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Anushka Singh, Coordinator/VA Radio Speak My Language Project, joins Peter Greco to discuss an upcoming podcast series “See Me Hear Me”, celebrating the lived experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse community members. Anushka is looking for participants who may be interested to share their stories.
More details call: 1300 847 466
or email: anushka.singh9@visionaustralia.org
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Peter Greco chats with Stacie Ashlet, aka Hyper the Clown about Club Krock and other events coming up as part of the Darwin Fringe Festival 23 July. Club Krock is an inclusive, all-abilities social event, building meaningful relationships and enhancing the well-being of all participants.
Club Krock
Darwin Fringe
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Sam speaks to Anushka Singh, coordinator of the Hear and See Me Program, a collaborative project between Vision Australia Radio and Ehnic Cultural Communities of NSW, a series of podcasts featuring stories from members of the blind and low vision community from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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Sam speaks to Anushka Singh, coordinator of the Hear and See Me Program, a collaborative project between Vision Australia Radio and Ehnic Cultural Communities of NSW, a series of podcasts featuring stories from members of the blind and low vision community from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To find out more details about the project, email Anushka.Singh9@visionaustralia.org or call 0474 443 626.
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For over 35 years, listeners to Vision Australia Radio in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have been tuning in on the AM band.
The ways radio and other audio are delivered have now evolved to a better sounding and more flexible range of digital options. With the closing of the AM services, Vision Australia Radio has produced the ‘AM Bye-bye’ program and podcast to help everyone find out more about the digital radio world and to assist those who are yet to make the transition to digital listening.
In this podcast we cover the options of:
- Smart speakers,
- Digital Radio;
- Smart Phones and tablets; and
- Online listening.
Vision Australia’ Radio’s Stephen Jolley speaks with:
- Chris Edwards, Vision Australia’s Chief Mission Officer;
- Marilyn Bednar, Coordinator of Volunteers for VA Radio Melbourne;
- Peter Greco, long time broadcaster with the Vision Australia Radio Adelaide station;
- Jason Gipps, from Vision Australia Radio’s National Audio Business Development Consultant; and
- Wanda Egerton, a Melbourne based avid radio consumer
For more details on how to listen to Vision Australia Radio from July 1, visit: https://radio.visionaustralia.org/about-us/DAB-plus-transition/how-to-keep-listening
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Sam speaks with Anum Ejaz, postgraduate student at Curtin University in Perth, about her research project Visual Social Media: Digital Disability Inclusion for Australians with Vision Impairment and Blindness.
Anum is looking for a few participants to take part in her research, exploring how people who are blind or have low vision experience social media. If you would like to take part and get in touch, you can send Anum an email to find out more.
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Sam also caught up with singer and Adelaide Disability and Workability Expo ambassador Rachel Leahcar, to have a chat about the upcoming expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds on 26 and 27 June.
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Sam speaks with Sandra George, member of the national committee for Albinism Fellowship of Australia. Sandra speaks about International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13, the facts and statistics about albinism in Australia, and why raising awareness around albinism is so important for people living with albinism and their families and friends.
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In this episode, host Matt Power speaks with Vivian Bell, a Low Vision Consultant from Quantum, about the MirrorPad Pro, a device designed to make everyday reading and digital access easier for people who are blind or have low vision.
Vivian shares how the MirrorPad Pro can help with common tasks like reading mail, labels and recipes, as well as getting out and about, from checking menus to viewing signs at a distance. They also explore how the device connects with smartphones and tablets, and what users can expect whether they’re on Android or Apple.
They also discuss how easy it is to get started, what a typical demonstration looks like, and who tends to benefit most from the technology. Vivian brings her experience from both Vision Store and Quantum to give practical insights into how the device fits into daily life.
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Coming up on 26-27 June at the Wayville Showgrounds Adelaide, is the WorkAbility Expo. Rachael Leahcar, Advocate and singer/song-writer talks with Peter Greco about the event. Suitable for those seeking greater independence, exploring NDIS options, or connecting with local providers. Access is free.More info: Adelaide WorkAbility Expo
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Chris Edwards, Chief Mission Officer at Vision Australia, discusses with Peter Greco why the AM signal for radio stations in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth are shutting down from 1st July. You can access the station via a digital radio, online or through the Community Radio app.
More info: VAR Digital Broadcast Transition
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Melanie Kieley, CEO from MSWA gets Peter Greco up to speed with what is happening at Multiple Sclerosis Western Autsralia. Topics include World MS Day events in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and how updated services in SA and NT are progressing.
More info: MSWA
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Blind Sports ambassador Annette Leishmann shares how Empower Golf is making the game accessible to people of all abilities. The organisation supports people with physical and mental disabilities, veterans, and anyone seeking a more inclusive pathway into golf.
Empower Golf runs free come and try clinics across Australia, along with private coaching led by specially trained PGA professionals. Ongoing lessons may also be supported through NDIS funding.
Find out more at Home - Empower Golf
This interview was recorded in Belmont at the Vision Australia Radio Geelong studios, with interviewer Abi Grigsby.
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As part of Rising, coming up from 27 May - 6 June at Footscray Community Arts, The Supposed To Be, is a play written by Chenturan Aran. Chenturan talks with Peter Greco about this work and his background. The play is a tale of generational ghosts, migrant compromises, and the dangerous chase to become who we think we are supposed to be.
More info: The Supposed To Be
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Hayley Percy, Senior Curator of Music for Rising Melbourne, chats with Peter Greco about what the festival entails. Running from 27 May - 8 June, Hayley describes a number of inclusive, accessible shows and activations, including some free events that are available.
More info: Rising Melbourne 2026
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Peter Greco chats with Rachel from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, and shares news on available member benefits. These include volunteer celebrations, a visit to a miniature horse therapy farm at Lenswood and more. Beyond Blindness provides high standard welfare, support and advocacy services to people who are blind or vision impaired.
More info: Beyond Blindness
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Rising Melbourne runs from 27 May - 8 June and Hayley Percy, Senior Curator of Music for the festival is enthused and passionate about the 2026 line up. Haley fills in Peter Greco with all the details.
More info: Rising Melbourne 2026
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In this podcast highlight, Simon Hemming of Money Sense Lending joins Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco to share practical mortgage information with our listeners. This is intended to be the first of many regular conversations on Peter’s program.
The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account individual circumstances. Vision Australia Radio encourages listeners to seek independent advice or undertake their own research before making financial decisions. Vision Australia is not responsible for advice provided by guests on our radio network.
At the time of publishing (22/05/26), Vision Australia Radio has no commercial arrangement with Simon Hemming or Money Sense Lending. Simon has generously volunteered his time to appear on the program.
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Ben Haack, a Special Olympics athlete, chats with Peter Greco about his new book, Reason For Hope. Ben shares his story of overcoming bullying, finding sport, recreation and a supportive community on the Gold Coast.
More info: Reason For Hope
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Peter Greco speaks with Aasha Rose PHD, about an upcoming Roundtable, focusing on Access for People with Print Disabilities from 23 to 26 May 2026. Aasha will be one of the featured speakers, her topic is Braille: More than just literacy, it's dignity, identity and freedom.
More info: Roundtable Conference
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This multi-sensory exhibition, presented by ACMI and RISING, takes us deep into the spine-tingling symbiosis between music, art, film and culture. Triple R presenter, Yasmine Sharaf, fills in Peter Greco with all the details. ACMI, 22 May - 31 August.
More info: The Vinyl Factory: Reverb
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Coming up on Thursday 7th May 10:30am at the Albury Business Centre, is the Vision Store Product Expo. Gino Simpliciano, from Vision Australia explains what will be available. The hero product will be the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, come and try them out.
More info: Vision Store Product Expo
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Bev Walker shares some of her life story with Peter Greco. Bev lost her sight later in life and has shown great determination, resilience, and persistence. She took on assistive technology, using the Envoy for reading and the Ray-Ban meta glasses enabling her independence. Bev shares peer support with the "check in and chat" program from Vision Australia.
More info: Check-in-and-chat
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Darwin Fringe Festival is coming up in July 17-26 and Vision Australia Radio is proud to be a media partner to this wonderful event. Hannah Illingworth, Director for the Festival, shares all the the details with Peter Greco. Tickets will go on sale in May.
More info: Darwin Fringe
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Lee Archer, Project Manager for Tenant Voice talks with Peter Greco about the launch of the "No Sweetie" Campaign. This campaign is calling out infantilising language towards people with disabilities.
More info: No Sweetie
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Ashlee chats with Peter Greco about her love for the sport and encourages others to get involved. Ashlee also speaks about her advocacy work and her business, Field Notes Consulting.
More info: Australian Woman's Para Ice Hockey
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In this interview highlight, recorded during Vision Australia Radio’s live broadcast from the Adelaide ATSA Independent Living Expo, Jason chats with Ben Waechter, Managing Director of KYD-X, about why inclusive design and lived experience are at the heart of everything the organisation does.
Ben shares how KYD-X began after his son Harry was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and how the lack of accessible information and services in South Australia led to the creation of both the KYD-X expo and the charity. He explains how KYD-X supports people with disability and their families throughout the year, from running major events to delivering practical solutions for everyday accessibility challenges.
The conversation explores KYD-X’s off‑the‑floor accessible toilet trailers, designed to provide dignity, safety and true accessibility at public events, as well as inclusive community programs like frame running, which give children and young people with disability the chance to train, play and belong alongside their peers.
This interview forms part of Vision Australia Radio’s special coverage from the Adelaide ATSA Independent Living Expo, highlighting innovation, advocacy and community‑led solutions that improve access and inclusion for everyone.
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In this interview highlight, recorded during Vision Australia Radio’s live broadcast from the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, Jason speaks with Christina Wyatt, Professional Practice Advisor Aged Care at Occupational Therapy Australia, following her seminar “Support at Home: What Have We Learnt from the First 6 Months?”
Christina explains the role of occupational therapists and how they support people to engage in meaningful, everyday activities across disability, ageing and mental health. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, she reflects on the changing landscape of disability and aged care, the links between physical and mental wellbeing, and how occupational therapists work with people across all stages of life.
The conversation focuses on recent reforms in aged care, including the introduction of the new Support at Home program, what has been learned in its first six months, and how these changes are affecting access to services and assistive technology. Christina also discusses the challenges facing clinicians and consumers during this period of reform, and her hopes for greater clarity and consistency moving forward.
This interview forms part of Vision Australia Radio’s special coverage from the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, spotlighting lived experience, advocacy and practical information to help people age and live well.
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In this interview highlight, recorded at the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, the team chat with Nathan from SANFL about blind and low vision football and the inclusive programs making Aussie rules accessible to more people.
Nathan explains how modified footies with high‑visibility colour and a built‑in buzzing sound allow players who are blind or have low vision to track the ball during play. He shares how the technology has evolved, why games are played indoors in controlled environments, and how classifications ensure the competition is fair and enjoyable for everyone.
The conversation also explores SANFL’s broader disability and inclusion programs, including wheelchair football and inclusive leagues, and the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities to take part in the game they love.
This interview was recorded during Vision Australia Radio’s live broadcast from the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, highlighting innovation, assistive technology, and inclusive sport.
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In this interview highlight, recorded at the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, the team chat with Deb from Boccia Australia about the fast‑growing, inclusive sport of Boccia. Deb explains how boccia differs from bocce, how the sport can be played by people of all abilities, and why it is just as strategic and competitive as it is social.
We hear about boccia in South Australia, local club opportunities, and how players with very limited movement can compete at an elite level using ramps and assistants. Deb also shares insights into Australia’s success on the international stage, including Paralympic and World Series competitions, and why the boccia community is such a welcoming and supportive place to get involved.
This conversation was recorded during Vision Australia Radio’s live broadcast from the Adelaide Independent Living Expo, celebrating inclusive sport, community connection, and opportunities for everyone to participate.
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In this interview highlight, we speak with Jono Nguyen from One Culture Support Services at the Adelaide ATSA Independent Living Expo. Jono shares how One Culture delivers inclusive and competitive powerchair sport programs, including powerchair football and powerchair hockey, designed for people who use powered wheelchairs for everyday mobility.
Jono explains how powerchair football adapts the world game, with four-a-side matches played on basketball courts, and outlines the current football season running from January to June, alongside powerchair hockey, which runs from spring through summer. He also speaks candidly about his own experiences as a power wheelchair user and how adaptive sport provides freedom, confidence, and connection.
The conversation also highlights the international impact of powerchair sport, with Adelaide athletes selected to represent Australia in powerchair hockey at the world championships in Finland. Jono discusses the importance of community support and fundraising to help athletes compete on the world stage, and encourages anyone interested in getting involved to connect with One Culture Support Services for more information.
Learn more: One Culture Support Services
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In this interview highlight, we speak with occupational therapists Nikki Cousins and Sarah Collison at the Adelaide ATSA Independent Living Expo. Nikki and Sarah were the presenters behind the seminar “NDIS Ninja Moves: Stealthy Tactics for Speedy AT Approvals” and are also the voices behind the OT Unplugged podcast. They share practical insights from their session, aimed at helping both therapists and NDIS participants better navigate the assistive technology approval process.
Nikki and Sarah discuss the importance of collaboration between participants and prescribers, setting clear and meaningful goals, and agreeing early on who will take responsibility for following up approvals so applications do not get lost in the system. They also talk about their work through Action Occupational Therapy and Verve Learning, an education platform supporting occupational therapists across Australia, as well as how podcasts, webinars, and online learning help make sense of ongoing changes within the NDIS.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a conversation with Jason Loh, Clinical Services Manager at Guide Dogs, exploring the wide range of support services available beyond guide and assistance dogs.
Jason explains the role of clinical services at Guide Dogs and why not every person who is blind or has low vision needs or is suited to a dog. The discussion highlights how occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, orthoptists and client liaison officers work together to support independence through practical tools, skills and funding navigation.
Listeners hear about vision‑specific occupational therapy, mobility training with canes and assistive technology, and everyday solutions such as magnifiers and liquid level indicators that help people safely manage daily tasks. Jason also shares his own professional background as an orthoptist and how that clinical experience supports people living with conditions such as double vision, diabetic eye disease and other ophthalmic challenges.
The conversation touches on Guide Dogs’ involvement at the expo, including hands‑on demonstrations of low vision aids and community programs such as blind and low vision AFL, developed in partnership with SANFL. Jason also discusses pathways for clinicians interested in working in the sector and the growing demand for vision‑focused services.
This episode offers a clear reminder that Guide Dogs is about far more than dogs alone. It is about choice, independence and tailored clinical support for people at every stage of vision loss.
To learn more about Guide Dogs services or speak with the team, visit their stand at the expo or head to the Guide Dogs SA and NT website.
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Recorded live on day two of the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode welcomes back Serena Ovens, CEO of ATSA, for a recap of the event so far and a look at what’s still to come.
Serena shares strong attendance figures from the opening day, with hundreds of health professionals, people with disability, carers and older Australians through the doors, alongside packed seminar rooms and overwhelmingly positive feedback. She reflects on the success of the seminar program, including high‑interest sessions on emerging technology such as artificial intelligence and its growing role in assistive technology and occupational therapy practice.
The conversation also highlights the ATSA Independent Living Expo Awards, recognising standout seminars, marketing campaigns and exhibition stands, and celebrating innovation and engagement across the sector. Serena offers insight into the enormous planning effort behind the expo, explaining how events of this scale take years to develop and rely on strong collaboration across the industry.
Listeners are guided through the remainder of the day’s program, including adaptive fashion, aging well at home, hearing support, changing funding and regulation landscapes, wheelchair transport safety, and advanced wheelchair control systems. Serena also shines a spotlight on the sports zone, where visitors can watch and try inclusive sports such as ice sled hockey, walking basketball and boccia.
With a clear focus on independence, innovation and collaboration, this episode captures the energy of day two on the expo floor and reinforces why the ATSA Independent Living Expo is such an important event for learning, connection and discovery.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features an engaging conversation with Andy Phillips from Wheelchair Rugby South Australia, shining a spotlight on one of the most dynamic and inclusive adaptive sports.
Andy shares the origins of wheelchair rugby, from its beginnings in Canada through to becoming a Paralympic sport, and explains how the game blends elements of rugby, basketball and hockey into a fast‑paced indoor contact sport. We unpack how the classification system works, why strategy plays such a central role, and how players with different levels of mobility work together as a team.
The conversation also explores the local scene in South Australia, including training sessions, social game nights and pathways that range from casual participation through to high‑performance competition. Andy highlights the strong sense of community within the sport and the welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages anyone in a wheelchair to come along, watch or have a go.
Listeners also hear about live demonstrations at the expo, opportunities to try the sport firsthand, and where to find Wheelchair Rugby South Australia for those interested in getting involved. This episode is a powerful reminder that being in a wheelchair does not limit ambition, competitiveness or the joy of sport.
Whether you are curious about adaptive sport, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to learn more about wheelchair rugby, this conversation offers insight, humour and inspiration.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a practical and timely conversation with Immacolata ‘Mac’ Bollella of Electoral Commission South Australia, focusing on accessible and independent voting options for people with disability.
With a state election than approaching, Mac explained how telephone assisted voting works and why it is an important option for people who are blind, have low vision, or have a motor impairment. Mac walked through the process step by step, from registering and receiving a secure key number to casting a confidential vote with the support of trained electoral officials.
The discussion also covered early voting, pre‑poll centres, and how voters could prepare in advance by learning about candidates, preferences and ballot papers. Mac highlighted the accessibility features of the Electoral Commission website, including screen reader support, candidate lists and interactive practice voting tools designed to help people feel confident before voting.
This conversation reinforced the importance of accessible democratic participation and encouraged eligible voters to take up the services available to them. By using inclusive voting options, listeners could help ensure these services continue to be offered and improved in future elections.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this interview highlight features a conversation with Will Crowe, occupational therapist from Stretchy Tech, exploring how custom assistive technology can transform everyday life for people with disability.
Will explains how Stretchy Tech brings together occupational therapists, technicians and electricians to design and install personalised technology solutions that support independence at home. From voice‑controlled lights and doors to eye‑gaze operated systems that allow someone to control their environment using only their eyes, the discussion highlights how technology can be tailored to match each person’s abilities, preferences and goals.
The conversation unpacks the full process, from initial assessment and goal setting through to funding reports, installation and training for participants and their support networks. Will also shares why Stretchy Tech focuses on using mainstream, widely available technology wherever possible, making solutions more affordable, easier to support and more inclusive by reducing the need for highly specialised equipment.
We also hear real‑world examples of how automation can support people with complex needs, including neurodivergent clients, by simplifying tasks and reducing stress for individuals, families and carers. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, flexibility and ongoing review, this episode offers insight into how assistive technology continues to evolve alongside people’s lives and changing technology.
Whether you are a person with disability, a carer, a health professional or simply curious about what modern assistive technology can achieve, this conversation provides a clear and practical look at how the right solution can make a meaningful difference.
To learn more about Stretchy Tech, visit stretchytech.org or connect with them via Facebook, YouTube or at the ATSA Independent Living Expo.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a conversation with Stephen Farrawell, Chair of Special Olympics South Australia, celebrating a major milestone and exploring the impact of inclusive sport across the state.
Stephen reflects on 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia, a landmark year that also leads into the National Games later this year in Melbourne. He shares how Special Olympics South Australia supports athletes across metropolitan and regional areas, with programs running from Adelaide through to Mount Gambier, the Riverland, Whyalla and Port Pirie, ensuring people in country communities are not left out.
The discussion highlights the wide range of sports available, including basketball, tenpin bowling, athletics, swimming, bocce, dance sport, cricket, soccer and equestrian, along with new programs continuing to roll out. Stephen explains how Special Olympics welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, from school programs through to adult weekly activities and competitive pathways that can lead to national and international representation.
We also hear about the powerful personal growth that comes through sport, from building confidence and social skills to developing leadership. Stephen shares insight into the Athlete Leaders program and the achievements of South Australian athletes like Toby Sullivan, whose journey reflects the life‑changing opportunities created through Special Olympics.
With strong volunteer support and a focus on inclusion, connection and wellbeing, this episode captures why Special Olympics remains such an important community for people with intellectual disability, their families and supporters.
To learn more about programs, sports and how to get involved, visit the Special Olympics Australia website and select South Australia for local opportunities.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this interview highlight features an engaging conversation with Noela Angel, para athlete, advocate and competitor across para ice hockey and para equestrian sport.
Noela shares how two very different sports are connected by balance, freedom and confidence. From riding horses as an above‑knee amputee to playing para ice hockey from a sled just inches above the ice, she explains how adaptive sport allows her to leave mobility aids behind and experience movement in a completely new way. We explore what para ice hockey looks like in Australia, how the sport is growing post‑COVID, and why women may be Australia’s strongest pathway to future Paralympic competition.
Along the way, Noela speaks candidly about discovering her competitive streak, the joy of legal on‑ice contact, and the powerful sense of escape and independence that both skating and riding provide.
To learn more about Noela’s work, visit www.noellaangel.com or connect via Falcons Para Ice Hockey and Para Equestrian South Australia on Facebook.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features a lively conversation with Bryn Lewis from Basketball SA, exploring the growing popularity of walking basketball and why it is opening the game to more people than ever before.
Bryn explains how walking basketball removes the barriers of running and jumping while keeping everything that makes basketball fun. Played at a slower pace with modified rules, lower rings and a lighter ball, the sport welcomes players aged from their 40s through to their 80s and beyond. It is one of the few sports where grandparents and grandchildren can share the same court, and stay active together.
We hear how walking basketball supports people living with disability, those returning to sport after injury, and anyone encouraged by a doctor or physio to keep moving in a safe, low‑impact way. Bryn also highlights the strong social side of the program, from post‑game coffees to the sense of connection and community that keeps players coming back each week.
Whether you are looking for gentle exercise, social connection, or a way to fall back in love with basketball without the bruises, this episode shows why walking basketball is proving to be a game changer.
To find out more about walking basketball, wheelchair basketball and other inclusive programs, visit Home - Basketball SA or speak with the team at one of their local venues.
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Recorded live at the ATSA Independent Living Expo in Adelaide, this episode features an in‑depth conversation with Serena Ovens, CEO of ATSA, exploring the vital role assistive technology plays in supporting independence, choice and participation for people with disability and older Australians.
Serena explains what the ATSA Independent Living Expo is all about, from simple everyday aids like walking sticks through to highly complex power wheelchairs, communication devices, beds, hoists and smart home technology. She shares how the expo brings together health professionals, suppliers and people with lived experience, allowing equipment to be tested, trialled and truly understood before it is prescribed or purchased.
The conversation dives into why assistive technology matters, how it enables people to live independently and stay connected to their communities, and why collaboration between occupational therapists, clinicians and suppliers is essential to achieving the right outcome for each individual. Serena also unpacks the importance of education through the expo’s seminar program, covering topics such as equipment scripting, regulation changes, emerging technology including AI, adaptive fashion and complex seating solutions.
We also hear about the advocacy work ATSA undertakes behind the scenes, including involvement in NDIS and aged care reforms, national standards, and ensuring policy settings genuinely support end users. With a strong focus on independence, dignity and long‑term outcomes, this conversation provides a clear and informative overview of an industry that continues to evolve and innovate.
Whether you are a person with disability, an older Australian, a health professional or simply curious about what assistive technology can offer, this conversation highlights why the ATSA Independent Living Expo is such an important space to learn, connect and explore what is possible.
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Sam speaks to Claire Dorling, a PhD student from Monash University whose research centres around the development of a functional vision assessment for children and young people who are blind or have low vision in an educational setting.
Hear from Claire as she discusses her research and how it intersects with her professional experience as s specialist teacher, and lived experience as a person with low vision.
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Sam speaks with Santiago Velasquez Hurtado, co-founder of Hailo, an app now available on iPhone and Android for public transport users to hail a bus or tram more safely and accessibly than before, and inform the driver when and where they would like to be dropped off.
Hailo is currently available on the Melbourne bus network however there are plans to expand the app to other modes of transport and cities in future.
If you would like to download the app it's now available on the Apple Store or Google Play, or to find out more you can head to the Hailo website, hailo.co
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Sam speaks with Jo Cabot, author of Live Well with Vision Loss, a website to provide advice and support for people experiencing vision loss at any point in their vision loss journey.
The website will be fully available to browse from April 10.
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Dr Luke Martin, Clinical spokesperson from Beyond Blue, speaks with Peter Greco about the mental health support Beyond Blue provides in regional and remote areas such as the Northern Territory, recovering from floods and their aftermath. Beyond Blue offers free national mental health supports and services.
More info: Beyond Blue
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Scott Watters, former-AFL player and Coach, Founder and CEO for Life Changer Foundation, speaks with Peter Greco about Melbourne Victory football Club hosting the Stand Together Mental Health Round in partnership with Life Changer Foundation at AAMI Park, Sunday, March 15th.
More info: Life Changer Foundation
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Kathryn O'Toole, a client of Seeing Eye Dogs and Katie Farrell, SED Mobility Instructor, chat with Peter Greco about VA Trek for Vision 2026, coming up 8 -10 May. Trek for Vision takes you along the Great Ocean Walk, where every step you take and dollar you raise supports the Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program.
Register here: VA Trek For Vision
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A look back at a special moment for writers and readers.
In 2025, Hear This marked the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival with a very special broadcast celebrating storytelling, creativity and community. This reflective edition revisits that occasion, when we proudly announced the winners and runners-up of the festival’s 2025 Microfiction Competition, showcasing powerful short works from across the Brimbank community.
As we prepare to share the 2026 edition, on Froday 13 March, this episode stands as a reminder of the voices, ideas and imagination that made the 2025 festival such a memorable celebration of writing and reading.
Learn more about the Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival via Brimbank Libraries.
Find out about the free Vision Australia Library Service, supporting people who are blind or have low vision with accessible books, newspapers and magazines.
Listen to Vision Australia Radio on air, online and via podcast.
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Nicola Ettridge is a highly respected and accomplished advocate. Nicola talks with Peter Greco about losing her hearing at 21 and getting a cochlear implant a few years later. Nicola also reflects on International Women's Day, and her work finding employment opportunities for people of all abilities, especially in non metropolitan Australia.
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With International Women’s Day (IWD) coming up, Peter Greco hears from Allison Davies, music therapist. Allison, who lives with autism, discusses women’s role with music, the inherent nurturing use of voice and developing platforms in order to create social change through history.
More info: Allison Davies
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Professor Henry Brodaty AO, this year's Senior Australian of the year, chats with Peter Greco about his research and practical tips to help keep our brain healthy.
More info: Centre for Healthy Brain ageing
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Peter Greco catches up with Kath Duncan, award winning writer and playwright advocate. Kath talks about her season of "Specials", premiering at the Arts House in North Melbourne in March including one of the sessions complete with audio description and a tactile tour.
More info: Artshouse - Specials
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Josh Teague, SA Deputy Leader for the Liberal Party and Shadow Attorney-General, chats with Peter Greco on topics such as blind cricket, telephone voting at this year's state election, e-scooters and increasing penalties for discriminating against assistance animals.
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Kelly Schultz, Chief Curiosity Officer at Knowable Me, shares research with Peter Greco that 70 of the ASX top 200 listed companies make no public reference to disability, thus raising questions about productivity, workforce participation and organisational risk.
More info: Knowable Me
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Sam catches up with music therapist Emily Shanahan, 12 months after their previous conversation when, at the time, the fate of music therapies on the NDIS was front and centre of political debate.
Fortunately thanks to tireless advocacy from music therapists and testimonies from clients both past and present, the role of music therapy in the NDIS has stabilised somewhat, however challenges still remain.
Hear from Emily as she tells us about the last 12 months in the music therapy space, what people can expect in 2026 from the sector and what improvements she and other music therapists would like to see regarding the place of music therapies for clients with disabilities.
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As the 2026 South Australian state election is coming up, Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, shares news with Peter Greco on what's available for telephone assisted voting.
More info: Electoral Commission South Australia
or call: 1300 951 579
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Storytelling is about connecting, preserving and sharing and empowering.
In the era of ChatGPT, real stories may be more important than ever.
This conversation between friends and colleagues, Chemutai Glasheen and Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes offers an opportunity for audiences to gain insight into the significance of the oral storytelling traditions of their respective cultures and how these traditions have informed the evolution of their written work. ‘Hope’ is also a common theme shared by both writers and Chemutai and Yirga will reflect on the relevance of hope in their writing.
Presented in association with the WA Maritime Museum
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media sponsor of Totally Lit Festival. This event was recorded live in September 2025.
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When Alkira Buti was born in 1993 her parents knew little about cri du chat syndrome other than it was a chromosomal abnormality that would render their daughter ‘disabled’.
As they searched to understand more about the syndrome and the likely future for their daughter, they learned more about the social treatment of, and attitudes towards, children with disabilities.
Alkira is a story of resilience, determination, heartache and triumph for Alkira and her parents. In conversation with Gillian O’Shaughnessy, Tony Buti will challenge us to rethink how we approach disability and move toward a more just and inclusive society for all.
Presented in association with the WA Maritime Museum
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media sponsor of Totally Lit Festival. This event was recorded live in September 2025.
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David Tredinnick is finishing his time as Co-ordinator for audio production at Vision Australia. David shares stories with Peter Greco on his time VA, how technology has changed and how clients can receive their material in their preferred format.
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Peter Greco hears from classically trained pianist, Kip McLachlin, about their unique and very inclusive show, PiaNu-Metal, at the Midsumma Festival, 29-31January. The dialogue, staging and sound design have been crafted with multisensory description and auditory cues in mind, supporting audiences who are blind or have low vision to follow narrative, action and atmosphere.
More info: Pianu-Metal
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Megan Star, from Redfeet wines, chats with Peter Greco about a Taste of the Senses event 21st February. Come along and enjoy wines, food, fabulous company and experiences. Carers can attend at no cost, booking is essential and places are limited.
More info: Redfeet Wines
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In this high‑energy finale to the 2026 Midsumma Carnival Day broadcast, Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 welcome cabaret powerhouse Justin Clausen for a joyful and music‑filled conversation about his hit show He’s Every Woman.
Justin shares how the show pays tribute to some of the world’s greatest divas — Whitney, Cher, Céline, Tina, Kylie, and more — offering insight into which artists he channels most naturally and what draws him to their iconic music.
Listeners get a behind‑the‑scenes look at performing with a full eight‑piece band, including what audiences can expect from the big arrangements, the vocal stylings, and the unmistakable joy and camp spectacle that define the show.
Justin also reflects on balancing emotional power ballads with playful humour and banter, a hallmark of the production that keeps crowds engaged and on their feet. He teases standout numbers, the songs that reliably lift the room, and the diva moments that generate the most electric audience response.
The conversation touches on the magic of performing at Chapel Off Chapel, how the venue’s intimacy elevates connection with audiences, and the continued evolution of the show for its 2026 season — including a cameo by the wonderful Dolly Diamond.
Closing out a celebratory day of queer performance, community voices, and festival storytelling, this interview captures the warm humour, vocal brilliance, and big‑heart energy that make He’s Every Woman a perfect fit for Midsumma.
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In this insightful Carnival Day conversation, Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 speak with Nilgun Guven, founder of Vitae Veritas, an organisation known for its long‑standing work in disability access, guided tactile tours, and inclusive festival experiences. Nilgun joins the broadcast live from the community stalls following her confirmation earlier in the week to take part again in the festival’s accessibility programming.
Nilgun begins by reflecting on the origins of Vitae Veritas and what motivated the creation of a service focused on access, guided tours, and equitable participation within queer community events. She shares what attendees can expect from the Carnival Day Guided Tours, how tactile and guided experiences enhance access for blind and low‑vision visitors, and how these tours have evolved across the festival’s accessibility landscape.
Listeners will also hear Nilgun discuss her organisation’s broader role across Midsumma 2026 — including involvement in events such as Pride March — and her perspective on how the festival is progressing toward deeper inclusion, where it is excelling, and where accessibility work is still evolving.
The interview offers practical insight, warm reflection, and a clear sense of purpose: ensuring that queer cultural spaces are designed so everyone — across disability, identity, and community — can fully take part.
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In this warm, insightful Carnival Day interview, Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 bring together representatives from two church communities who are reshaping what faith, inclusion, and belonging look like in contemporary Melbourne.
Recorded live from the community stalls at Midsumma Carnival, the conversation explores how these congregations are building open, affirming, and LGBTQIA+‑welcoming spaces within traditions that have not always been seen as inclusive. Together, they discuss the practical steps their churches are taking to support queer people of faith, the importance of visibility at events like Midsumma, and the shared belief that spiritual spaces can — and should — be safe places for everyone.
Listeners will hear thoughtful reflections on community leadership, allyship, and the evolving relationship between faith and identity, as well as the role churches can play in combating stigma, strengthening social connection, and celebrating diversity across Melbourne.
With honesty and compassion at its centre, this conversation highlights the work of two faith communities committed to living their values.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this powerful pre‑recorded conversation, Vision Australia Radio presenter Jason Gipps speaks with multidisciplinary artist, author, musician and Deaf advocate Asphyxia, whose creative work spans circus, puppetry, visual art, bestselling fiction, and groundbreaking accessibility projects.
Recorded especially for the 2026 Midsumma Carnival Day broadcast, the interview explores Asphyxia’s extraordinary artistic journey — from circus performer to author of Future Girl, and now the creator of Amplio, an innovative project designed to make music more accessible for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing audiences.
Asphyxia discusses the deep connection between her art and her activism, reflecting on how discrimination and lived experience fuel her creative expression and her commitment to shifting the cultural landscape for Deaf and disabled people. She shares why accessible music matters, how Deaf audiences relate differently to sound and performance, and what drives her to continue expanding the possibilities of inclusive art.
This conversation offers listeners a rare, intimate insight into one of Australia’s most inventive and influential Deaf creators — a must‑listen (or read - check out the transcript below) for anyone passionate about accessible arts, disability representation, and expanding the way we understand creativity itself.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this candid and high‑energy Carnival Day conversation, Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 sit down with Karan Nagrani — Midsumma Community Ambassador, advocate, keynote speaker, and creator of the sold‑out Midsumma show From Grindr to Blindr.
Karan’s work blends razor‑sharp humour with deeply honest storytelling about dating, identity, and disability as a blind, gay person of colour. In this interview, he shares how the show emerged from lived experience, why certain moments demand comedy and others require quieter emotional space, and how he balances entertainment with advocacy.
Listeners will hear Karan reflect on intersectionality, pride, and challenging stereotypes — including his mission to shift public perceptions of blindness beyond clichés. As a three‑time Midsumma Community Ambassador, he discusses how inclusion, access, and representation shape his creative decisions, from Auslan access to the power of designing performances for diverse bodies and senses.
Karan also offers a glimpse into the emotional heart of the show: navigating multiple “closets,” redefining visibility, and empowering queer and disabled audiences to feel seen, heard, and welcomed. The conversation ends with his signature wit, warmth, and the generous storytelling that has made him one of Midsumma’s standout voices.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this warm and insightful Carnival Day episode, Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 sit down with Joss — a JOY presenter, community advocate, and passionate voice within Melbourne’s LGBTIQA+ landscape.
Joss reflects on their journey into community radio, their role on JOY’s programs, and the importance of authentic queer storytelling on air. They share perspectives on balancing broadcasting with advocacy and support work, highlighting how lived experience and community connection shape the way they approach media and activism.
Listeners will also hear Joss discuss the significance of inclusive communication, accessibility, and visibility across queer events like Midsumma Carnival, offering thoughtful insight into how radio can empower and uplift diverse voices.
Whether you know Joss from JOY or are discovering their work for the first time, this conversation captures the heart of community broadcasting — connection, representation, and the power of showing up authentically.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this fabulously entertaining Carnival Day episode, Vision Australia Radio chats with the iconic Dolly Diamond, ahead of her appearance in She Slayed: A Drag Murder Mystery at Midsumma Festival 2026. Known for her razor‑sharp wit, comedic timing, and decades of festival involvement, Dolly brings her signature sparkle to this lively conversation.
Dolly shares stories from her many years performing at Midsumma, including memorable stage moments, the joy of connecting with festival audiences, and the importance of creating inclusive, accessible queer events. The interview dives into her latest show, She Slayed, exploring the fusion of drag, mystery, comedy, and camp theatricality that audiences can expect — plus who’s joining her on stage and what surprises she has in store.
Listeners will also get a glimpse into Dolly’s packed Carnival Day, including her live performance scheduled just 30 minutes after the interview — proving once again why she remains one of Midsumma’s most beloved and versatile performers.
Whether you're a long‑time Dolly fan or discovering her bold brand of drag chaos for the first time, this episode is filled with humour, heart, and a perfect dose of theatrical mischief.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this episode of Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio, we speak with Josh Lynzaat, Access Coordinator for Midsumma Festival 2026, about how accessibility is woven into one of Australia’s largest queer arts festivals.
Josh shares insights into his role supporting major Midsumma events, including the development of resources like the 2026 Audio Guide, which provides pronunciation support, venue guidance, and accessible event information for festival‑goers, which was produced by Vision Australia Radio. He discusses how Midsumma is expanding its accessible offerings, including more events beyond central Melbourne, and the continual work to make the festival welcoming to people with disability through thoughtful planning, communication, and community consultation.
Listeners will get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how accessibility decisions are made, what improvements have been prioritised for 2026, and why inclusive design is critical to the future of Midsumma’s programming and major outdoor events like Carnival Day.
A must‑listen for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, community festivals, or the evolution of accessible arts practice.
This Vision Australia Radio broadcast was possible with thanks to a collaboration with JOY 94.9
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In this energised Carnival Day episode, Vision Australia Radio sits down with Kip Mac / Piano Punk, one of Midsumma’s Pathways Alumni and a genre‑bending performer known for blending classical piano, grunge, metal, punk, and boylesque into a fierce, theatrical style all their own.
Kip chats about their upcoming Midsumma show PiaNu‑Metal, a bold reinterpretation of late‑90s/early‑2000s nu‑metal through classical technique, gender‑diverse creativity, and punk attitude. They discuss how reclaiming a hyper‑masculine genre offers new space for critique, humour, and connection — and how accessibility, including mask‑mandated performances, shapes their artistic practice.
Recorded ahead of their 1:45pm live performance on the Picnic Stage at Carnival Day, this interview gives listeners a vivid look into Kip’s multi‑disciplinary process, their love of subverting expectations, and the emotional and cultural resonance behind PiaNu‑Metal.
Whether you’re a metalhead, a classical purist, a queer arts fan, or simply festival‑curious, this conversation is a high‑energy insight into one of Midsumma Festival 2026’s most inventive artists.
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Go behind the mics of this year’s Midsumma Carnival Day broadcast as Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 team up for a special live collaboration. In this candid conversation, Conrad Browne and Paul Scott‑Williams share how the partnership came together, why amplifying the intersection of queerness and disability matters, and what it takes to deliver an accessible outside broadcast from the heart of Alexandra Gardens.
You’ll hear reflections on the day’s format—Vision Australia Radio’s 10:00am reading hour (listen here: https://omny.fm/shows/interview-highlights/midsumma-festival-2026-carnival-day-broadcast-reading-program) followed by the 11:00am–2:00pm joint simulcast—and the intention behind spotlighting community voices, artists, and advocates across the festival.
This interview captures the energy of Melbourne’s largest annual queer arts event and the shared commitment by both stations to inclusive media, practical accessibility, and stronger community connections
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Recorded live at Midsumma Carnival Day 2026, this Interview Highlights episode captures the vibrant energy of one of Melbourne’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations. Hosts Tess and Little Jase sit down with Paul Horwell, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre, and Sam Chew the Victorian Pride Centre marketing manager, for an insightful conversation about inclusion, community leadership, and the evolving role of Pride spaces across Victoria.
In this episode, Paul and Sam reflect on the importance of visibility, the Centre’s mission to foster connection and empowerment, and how events like Midsumma continue to strengthen the fabric of queer culture. From community partnerships to creating safe and welcoming environments, the discussion offers an uplifting look at how Pride thrives in 2026 and beyond.
Whether you were at Carnival soaking in the sunshine and celebration, or you’re tuning in from afar, this interview brings you straight into the heart of the day.
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In this special epodcast, we sit down with Karen Bryant, Chief Executive & Creative Director of Midsumma, for an insightful conversation about what’s ahead for Midsumma Festival 2026.
Karen discusses the scale and scope of this year’s program — spanning 22 days and featuring more events than ever — and explores how Midsumma continues to evolve as both a curated and open‑access festival, supporting independent artists while uplifting diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.
Karen also shares how the festival theme Time and Place reflects current social challenges, the importance of connection, and the role of Midsumma in fostering inclusive cultural spaces across Victoria.
This episode offers a rich look at the creative direction, community impact, and future vision of one of Australia’s most significant queer arts festivals. Whether you're a long‑time supporter or discovering Midsumma for the first time, this conversation provides a powerful lens into the heart of the festival.
Midsumma Festival 2026, Carnival Day live broadcast was presented by Vision Australia Radio in conjunction with JOY 94.9 and with thanks to Midsumma Festival.
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Join Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 for a vibrant three‑hour journey through Midsumma Carnival Day 2026, Melbourne’s biggest yearly queer arts celebration. This special broadcast brings the energy of the festival directly to listeners, amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and showcasing the rich intersection of queerness and disability.
Across the program, presenters share, live interviews, music, and lived experiences on‑the‑ground updates from Alexandra Gardens. The broadcast reflects the deep collaboration between Vision Australia Radio—an Access and Inclusion Partner of Midsumma—and JOY Media, celebrating community storytelling and community radio as a whole.
Listeners can expect festival insights, artist spotlights, conversations with community leaders, and real‑time coverage of Carnival festivities, all designed to keep you connected to the heart of Midsumma.
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Step into the opening hour of Vision Australia Radio’s special Midsumma Festival 2026 Carnival Day broadcast — a celebration of queer arts, community, and inclusion.
In this episode, you’ll hear the dedicated radio reading program that kicked off the day’s coverage at 10am on Sunday 19 January, featuring curated readings from LGBTIQA+ publications, mainstream media, and Midsumma Festival’s own materials. This segment sets the tone for a full day of connection, storytelling, and intersectional perspectives, highlighting the lived experiences of queer communities and people with disability.
The reading hour precedes the joint Vision Australia Radio × JOY 94.9 simulcast, offering listeners an accessible and meaningful gateway into one of Melbourne’s biggest annual queer cultural events. Tune in, listen deeply, and enjoy a snapshot of the voices and stories that shape Midsumma Festival 2026.
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World Braille Day is celebrated each year on the 4th of January and this year Stephen Jolley interviewed Gary O'Donoghue on Vision Australia Radio. Gary O'Donoghue is the Chief North America political correspondent for the BBC and he is blind. They spoke about his education, career and how he uses Braille in his work and personal life.
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Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, shares news with Peter Greco on what's available for telephone assisted voting at the 2026 South Australian state election.
More info: SA Electoral Commission
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Peter Greco hears from Amy Mills, Arts Development Manager at Arts Access Australia, about the launch of their Access Ideas and Insights Podcast. The podcast is audio described, Auslan interpreted, and captioned.
More info: Accessible Arts
Podcast: Accessible Podcast Series
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Peter Greco chats with Marie-Clare Couper, CEO for the Brain Injury Association in Tasmania about the availability of the National Assistance Card. This Australia wide card is raising awareness and is a vital tool for autistic people and people with brain injury in emergencies.
More info: National Assistance Card
Call: 1300 680 045
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Daniel Lubiner, shares his story of creating the Braille Doodle with Peter Greco, thus enabling easier ways to learn braille for students, teachers and carers. You can purchase the Braille Doodle from Vision Australia.
More info: The TouchPad Pro Foundation
Vision Australia: The Braille Doodle
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Chris Thompson from Behind The Scenes chats with Karen Bryant, Chief Executive & Creative Director with Midsumma, about what next years festival entails. Karan Nagrani also joins Chris and they discuss his upcoming show, From Grindr to Blindr.
Midsumma
From Grindr to Blindr
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Hear from singer and songwriter, Summer Giddings, as she speaks with Sam about her latest music to celebrate the festive season. Her single, Paper Hats and Mistletoe, as well as her new album, Christmas with Summer, are both out now.
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Michelle Murphy, CEO Bendigo Foodshare, shares with Peter Greco fabulous news about a community funding boost from the Commonwealth Bank. This will make a real difference to the community in Bendigo and beyond.
More info: Bendigo Foodshare
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Today is International Day of People with Disability, and to mark the occasion Sam caught up with one of this year's ambassadors, Santiago Velasquez Hurtado.
Among many other things Santi is the co-founder of Hailo, a public transport app to ensure bus passengers who are blind or have low vision are picked up and dropped off without the worry of hailing the bus or working out when their stop will be.
He talks about what it means to be an ambassador, why IDPWD is such an important day for the disabled community, and what needs to change to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
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Sam Rickard speaks with Timothy and Tristan Kenyon, the film-makers behind “Changing Track” a documentary featuring 3 Paralympic cyclists. The documentary premiers 3rd December - International Day for People With Disabilities. The full interview will feature on Studio 1 On Wednesday evening.
More info: Changing Track
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As part of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), Brooke Carter and Emma Hamilton from the Australian Disability Network talk with Peter Greco about their Build Belonging Campaign. This is being launched under the scaffolding of the concept of Pragmatic Universal Design. Identified through Neuroinclusive Research, Pragmatic Universal Design is an actionable approach for Australian organisations to create more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
More info: Pragmatic Universal Design
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Sam speaks to Sara and Belinda from the Melbourne AIrport Assist Program, helping passengers with disabilities get around Melbourne Airport safely and accessibly.
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Sam speaks to Impact Institute head of events Kathryn Carey about their recent Melbourne Disability Expo, as well as a look at some of the other work Impact is doing in the disability space now and in the future.
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Sam speaks to CEO of Disability Sport and Recreation Victoria, Liz Tesone, about the upcoming Disability Sport and Recreation Festival taking place at Crown Riverwalk on Friday 5 December.
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Sam speaks to access and inclusion officer Kelly Armstrong from Moonee Valley City Council about their upcoming Pathways to Inclusions event, taking place in Flemington on 29 November between 12pm and 4pm.
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Swinburne University of Technology’s Dr Jenny Crosbie, interim director at Australia’s Centre for Inclusive Employment, fills in Peter Greco about the launch of their online hub. This hub will provide a suite of online resources designed to increase employment for people with disability.
More info: New online inclusive employment hub
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Coming up on December 3 is International Day for People With Disabilities. Alan Davis, President and Eva Overton, Assistant Manager for the Denmark Riverside Club, speak with Peter Greco about their forthcoming events. These include lawn bowls with the Australian Blind Bowlers Association, a photo competition, dragon boats relaxed sessions, a dinner, and more
More info: Denmark Riverside Club
Call: (08) 9848 1517
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Peter Greco hears from Sally Raphael, from See Differently at the Royal Society for the Blind, about a free Party on the Plains. The event will be held at Blacks Road Gilles Plains, Wednesday 3rd December from 4 pm, for the International Day of People with Disability. Designed as a way to thank people who are part of our community, food trucks, music and entertainment will be available.
More info: 1300 944 306
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Some time ago Vision Australia Radio produced a wellbeing podcast by the name of Mindful Minutes, you can access that series here: Mindful Minutes by Vision Australia Radio clips - Omny.fm
Wellbeing is deeply personal. For some, it’s about reconnecting with loved ones or rediscovering joy in a hobby. For others, it’s taking a mindful minute to breathe, write, or listen to music.
Our new self-guided wellbeing audio journal has been created to help people who are blind or have low vision stay connected, reflective, and supported in their daily lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Interview Highlight: Professor Lauren Ayton - World Sight Day
In this Interview Highlight Peter Greco hears from Professor Lauren Ayton from the Centre for Eye Research Australia highlighting October 9, World Sight Day and their focus on Ushers Syndrome for their Giving Day.
More info: World Sight Day
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Sam also speaks with Wayne Speers from Yarra Trams about the upcoming Try Before You Ride event, taking place on 16 October at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.
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Eliza Grogan, State Lead from Vision Store Services in Brisbane, chats with Peter Greco about Vision Australia Community Inclusion Expo coming up on 11th October. The event will be held 2 to 5 pm at the Amora Hotel 200 Creek Street Brisbane, just before the Blind Australian of the Year Gala event.
More info: Blind Australian of th Year Community Inclusion Expo
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Renee Capps lives with MS and worked at the MS Society. In this Highlight, Renee speaks with Peter Greco about the implications of the MS Society SA & NT going into voluntary administration and the important role they played after Renee’s diagnosis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Myra Woodley from Vision Australia and Mikaela Day from Kay & Burton about the upcoming Santa Fun Run, taking place on November 22 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy Pants Headquarters welcomes special guest, Deb Fitzpatrick, ahead of her appearance at Story Wheel as part of Totally Lit Festival in Fremantle, Western Australia. Deb has written 10 books for children and young adults, her latest being Tawny Trouble, the tale of 11 year old Tessa's adventures as she cares for an injured bird, a Tawny Frogmouth, while on holiday in WA's southwest.
Vision Australia Radio's Gemma Sidney speaks to Deb about books, writing, her real-life adventures in the cloud forest, plus you'll hear an excerpt from Tawny Trouble. As with all Happy Pants episodes, who knows what objects will emerge from their happy pants pockets??!
Find out more and book for Story Wheel on the Totally Lit website. You can take your pick of Deb or another children's author and have a spin on the Fremantle Wheel on Fremantle Esplanade, WA.
Totally Lit Festival events are happening all over Fremantle, WA from 26 September to 10 October 2025. Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kent Walsdorf from Vision Australia Assistive Technology recently spoke with Jo Smith on work he has been doing on cybersecurity and screen reader safety. Kent covers a lot of ground including what is a scam email, how screen reader users can spot them and other general cyber safety online.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Vision Australia Radio Interview Highlight from Behind the Scenes, host Chris Thompson is joined by two inspiring guests from the Focus on Ability Film Festival. Together, they explore the stories behind the festival, the incredible talent it showcases, and what audiences can look forward to this year.
As Vision Australia Radio proudly returns as a media partner, this conversation offers a great preview of the creativity and passion driving one of the most important celebrations of disability and inclusion in film.
Tune in to Vision Australia Radio for more updates on Focus on Ability Film Festival 2025.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Thompson, host of Vision Australia Radio’s Behind the Scenes, is joined by guests to explore the arts scene in WA, with a particular focus on Totally Lit Fest, where Vision Australia Radio proudly serves as an access and inclusion partner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Jo Cabot, an indoor skydiver with low vision looking to raise awareness for blind and low vision indoor skydiving, as well as organisations such as iFly and Handifly where people can find out more.
Jo also tells us about her work putting together Dinner in the Dark events in her area around Hervey Bay, visiting Sydney to attend the Boundless Beauty Summit in July, and much more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeremy Moses chats with Peter Greco about his upcoming show at this year's Melbourne Comedy Festival. The show is available with audio description; tactile tour; and there is a relaxed show. October 8-12, Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Evatt Room.
More info: Jeremy Moses is “HARD TO WORK WITH".
Or call: 03 9660 9666
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco hears from Kelly Schulz founder from Knowable me, about a couple of big "little" wins for making Microsoft's Authenticator app more accessible for users of voiceover, and also an opportunity for some payment doing a survey about applying for employment.
More info: Authenticator Apps video
Knowable Me
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Melbourne magazine publish a print magazine four times a year to share news about City of Melbourne projects, people, places and events.
Melbourne magazine is distributed to public spaces like libraries, cafes and community hubs in December, March, June and September.
Stories from Melbourne magazine are also published digitally to this Melbourne News website, alongside many more online-only articles.
To ask a question about Melbourne magazine, or share your feedback, please email melbournemag@melbourne.vic.gov.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nominations are open for Blind Australian of the Year, Young Blind Australian of the year and Blind Australian of the Year Employer. Peter Greco hears from Karan Nagrani, Marketing Manager with Link Vision about this years awards and how to make a nomination.
More info: Blind Australian of the Year
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Briony Benjamin, author and public speaker, shares her story with Peter Greco about her diagnosis, awareness for blood cancer and what support is available through the Leukaemia Foundation.
More info:
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Leukaemia Foundation
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Vision Australia Radio is proud to return as a media partner for the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival! And in 2026, the Vision Australia Library is stepping up its support—encouraging members to showcase their creativity through the festival’s microfiction competition. Together, we’re celebrating storytelling, writing, and reading across Melbourne’s west and beyond, reaching festival-goers, Vision Australia clients, and our radio listeners alike.
In this interview highlight, Brimbank Libraries’ Scott Steensma joins us in the studio to share what’s in store for this year’s festival, while Vi Nguyen from the Vision Australia Library unveils the exciting theme of the microfiction competition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jane talks about the review into the Disability Discrimination Act and how to give your feedback.
You can find out more here: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law/review-disability-discrimination-act
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Supporting someone who is blind or has low vision is often a role that goes unnoticed. Many family members and friends see what they do as an act of love and responsibility. But in taking on this role, that person is also providing important support, and there are resources available for them, too.
In this special Vision Australia Radio presentation, host Sam Colley (Talking Vision) sits down with Adam Demirtel (Director Carers, Holstep Health), and Vision Australia’s wellbeing experts Debbie Loke (National Social Supports & Wellbeing Lead) and Megan Kohlhagen (Wellbeing Team Lead & Senior Practitioner). Together, they explore what it means to support someone who is blind or has low vision, the emotional journey from diagnosis to daily life, and the challenges of navigating complex systems like NDIS and My Aged Care.
The conversation highlights their hidden struggles and quiet strength, while shining a light on the culturally inclusive, practical, and emotional support available through Carer Gateway and Vision Australia.
Whether you’re supporting a parent, partner, child, or friend, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone, and help is here for you too.
To learn more, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au
Connect with Vision Australia at www.visionaustralia.org
Please note: Within the Vision Australian community, the term ‘carer’ is only used when referencing a paid carer. The term ‘family member and supporter’ is used to refer to someone supporting a loved one.
Listen to Vision Australia Radio for accessible news and information services 24/7. Visit www.varadio.org or ask your smart device to play Vision Australia Radio. You can find Vision Australia Radio podcasts on all major podcast platforms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the world's first public Cochlear Implant Clinic, established at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in 1985. Dr Claire Iseli, chats with Peter Greco about its origins, successes and the difference it is making to people's lives and their families.
More info: Eye And Ear Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hopspital
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In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Scanlon, CEO and Chairman of Vision Australia Radio sponsor Hearth Australia, to better understand Supported Independent Living & the Hearth Home Solution.
Drawing on his extensive experience supporting the independence of people with disability, Justin provides a clear overview of Hearth Australia’s services, along with practical tips to help guide listeners through the funding process.
Want to learn more about Hearth Australia? Select the link below:
Hearth Australia | Disability Support Services Melbourne
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The 12th Annual Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal has launched. Janelle Miller X, award-winning CEO from the Petbarn Foundation, tells Peter Greco how to get involved. Seeing Eye Dogs provide vital support, constant companionship, independence and contribute to an all-round better quality of life for people in our community who are blind or have low vision.
More info: Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vision Australia's winter webinar series, featuring some outstanding speakers and role-models is up and running. Maria Markou files Peter Greco in with all the details of how to register, tune in and listen on Mondays for the next 3 weeks.
More info: VA winter webinar series
or call: 1800 458 555
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks to Vision Australia volunteer partnership coordinator Jordan Ashby about this month's Winter Webinar Series taking place through Telelink every Monday this July.
To find out about this month's speakers and to register, head to this link on the Vision Australia website.
You can also give Telelink a call on 1800 458 555 or email them at Telelinkinfo@visionaustralia.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco chats with Tom Worsnop, Engagement Manager from Guardian Living, a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider. Guardian Living can help provide thoughtfully designed SDA homes and ongoing tenancy support, helping people with disabilities live well and feel truly at home.
More info: Guardian Living
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this interview highlight, Jason Gipps speak with Grant Wilson from Vision Australia’s Client Services team ahead of his appearance at the In the Driver’s Seat event, copresented by Lions Australia and Vision Australia.
Grant shares how this annual event gets blind or low vision members of the community behind the wheel for laps of Sandown Raceway, boosting confidence and indepenance.
learn more about the event here: Home | In The Driver 1
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Tim Wilson is co-founder and co-director of Folk Architects, an award-winning architecture practice with a vision to create inclusive and equitable spaces that engage with the community. They activate spaces by integrating art, design, science, and technology in a collaborative user-generated way. In this conversation, Tim talks about how his practice aims to make better built world, not just for the disability community, but for the community as a whole and how becoming the parent of a child living with disability sharpened his focus on the company’s vision.
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Sam speaks with Specsavers optometry director, Greeshma Patel, about new research which shows three quarters of Australians aged 35 to 50 have never heard of a common age-related eye condition known as presbyopia, which is likely to be the cause of their vision issues.
Greeshma fills us in on the details about presbyopia, and the signs to look out for if you or someone you know may be living with the condition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks to Intopia's principal digital accessibility consultant, Andrew Arch, about the work Intopia have recently been doing with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
They've produced a new set of guidelines around digital access for users with disabilities including blindness or low vision which you can find here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Olivia Barry, Chief Operating Officer for 13 Cabs, and Anna Tyon, Head of Passenger Experience, shares news with Peter Greco about their latest updates. This includes a better training system for drivers dealing with complaints, as well as a streamlined way to access a cab if you have an assistance animal.
Call: 132227 or email: customer.care@13cabs.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam is joined by David Davenport, accessible formats production manager at Blind Vision NZ, who visited Australia recently to take part in a round table conference with a special interest in print disability and accessible printing for clients in New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this interview highlight Sam speaks with Dr Jenny Crosbie, interim director of the Centre for Inclusive Employment, run through Swinburne University to drive better outcomes for employees and job seekers with disabilities in Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks to Kris Rallah-Baker, Australia's first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ophthalmologist based on the Sunshine Coast, who has also done work with the Deadly Vision Clinic in Darwin as well as clinical community outreach in remote communities of the Northern Territory.
He is part of a new series on SBS and NITV called Our Medicine, which follows the stories of First Nations medical professionals and patients as they navigate the Australian medical system, and the challenges and achievements that come with that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Interview Highlight, Kelly Schulz, Founder and Director for Knowable Me, shares the great news with Peter Greco that Knowable Me is now officially certified as a Social Enterprise by Social Traders.
More info: Knowable Me
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Melbourne magazine publish a print magazine four times a year to share news about City of Melbourne projects, people, places and events.
Melbourne magazine is distributed to public spaces like libraries, cafes and community hubs in December, March, June and September.
Stories from Melbourne magazine are also published digitally to this Melbourne News website, alongside many more online-only articles.
To ask a question about Melbourne magazine, or share your feedback, please email melbournemag@melbourne.vic.gov.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this interview highlight, Seeing Eye Dogs Show presenter Harriet, speaks to Jasmine Tevelein.
On Wednesday September 18, 2024, the Seeing Eye Dogs celebrated 42 client and Seeing Eye Dogs teams who graduated in the 2023/2024 financial year including three grads from our Youth Program. Jasmine discusses outcomes with Harriet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kelly Schulz, Founder and Director of Knowable Me and Peter Greco discuss the results of a recent survey concerning people with disabilities access to information about the election. Privacy, staff training and the voting process itself are areas of concern.
More info: Knowable Me
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco chats with Sarah Pulis and Andrew Arch from Intopia about what they do and their recent work with the Human Rights Commission. Intopia is a leading digital accessibility and equitable design agency, who offer services across accessibility assessments, conformance reports, education, strategy, operations, and equitable research and design.
More info: Intopia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam is joined by Jeanna Manifold and Kate Gooden from Amazon's Alexa department to give us some updates on what Amazon is up to in the accessibility space with regards to their Alexa speakers, and what they got up to at the recent Round Table Conference covering topics related to blindness, low vision and print disability.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deputy Mayor from Moonee Valley, Fran Cosgriff, chats with Peter Greco about their Inclusive Moonee Valley competition. Already some amazing entries have been submitted.
More info: Inclusive Moonee Valley Competition
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Sam catches up with Jonathan Craig from Vision 2020 and Brandon Ah Tong from Fred Hollows Foundation, who have both recently returned from the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness' conference in Nepal.
Among other things Brandon speaks about his new role as the chair of the IAPB's West Pacific region, and Jonathan speaks about his first IAPB conference, as they put things in place for a Global Eye Health Summit in 2026 or 2027.
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Award-winning author Nardi Simpson reflects on motherhood, belonging and connection to Country in The Belburd, her lyrical novel weaving the everyday with the metaphysical. In conversation with Kate Mildenhall.
Following the success of her debut novel, Song of the Crocodile, Simpson returns with a lyrical, evocative story of a young Blak woman navigating life in contemporary Sydney. Interwoven with the story of a birth spirit known as Sprite, The Belburd deftly treads the line between the everyday and the metaphysical, offering a profound exploration of the mystery of being.
Join Simpson as she discusses place, cultural storytelling, identity and belonging, with host Kate Mildenhall.
In partnership with Vision Australia Radio.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to Melbourne Writers Festival. Visit www.varadio.org to learn more about our national news and information radio service.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Victorian disability worker commissioner, Dan Stubbs, about their campaign to promote mandatory notifications to the commission.
These notifications help make the VDWC aware of potential risks to people who use disability services, so they can better prevent and protect people with disability from harm.
You can also find out more about the campaign by heading to the VDWC's webinar on May 28.
For info about the webinar head to info@vdwc.vic.gov.au or give the VDWC a call on 1800 497 132.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our volunteers are the heart of Vision Australia, making a meaningful difference in the lives of people who are blind or have low vision across Australia. To acknowledge their incredible contribution in conjunction with National Volunteer Week 2025, please enjoy this audio presentation of this year’s Vision Australia Volunteer Annual that celebrates the achievements and diversity of services our volunteers support each year. For more details, visit: https://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/volunteer
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam catches up with writer, actor and producer Tsu Shan Chambers about her new movie, My Eyes, which is premiering on 28 May across selected cinemas in Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
To find out more about the locations you can watch and to book tickets, head to the My Eyes website to find these details and more.
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The beloved author of The Secret River discusses Unsettled, a deeply personal memoir of reckoning with what it means to be on land that was taken from other people. In conversation with Rosemarie Milsom.
Listen to award-winning author Kate Grenville as she discusses Unsettled, a deeply personal memoir of family legacies, truth-telling and reckoning with what it means to be on land that was taken from other people.
Intertwining her family’s history with the broader story of First Nations peoples’ dispossession and displacement, Grenville considers what it means to be descended from people who were ‘on the sharp edge of the moving blade that was colonisation’.
She speaks about historical facts and historical fictions, writing challenging histories and confronting the ghosts of the past, in conversation with Rosemarie Milsom.
In partnership with Vision Australia Library.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to Melbourne Writers Festival. Visit www.varadio.org to learn more about our national news and information radio service.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
🎧 Behind the Scenes – Global Access Awareness Day Special
Presented by Chris Thompson | Vision Australia Radio
In recognition of Global Access Awareness Day (GAAD), this special episode of Behind the Scenes features an insightful interview with Professor Kim Marriott, Head of the Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) department at Monash University.
With over 100 members, MATS is the largest centre of its kind globally, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives through innovative technology.
Tune in as Kim discusses the ground-breaking work being done at MATS, the role of inclusive design, and the future of assistive technology in Australia and beyond.
🎙️ A Vision Australia Radio feature to celebrate accessibility, inclusion, and the power of technology to transform lives.
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Sam speaks with CEO of Assistive Technology Services Australia, Serena Ovens, about a pair of expos ATSA is holding in both Perth on 14-15 May and Melbourne on 20-21 May.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know?
Melbourne magazine publish a print magazine four times a year to share news about City of Melbourne projects, people, places and events.
Melbourne magazine is distributed to public spaces like libraries, cafes and community hubs in December, March, June and September.
Stories from Melbourne magazine are also published digitally to this Melbourne News website, alongside many more online-only articles.
In support of Vision Australia Radio sponsor City of Melbourne, and our valued audio consumers, we've reloaded the last 4 editions of the magazine to give you an idea of whats generally on offer via its traditional podcast feed here: VA Radio Rewind - Classic Content clips - Omny.fm
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know?
Melbourne magazine publish a print magazine four times a year to share news about City of Melbourne projects, people, places and events.
Melbourne magazine is distributed to public spaces like libraries, cafes and community hubs in December, March, June and September.
Stories from Melbourne magazine are also published digitally to this Melbourne News website, alongside many more online-only articles.
In support of Vision Australia Radio sponsor City of Melbourne, and our valued audio consumers, we've reloaded the last 4 editions of the magazine to give you an idea of whats generally on offer via its traditional podcast feed here: VA Radio Rewind - Classic Content clips - Omny.fm
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know?
Melbourne magazine publish a print magazine four times a year to share news about City of Melbourne projects, people, places and events.
Melbourne magazine is distributed to public spaces like libraries, cafes and community hubs in December, March, June and September.
Stories from Melbourne magazine are also published digitally to this Melbourne News website, alongside many more online-only articles.
In support of Vision Australia Radio sponsor City of Melbourne, and our valued audio consumers, we've reloaded the last 4 editions of the magazine to give you an idea of whats generally on offer via its traditional podcast feed here: VA Radio Rewind - Classic Content clips - Omny.fm
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with founder and creative director of Lightmare Studios, Elphie Coyle, about Lightmare's work over the past 25 years and their initiatives, including a social gaming group and newly-inaugurated coding initiative aimed at technology-minded individuals with disabilities to share common interests, join together and learn new skills in a fun, relaxed environment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Veronica Sullivan is the Festival Director of the Melbourne Writers Festival she speaks to Vision Australia Radio presenter Chris Thompson, of Behind the Scenes in this podcast.
The Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) is an annual literary celebration held in Melbourne, Australia, recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival brings together writers, thinkers, and readers for a series of events, including readings, discussions, and workshops, aiming to inspire and engage audiences with the power of storytelling.
In 2025, the festival runs from May 8 to May 11, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international literary figures.
Vision Australia's Participation in MWF 2025:
As a proud sponsor of MWF 2025, Vision Australia is hosting two significant events at its Kooyong head office, both designed to be accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
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In Conversation with Kate Grenville
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Date & Time: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM AEST
- Location: Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong VIC 3144
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Details: Award-winning author Kate Grenville discusses her latest novel, Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, a memoir intertwining her family's history with the broader story of First Nations peoples' dispossession and displacement. The conversation will be facilitated by Daniel James, a Yorta Yorta writer and broadcaster.
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In Conversation with Nardi Simpson
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Date & Time: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM AEST
- Location: Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong VIC 3144
- Details: Author Nardi Simpson discusses her newly released novel, The Belburd, exploring themes of motherhood, creation, belonging, and connection to Country.
Both events are free to attend, with options for in-person attendance and live streaming. The venue is wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities.
For more information and to register for these events, please visit Vision Australia's events page: Vision Australia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Cr Anthony Aitken, chair of the portfolio and advisory committee for access and inclusion at the City of Greater Geelong.
He tells us about a range of community engagement initiatives for residents in the region to have their say to help shape their parks, streets and public places, especially in regards to accessibility and how best to meet the needs of residents with disabilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Vision Australia Library community engagement coordinator, Maureen O'Reilly, about a pair of events the library will be hosting both in person and online on the evening of Friday May 9 at the library's headquarters in Kooyong.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Deb Deshayes, about BCA's upcoming national convention taking place in June, where they'll also be celebrating 50 years of the organisation.
You'll also hear about what BCA has planned for its members in the coming weeks and months, including other programs and events.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam catches up with Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby, senior lecturer in linguistics at Monash University, who is here to tell us about a series of workshops taking place later in the year for practitioners of Auslan to skill up in tactile Auslan for the deafblind community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam chats with Alex Morris from the Australian Electoral Commission in the lead up to the Australian federal election, taking place on May 3.
Alex tells us about all the measures the AEC is putting in place to make voting accessible, safe and confidential for all voters with disabilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam chats to Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps about 100K Your Way, a month long challenge taking place in April to raise funds for Vision Australia Radio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco chats with Kelly Schulz Founder and Director of Knowable Me, who is running a research project in regards to election accessibility for people with disabilities. You may be able to earn a small fee for your participation.
More info: Knowable Me
Or call: 0435 18 55 77
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Annette Leishman is going on the 5-day Trek to New Zealand for Vision Australia's Quality Living Program and Peter greco hears all about it. Annette invites anyone to attend her Easter fund-raising concert on 15th April.
Email: nettie617@gmail.com or go to: Trek For vision 2025
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Coming up in April, the National Blind Bowls Championships are being held in Mandurah, Western australia. Howard Dickinson, President of the Australian Blind Bowlers Association gives Peter Greco all the details.
More info: Blind Sports Australia
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Raghu Bharadwaj shares news with Peter Greco about Yarra Valley Water partnering with Sagemcom and local disability services provider Nadrasca via a new purpose-built facility to provide opportunities for people with disability.
More info: Social impact through local partnerships
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In this highlight from this week's episode of Behind the Scenes with Chris Thompson, Community Learning Officer at Brimbank Libraries, Silvia Velez, and author Holden Sheppard, discuss the recently launched Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival for 2025, in which Vision Australia Radio is an annual media partner. Chris Thompson interviews Silvia and Holden, diving into the festival's exciting features and what attendees can expect from the festival but also Holden's festival appearance speciifically.
Learn more: Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival - Brimbank Libraries
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Need to have something transcribed? Find out how here. In this highlight Peter Greco talks with Jonathan Ramsden, long-time narrator with Vision Australia's Personal Support Service. Having narrated a wide variety of personal support titles over the years, Jonathan is also a much-loved narrator of Wheels magazine. You can access 360 print pages every year converted into your preferred format.
More info: Personal Support Services
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DR Louise Gosbell, disability researcher and advocate, speaks with Peter Greco about the launch of Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Australia's Luke 14 Inclusive Churches program. The program includes videos focussing on disability inclusion training for churches.
More info: CBM Inclusive Churches program
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Looking for a way to feel good, get active and make a meaningful difference? Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way is back this April, offering the perfect opportunity to move your body and raise important funds to help support people living with blindness, low vision or print disability.
In this highlight, Sam and Lizzie (Studio 1) speak to 100K Your Way ambassador Jess Mastrangioli to learn more about why she's chosen to join this year's challenge.
IT'S TIME TO GET ACTIVE AUSTRALIA :)
Join a Vision Australia Radio team here: Get moving for a cause: Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way returns this April! | Vision Australia Radio
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Looking for a way to feel good, get active and make a meaningful difference? Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way is back this April, offering the perfect opportunity to move your body and raise important funds to help support people living with blindness, low vision or print disability.
In this highlight, Sam and Lizzie (Studio 1) speak to Ian Finlayson, GM Fundraising and Marketing, Vision Australia to understand the need for such a fundraiser and who stands to benefit from a successful 100K Your Way campaign.
Join a Vision Australia Radio team here: Get moving for a cause: Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way returns this April! | Vision Australia Radio
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Looking for a way to feel good, get active and make a meaningful difference? Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way is back this April, offering the perfect opportunity to move your body and raise important funds to help support people living with blindness, low vision or print disability.
In this highlight, Sam and Lizzie (Studio 1) speak to 100K Your Way ambassador Dale Pierce to learn more about why he's chosen to join this year's challenge.
Support Dale Pierce in his 100K challenge by selecting this link
Join a Vision Australia Radio team here: Get moving for a cause: Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way returns this April! | Vision Australia Radio
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Joanne Cabot, a local resident of the Fraser Coast region in southeastern Queensland who has recently set up the Fraser Coast Blindness and Low Vision Hardship Fund for residents in the area, as well as hosting a mini disability expo and her own Instagram, Live Well With Vision Loss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam chats to Paralympian and 100K Your Way ambassador Jess Gallagher about the upcoming 100K Your Way challenge, an annual fitness challenge running over the month of April to raise vital funds for Vision Australia's services to people who are blind or have low vision.
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Sheryl Boniface, Collaboration Project Manager, tells Peter Greco about the recent launch of the What's My Future Campaign, a new national campaign primarily focused on attracting and retaining workers in the disability support sector. Goals include promoting disability support work as a viable career option by highlighting the value and positive aspects of the role.
More info: What's my future?
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Peter Greco has an excellent interview with Samantha Connor AM, who was recognised in this year's Australia Day Awards. Sam also shared thoughts about International Women's Day and has been President of People With Disabilities Australia and so much more.
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Sam catches up with Vision 2020 policy and advocacy manager, Jonathan Craig, to speak about the body's election priorities for an incoming federal government following this year's federal election taking place within the next three months.
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Sam catches up with Vision Australia library manager, Sarah Bloedorn, to discuss some upcoming events at the library and some new releases people can look forward to borrowing and having a read.
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Sam catches up with Vision Australia equity and inclusion advisor Rachael Ramsdale to speak about the upcoming Vision Australia Graduate Program which is now open for applications until March 31.
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Sam speaks with ABC emergency broadcast lead Theresa Rockley-Hogan to celebrate World Radio Day on Thursday 13 February.
This year's theme was climate change and its impact on listeners around the world who rely on radio to stay informed, up to date and safe from extreme weather events and natural disasters.
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Each year, Vision Australia searches nationwide for recent graduates who are blind or have low vision to offer an opportunity to expand their career through VA's Graduate Program. Peter Greco learns all the details from Rachael about eligibility and how to apply.
More info: VA graduate program
Or email: careers@vision.org.au
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Courtenay Barron talks with Peter Greco about a range of assistive tools that are available to help voters navigate early voting and voting on the day in the upcoming WA Election. These tools include hearing loops, magnifying sheets, reader pens, phone assisted voting and a polling station exclusively for those with a vision impairment.
More info: WA Elections
Or call: 13 63 06
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Brooke Carter from the Australian Disability Network shares details with Peter Greco about their mentoring program. Designed for people with disability aged 18 and above, it provides tailored guidance and support to empower individuals at any stage of their professional journey.
More info: Career Mentoring
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Peter Greco talks with Damien Linnane who is the Editor of "Paper Chained" and is also involved in a collaboration with Vision Australia Radio and About Time to produce a program and podcast "Inside Voice" showcasing writing and artistic expressions from individuals affected by incarceration.
More info: Paper Chained
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Sam speaks with Joseph Friedman, managing director and co-founder of About Time which, along with fellow publication Paper Chained, provides regular articles and stories by and for incarcerated persons in Australia for a new program on Vision Australia Radio, Inside Voice.
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The 2025 Focus On Ability Short Film Festival has been launched. In this Interview Highlight, Peter Greco learns all about some of the financial prizes as well as money-can't-buy experiences and opportunities from Ryan Goodwin, Creative Director.
More info: Focus on Ability
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Sam catches up with Port Campbell resident Brendan Hyland, member of the Port Campbell Inclusive Beaches Project to make Port Campbell Beach more safe and accessible for beach goers with disabilities.
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Coming up at Glenelg on Sunday 9 February, is an opportunity for anyone with mobility challenges that uses a wheelchair to attend a Supported Accessible Beach Day. Lloyd Townsend from Estara fills in Peter Greco with all the details, with three more days to come.
Book here: Supported accessible beach days
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Sam catches up with blind and low vision tennis gold medallists and world number ones Ross Patterson and Grace Hobbs, who recently took part in All Abilities Day at this year's Australian Open.
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Australian families are facing wait times of up to four years for essential speech therapy. Rebecca Keeley, Speech pathologist and Founder of Yarn Speech, has released an app - a digital solution transforming Australian families access to critical speech pathology services. Peter Greco learns the details from Rebecca.
More info: Yarn Speech
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South Australian Blind Cricket Team took on State Members of Parliament in an exciting exhibition match at the iconic Adelaide Oval. Leon Bignel, Speaker in the South Australian House of Assembly was in the game and Peter Greco hears how it all went.
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Emily Petricola OAM, won Gold in Paris after winning Gold and 2 silver in Tokyo. Emily chats with Peter Greco about her Paralympic successes as well as living with Multiple Sclerosis.
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Tess Herbert and Conrad Browne interview Anastacia Le, Community Advocate & Board member at Victorian Pride Centre, to learn more about the centre's inception and whats to come for this years Midsumma Festival and beyond.
Learn more about the Victorian Pride Centre here: Victorian Pride Centre
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Tess Herbert and Conrad Browne interview Melbourne Queer Film Festival Melbourne Queer Film Festival,
From Friday January 31 to Sunday February 2, the MQFF proudly presents an exciting series of queer film screenings for Midsumma 2025.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Ally Bui and Loughlin Shannon speak to Joshua Lynzaat, Midsumma Access Coordinator to learn of Midsumma's range of supports and services to the blind and low vision community at this years festival.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Ally Bui and Loughlin Shannon speak to Ben Harrington of Travellers Aid to learn abotu their range of services and supports that can assit you in your journey to Midsumma events.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to Actor, Writer and Director Oliver Ayres in regards to the upcoming Midsumma Festival show, The Demon Twink of Smith Street.
Here's a link to the show: MONSTER | Chapel Off Chapel
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to Vision Australia Radio and Audio Servcies manager Conrad Browne to understand VAR's desire to be an access and inclusion partner of the festival.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
In this interview highlight, presenters Sam Colley and Karan Nagrani speak to the CEO of Midsumma, Karen Bryant to learn about this year's festival.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
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Midsumma Festival, Victoria’s premier queer arts & culture festival takes place now until Feb 9. HONOUR is a live performance which elevates and celebrates the true royalty of First Peoples communities, Queer POC Elders. HONŌUR will introduce audiences to some of Melbourne’s most ICONIC legends in a celebration and ceremony of love and recognition that SLAYS the house down.
Friday 31 Jan, 8:30pm, Federation Square.
Performer Samuel Gaskin speaks to Vision Australia Radio's Conrad Browne to share more on their career and what attendees can expect from the performance in Naarm Melbourne.
For more info, visit midsumma.org.au.
Vision Australia Radio, is an access and inclusion partner to Midsumma Festival.
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On Sunday January 19, 2025, Vision Australia Radio celebrated our return as access and inclusion partner to Midsumma festival by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program was hosted by a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters.
You can learn more about the festival and our patnership with it, via the following link: Vision Australia Radio returns as Midsumma Festival Partner in 2025 | Vision Australia Radio
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover the unique world of Scented Cinema, presented by Brimbank City Council in collaboration with Snivure and Scented Storytelling. This interview highlight delves into two immersive, interactive, and aromatic film screenings on offer at Midsumma Festival. Join us as Vision Australia Radio’s Conrad Browne chats with Jas Brooks, Tammy Burnstock, and Jacob Tiauli about what makes these events so extraordinary.
The lineup features the cult classic Hairspray (1988) on January 24 and the New Zealand and Tongan LGBTQIA+ film Inky Pinky Ponky on February 7, both at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans Community Centre. Free tickets are available via midsumma.org.au, but registration is essential. Listen to learn how scent and storytelling combine to create a multisensory cinematic experience you won’t forget!
Vision Australia Radio is a proud access and inclusion partner to Midsumma Festival.
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Sam catches up with Ben Harrington, training officer at Travellers Aid, to speak about the services available for not only passengers but event goers who are blind or have low vision to navigate their way around public spaces safely and accessibly.
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Sam speaks with Gerard Mason from Action Audio, working in collaboration with AO Radio and Vision Australia Radio to bring an auditory experience of live tennis to listeners who are blind or have low vision.
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Sam speaks with music therapist Emily Shanahan about the news that music and art therapies are under review, with questions around the level of NDIS funding available to them in 2025 and beyond.
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Vision Australia Radio Perth's Program Coordinator Gemma Sidney speaks to Australian author Laura Elizabeth Woollett for Literary Ear. Laura shares insights into her writing process, her inspiration for books Beautiful Revolutionary and West Girls (longlisted for the 2024 Stella Prize), ahead of her six-month residency at the Keesing Studio in Paris.
Excerpts of this interview appear in the episode of Literary Ear about Laura and her fiction, airing on Friday 17 January 2025.
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For World Braille Day, Vision Australia Radio presents a collection of interviews that look into the future of braille, some unique changes to how braille is being used and the creative world of braille music.
World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4th and this year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the creation of braille by Louis Braille.
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An Australian-first toolkit to support neurodivergent employees will be rolled out through the Victorian Public Sector. Dr Rebecca Flower and Ellen Richardson developed the toolkit in collaboration with a neurodiverse team at the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC). Peter Greco hears the good news from Dr. Rebecca Flower.
More info: Neurodiversity Employment Toolkit
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Ben Dew, brings Peter Greco up to speed with what’s coming up in the world of tennis for athletes with disabilities. This summer is shaping up to be one of the biggest in terms of available events and opportunities.
More here: Tennis inclusion and diversity
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In this Interview Highlight, Peter Greco has an interesting chat with Olivia Barry, COO for A2B, parent company of 13CABS. New features in the 13CABS app allow users to change your profile and make it more friendly if using an assistance animal. Customer feedback is also welcome to help improve the service.
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We're kicking off the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Braille with insights from Tristan Clare, chair of the Australian Braille Authority. Louis Braille’s invention in 1824 revolutionised accessibility, and today, technology makes Braille more portable and accessible than ever.
Tristan shared how modern Braille displays, like his Mantis Q40, allow him to carry hundreds of books and access Braille on-the-go. Braille is still crucial for literacy and education, ensuring blind children have the same opportunities as their sighted peers.
Join us for a Braille awareness event in Brisbane on January 16 at Post Office Square from 8-11 a.m. 🎉
Let’s celebrate Braille’s incredible journey! #WorldBrailleDay #Braille200 #AccessibleReading
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We’re honoured to welcome Jordie Howell back on podcast as we celebrate a remarkable milestone – the 200th anniversary of Braille! 🥳 Geordie is joined in the studio by Talkign Vison's Sam Colley.
In this insightful chat, Geordie shares the fascinating history of Braille music, the legacy of Louis Braille, and how Braille is used in music to bring the joy of song and instruments to those who are blind or have low vision. 🎹🎻🎶
From the mechanics of reading Braille music to the incredible Braille music camps that have been empowering young musicians for decades, Geordie dives into it all. Plus, we discuss the exciting technological advancements making Braille music more accessible than ever. 🌐✨
🎧 Listen now: https://omny.fm/shows/interview-highlights/celebrating-200-years-of-braille-jordie-howell
WorldBrailleDay #BrailleMusic #InclusiveMusic #Braille #VisionAustralia #AccessibleMusic #BrailleForAll
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Haben Girma, was the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School. Named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and honored as a White House Champion of Change by President Barack Obama, Haben is a trailblazer for accessibility and inclusion.
This interview was recorded on September 24, 2024 and shared now in celebration of the upcoming World Braille Day, January 4, 2025.
Discover her remarkable journey and advocacy by visiting her website: habengirma.com.
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Sam is joined by Dale Pierce and Sharon Taylor, two participants in the upcoming Trek for Vision, a five day trek across the Abel Tasman Track on New Zealand's South Island from April 29 to May 3, 2025.
The Trek aims to raise funds which enable Vision Australia to provide important services for the blind and low vision community, such as the quality living groups which provide emotional, educational and support services for people experiencing vision loss.
To donate to Dale and Sharon's trek you can visit this link to Dale's fundraising page or this link to Sharon's fundraising page
If you would like to join Dale and Sharon or find out more about Trek for Vision you can visit visionaustralia.org/trekforvision
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In this Interview Highlight, Peter Greco hears all about Australia's clean sweep of the Blind Ashes from Ned Brewer-Maiga, vice captain of the Australian Blind Cricket Team. Together they discuss some of the various rules and strategies involved in playing the game.
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Fiona Donaldson, Advocate and specialist in the accessible travel sphere, called for the Federal Government to make 2025 the year of accessible travel. Peter Greco discusses some of the the reasons with Fiona in this interview highlight.
More info: Supported Travel Experiences
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With key dates for ordering braille books before Christmas coming up, Maureen O Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, fills in Peter Greco with the details. Also new information regarding accessing books online and news about a series of workshops for budding writers.
More info: Vision Australia Library
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In this podcast, Peter Greco speaks to Nathan Stocking, from Seeing Hands (https://seeinghands.org/) with news on dictionaries that are accessible on braille displays and now available in a number of languages. You can access the dictionaries here: https://projects.seeinghands.org/dictionary/.
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Get ready to unleash your creativity! In this episode, Vision Australia Radio’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Jason Gipps, chats with Scott Steensma from the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival 2025. They delve into the festival’s highlights, including the much-anticipated Microfiction Competition.
Are you part of the Brimbank community or a Vision Australia Radio listener? This is your chance to shine! Submit a microfiction story (up to 200 words) inspired by the phrase “No-one chooses for us” and compete for incredible prizes, including book vouchers from The Sun Bookshop in Yarraville. Entry is free, as are all events at the year's festival.
Award-winning author T.R. Napper will judge the entries, with categories for youth (10-18) and adults (19+). Entries close at midnight on February 2, 2025, so don’t wait! Tune in to learn more about this exciting opportunity to celebrate local talent and storytelling.
Key Dates:
- Competition Opens: January 1, 2025
- Entries Close: February 2, 2025
- Winners Announced: March 21, 2025 (with readings on Vision Australia Radio!)
Ready to write your story? Dive in now!
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Peter Greco catches up with Tony Doyle who has recently published his collection of poems, Vistas and Visions of a Blind Man. These poems will entertain, challenge, amuse and perhaps even shock you. Some of them take a critical look at modern life, recent cultural changes and possible future scenarios. Tony also had his voice generated via Artificial Intelligence to read a few of his poems as part of an International Day for People With Disabilities celebration.
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Sam speaks with Keith McVilly, member of the Disability Worker Registration Board of Victoria, who are currently conducting public consultation on disability registration standards which is open for input and feedback until 13 December.
To find out more about the consultation make sure to check out the interview here or you can head to the Victorian Disability Worker Commission website
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In the lead up to the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight on December 24, Sam caught up with two audio description users, Janene and Michael, who followed the 2023 Carols live at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl assisted by audio description devices available at the venue.
Hear about their experiences with audio description both at the Carols and elsewhere in the theatre and on TV, and find out how you can book a ticket for this year's Carols By Candlelight with audio description as well as details of the Vision Australia Radio simulcast which is back again in 2024.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville wraps up his finance tips for the year.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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After losing his vision as a young man Ian Clements wasn't sure what to do next, but an interest in social work and mentoring sparked a new career running a series of talks and workshops for boys and young men in the Hunter Valley region as part of the Top Blokes Foundation.
Hear from Ian as he catches up with Sam on Talking Vision to chat about his journey to where he is today, and messages for people out there experiencing vision loss and struggles with employment as a job seeker with a disability.
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With December 3, 2024 being International Day of People With Disability, Peter Greco chats with Casey Andrew who has won Best Producer in the Focus On Ability Film Festival for "Against The Odds”.
More info: Focus on Ability - Against The Odds
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Sam is joined on Talking Vision by blind endurance athlete, motivational speaker and all around thrill seeker Ben Pettingill.
Ben's goal for 2024 is to run 3,249km with the goal to have the tough conversations around mental health and bust the stigma that remains among men in Australia to ask for help when they need it.
To follow the latest updates you can keep in touch with Ben on the 3249 Blind web page.
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Sam Colley is joined by father and son inventors Peter and Rohan Rickards.
Along with Vision Australia's Kathy Letch, Peter and Rohan joined Talking Vision to tell us about Sensaball, their adaptable multi-directional white cane tip designed to give improved feedback, reduce friction and vibration and interact more intuitively across different surfaces.
Sensaball is still in the Kickstarter stage but if you'd like to find out more or make a donation you can head to the Sensaball website to keep updated.
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Host of Talking Vision, Sam Colley, catches up with Corene Strauss and Brooke Carter from Australian Disability Network.
Corene and Brooke are here to tell us about a mentoring program run through Australian Disability Network opening for expressions of interest in December, as well as their It's Not Hard to Be Inclusive campaign taking place over six weeks in the lead up to International Day of People with Disability on December 3.
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Oscar Stubbs was born in NSW in 2000 with optic neuropathy and congenital sensory nystagmus – an eye disorder which disturbs a person’s optic sensor and leaves them with limited, tunnel vision. In this Interview Highlight Oscar shares the news that he has been selected to play in the Australian Blind Cricket Team's series against England, “The Blind Ashes" from 17th November on the Gold Coast.
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Nikki Brooke is a science fiction author and scriptwriter from Australia, she challenges stereotypes, refusing to be confined by societal expectations. Nikki talks with Peter Greco about launching her first published book "Plagued Lands” and offers insights into writing!
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In this Interview Highlight, Anita Hancock, mother of 9-year-old Amelia, spoke with Peter Greco about services available through Vision Australia, the journey to access them and advocacy and peer support.
More info here: Vision Australia Services
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🎙️ Relive the magic of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant with Vision Australia Radio Adelaide! This special broadcast, brought to life with Audio Description in partnership with Access2Arts, captures the vibrant festivities as they unfolded on the streets of Adelaide.
Special thanks to Radio Adelaide, our broadcast partner.
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Dr. Tonya Meyrick, Guest Curator of Geelong Design Week 2024 speaks to Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps in this interview highlight.
Geelong Design Week is back to celebrate the innovation, creativity and community Geelong has to offer. Discover more than 70 exhibitions, talks, tours and unique experiences to inspire and delight, showcasing Geelong as Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design. Experience Designing Djilang; Speed date with an architect; Tim Ross’ live show, MOTEL and more. Geelong Design Week runs from Thursday 21 to Saturday 30 November.
More info: geelongdesignweek.com.au
Station sponsor.
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Peter Greco hears from Mahesh Nath, from Pacific Vision, about the latest gadgets that will be at Tech Fest on the 6th November 2024. Among other things, we will see the first showing of an electronic magnifier from HIMS.
Register here: See Differently
More info: Pacific Vision
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John Milham, Podcast host and Community Engagement from the Kintsugi podcast, spoke openly with Peter Greco about surviving the crippling grief of losing his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife to how he survived and later thrived. At the same time, he completely changed his life's direction and identity while raising his three young children.
More here: Kintsugi Heroes
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Sam caught up with Samara Cunningham, artistic director of (it's no) drama, a theatre company based in South Gippsland with a focus on accessibility and inclusion for performers with disabilities.
Samara is here to tell us about an upcoming program to train and educate other staff in the region to make their companies more accessible for members who are blind or have low vision.
You'll also hear about their upcoming production, Melt, taking place in November at the Leongatha Town Hall.
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The Vision Australia Santa Fun Run is coming up in a few weeks' time, heading to Melbourne on 23 November and Sydney on 30 November.
The Santa Fun Run is a great opportunity for families to join together and get into the spirit of Christmas, while raising vital funds for Vision Australia's services enriching the lives of children and young people who are blind or have low vision.
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Peter Greco catches up with Vanessa Papastavros, National Program Manager for Speak My Language. Speak My Language (Disability) involves hundreds of people from culturally diverse communities talking about living well with a disability.
Through podcast and radio, this program harnesses the power of storytelling to share the personal experiences, skills and talents of people living with a disability.
Vanessa was keen to get people with disabilities and speak a language other than English involved in their podcast series.
More here: Speak My Language
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Madeleine Ruskin, from the Community Team at Spoony, chats with peter Greco about the recently launched App, Spoony. The App has now been updated to be compatible with Android. Spoony is a safe and supportive space designed especially for your neurospicy, chronically ill, disabled, uniquely wonderful self - making social connection, dating, safe and accessible.
More here: Spoony
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Sam catches up with Vanessa Papastavros from the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW, who joins the show to tell us about Speak My Language.
Speak My Language is a national podcast and radio program harnessing the power of storytelling to share the experiences, skills and talents of people living with disabilities, and thanks to a recent funding boost they are looking for new participants to share their stories in a series of video and audio projects.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week on Talking Vision Sam caught up with a favourite of ours on the show, Karan Nagrani, to talk about the upcoming Blind Australian of the Year Awards in Brisbane on 26 October, where Karan will be MC.
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Former Big Brother winner and crowd favorite, Reggie Sorensen will be welcoming guests on this years red carpet at the Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala 2024.
Celebrate the achievements of people living with blindness or low vision at the 2024 Link Vision Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala dinner, Saturday October 26 at the Amora Hotel, Brisbane.
An uplifting, inclusive and memorable evening for the whole family.
Half-price tickets are available for those living with low vision and blindness, and their companions (Ts and Cs apply).
Visit: https://blindaustralianoftheyear.com.au/tickets/ for tickets and more info.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the 2024 Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala.
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Disability Advocate – Blind Content Creator and Influencer – Karan has had an extensive career in the corporate world as a marketer, graphic designer and video creator, in a career spanning almost two decades. He is also blind.
Diagnosed at Eleven with Usher Syndrome, a rare degenerative and incurable condition leading to complete blindness, and hearing loss, Karan’s perspective is very unique. He speaks to Peter Greco in this Vision Australia Radio podcast.
Celebrate the achievements of people living with blindness or low vision at the 2024 Link Vision Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala dinner, Saturday October 26 at the Amora Hotel, Brisbane.
An uplifting, inclusive and memorable evening for the whole family.
Half-price tickets are available for those living with low vision and blindness, and their companions (Ts and Cs apply).
Visit: https://blindaustralianoftheyear.com.au/tickets/ for tickets and more info.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the 2024 Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco catches up with Aaron Chia, CEO Guide Dogs SA and NT, and hears about his recent Government House visit, World Sight Day and International White Cane Day.
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Mandy Maysey, President of Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA), shares her thoughts with Peter Greco re the rather unfortunate “comments" recently, by the Prime Minister.
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Peter Greco chats with Roy Lucian Baza, recording and song writing artist who has overcome a glaucoma diagnosis and just released his latest single Does Your Girlfriend Know About me?”.
More here: Roy Lucian Baza
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With 10th October being World Sight Day, Dr Ceecee Britten Jones, from the Centre for Eye Research, discusses with Peter Greco work on The Advanced Genomics Collaboration to help find the genetic causes of many unidentified retinal diseases.
More info: Retina Australia
Call: 03 8344 3441
email: IRD@groups.unimelb.edu.au
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World Sight Day was on October 10 and this year's theme focused on the importance of eye care in young people, inspiring children everywhere to love their eyes.
To have a chat with Sam on Talking Vision about the day he was joined by Dr Stephen Hing, paediatric ophthalmologist from the Retina and Eye Clinic in Sydney.
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Ryan Goodwin, Creative Director for the Focus On Ability Film Festival Red Carpet Awards gives Peter Greco all the details about this event which was Held on September 29 in Chatswood and live-streamed around the world.
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Thursday October 10 is World Sight Day. Kalp Sha, from Spec Savers discusses with Peter Greco how the colour of your eyes may impact on the possible damage from the sun. With Daylight saving and longer days, the greater the risk of exposure.
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For twenty years, The Other Film Festival has been a global leader in disability screen advocacy – championing Deaf and Disabled-led and authored work, uncovering untold stories and ways of being in the world, and developing a screen culture where Deaf and Disabled people are at the centre of storytelling. In a special Behind the Scenes Podcast, Presenter Chris Thompson chats with Festival Artistic Director Fiona Tuomy about why TOFF is so important, what its relationship is with the St Kilda Film Festival and with AlterState and what’ll be on screen and online from October 3 to October 16 for this year’s festival.
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Sam catches up with accessibility consultant, Sarah Houbolt, and CEO of Vitae Veritas, Nilgun Guven, to speak about the Alter State festival taking place between 2 and 13 October across eight venues in Melbourne.
Alter State is a disability-led arts initiative celebrating disabled artists, creativity and culture, and both Sarah and Nilgun are here to tell us more about what people can expect if they head along.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with artistic director Fiona Tuomy from The Other Film Festival, an accessible film festival taking place over two weeks from 3 to 16 October through ACMI in Melbourne.
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Peter Greco catches up with Professor Juli Coffin, from Broome, who has won the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian Mental Health Prize for Juli's Equine Assisted Learning Program.
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Madeleine Ruskin, from the Community Team at Spoony, chats with Peter Greco about the just-launched App for the neurodiverse, chronically ill or people with disabilities - making social connection, dating, safe and accessible.
More here: Spoony
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Blaise Itabelo, Community Engagement Manager for Refugee Sponsorship, and Joe Sheehy shared the benefits of Perth Welcoming Week - highlighting the difference Community Sponsorship for Refugees can make.
More info: Refugee Sponsorship
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Transmit Futures is a new performance ensemble supported by Arts Access Victoria and made up of emerging Deaf and Disabled artists. The ensemble has worked with Andi Snelling over the past three months to devise a performance manifesto. The Manifesto is presented at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the AlterState Festival and is centred on the lived experience of the ensemble and on ideas for Deaf and Disabled futures. During their rehearsal, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson visited the group to record this special Behind the Scenes Podcast.
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Neville Houghton, Finance Guru with Finance Facts, shares figures with Peter Greco showing the impressive returns from long-term investing in the stock market.
Contact Neville on 0452 596 855
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO at Dementia Australia speaks with Peter Greco about dementia, during Dementia Action Week.
More info: Dementia Action Week
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Australian Government Communications Minister Michelle Rowlands celebrates 50 Years of Community Radio with this message of support.
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Host of Sites, Sounds and Songs, Peter Stotzer, interviews Vision Australia Radio programme director, Gemma Sydney, about her recent adventures in France. Gemma provides tips on travelling as a young family and opens up about her linguistic journey to become bilingual.
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Join host and producer of Talking Vision, Sam Colley, as he catches up with comedian Jeremy Moses.
Jeremy lives with a rare vision condition which has resulted in him being legally blind from birth, which also has an impact on his balance and coordination.
In the past year Jeremy has taken to the stage to share his lived experience of disability, and he will be taking his talents to the Fringe Festivals in Sydney and Melbourne over the coming weeks.
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In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Abby Green is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden ‘in plain sight'. In this Interview Highlight, Abby interviews Simon, to learn about his vision status and hear some of his lived experiences.
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Dr Geoff Dickson, Director, Centre for Sport and Social Impact, Australia, joins Peter Greco to reflect on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
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In this episode, Susi Tegen, CEO of the National Rural Health Alliance, discusses the organization's mission, current campaigns, and the challenges posed by the lack of healthcare resources in rural and regional areas. She also highlights the impact on the blind and low-vision community and previews key themes for the upcoming National Conference in Perth. The guest was interviewed by Abigayle Carmody, recorded and mixed by Keir Henshaw, with post production by Nicholas Thompson. Produced by Patz Black.
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🎉 Welcome Home, Champions! 🎉
In this Vision Australia Radio interview, Matt Lee chats with Jess Gallagher, the first Australian (Olympic or Paralympic) to win medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Fresh from her return from Paris 2024, Jess shares her excitement about this weekend’s Welcome Home celebration for all our amazing athletes!
🏅 Join her in celebrating our Olympic and Paralympic heroes!
📅 Saturday, 14th September
🕞 3:30 PM onwards
📍 Melbourne Park Oval
It’s a free, family-friendly event with plenty of entertainment, including live sport activations, DJs, food trucks, and the chance to meet some of Victoria’s top athletes!
No tickets needed—just head along and be part of the celebration! 🏆
This event is proudly supported by the Victorian Government, Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and the City of Melbourne.
For more details, visit: vic.gov.au/welcomehome
#WelcomeHome #Paris2024 #TeamAustralia #MelbourneEvent #Paralympics #Olympics #FreeEvent
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Sam Colley caught up with co-host of Studio 1 and four time Paralympian Sam Rickard on the eve of the Paralympics in late August, to get a preview from him about the Games and share some stories from his time as a Paralympian.
Hear from Sam as he shares his thoughts about what he'd like to see in the world of blind and low vision athletics, encourages athletes who are blind or have low vision to get involved, but also highlights the challenges competitors have to overcome to take part in major worldwide events such as the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.
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Shane Carroll is a former dancer with Nederlands Dans Theatre and Sydney Dance Company. She has also been a dance teacher, lecturer for training programs, advisor for arts agencies and devotes much of her focus on programmes aimed at building capacity and inclusion in the art form that has been part of her life since a very early age. In August, she spoke with Behind the Scenes Presenter, Chris Thompson, about her current work with Bangarra Dance Theatre in Education and Accessibility and in particular about the company’s initiatives in Audio Described performances for audiences who are blind or have low vision. But there was more to talk about than could be covered on a regular episode of Behind the Scenes – including her recent Churchill Fellowship and her other work in the area of dance for people living with dementia. So, in this special Behind the Scenes Podcast, Chris catches up with Shane again after having his first experience of audio described performance with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Horizon at Arts Centre Melbourne.
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A couple of weeks back Sam Colley caught up for an interview on Talking Vision with Megan Spindler-Smith, deputy CEO of People With Disabilities Australia.
Megan spoke with Sam about PWDA's response to the Disability Royal Commission, which was tabled in federal parliament at the start of August, and the next steps to improve future outcomes for Australians living with disabilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Colley catches up with Kelly Schulz from Knowable Me, a market research company focused on amplifying the voices of people with disabilities when it comes to the products and services they use every day.
Kelly is particularly interested in hearing from people who are blind or have low vision, and you can hear more about that and Knowable Me itself right here in this interview.
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Career Visions is a personalized program designed to help participants develop job readiness skills and prepare them for entering the workforce. In this interview highlight, a group of students, led by Vision Australia Employment Consultant Harmonie Downs, speak with Vision Australia Radio presenter Jason Gipps. Harmonie was responsible for delivering the project as part of Vision Australia's Service Excellence and Compliance team.
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Host of Talking Vision, Sam Colley, caught up with Ashleigh O'Gara from Untitled Group to chat about Ability Fest, an accessible music festival taking place in Melbourne and Brisbane over consecutive weekends in October.
Ash tells us more about the festival, Untitled Group and the work the festival does raising funds for the Dylan Alcott Foundation.
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Ben Dew, DE&I Pathways & Events Specialist at Tennis Australia, talks with Peter Greco about the inaugural 2024 Northern Territory Blind & Low Vision Open at the Darwin International Tennis Centre.
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Peter Greco hears from Liz Nowell, Arts Project Australia Executive Director, about the 50 Birds Exhibition at the Collingwood Yards Gallery in Victoria. The exhibition recognises a combined 100 years of Arts advocacy by Arts Projects Australia and Arts Access Victoria.
More info: 50 Birds
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In this Interview Highlight, Peter Greco hears from Belinda Wilson CYP Program Development Coordinator, about inviting youngsters between 14 and 18 years of age to register for the LEAP program. Lead, Engage and Perform, 24-26 September.
Call 1300 84 74 66
Email: leap@visionaustralia.org
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Kate Gooden, from Amazon, speaks with Peter Greco about “The Story Sauce” application and its development, sponsoring Happy Pants on Vision Australia Radio and a chance to win an Echo Show 5 with Alexa.
Email: radio@visionaustralia.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz Nowell, Arts Project Australia Executive Director, talks with Peter Greco about the 50 Birds Exhibition at the Collingwood Yards Gallery in Victoria. The exhibition recognises a combined 100 years of Arts advocacy by Arts Projects Australia and Arts Access Victoria.
More here: The 50 Birds Exhibition
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coming up from September 3-29 is the Focus On Ability Film Festival. Ian Heydon chats with Peter Greco about his career, living with MS and his two films screening in this year's festival.
You can find them here: My M.S. Story
Learn more here: Focus On Ability Film Festival
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Miriam Bilander, Program Manager for Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, chats with Peter Greco about free information sessions on screening for cancer for women who are over 50.
To register contact Miriam on 03 9822 8876
Or email:miriam@blindsports.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vision loss and print disability shouldn’t be a barrier to continuing to write. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from our team of experts in Accessible Technology on how you can keep doing the all-important task of writing.
Whether it be to write a short shopping list, keeping a journal, writing a letter to a loved one or writing the novel that’s burning in you, the team will showcase the range of adaptive tools and technology you can use to keep those words churning. Tools and devices include hand writing aids, large print computer keyboards, screen readers, the latest innovative software and so much more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Jason and the team as they head to Bendigo this Friday August 18 for the Vision Australia Radio Open Day at the Bendigo studios on 20 Bridge St.
You'll also hear from Jason about some upcoming shows to look forward to, and as always why now is as good a time as any to donate to Vision Australia Radio to help keep us doing what we love and providing a vital service to the print disabled community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hear from Achilles Geelong's Eddy Kontelj as he catches up with Sam Colley on Talking Vision to chat about Achilles Australia's new chapter in Geelong, their first in regional Australia.
You'll get all the details about their upcoming event to kick things off on September 8 at the Geelong Botanical Gardens, and what Achilles Geelong are looking forward to in the future as they grow their numbers in the Geelong area.
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After 11 and a half years as chief executive officer of Vision Australia, Ron Hooton will be stepping down as of August 2 for a well-earned break before embarking on his next professional opportunity.
Sam speaks with Ron on this week's episode of Talking Vision to look back over his proudest achievements as CEO but also look ahead to what's next for him over the coming months as he recharges his batteries to jump into the next chapter of his life.
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Sam catches up with Daniel Fenech, director of The Blind Sea which documents the life of blind surfer, paralympian and Vision Australia ambassador Matt Formston, as he heads to Nazare in Portugal to surf some of the biggest waves in the world.
The Blind Sea is set to release in cinemas around the country from August 11, and you can find a session near you and purchase tickets via good.film (external website), with 50% of profits from each ticket being donated to Vision Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The inaugural Australian B1 tennis championships were held in Melbourne last weekend and Ben Rowe was the winner. Ben who also sang the National Anthem catches up with Peter Greco in their Interview Highlight. Check out Ben's work on Youtube, Spotify and other platforms.
You can also find Ben on facebook: Benny Rowe Music
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In this Interview Highl;ight with Peter Greco, Amy Hall, Clinical Supervisor Behaviour Support Practitioner (Adv/Spec) and Director at Banksia Support, shares some very disturbing news of treatment of some children with disabilities in the education setting.
If you have any experiences you want to share on this subject you can contact Amy here:
ahall@banksiasupport.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On July 24, the The Vision Australia Library hosted an online ‘In Conversation’ event with Australian writer Les Pobjie, accompanied by his children Ben Pobjie and Emily Maguire. David Tredinnick hosted the interview with Les, Ben and Emily, to discover the collaborative journey that resulted in Les’ latest novel “Whispers in Empty Rooms: Death Through a Glass Darkly”. The Vision Australia Library has multiple books available from our upcoming guests. Including ‘Whispers in empty rooms: whispers through a glass darkly’, Ben Pobjie’s ‘Second Best: the untold histories of the greatest runners-up’, and Emily Maguire’s Stella Prize and Miles Franklin shortlisted ‘An Isolated Incident’. For more details call 1300 654 656 8:30am-5:00pm (AEST) or email library@visionaustralia.org
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David Tredinnick joins Peter Greco with a reminder that personal support quotas have re-set for the new financial year. As a Vision Australia library member, you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year for free.
More details call: 1300 84 74 66
Email: printaccess@visionaustralia.org
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Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club Inc. presents the BAREC Radiofest 2024. This exciting event will bring together enthusiasts, experts and hobbyists from all over to celebrate and explore the world of amateur radio and electronics. Bruce Lees speaks with BAREC's Graeme Knight to learn more.
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It has been a good year for Superannuation growth and the share market, but can returns be even better? Neville Houghton continues his finance advice with Peter Greco.
Contact Neville on 0452 596 855
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco talks with Camilla Rowland, CEO Palliative Care Australia, about some welcome news on people with disabilities in palliative care getting better and speedier access to the NDIS.
More here: Palliative Care
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Christine Cockburn, CEO Rare Cancers Australia, shares the good news with Peter Greco about the Government's announcement that it will provide funding for free access to the drug DFMO for Australian children and young adults with high-risk neuroblastoma.
More info: Rare Cancers Australia
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Coming up on August 9 is the National Carers Conference. In this Interview Highlight with Peter Greco, Anne McLeish, Director from Kinship Carers Victoria, previews the outstanding keynote speakers Liana Buchanan, Sam Bloom and Emma Goodall.
More info: Kinship Carers Victoria
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Kelly Schultz is the Founder and Director of‘ Knowable Me’, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering voices and driving positive change for people living with disability. Here, she speaks to Vision Australia Radio's Peter Greco to share how our community can get involved.
‘Knowable Me’, allows community to share their experiences through surveys, research interviews, product testing, and even mystery shopping.
Your opinions matter, share them with Vision Australia Radio sponsor, Knowable Me.
Make a difference and get rewarded for it. Signing up is a breeze, and it's completely free. Register here: Knowable.Me or call 0435 18 55 77 to learn more.
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Who doesn’t love a puppy! Kim Rulach, Senior puppy Development trainer at Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA), tells Peter Greco about the support provided to Puppies for a Purpose by the Petbarn Foundation and how we can all become involved.
More info: Petbarn Foundation
And here: SEDA
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NAIDOC week may be over but the successful outcomes with First Australians in the medical profession are still relevant. Peter Greco hears news of initiatives for practitioners and patients in rural and remote areas from Dr Dan Halliday, President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, (ACRRM).
More here: ACRRM
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On this week's episode of Talking Vision Sam speaks with opthalmologist, glaucoma specialist and co-founder of Nutravision, Dr Brian Ang.
Brian is a passionate advocate for what he calls proactive glaucoma care, a series of lifestyle strategies that have been proven to improve eye health, reduce eye pressure and thus the risk of glaucoma.
Through Nutravision Brian has applied his research into the role that vitamins and minerals can play in the prevention of glaucoma, and for the past year Brian has been able to see the benefits this has had on his patients.
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Peter Greco talks with River Night, Leading Advocate from Developing Australian Communities, about sex, relationships and how it relates to the NDIS.
More info here: Developing Australian Communities
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Pawgust, a Pawfect way to raise funds and awareness for guide dogs is coming up in August. Alana Tiller, a proud SA/NT Guide Dogs Client, shares the invitation with Peter Greco and everyone to become involved.
Follow Alana and guide dog Rocket on Instagram.
or go to: Pawgust
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Minister Jole Bowden, AFL Champion for Richmond and now a Minister in the Northern Territory Government, chats with Peter Greco about NAIDOC week, football and First Australian achievements issues and challenges.
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Coming up from 19th July, Melbourne hosts the Australian Blind and Low Vision Tennis Championships. Peter Greco hears all about it from Ben Dew, Pathways Events Specialist for Tennis Australia.
find out more here, email: blindtennis@tennis.com.au
or watch on 20th and 21s July:
Tennis Australia's Youtube Channel
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Sam caught up a while back with long time Vision Australia Radio Bendigo volunteer Barry Leviny, who has produced and presented The Uncertainty Principle for the past 15 years.
In addition to his work on The Uncertainty Principle Barry has held a number of volunteer positions over his time at Vision Australia, and so he was the perfect fit to have a chat during National Volunteer Week from 20 to 26 May.
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Sam catches up with Ben Dew from Tennis Australia who joins Talking Vision in the lead up to the Australian Blind and Low Vision Tennis Championships, taking place over the weekend of 19 July at the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne.
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This year, Arts Access Victoria turn 50 and to celebrate they’re presenting ‘The Collective’ – an exhibition highlighting half a century of disability justice through art. This July, Disability Pride month, AAV highlights art from their extensive archives, alongside new works by artists working with AAV today. The exhibition is at the Meat Market Stables, North Melbourne, and includes panels and workshops every Friday afternoon. But if you’d like a sneak preview of the exhibition, join AAV Marketing & Communications Coordinator Sabina Knox, Manager of Studios and Mentorships Geof Robinson and artist Deanna as they walk & talk Behind the Scenes’ Presenter Chris Thompson through the spaces and through the history of the organisation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew Howlett, Probus Club of White Hills drops by our Bendigo studios to speak to local presenter Bruce Lees. The two discuss the history of Probus, its benefit to retirees and other like minded people as a social group and delve in to the various activities undertaken by the Probus Club of White Hills and other Probus groups in the Bendigo region.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NSW Executive Director of Elections, New South Wales, Andrea Summerell speaks to Vision Australia Radio to share all there is to know about the upcoming local elections and the supports that are available to our community.
Local council elections will be held across New South Wales on Saturday, September 14. Voting is compulsory, so you need to plan your vote. To find your nearest polling place and to get more information about accessible voting options, including eligibility for telephone voting, visit elections.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 135 736.
A message from the NSW Electoral Commission
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The Digital Divide puts people at a disadvantage for employment. Karen Massier, Executive Manager at Max Solutions, talks with Peter Greco about 1 in 3 people looking for work not being confident in applying for jobs due to their digital skills, or lack thereof.
More info: Max Solutions
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joining Sam on Talking Vision this week is Verity Hunt-Ballard, creative producer from the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, who have partnered with Amazon to present Story Sauce.
Story Sauce is an audio-based story platform for primary aged kids to follow along, learn new things while having fun and hopefully inspire them to tell their own stories.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam is joined on Talking Vision by CEO of Ageing with Grace, Esis Tawfik, whose organisation is committed to ensuring older Australians never feel isolated or neglected.
She is also involved as one of the members of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme which connects those in aged care with volunteers and friends, and notes how important the scheme has been and continues to be for people who have experienced, or are experiencing, age-related vision loss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tammy Franks, Greens spokes-person for Disability in South Australia, talks with Peter Greco about the amendments to the Disability Inclusion Bill passed last week by the SA Upper House.
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In this Interview Highlight, Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, talks with Peter Greco about Deafblind awareness week, the State Budget and pays a short tribute to the Late Michael Wehr.
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As part of Deafblind Awareness Week, Meredith Prain, National Head of Research and Centre of Excellence at Deafblind, talks with Peter Greco about "yarn bombing" of 3 politicians on the steps of parliament house in Victoria.
More info: Deafblind Victoria
And: Able Australia
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Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight has been nominated for this year's Logie Awards!Ian Finlayson, General Manager for Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at VA, shared this very exciting news with Peter Greco. To vote go the Logies Website and follow the prompts.
More info: Vote at TV Week Logies
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Arts Access Victoria is celebrating 50 years in the disability arts sector, and to celebrate Sam is joined on Talking Vision by CEO Caroline Bowditch.
Caroline talked about how AAV is celebrating the milestone, including a series of events in Melbourne over the month of July coinciding with Disability Pride Month.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Suzi Tegen, CEO for the National Rural Health Alliance, shares major concerns with Peter Greco about new extras offered by some of Australia's biggest health insurers, with the claim that they will be an offset to high premiums.
More info: Media release: Alliance raises concerns over new health insurance
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Stella is leaving Vision Australia after 15 years both on and off the airwaves in a number of roles, but before she left she caught up with Sam on Talking Vision to say farewell to all who have tuned in to the wide range of programs she's been involved with, and pay tribute to the people she's had the chance to work with over the years and the experiences she'll treasure for a lifetime.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Neville Houghton, Finance Guru shares tips to help you help your children and grand children, with 30th June fast-approaching.
Neville has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organisation at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ross Joyce, CEO for the Australian Federation for Disability Organisations, (AFDO) speaks with Peter Greco about the need for Australia to protect the NDIS. Legislation is currently before parliament and Ross comments on the reported news regarding fraud, financial abuse and criminal activity.
More info: AFDO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Associate Professor Matthew Butler from the Faculty of IT at Monash University, who are seeking expressions of interest for a PhD scholarship in assistive technology and disability.
Matt tells us about the Monash Assistive Technology Society centre, where the PhD will be based, and what sort of projects people can look forward to getting involved with.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam speaks with Narelle Gatti, a volunteer for Digital Access Solutions and Assistive Technology (DASAT), a team of digital accessibility trainers, auditors and IT consultants.
Narelle also has lived experience with vision loss, and lends her lived experience and passion for digital access to a weekly podcast released through DASAT.
You may also hear Narelle on an episode of Kintsugi Heroes right here on Vision Australia Radio!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happening this Sunday June 16, Come and Try Day of Blind/low vision gymnastics and tennis at the Boroondara Sports Complex, 271c Belmore Road, Balwyn. Peter Greco gets all the details from Rachel DeSumma, Program Manager at Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria.
Call: 03 9822 8876
Email: dominique.holland@ymca.com.au
Book: Nabooki Booking
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Co-founder of The Good Box, Gali Blacher encourages everyone to think about donating as their services and demand for what they do necessitates a change in venue, and their existence is under threat. Peter Greco hears all about this great cause.
More info: The Good Box
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What happens if you are over 65 and have a fall? Peter Greco hears from Mark Townend AM, CEO for Spinal Life Australia, who is advocating passionately for those over 65 to be included in the NDIS.
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NDIS, Friend or Foe? Siv Pragash, an NDIS participant, tells Peter Greco about his views on the reported rorts, rip offs and fraud going on with the scheme. Siv recommends being very careful who you can trust.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Disrupting Sighted Ableism series is holding its third and final session at the Arts Centre in Melbourne on June 25, and we're joined by Lauren Hayes and Micaela Schmidt to tell us about the panel discussion they'll be running on the day.
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In todays Interview Highlight, we're celebrating a milestone! Vision Australia Chair, Bill Jolley has clocked over the first six months in this important role. He spoke to Sam Colley on Talking Vision to reflect on his experiences thus far, and looks forward to what is yet to come for 2024.
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Mild joint pain can have a profound impact on one’s physical and mental wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked. The tendency to downplay discomfort, dismiss or neglect joint pain can unfortunately be common, whether due to affordability, time, or fear of not being taken seriously.
In this Vision Australia Radio interview highlight, Josh Gibson, three-time AFL Premiership winner and Business Development Manager at Epijoint, discusses the new research and the risks associated with mild joint pain and advice he has for Aussies to look after their joints especially alongside sport and exercise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trace is an immersive, multi-sensory performance that reflects on the different ways of making and experiencing music from the perspectives of people with disabilities. Through touch, listening and reflections we trace new meanings and connections from the sounds around us. Curated by Ria Andriani and featuring music written by and for people with disability the program includes composers and performers, Georgia Scott, Jennifer Hankin, Tessa Gutierrez, Lamorna Nightingale and a very special performance from the Monday Club led by Tony Gorman. Ria Andriani and Lamorna Nightingale speak to Peter Greco on this Vision Australia Radio interview highlight.
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Acting CEO of Volunteering Victoria, Geoff Sharp, gives insights into the ten-year National Volunteering Strategy which aims to make volunteering more inclusive and accessible while reshaping the public’s perception of volunteering. He is joined by Peter Greco.
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Toby Walsh is Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales, research group leader at Data61, adjunct professor at QUT, external Professor of the Department of Information Science at Uppsala University, an honorary fellow of the School of Informatics at Edinburgh University and an Associate Member of the Australian Human Rights Institute at UNSW. In this podcast, he is joined by Vision Australia assistive technology guru and 'Talking Tech' presenter David Woodbridge to chat all things Artificial Intelligence.
Need more from Professor Toby Walsh?
Listen to our recent Vision Australia Library presentation as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival, In conversation with Toby Walsh as he examines the possibilities and perils of emerging AI technologies, from ChatGPT to facial recognition and self-driving cars, with Elizabeth McCarthy.
https://omny.fm/shows/interview-highlights/melbourne-writers-festival-special-in-conversati-1
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Listen to our chat with world-leading artificial intelligence expert Toby Walsh (Machines Behaving Badly) as he examines the possibilities and perils of emerging AI technologies, from ChatGPT to facial recognition and self-driving cars, with Elizabeth McCarthy.
This session was initially presented at the Vision Australia Library as part of the 2024 Melbourne Writers Festival, and later rebroadcast on the Vision Australia Radio network.
Go to http://www.visionaustralia.org/library to learn more about our library service.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the Melbourne Writers Festival each year, learn more about the partnership here; https://radio.visionaustralia.org/about-us/radio-news/melbourne-writers-festival-back-for-2024
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Louise Milligan, investigative journalist and author, joins Vision Australia Library service "In Conversation" for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Louise's book, "Pheasants Nest" is available through the Vision Australia Library. Go to http://www.visionaustralia.org/library to learn more about our library service.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the Melbourne Writers Festival each year, learn more about the partnership here; https://radio.visionaustralia.org/about-us/radio-news/melbourne-writers-festival-back-for-2024
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What haunts your favourite writers? Do they wake in the night plagued by
regrets? Do they see the past spilling into our present? Gather round to
hear original ghost stories and moving reflections from a brilliant line-up of
some of the best writers in the world. Featuring Daniel Browning.
This 1 hour presentation was initially presented at The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne on the 11th of May, 2024 and later rebroadcast on Vision Australia Radio.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the Melbourne Writers Festival each year, learn more about the partnership here; https://radio.visionaustralia.org/about-us/radio-news/melbourne-writers-festival-back-for-2024
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Sam is joined by audio description specialist Polly Goodwin to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which took place on Thursday May 16.
Polly has recently returned from Japan where she presented a talk and interactive workshop demonstrating the benefits and intuitive design of audio description in video games, as part of the AD4Games project in collaboration with Dr Xiaochun Zhang from University College London.
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In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 16, Sam speaks with Dr Scott Hollier, co-founder and CEO of the Centre for Accessibility Australia.
The Centre for Accessibility Australia is a Perth based organisation working to promote digital access, and assist people with disabilities to find solutions that enable them to stay connected with the digital world.
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Sam recently caught up with Blind Citizens Australia CEO Deb Deshayes, to have a look back with her over her first six months in the role as CEO, including some highlights, challenges and general feelings about the last six months at BCA.
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Join Sam as he speaks with Sarah, Serena and Michael, three participants from Career Visions, as well as Career Visions coordinator Harmonie Downes.
Career Visions is a Brisbane based program run by Vision Australia in partnership with the Queensland government to support jobseekers who are blind or have low vision to develop job readiness skills, and gain confidence to enter the workforce.
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Australian dating app startup Spoony (https://spoony.app) has unveiled its founding team and has set a Q4 2024 launch date. Kenneth Liang (Chief Technology Officer) and Blake Crichton (Lead Experience Designer) join Nicholas Carlton (Chief Executive Officer) to build Spoony, a dating & friendship app for neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people.
Inspired by CEO & Co-Founder Nicholas Carlton’s experiences as a chronically ill person, Spoony has ambitious plans to become the leading dating & friendship app for the billions of people globally who are neurodivergent, chronically ill, or disabled.
Nicholas Carlton’ speaks to presenter Peter Greco to learn more.
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Neville Houghton CPA, chats with Peter Greco and reflects in part on the recent federal government budget announcements.
Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research from La Trobe University highlights that Australia's multilingual resources during the COVID-19 pandemic were not always effective, with communication gaps sometimes leading to mistrust in public services.
Even though Australia has good quality translation and interpreting services, people who speak languages other than English still struggle to access timely and high quality information that is essential to their health and wellbeing.
The global study, which was published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues, reviewed research from Australia and around the world to find the best examples of multilingual communication models that were both effective and inclusive.
In this podcast, lead researcher Raelene Wilding joins presenter Peter Greco to discuss in more detail.
The study Linguistic diversity and emergency health alerts: A systematic critical review, can be found here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajs4.328__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!FKNCwAoJLDj1rEVo9FU9G7jD1jgjAbkLK5JIe-IQ6pRcOTxUad6hZqr3fv269FF8kV9rB92Dxs0lXhCybFuWrp5oA3BRCgV2S9s$
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Louise Milligan, investigative journalist and author, talked about being at "In Conversation" with the Vision Australia Library for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Louise's book, "Pheasants Nest" is available through the Library.
Go to http://www.visionaustralia.org/library to learn more about our library service, and keep listening to Vision Australia Radio to keep tabs on how you can hear the event encore in the coming week.
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Ranmali McCormack, Vision Australia People and Culture Services Manager, drops in to the Vision Australia Radio studios to speak with presenter Peter Greco. The two discuss the upcoming National Reconciliation Week which starts 27 May, and provide an overview of events which are scheduled across our organisation.
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May 16 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
Dr Scott Hollier, Co-Founder and CEO for the Centre for Accessibility, chats with Peter Greco about GAAD, the launch of some videos and in conjunction with Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), highlights some challenges about cancelling phone plans.
Find out more: Australian Communications Consumer Action Network
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Donate your "spare" phones and potentially make them into a safe device.
Peter Greco hears of Kyra Quinlivan’s lived experience of domestic violence and she gives us an opportunity to help in a program which may help others in similar situations.
Call: 1800 732 737
or go to: DV Safe Phone
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About Time is a website and soon a paper for Australian prisons and detention facilities, and the paper will be read on Vision Australia Radio. Peter Greco chats with Joseph Friedman, the Managing Director for About Time.
Learn more here: About Time
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VA has partnered with The Melbourne Writers Festival. Leeanne Surjadi, from the Vision Australia Library, fills in Peter Greco with all the details.
To find out more call 1300 654 656 or go to: Melbourne Writers Festival Toby Walsh
Melbourne Writers Festival Louise Milligan
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In this podcast highlight, Sam is joined by Australian Disability Network CEO Corene Strauss. Corene shares an update about the upcoming ADN awards night and Impact 2024 Conference, taking place May 9 in Melbourne. Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner of Impact 2024.
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Vision Australia Radio community engagement coordinator Jason Gipps speaks to Dr. Narelle Beer Executive Director, Health and Safety at Worksafe Victoria, to learn about Worksafe's latest awareness campaign, and how individuals can call out unacceptable Work Related Gendered Violence. The interview also explores additional avenues of support for people living with disability who may be experiencing Work Related Gendered Violence and what the disability sector can do to create a safer working environment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance Guru Neville Houghton discusses what you need to know about on long-term investing - patience is a virtue and the key.
Neville has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam catches up on Talking Vision with Fiona Demark, customer relations officer at the Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning, about their Try Before You Ride event.
The even will be taking place at Southern Cross station on 9 May from 10am to 2pm, for passengers who are blind or have low vision to find out more about the network and test out the different modes of transport in a safe, supportive environment.
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Bridget Jolley, women empowerment officer for Women with Disabilities Victoria, is inviting women and non-binary people to apply for WWDV’s acclaimed Enabling Women Leadership Program. Peter Greco catches up on the latest news.
For more information call 03 9287813
email: jolley@wdv.org.au
or go to: Women With Disabilities Victoria
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The Reading Writing Hotline is celebrating 30 years and going strong. During that time over 180,000 people have used this service. Manager, Vanessa Iles, chats with Peter Greco about it’s history and future.
Call 1300 655 506
More info: Reading Writing Hotline
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Coming up in early May, the Melbourne Writers' Festival is back underway for 2024 running from 6 to 12 May, including two events at Vision Australia's office in Kooyong on the evening of Friday May 10.
To have a chat about the upcoming festival Sam was joined on Talking Vision by Melbourne Writers' Festival artistic director Michaela McGuire, who filled us in on the details about the two events and what else people can look forward to around Melbourne over the week.
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The Reading Writing Hotline recently celebrated its 30th birthday and joining Sam on Talking Vision to chat all about it was Reading Writing Hotline manager Vanessa Iles.
Vanessa spoke about how the hotline got started, the ways in which people have benefited from the hotline over the past three decades, and the work they have done to help callers who are blind or have low vision to access the literacy and numeracy services they need.
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Sam was recently joined on Talking Vision by Sam Rickard and Lizzie Eastham, hosts of Studio 1 on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide, to chat about how their 100K Your Way challenge is going.
Hear about the ways they're heading to the 100K mark (or in Lizzie's case well above) to raise vital funds for Vision Australia Radio over the month of April.
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What’s happening with Facebook News? Peter Greco finds out from Claire Stuchbery, Executive Director for the Local and Independent News Association. They speak about Meta removing news content from Facebook and Instagram and in particular its impact on local news and diversity.
More info: Meta designation impacts small publishers
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Kate is off to a flying start, participating in Vision Australia's 100K Your Way challenge, and in support of Vision Australia Radio Perth. She wants you to do the same! In this interview she explains why she volunteers her time to our national radio reading service and why she's joined the 100K challenge.
This April, feel good, get moving and raise funds to support people who live with blindness, low vision or print disability, by joining Vision Australia Radio in the 100K Your Way challenge.
The challenge is simple: join one of our teams now, to move 100K your way across April and raise funds for our not-for-profit community radio reading network.
We’ve formed 3 competing teams based on our radio broadcast regions, and we want you to join us. Choose a team here: https://radio.visionaustralia.org/radio-news/VA-Radio-100K-Your-Way-Challenge
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The Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank.
The ten day program of workshops, author talks, panel discussions, creative & professional writing, storytelling and more is free of charge for the community. In 2024, the festival was held from March 14 to 23. Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to the festival for a second year running.
Read my way: Reading with all our senses, was an event hosted by Vision Australia Radio and the Vision Australia Library service, on the 22nd of March, 2024, as part of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival. The live event, held at the Sunshine Library in the west of Melbourne, was an immersive exploration of different ways of reading with a journey through audio, braille and tactile literacy and learning.
The panel of six guests included audio producer and book narrator David Tredinnick, our library services manager Sarah Bloedorn, Hear This radio program presenter Frances Keyland, and three participants with lived experience of blindness or low vision, writer Nalini Haynes and library members Sheilah Blanchfield and Janine Lord.
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Neville Houghton CPA, chats with Peter Greco about a possible savings plan which may help you get a deposit and see you purchase your first home.
Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Crossman took part in the Kosi Challenge, climbing Mt. Kosciuszko for the Dani's Dynamos, raising money and awareness for rare cancers. Peter Greco hears all the details.
More here: Rare Cancers
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On this episode from the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, host Harriet is joined by two guests to talk about International Women's Day (IWD).
Seeing Eye Dogs handlers Clare Opie and Linda Blaik join us in separate interviews on this episode discussing IWD and this year's IWD theme of inclusion. We talk about their own experiences as women, what IWD and inclusion means to them, and the role of their Seeing Eye Dogs.
If you'd like to find out about Clare's Instagram and how she uses social media to educate, please check out her Instagram profile @ClareAndMabel.
If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/
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Juliet Middleton CEO from LiveBig, is ready for the Vision Australia Trek For Vision 2024 in New Zealand to raise important funds to support two very important programs. Peter Greco catches up with all the details.
More info: Vision Australia Fundraisers Juliet Middleton
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In this interview Highlight, Peter Greco hears how William O’Neil is having the best time trying surfing. Will is being mentored by Matt Formston, star of the Big Visions book "Surfing In The Dark”.
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Sarah Bloedorn, Manager from the Vision Australia Library, chats about their new role and discusses an upcoming event on Friday 22nd March at the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival.
More here: Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival
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Christian Ali is just about to launch her first book “Made Of Love”, the launch is on Sunday 24th March at 1 pm - One Hope Church Providence Blvd, Highton.
For a copy contact Christian Ali via Facebook messenger or Cheryl Ali. Also available on Amazon, Booktopia, Mighty Ape, and through the publisher Xlibris.
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In this Interview Highlight, Peter Greco chats with Dinuka McKenzie about the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival. Dinuka is in an upcoming online conversation about “Tipping Point” her latest book.
Tickets here: Dinuka Mckenzie in conversation with Jacqui Horwood
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Here's another interview highlight with thanks to Chris Thompson, presenter of Vision Australia Radio's popular arts program 'Behind the Scenes'.
In 2021, we began a conversation with artist, filmmaker and artist facilitator that focused on two artists – Luke Abdallah who’s been blind since birth and lives with elective mutism – and Matthew Elliot who lives with cerebral palsy. Our first conversation was about the two artists having just received residencies at Bundanon (the former Arthur Boyd homestead on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, now an artists’ retreat)… this latest conversation takes place at the other end of that journey when Luke and Matthew’s work is being exhibited at the Woollahra Gallery along with a screening of Zachariah’s film Bundanon: Painting a Promised Land which documents the work of both artists.
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In this interview highlight, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson speaks to Jane Harrison of the Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival.
Stories Behind the Songs showcases the powerful fusion of melody and meaning as Blak artists explore the depths of storytelling through the medium of music. Includes performances from Blak artists like Debra Cheetham Fraillon and Allara.
Hold space for Blak futures now.
Limited seats available, book your tickets now at blakandbright.com.au. In partnership with Fed Square & Songlines & Victorian Women's Trust.
Vision Australia Radio is proud to promote Blak and Bright 2024.
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Presented by Midsumma and PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography, Featuring 17 artists, 14 exhibitions, 30 free interactive events and 7 locations, Queer PHOTO is a multi-pronged program transforming iconic venues and the streets of the West into a gallery of accessible and highly visible visual artworks from LGBTQIA+ artists.
Brendan McClearly Curator at Photo Australia, talks with Peter Greco about this massive and compelling work.
More info: Midsumma Queer PHOTO
And here: PHOTO 2024
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WomenCAN Australia is proud and happy to be launching our first Shepparton project, which will support 20 women from diverse backgrounds into Early Childhood Education and Childcare traineeships in the Greater Shepparton LGA.
Mikaela Stafrace, founder of WomenCAN Australia, and Donna Baldwin, Project Manager, share the details about this exciting opportunity with Peter Greco.
More info: WomenCAN
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Jack Calver is bringing his show “UNFAIR VERONA: The Misadventures of Romeo & Juliet” to Adelaide from 19th March. Jack shares all his news with Peter Greco.
Book here: Unfair Verona
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Did you know you can have up to 360 print pages a year transcribed into your preferred format? Peter Greco chats with Wendy Hinson who is taking on challenging roles in the Vision Australia personal support service.
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Chris Finnen has been nominated for the Adelaide Festival Centre's Walk of Fame. Chris who has been called, "The Guitarist's guitarist” catches up with Peter Greco.
Vote here: Adelaide Festival Walk Of Fame
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Blood Bikes Australia is a 100% volunteer based organisation, inspired by a similar service in the UK, Blood Bikes Australia was founded in 2019.
One of their principal client organisations is Lions Eye Donation Service, which operates under the auspices of the Centre for Eye Research Australia.
At the request of Lions Eye, Blood Bikes volunteers in Victoria started delivering corneas and sclera for transplants some eighteen months ago and since then have made more than 250 deliveries, with runs happening several times a week. listen to learn more.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
On this episode Neville discusses helping loved-ones out financially while you're still alive and being able to enjoy their sharing your support.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason Whiter shares news with Peter Greco about a new sporting opportunity, paraclimbing. The 2024 Paraclimbing season will see events in Salt lake City, Innsbruck in Austria and France.
More info: Sport Climbing Australia
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Coming up on the 23-24th February is the Geelong Disability Expo. Liam Twomey, Australian para-triathlete, and 2024 Expo Ambassador chats with Peter Greco about this event, They also discuss Liam's preparation for Paris selection and also the importance of speaking about mental health.
More here: Geelong,Disability Expo 2024
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In celebration of World Radio Day, Sam Colley caught up with Camuran Albanoi, a mental health team leader at Goulburn Valley Health and avid listener to Vision Australia Radio in Shepparton.
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Sam speaks with chair of Vision Australia Radio Shepparton's volunteer steering committee, Peter Simpson.
Peter tells us all about his work at the station over the past six years, and the importance of volunteers to providing vital radio reading services for the print disability community.
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Late last year, Vision Australia Radio program Behind the Scene's interviewed Midsumma Festival's Harriet Devlin & Ambassador Karen Nagrani for an overview of the 2024 Midsumma Festival. The festival is now in full swing, so presenter Chris Thompson has returned for a look into two events. Chris speaks to playwright and performer Kikki Temple, as well as drummer Jacqui Morrison.
Learn more about the mentioned events:
https://www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/stuck-by-kikki-temple/
https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/events/2024/02/11/victorias-pride-street-party-2024
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Chinese New Year is February 10th. Wayne Tseng, President, Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce, chats with Peter Greco about the Lunar New year and shares some of its traditions.
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In this special episode of Sites, Sounds and Songs, presenter Peter Stotzer celebrates World Radio Day on Feb 13. With the magic of radio, Peter takes a trip to Bhutan to interview community radio staffer Jambay Tshering. The special presentation starts at UNESCO's headquarters in the 2024 Paralympic city Paris, we then catch up with a blind DJ broadcaster in Jo'burg, and visit some budding rural student radio producers in Bolivia. Visit www.varadio.org for local broadcast times, or download the Community Radio Plus app to hear this weekly radio program.
Learn more about World Radio Day: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/radio-next-century
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A new saliva test may help gauge your risk of developing glaucoma. Professor Jamie Craig from Flinders University catches up with Peter Greco and discusses the implications of this development.
More info: Australia's first saliva based glaucoma genetic test
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Housing affordability affects every Australian. Maiy Azize from Everybody’s Home, talks with Peter Greco about the importance of social housing.
As new data exposes severe rental stress across Australia, Everybody’s Home is calling on the federal government to prioritise housing affordability in its cost-of-living relief package.
Find out more: Everybodys Home
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We appreciate receiving feedback from our listeners, wherever they're based - imagine our delight when we heard from a listener in Bhutan! Here Sites, Sounds & Songs host Peter Stotzer speaks to Jambay Tshering, Manager & Programme Producer at Edi Community Radio in Bhutan. We took the opportunity to speak to him in time for World Radio Day, which is celebrated on 13 February.
Hear the rest of the episode of Sites, Sounds and Songs on Vision Australia Radio. Head to varadio.org for broadcast times in your area.
If you'd like to get in touch with your feedback on this or anything else Vision Australia Radio-related, we'd love to hear from you. Please email radio@visionaustralia.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Want to have your say on the Aged Care Act? In this interview highlight, Jonathan Craig, Policy and Advocacy Advisor for Vision 2020 chats with Peter Greco about how to get involved.
More info here: Aged Care Engagement
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In this interview highlight we speak to Nigel Smith, Deacon of Collins Street Baptist Church, about their church which is welcoming to the LGBTIQA+ community.
On Sunday January 21, 2024, Vision Australia Radio celebrated its new Inclusion and Access Partnership with Melbourne's Midsumma Festival, by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program hosted by Tess Herbert, Sam Colley and new radio recruit Yvette Gollmer, focused on the intersection of queerness and disability, delving into the supports available to this diverse community and sharing the lived experiences of it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Sunday January 21, 2024, Vision Australia Radio celebrated its new Inclusion and Access Partnership with Melbourne's Midsumma Festival, by staging a live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day.
The program hosted by Tess Herbert, Sam Colley and new radio recruit Yvette Gollmer, focused on the intersection of queerness and disability, delving into the supports available to this diverse community and sharing the lived experiences of it.
Those featured included performer Dean Arcuri, community leaders Michelle Sheppard, and Karan Nagrani, Midsumma CEO Karen Bryant and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Vision Australia Radio just days away from our first ever live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day on January 21, the broadcasts producer Jason Gipps speaks to the one and only Dolly Diamond, in celebration of her 20 year Midsumma Festival anniversary. Dolly shares where her love of Cabaret started, how Melbourne's LGBTIQA+ community has changed over the years and why giving back is so important to her.
Tune in from 10 am til 1 pm, Sunday, January 21, on VA Radio Digital in Melbourne, Vision Australia Radio across Victoria, or stream our Melbourne radio feed via our homepage at www.varadio.org
Catch Dolly Diamond's Hot Midsumma Roast at the 2024 Midsumma Festival. More details here: https://www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/dolly-diamond-s-hot-midsumma-roast/
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Join Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson as he counts down to this year's Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight made possible by AAMI and the audio described radio simulcast of the Carols on Vision Australia Radio.
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Vision Australia Radio's community partnership coordinator, Jason Gipps, presents a 1 hour Christmas Special, with a focus on 180 year old church community, Collins Street Baptist Church. The program features an interview with CSBC Deacon Ros Otzen who takes us through the history of the Melbourne CBD based church, we speak to Pastor Arun Kuung from the Chin Baptist Church, and hear music from the Chin Baptist Choir, music from Composer/ Arranger David Cundy (who provides music at CSBC's weekly Sunday service), plus there's a bible reading and greetings from members of the church community.
listen here of wherever you get your podcasts, this Christmas Special is available on all major podcast services.
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Sam Colley speaks with Matt Parkhill, editor of Swinburne's online media publication, The Burne.
In addition to his work with The Burne, Matt is a contributor to a radio reading program which will be going to air over the summer break on Vision Australia Radio, focusing on issues that matter to younger Australians.
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Contemporary dance performance maker and arts educator Amaara Raheem is the current recipient of the Frank van Straten Fellowship at Arts Centre Melbourne where she is delving into the Performing Arts Museum archives to investigate the birth and ongoing practice of contemporary dance company Chunky Move… but our conversation doesn’t touch there… Amaara also talks about her beginnings as an actor at St Martins Youth Arts Centre (despite her mother’s wish for her to be a layer)… issues of race in casting during the early to mid-nineties for a Sri Lankan artist being constantly offered indigenous roles… and the way older bodies can still pursue work in dance… we cover all this and more in this conversation for Behind the Scenes with me Chris Thompson.
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Vision Australia Radio is proud to announce that we will be an Access and Inclusion partner to Midsumma Festival in 2024.
Midsumma is Australia's premier queer arts and cultural organisation, bringing together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences.
In 2024, Midsumma Festival, will run over 22 days with an explosion of queer events that centre around hidden and mainstream queer culture, involving local, interstate, and international artists.
Vision Australia Radio is making the event more accessible to people living with blindness, low vision or print-disability, by producing an audio version of the programme guide (available at midsumma.org), promoting audio described shows and related tactile tours in the lead up to and during the festival, as well as hosting our first ever live outside broadcast from Midsumma Carnival Day on January 21.
In this interview, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson catches up with Midsumma's Artist Development Manager, Harriet Devlin along with newly appointed Midsumma Community Ambassador, Karan Nagrani to discuss the festival and the hard work that's gone into making the summer favorite more inclusive than ever before.
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Thirteen winners were announced in the 2023 Australian Disability Service Awards, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre late last week.
Peter Greco chats with Neuro Rehab Allied Health Network founder, Steve Woollard who has taken out the award for Most Outstanding Allied Health Program in Disability Services.
More info: Neuro Rehab Allied Health Network
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Vision Australia Radio host Chris Thompson speaks to new Carols recruit and Nine personality, Sarah Abo, who will take to the stage of the Sydney Myer Music Bowl, cohosting for the first time with everyone's favorite David Campbell.
Catch Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight from 8 pm Christmas Eve on 9 and 9 Now. Why not turn your TV volume down and listen to our Vision Australia Radio audio described simulcast? Making the Carols accessible to the blind and low vision community and those who can't be in front of the telly ;)
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In this Countdown to Carols special, Vision Australia Radio host Chris Thompson (Behind the Scenes) catches up with Australian radio presenter and baritone, Denis Walter. Denis has been a long time contributor to the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight, performing at least 40 times, at the popular event on Christmas Eve.
Vision Australia Radio will audio describe the Carols from 8 pm local time on December 24, with a 1 hour Countdown to Carols special from 7 pm.
Visit www.varadio.org for more info or follow us on Facebook for updates.
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AAMI woman, White Stick Fest regular, now qualified music therapist and Carols by Candlelight performer for a second year running, Lara Nakhle joins Vision Australia presenter Sam Colley to reflect on her first experience of performing at the Carols in 2022 and her return to the stage this year.
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As part of Vision Australia Personal Support Service, members are able to access up to 360 print pages a year into your preferred format. Peter Greco catches up with the McGuire family as they discuss the Felix Children’s Library where families can enjoy the magic of stories with special braille and tactile storybook kits.
For more information call 1300 84 74 66 or go to:
Feelix Childrens Library
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The Other Film Festival and Arts Access Victoria present Resistance – a free online, accessible film program available for streaming nationally on demand via ACMI’s Cinema 3. To view the program, watch the films and find out more about festival, visit: https://cinema3.acmi.net.au/page/the-other-film-festival/
Resistance is a program of international and Australian films screening until Thursday 7 December. All Resistance films are made by Deaf and Disabled people either as key creatives, collaborators, and/or performers. All films are free to watch, audio described and captioned.
The Other Film Festival (TOFF) is proudly disability-led, with a festival team including Artistic Director Fiona Tuomy who joined Conrad Browne to discuss the festival, the importance of representation and more. As mentioned in the interview, to reserve your place for the in-person and online for the free red carpet event at ACMI, register at: https://www.artsaccess.com.au/whats-on/resistance-red-carpet/
Arts Access Victoria and The Other Film Festival is a sponsor of Vision Australia Radio.
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In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps is joined by Nicholas Colicchia Acting Manager, Carer Services at Merri Health to remind our audience of the range of services available to carers via the online platform Carer Gateway.
Merri Health (a Vision Australia Radio sponsor) is one 7 national providers that help deliver Carer Gateway programs to the public and Nick joins Jason to share the wide range of services available.
Learn more about Carer Gateaway: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Learn more about Merri Health: https://www.merrihealth.org.au/
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Thllia Kioussis is Vision Australia's Greek Language Narrator. She speaks to Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco to share a little about her role and how she supports people living with a print disability to have access to information in their preferred format.
This free service is available to members of the Vision Australia Library. Library membership is free for people living with a print disability. Vision Australia library members can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year, and at no cost.
Call 1300 84 87 66 to learn more about Vision Australia Library, or our personal support service.
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Are you experiencing a stroke? Having just had World Stroke Day, Professor Dominique Cadilhac, from Monash University, passes on vital information to Peter Greco and some very helpful tips.
More here:
Transforming Healthcare for Young
Young Stroke Service
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Richard Moore is Australia's only professional skate-boarder with a Vision Impairment. Richard chatted with Peter Greco about his career; vision impairment and clothing range.
You can find Richard’s “merch” here: Wiretapstore
Instagram: @wiretapwiretap
Skate Account: @liquidcanes
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The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant returned to the streets of Adelaide this year after being held in a COVID safe way at Adelaide Oval for the past few years. In an innovative broadcast, the 3 kilometer-long parade was audio described on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide with thanks to our broadcast partner Access2Arts.
Our national audience were able to enjoy the broadcast, by listening to the Community Radio Plus app or streaming our Adelaide service via varadio.org.
Big thanks to presenters/ describers Kari, Jo and Michael for bringing the spirit of Christmas to Australians everywhere. To Radio Adelaide for your production support and use of studios, and to Bec and the team at Access2Arts for your audio description services. The broadcast was produced by our Adelaide coordinator of volunteers Guillaume.
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Christmas is coming early! National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is returning to the streets of Adelaide, and this year the event will be broadcasted live on Vision Australia Radio Adelaide, from 9:00 am until 11:30 am, Saturday November 4, complete with Audio Description (AD) with thanks to our broadcast partner Access2Arts. Peter Greco hears the good news from Access2Arts CEO, Rebecca Young
More info: Adelaide's Christmas Pageant Audio Described
Or call: 84631689
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At the recent 2023 Vision Australia Annual General Meeting on 26 October, outgoing chair of Vision Australia Andrew Moffat was presented with a Vision Australia award for his years of service to the organisation by Vision Australia CEO, Ron Hooton.
Hear from Andrew here as he takes a look back over the past 12 years as chair, after an introduction from Ron who pays tribute to Andrew's work as chair of the board over the past 12 years.
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Banks are deserting towns and suburbs and leaving Australians without ready access to cash and banking services. Jason Bryce, is campaigning to keep more bank branches open and the use of cash available, Peter Greco gets the scoop.
More here: An Australian cash and banking guarantee
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Welcome to Vision Australia Radio’s ‘Speak my Language (disability) special presentation, made possible with thanks to our sponsor Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.
Speak My Language (Disability), is the online audio series that shares stories about living well with a disability in more than 22 languages! Diverse people from diverse communities with interviews exploring topics like accessible education, employment, travel, advocacy, para-sports, the arts and more.
In the final part of our two part series, we speak to Nidhi Shekaran, who amongst many things, is Chairperson on the City of Sydney’s Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel, was a finalist for the NSW Volunteer of the year awards in 2017 and has dedicated her life to being an agent of advocacy and education within the disability and multicultural sectors. We also speak to Zeliha Iscel who is a Turkish Australian migrant who lives with low vision. Zeliha first arrived in Australia at the age of six and today is one of the leading disability advocates in WA, but also a successful business person who owns her own consultancy company.
Visit speakmylanguage.com.au to learn more about the 470 podcast episodes available.
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Welcome to Vision Australia Radio’s ‘Speak my Language (disability) special presentation, made possible with thanks to our sponsor Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.
Speak My Language (Disability), is the online audio series that shares stories about living well with a disability in more than 22 languages! Diverse people from diverse communities with interviews exploring topics like accessible education, employment, travel, advocacy, para-sports, the arts and more.
In part one of our two part series, we get to know Yasmin Cruz, who shares how social interaction supported her in dealing with vision loss, as well as Anushka Singh, a blind sports ambassador and a staff member at Vision Australia, the nations largest blind and low vision service provider.
Visit speakmylanguage.com.au to learn more about the 470 podcast episodes available.
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Want to qualify for a part pension? Neville Houghton tells Peter Greco about how you may qualify. Neville has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Jess Wilson, CEO for the Good Things Foundation, chats with Peter Greco about the digital divide and ways people can get support and assistance to bridge the gap in this Get On Line Week.
More info: Good Things Foundation
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Cara Patterrson, Client Services Manager for Vision Australia in Perth, spoke with Peter Greco about International White Cane Day and the many cane options now available to help with orientation and mobility.
Cara also extended an invitation to a special O&M session in Perth on Wednesday 8th This opportunity is open to new and existing NDIS funded clients who need O&M training.
Call 08 6246 4505 or
Email perth@visionaustralia.org
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Professor Robert Booy, Infectious diseases expert, was delighted to announce that Australians at risk of shingles have access to newly funded vaccine "Shingrix" will be listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia from 1st November 2023. Consult your GP.
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In 2008 James Gribble became a quadriplegic following an accident. An avid golfer, James wondered how he was going to return to playing. Peter Greco hears James’ personal journey of how he established Empower Golf. providing inclusive services, adaptive equipment and facilities across Australia.
More info: Empower Golf
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."I didn’t know how to do any of this when I first started LEAP. So it’s been fantastic to not only learn how to do all of this but to do it in a safe environment."
LEAP participant ,Rossie Bannerman and her experience of a mock job interview. LEAP is a youth program, designed specifically for teenagers, aged 14 to 18, who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/find-services/children/high-school-years/leap
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This interview highlight was initially recorded and presented on Vision Australia Radio's Talking Vision radio program in May 2023.
Sam caught up with a Vision Australia Career Start participant, Georgia Parsonson, to hear about her experience.
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The Disability Royal Commission into violence, abuse neglect and exploitation of disabled people has released it’s final report. Skye Kakoschke-Moore, CFO For Children and Young People With Disability Australia (CYDA), discusses this report with Peter Greco.
CYDA calls for an end to segregated education and employment, and the elimination of all restrictive practices against children and young people with disability.
More info: Royal Commision Final Report.
Or Here: CYDA
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Peter Greco learns about Ageism Awareness Day and the EveryAGE Campaign from spokesperson, Robert Tickner AO. Robert believes it is time to reflect on how we can build a national public education campaign to combat ageism which is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of older people based solely on age.
More info: Every Age Counts
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Jennifer Parry recently commenced at the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) in the role of Accessible Telecoms Project Assistant. Peter Greco learns about her position and her experience competing with the first Australian Women's Blind Cricket Team playing at the IBSA World Games.
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Sam speaks to president of People with Disablity Australia, Nicole Lee, about the final report from the disability royal commission which was tabled in federal parliament on 29 September.
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Vision Australia Radio manager Conrad Browne catches up with Sam Colley to have a quick chat about the Vision Australia Radio listener survey which has now been extended until October 9.
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Each week across the 2023 AFL season, Vision Australia Radio presenter Matt Lee has met with, and interviewed, the AFL Record editor Michael Lovett. This is the final conversation for the year, ahead of the AFL Grand Final on September 30. This is Michael's final interview with Vision Australia Radio, as he hangs up his boots as editor of the popular mag. We wish you well Michael!
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Sam speaks with Marie Bampton, engagement and inclusion manager from Link Vision, about the upcoming Blind Australian of the Year Awards taking place on October 28 in Brisbane.
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Fancy a trek in New Zealand? All the funds you raise as part of the trek will enable Vision Australia to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose. Peter Greco chats with Jemma Stubbs, Paediatric Speech Pathologist, about doing the New Zealand Trek for Vision Australia alongside three other paediatric colleagues.
More info: Trek For Vision
Or: Support Trek For Vision
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Do you think you being underpaid? Andrew Rich, head of industrial and employment law at Slater Gordon talks with Peter Greco about what to do if you believe your employer is underpaying you.
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This extended interview was originally aired on Behind the Scenes.
Jeremy Moses is a slam poet, comedian, filmmaker, a wearer of silly costumes, a social commentator and disability advocate. He’s also legally blind. This conversation with Jeremy was recorded in the lead up to Melbourne Fringe 2023 and his show 157 Minutes of Bad Slam Poetry, If you’re listening to this podcast before October 15, 2023 then you’re still in time to get tickets to his show by going to www.melbournefringe.com.au or calling the box office 03 9660 9666. If it’s after October 15, there’s still plenty to listen to about the origins of Jeremy’s show during lockdowns, his experience of living with disability, his family and his time at school, his approach to being a blind filmmaker and his efforts to make the world a more accessible place…
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville has information to maximise your rate of pension.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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In the lead up to World Atopic Eczema Day 2023, Melanie Funk, Managing Director for Eczema Support Australia, chats with Peter Greco. Eczema Support Australia advocated for a national strategy, and has launched a video for World Atopic Day.
More info: Eczema Support Australia
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The Voice Referendum is coming up on Saturday October 14. Peter Greco chats with Evan Ekin-Smyth, Australian Electoral Commission Director of Media and Digital Engagement about the two step process necessary to register and vote.
To register from 2nd October call: 1800 913 993
Or go to: Referendums
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In this podcast, Kate Broun from Cancer Council Victoria drops by Vision Australia Radio to discuss the importance of bowel screening and an alarming decline in screening numbers.
Consider the people you know in your life who are aged 50 or above, do they have the bowel screening test at home, waiting to be done? Those people in your life could be living with bowel cancer.
Cancer Council Victoria, with support of the Victorian Government, has launched a new campaign hitting screens and airwaves across the state to address the concerning figures which show a decline in bowel screening. This decline in bowel screening coincides with concerning data from the Victorian Cancer Registry that reported 3,800 fewer cancer diagnoses than what was expected in Victoria over 2020 and 2021, with the greatest decline in missed cancer diagnoses occurring in bowel cancer.
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Life Member of Muscular Dystrophy Australia, Boris Struk, drops by Vision Australia Radio to discuss National Superhero Week.
Whether you’ve always wished to be Wonder Woman or fancied yourself as The Phantom, now is the prime time to join thousands of Aussies dressing up to do good for Muscular Dystrophy Australia’s (MDA’s) National Superhero Week which runs 4–10 September.
This fun initiative helps raise awareness and valuable funds to find a cure for the 60 genetic diseases and conditions that fall under the Muscular Dystrophy ‘umbrella’ which cause progressive – and irreversible – muscle wastage. Funds raised also support people impacted by Muscular Dystrophy (MD).
Heroes at childcare centres, kinders, schools, workplaces and sporting clubs are encouraged to sign up to organise a fundraiser where everyone ‘capes up’ or takes on an alternate superhero mission. Using the resources available at superheroweek.org.au your sponsor / fundraisers can read books or accrue steps, or do anything to help raise funds for MD.
MDA’s founder Boris Struk said this annual fundraising event supports the organisation’s important work towards a world without Muscular Dystrophy.
“Every dollar raised provides resources, advocacy and funding for research to help in the lives of those affected by the neuromuscular disorder,” he said.
“MDA looks after more than 30,000 Australians currently living with Muscular Dystrophy and their families, supporting them in their challenging journeys.
“Around one in every 625 children and adults in Australia live with this condition caused by mutations in genes that control the production of proteins to maintain healthy muscle tissue.
“National Superhero Week is a fun way to shine a light on a serious condition that robs people of their mobility, their goals and dreams.”
The sky’s the limit with how you, our supporters can raise funds. You can dress as a superhero every day for the week or host a superhero themed event, a sausage sizzle or your own unique fundraising activity. Join the family of Muscular Dystrophy Supporters and make a difference.
One of the many beneficiaries of MDA’s work, Lisa, said MDA has been an incredible support to her family after son Oscar’s diagnosis.
"MDA has been a great support to our family to link us to available support services for us, as well as introducing us to other families on a similar health journey,” she said.
“MDA has provided education to Oscar's school community as to how best to care for and make their practices inclusive for him and has provided funds for a world leading neuromuscular clinic at The Royal Children’s Hospital, where we have received fabulous medical care and support.”
To sign up for National Superhero Week 2023 or make a donation, go to superheroweek.org.au, where you can also find posters (under ‘Resources’) that you can download, print and display.
The MDA online shop (mda.org.au/shopwithus) has accessories, including capes, bandanas and hats, proceeds from sales contribute to research to finding a cure to Muscular Dystrophy.
About:
Muscular Dystrophy Australia (MDA) is a registered charity and NDIS provider and is the one stop shop for information and support for people living with over 60 conditions.
Muscular Dystrophy Australia offers easy access to knowledge, referrals and information for people affected by Muscular Dystrophy anywhere in Australia. This is achieved through support groups, virtual and in person activities and webinars, and assistance navigating the NDIS and MyAgedCare services.
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Occupational Therapist Judy Wang chats to Vision Australia Radio's Gemma Sidney about Vision Australia Perth's upcoming cooking course in conjunction with Cockburn Integrated Health.
The course commences on 4 October and is open to people aged 65+ who are blind or have low vision. For more information call 08 6246 4505 or email perth@visionaustralia.org.
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Vaughan Roles is taking part in Vision Australia Trek to New Zealand. Check out Vaughan on Instagram vaughan.adventures or find out more about the Trek here: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/trekforvision-newzealand-2024/
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Sam is joined by Wayne Speers from Yarra Trams to speak about a new app that is being trialed on the Melbourne tram network.
The app is called Navilens, and it's designed to help passengers who are blind or have low vision to make their way around the network safely and accessibly, and provide them with essential information to get them where they need to be.
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Sam speaks with CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, Sally Karandrews, as she prepares to move on from her time at BCA to pursue an exciting new academic opportunity to further improve practices and structures for people with disabilities in the business sector.
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Sam recently caught up with Milos, a software developer from Kikiriki Games who have released a new accessible trivia game, Brave Brain.
Brave Brain features audio description and screen reader capabilities for people who are blind or have low vision to play on their mobile devices.
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Vision Australia’s inaugural Charity Golf Day is coming, and you’re invited!
Come along to Kew Golf Club for an 18-hole competition, enjoy a post-game function with former pro Mark Allen & a beat the pro competition with Rio Olympic games golf coach, Daniel Ong,
$15,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, with proceeds directly supporting Vision Australia’s Life Ready Program, helping blind and low vision Aussies live the life they choose.
To register and for more info, call 1300 84 74 66 or visit fundraise.visionaustralia.org.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
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Katie Levine is marketing manager at Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS). They are a not-for-profit multicultural community care organisation based in Maidstone & Geelong, Victoria and have been supporting multicultural communities for 40 years.
In this interview, Katie is joined by Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco to discuss the Art Against Ageism competition which is held to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing and promote inclusivity through an exhibition that celebrates the beauty and diverse capabilities of older people.
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In this interview highlight, presenter Matt Lee speaks to the AFL Record's Michael Lovett to reflect on the 2023 season and look ahead to the final round of the season.
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In this Interview Highlight, you can learn about the latest developments and gadgets in the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective. Subscribe to the Talking Tech podcast feed by searching for 'Talking Tech; on your preferred podcast platform.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners. He's back for his monthly chat on money,
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people.
Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you to make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner or committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new app, co-designed by people with Parkinson’s Disease, has been launched to help those living with the condition learn to walk better and for longer.
A team led by UNSW Sydney biomedical engineer Dr Matthew A Brodie developed the Walking Tall app following a clinical trial funded by Shake It Up Australia Foundation and the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco discusses the development with Dr Mathew A Brodie.
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Originally, airing on July 5th, 2023: Cherisse Buzzacott, a Proud Arrernte Woman and midwife, is the Head of Health and Well-being in Central Australia catches up with Peter Greco. Cherisse introduces us to the extraordinary work of the Children’s Ground.
More here: children's ground
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On the latest episode of Talking Vision, Sam caught up with Ria Andriani to speak about her recent experiences with the accessibility barriers that she and many others face when reading through their utility bills every month.
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Yvonne Ransley’s paiting will feature in the 2024 Vision Australia artwork calendar. This is the third piece that Yvonne will have had published in the annual calendar. She speaks to Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco.
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In this interview highlight, Ian Westmoreland shares news about the Kintsugi Hero series now being heard on Vision Australia Radio.
Kintsugi Heroes is a fresh new audio series in which every-day people from all across Australia are telling their personal stories and discussing how they’ve overcome adversity to live more beautiful and fulfilling lives.
Whether you’re facing a challenge right now, or just need a boost of inspiration this series is bound to have a story that will resonate with you. Listen across the Vision Australia Radio network, 8pm Mondays, 3:30pm Sundays in Adelaide.
More info: www.kintsugiheroes.com.au
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Sam Colley caught up with Tennis Australia tournaments coordinator Ben Dew a little while back to discuss the blind and low vision tennis championships which took place in Melbourne over the weekend of the 14th of July.
Ben also chats with Sam about the upcoming IBSA Games in Birmingham which kick off on the 18th of August, and in exciting news for the Australian team Tennis Australia is very pleased to report 11 players will be heading over to compete, the largest tennis contingent at the Games.
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Sam Colley caught up with husband and wife team Sam and Erin Noblet from Tantalising Tours to discuss how they bring the world of food and wine to their guests in a way that is safe, accessible and fun for all present.
For example this includes provisions for dog guides, support workers and sighted companions on a range of tours to the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula.
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In this Vision Australia Radio interview highlight, Dr Claire Hooper, from The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO), speaks to Peter Greco about increasing awareness this - and every - World Ophthalmologist Day 8th August.
Find out more here: https://www.asoeye.org/
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In this interview highlight, presenter Peter Greco speaks to Harry Vanderjagt, this year's winner of the Judith Killon Golden Harness Award. The award was presented at the Dog Guide Handlers Australia Conference. We would like to also give a special mention to Erika Webb who was recognised with a Golden Paw.
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Sam Colley had the great pleasure of catching up with chef and entrepreneur Craig Shanahan, star of the second book in the Big Visions series of children's books, Cooking Up a Storm.
Craig has spent all his adult life in the world of food as both a chef and owner of the Blind Chef Cafe in Penrith, where he won an Employer of Choice award for his work promoting accessibility and providing work for people with disabilities in the local community.
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In an interview originally aired on Talking Vision with presenter Sam Colley, we speak to B3 tennis number one Phoebe David who, along with 10 others, will be heading to the IBSA Games in Birmingham.
The Games, due to take place from 18-27 August 2023, will be held at the University of Birmingham. The IBSA World Games are the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairments, with more than 1000 competitors from more than 70 nations.
Information source: ibsasport.org
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Emily Star is the producer of the play 'The Cave of Spleen' by Laura Collins. Both Emily and Laura join Vision Australia Radio's Peter Greco to discuss the play which is a surreal work about chronic illness, female rage and climate change. Emily is a chronic ocular patient and discusses her vision journey also.
'The Cave of Spleen'
Four women meet in a cave to plan the ultimate act of environmental activism. They rage against climate change. They rage against men. They rage against each other. But a mysterious illness squeezes the anger out of their brains, one by one.
The Cave of Spleen explores the complexities of eco-feminism, female rage and chronic pain, and asks: is the expectation for women to suppress their anger the reason our bodies are crumbling into the ocean?
The Cave of Spleen radically looks at the climate crisis through the lens of disability and eco-feminism. Creating the work was an opportunity for the playwright to consider her own chronic pain and draw links to her relationship with anger as a woman.
VENUE:
Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda (behind the Thrifty-Link accessed via Lyell St and Market Street (both off Inkerman)
Learn more here: https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2023/the-cave-of-spleen
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Kane Cross jumps on the line to speak to Vision Australia Radio's Peter Greco to discuss Vision Australia's Career Visions Program. Kane shares a little of his work history and how this worthwhile Queensland based employment program helped him boost his skills and confidence.
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Chris Edwards, head of advocacy at Vision Australia drops by Behind the Scenes and shares what's happening at the NGV with presenter Chris Thompson.
Catch Vision Australia at the NGV!
Sharing lived experience and about honing alternative senses, advancements in vision aids and life hacks that facilitate independence for those who are blind or have low vision. Visitors can try on low vision simulation glasses and walk through the shoes of someone with vision loss. This exhibition is about sharing real stories of those with lived experience and how they begin to honing alternative senses, learn to use assistive technology and life hacks that facilitate independence.
Free entry. Booking is not required. More info available at https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/program/dark-memory-lane-with-vision-australia/
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Peter Greco meets with Dr. Heather Machin of the Centre for Eye Research & Lions Eye Donation Service.
Helpful links:
https://www.donatelife.gov.au/
https://www.cera.org.au/
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Vision Australia client Luke Helson is about to take a trek across New Zealand in support of Vision Australia. He speaks to Peter Greco about what lies ahead.
Trek for Vision: New Zealand 2024 on the Queen Charlotte Track
Vision Australia has teamed up with Inspired Adventures to create an experience of a lifetime, all in the name of raising funds to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose. Our group of intrepid trekkers will discover the breathtaking scenery of one of New Zealand’s South Island’s most unique hiking trails.
Most significantly, by participating in Trek For Vision New Zealand, each participant will raise vital funds for Vision Australia to help support Quality Living Groups and Vision Australia Radio to make a big difference to Australians who are blind or have low vision.
To help this amazing group of supporters reach thier goal and help support people who are blind or have low vision live the life they choose. You can support Luke's efforts by donating here: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/fundraisers/lukehelson/trek-for-vision
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Dog Guide Handlers Australia 2023 National Conference is coming up. Chair Annette Ferguson drops by to discuss the annual event which starts on the 4th of August.
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Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM recently visited Vision Australia Radio to discuss the importance of the relationship between Lions and Vision Australia, and to share some of the ways Lions have supported the blind and low vision community since its inception.
Points of contact:
(ph): Lions Australia Office, Newcastle 02 4940 8033
(web): www.lionsclubs.org.au
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It’s Been a While Since Our Last Correspondence – is the new spoken word album by Not Drowning Waving and My Friend the Chocolate Cake founder David Bridie. It’s a collection of stories augmented by David’s music featuring a terrific line up of storytellers including self-described queer crip poet, Kit Kavanaugh Ryan. In this extended radio chat, Behind the Scenes Presenter Chris Thompson sits down with both David and Kit to talk about the album and the way in which it offers a ‘snapshot’ of Australian culture and the diversity of the Australian community… and, of course, to listen to a few tracks. In addition to Kit’s Thanks For Five Years which focuses on her experience of corneal transplants, there is Freedom by Farhad Bandesh, Low Expectations by Danny Dickson and David’s own contribution, Sympathetic Martin.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
On this week’s episode Neville discusses planning for retirement.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people.
Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Our LEAP participant Cassie talks about being CEO for the day.
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Summer Giddings has just released her debut original single, Fantasia, across all streaming platforms. Peter Greco chats with Summer about the songs genesis and what the future holds.
Listen Here: Fantasia
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Clarence McCarthy-Grogan, a Proud Yanyuwa Garrawa Kuku-Yalanji Man, the 2021 NAIDOC week Sports person of the year and member of the Aussie Rollers Wheelchair Basketball team, is just back from representing Australia for the first time at the World Wheelchair Basketball Championships. Peter Greco hears all the news.
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This interview highlight comes from the Seeing Eye Dogs Show.
On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.
- Annette Ferguson chairperson of Dog Guide Handlers Australia (DGHA) joins us talking about DGHA, their work and the upcoming conference. The DGHA conference on August 4-6 2023 in Brisbane, Queensland is a chance for handlers of dog guides from all schools to get together, learn more about all things dog guide and enjoy a weekend of fun. For more information on DGHA, visit the DGHA website or if you're a dog guide handler or supporter including staff or volunteer from a dog guide school, join the DGHA Facebook group to get involved.
- Dr Ashe Mooney from Seeing Eye Dogs vet team joins us talking about getting your dog to the optimal body condition score. A few episodes ago, Ashe explained why body condition is a good measure of your dog's fitness- more than what weight can tell us! Now, she's back talking about how to help the dog in your care get to the ideal body condition. Please note this information is for general information, please work with your vet before making changes to your dog's feeding or care.
If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/
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Craig Shanahan always dreamed of being a chef. But after two operations on his eyes, he was almost completely blind. Craig didn’t let that stop him from following his dreams. Now, Craig is the owner of his own café. He joins presenter Peter Greco to discuss the new children's book, 'Big Visions Craig Shanahan - Cooking up a Storm' produced by Vision Australia.
Learn more and purchase the book here: https://shop.visionaustralia.org/craig-shanahan-cooking-up-a-storm.html
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July 2023 is Sarcoma Awareness Month, Dr Susie Bae, Medical oncologist, updated Peter Greco on research in the latest developments in sarcomas.
More info: Sarcoma Association
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Karen Harvey, Advocate and Access auditor, speaks with Peter Greco about campaigning to make tourism more accessible in Western Australia.
More info: Spinal Life Australia
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Peter Greco catches up with Ron Hooton, CEO for Vision Australia, about providing more Seeing Eye Dogs and how you can help.
More here: Seeing Eye Dogs Australia
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Peter Greco chats with Esther Au, Brand & Communications Director for the Fred Hollows Foundation, invites nominations for the Fred Awards. They discuss the Foundations work with year 6 students.
More info: Fred Awards
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Andrew Theis, Senior Policy Advisor from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, has co-authored a report urging the federal government to improve regulation and oversight of digital disability support platforms. Peter Greco gears all about it.
More info: Disability support platforms are a ticking timebomb
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Cherisse Buzzacott, a Proud Arrernte Woman and midwife, is the Head of Health and Well-being in Central Australia catches up with Peter Greco. Cherisse introduces us to the extraordinary work of the Children’s Ground.
More here: children's ground
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Peter Greco chats with Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt, a proud Yamatji-Noonga Woman, is the author and artist of a new children's book. Aunty Rhonda shares the healing wisdom of our Aboriginal Elders and the importance of “Old Nana Quokka: Caring for Country”. Aunty Rhonda also narrates the audiobook.
To order: Old Nana Quokka Caring For Country
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The sky was a blanket on the land. The earth was in darkness and the people were afraid. It was a very sad state of affairs and would have stayed that way except for the courage of young Parrwang the Magpie.
In the lead up to NAIDOC Week and the world premiere of Parrwang Lifts the Sky at Arts Centre (Naarm) Melbourne, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson sat down for a long chat with sproano. composer, librettist and co-director of the production, Yorta Yorta/Yuin woman Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.
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Vision Australia Radio presenter Matt Lee is joined by AFL Record editor Michael Lovett. In this extended interview, Matt and Michael discuss whats happening in the world of AFL, a regular feature of our AFL Record program which you ca find on your favorite podcast service.
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Lara Anderson, Children and Young People's Clinical Development Lead at Vision Australia, spoke with Peter Greco about the Life Ready Program for those between 0 and 25 years of age.
More info: Services for children and young adults
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Nat Cook, Minister for Human Services in South Australia, talks with Peter Greco about what's in the State Budget in particular for people with disabilities.
More info: Nat Cook MP
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Tania Perisic is a client of the Vision Australia Library. Tania talks with Peter Greco about having free access to 360 printed pages each year of information being transferred into Tania's preferred format: braille.
More info: VA personal support and transcription services
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Peter Greco chats with Charlie Matthews for Career Visions, who is benefiting immensely from taking part in Vision Australia's Career Visions Program. The program enables Charlie and others a greater opportunity at fulfilling employment.
More info: Career start program
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Welcome to this Behind the Scene NAIDOC Week presentation. This week, presenter Chris Thompson speaks with indigenous Australian singer and songwriter Kutcha Edwards.
Learn more about the artist here: https://www.kutcha-edwards.com/
Learn more about NAIDOC Week here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
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People in Profile is a 30 minute weekly radio program which looks at the famous and the achievers of life and highlights of their career. In this special NAIDOC week presentation, presenter Mike Cannon shares profiles of two incredible people, now household names, Vincent Lingiari & Galarrwuy Yunupingu.
Heard at 12.30 on Sunday afternoons, People in Profile is repeated at 2pm Mondays.
Learn more about NAIDOC week here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville lets us know about an alternative way to get into buying your first home.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Mark Townend CEO at Spinal Life Australia shares his views with Peter Greco about people over 65 not being included on the NDIS.
More info: Spinal Life Australia
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Lara Nakhle, Super-Star singer/songwriter, has just released a new single “New Day” available where-ever you get your music. Lara talks with Peter Greco about the song’s journey.
More info: Lara Nakhle Music
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In this interview highlight Sam Colley catches up with Dominique Parker. Dominique is part of the development team behind Honeycomb Festival, an online game created for players who are blind or have low vision.
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Peter Greco catches up with Pierre Comis, CEO for Special Olympics Australia, and feels the excitement about the team’s upcoming trip to Berlin for the Special Olympics World Games.
More info: Special Olympics World Games 2023
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Beth Tonissen from Victoria who was diagnosed at age 7 with Cone-rod Dystrophy chats with Peter Greco about her life history and her involvement with VA Quality Living Groups.
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Peter Greco hears from Ian Westmoreland about a project in partnership with the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre that has captured some of the most incredible Black Summer bushfire stories told by local Alpine "Kintsugi Heroes".
More info: Kintsugi Heroes
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Between Two Sites
Between Two Sites is an exhibition that aims to raise awareness of human-made imprints on natural environments and the impact on fragile ecosystems that support indigenous flora and fauna.
Curators, Madelynne Cornish and Sarah Lynch were passionate about embedding accessibility into the exhibition and ensuring that it is accessible to blind and low-vision communities. Descriptions of the artwork are available in audio and text formats on the exhibition website and via QR code on the didactics displayed beside the works.
Audio descriptions are by Nilgun Guven
Artists include Shannon Collis, Madelynne Cornish, Lesley Duxbury, Sarah Edwards, Amias Hanley, Sarah Lynch & Anne McCallum. All seven artists have undertaken an art residency at Bogong Centre for Sound Culture, situated in the foothills of the Alpine National Park. The curators selected the Yarra Ranges as a corresponding site where similar issues occur.
In this interview, Madelynne and Sarah chat with Chris Thompson from Behind the Scenes. The interview begins with an audio description of Madelynne’s work I Once Heard a Bird Sing and ends with an audio description of Sarah’s work Above the Snowline, Tryptich #2.
The exhibition is at Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey, Victoria
Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10.00am - 4.00pm
The exhibition runs unto July 1
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Kia ora! Vision Australia is trekking off to beautiful New Zealand and leading the charge is the organisation’s most well-known Kiwi, CEO Ron Hooten. Funds raised on the 50km trek will support Vision Australia in continuing to make a difference for people who are blind or have low vision with 50% of the proceeds directly supporting Vision Australia Radio, the maker of this podcast!
Ron is excited to introduce the stunning landscape surrounding the Queen Charlotte track to trekkers and he shares the idea behind the trek in this interview highlight.
Trek for Vision 2024 New Zealand, takes place March 7-11. Sign up today: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/trekforvision-newzealand-2024/
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Hon Emily Bourke MLC joins Peter Greco to discuss the progress in the newly established Office for Autism and other developments for people living with disabilities.
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Peter Greco talks with Professor Allan Fels AO, Co-Chair for the Australian Mental Health Prize. They discuss the launch of this year's event and calling for nominations.
More info: Australian Mental Health Prize
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Simon Terry, from National Australia Bank and CEO for Hicaps (Health Industry Claims and Payments Service) speaks with Peter Greco. The Hicaps Trinity Terminal device is being rolled-out now to medical centres and the care industries. Together they discuss its accessibility features and user-friendliness.
More info: Hicaps
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Peter Greco catches up with Kaele Stokes, Executive Director for Advocacy and Research at Dementia Australia. Dementia is a very complex disease and can effect all individuals quite differently.
More info: Dementia Australia
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Dr Anthea Rhodes consultant paediatrician at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and Founding Director of the RCH National Child Health Poll talks with Peter Greco. This year’s poll of Australian parents has shown half do not intend to get their children vaccinated against the flu this year.
More info: RCH National Child Health Poll
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Peter Greco speaks with The Hon Nat Cook MP, SA's Human Services Minister about her reflections on the Federal Budget.
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Benji Brundin has a chat with Peter Greco about his desert crossing and a reflection on National Reconciliation Week.
more info: Daring2Venture
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Peter Greco catches up with Gerard Stevens AM from Webstercare about the Webster-pak lv, specifically designed to empower individuals with low vision to effectively manage their medications.
More info: Webstercare
or call: 1800 254 388
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Neville Houghton discusses what you need to know about Home Care Packages.
Neville has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Returning on Saturday, June 3 at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Groove Tunes is an all-inclusive music event. Peter Greco learns all about Groove Tunes from Dina Bassile, founder and GM of Groove Tunes and Tibi Access
More info: Groove Tunes
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Join beloved writer, broadcaster and Conversations host Richard Fidler as he sheds light on his latest masterwork of historical nonfiction, The Book of Roads and Kingdoms.
Fidler brings to life the story of medieval wanderers who travelled to the edges of the known world during Islam’s fabled Golden Age, expertly weaving beautiful and thrilling pictures of a dazzling lost world with the tale of an empire’s rise and devastating fall. Fidler is joined on stage by Astrid Edwards.
This content was originally presented by the Vision Australia Library as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival, in partnership with Melbourne Writers Festival’. The event was held at the Vision Australia Kooyong offices on the 5th of May 2023.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud media partner to MWF each year, offering promotional support and the production of an audio accessible program guide to ensure the much loved event is accessible to people living with print disability.
Learn more about Vision Australia Radio; www.varadio.org
Learn more about Vision Australia Library; https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library
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Nicole Lee, President of People with Disabilities Australia, fills Peter Greco in about the National Cabinet's announcement regarding the future funding for the NDIS.
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Peter Greco catches up with Andrew Flatres, Humanware's Product Manager for Braille Products. They speak about the Designed for Microsoft Surface Program with Humanware braille displays.
Email Andrew: andrew.flatres@humanware.com
or call 02 9686 2600
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Leeanne Surjadi, Community Engagement Co-ordinator National Programs joins Peter Greco to share the latest news from the Vision Australia Library.
Call 1300 74 84 66
More info: Vision Australia Library
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Peter Greco catches up with Danielle Snelling Co-Founder and CEO for Motherless Daughters Australia. Danielle spoke about a touching initiative of the sale of cyclamens in this mother loss awareness week.
More here: Motherless Daughters Australia
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President of Tourette Australia, shares news with Peter Greco on a recent survey highlighting a negative interaction between people with Tourette and first responders and a tool kit developed to help this situation.
More info: Tourette Syndrome Association Australia
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River Night leading Advocate from Developing Australian Communities, spoke with Peter Greco about his insights into National Cabinet's announcement about the future funding of the NDIS.
More info: Australian Communities
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Peter Greco catches up with 14 year old Bo Buakhao who is off to the IBSA World Blind Games as part of the first Australian Women's blind cricket team.
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Shashi Madamshetty shared a powerful story with Peter Greco about how she has got back into the workforce after being diagnosed with a vision impairment in 2013 - showing determination and resilience and receiving support from Vision Australia.
More info: Shashi Returns to the workplace
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Perth based presenter Trudy Hellsten speaks to Matt Wood, Seeing Eye Dogs WA Mobility Instructor to learn more about his role and the work Seeing Eye Dogs Perth based team do to help people living with blindness and low vision, live the life they choose.
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Peter Greco talks with Jess McKenzie, Puppy Development Trainer at Seeing Eye Dogs. They discuss opportunities for puppy caring on the Central coast of NSW and in Victoria.
More info: Puppy caring apply now
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Peter Greco catches up with Luseane Poasa, Customer Service Officer for the personal Support Service at Vision Australia. Luseana encouraged Clients to take up the free offer of 360 print pages a year of information being transferred into your preferred format.
Email: printaccess@visionaustralia.org
More here: Alternate Format Production
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It's time for the Melbourne Writers’ Festival again and that seems like a good reason for a chat with the festival’s Artistic Director Michaela McGuire. Presenter Chris Thompson (of Vision Australia Radio show Behind the Scenes) catches up to learn more about this year's line up.
Vision Australia's Radiothon is on now.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radio's Tess Herbert speaks to Krissy Kneen, the award-winning author of fiction, poetry and non-fiction including An Uncertain Grace, which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize. They have written and directed broadcast television documentaries and were the Copyright Agency Ltd Non-fiction Fellow in 2020. Fat Girl Dancing is their latest book.
Vision Australia Radio is proud media partner of MWF 2023. Get tickets here: https://mwf.com.au/
Vision Australia's Radiothon is on now.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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In this interview highlight, Perth based volunteer Nicole Young is joined by listener Simon Chong who shares why he listens to Vision Australia Radio. Simon also gives insight into his own vision impairment and how Vision Australia Radio's specialist content benefits him and his needs.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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In this interview highlight, Perth based volunteer Trudy Hellsten speaks to Vision Australia Radiothon coordinator Jason Gipps to learn why a Radiothon is necessary and what might be possible with a greater level of community support.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. In this uplifting interview highlight, volunteer Trudy Hellsten shares how she came to get involved at Vision Australia Radio, the and why you should support our essential service this Radiothon. Trudy has given her time for around 5 years, and urges you to give how you can.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. In this uplifting interview highlight, volunteer Val O'Neill shares why she gives her time to our print disability radio network and why you should support our essential service this Radiothon. Val is joined by Peter Stotzer, both are dedicated members of our Perth volunteer team.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. In this short testimonial, Nicole shares her passion for our print disability radio network and why you should support our essential service this Radiothon.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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In this podcast highlight, Stella Glorie speaks to beloved writer, broadcaster and Conversations host Richard Fidler ahead of his appearance at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023.
The event which is to be held at Vision Australia's Kooyong office is Richard's opportunity to shed light on his latest masterwork of historical non-fiction, The Book of Roads and Kingdoms. Richard brings to life the story of medieval wanderers who travelled to the edges of the known world during Islam’s fabled Golden Age, expertly weaving beautiful and thrilling pictures of a dazzling lost world with the tale of an empire’s rise and devastating fall. During the event, Fidler will be joined on stage by Astrid Edwards.
Vision Australia Radiothon:
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radio Albury volunteer Lachlan shares why your support matters this Radiothon. Local news is vital to regional communities and making it accessible to people living with a print disability is a must.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Sam Colley interviews Vision Australia Radio and Audio manager Conrad Browne about the Vision Australia Radiothon, taking place from April 1 to 30.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville discusses what you need to know about investing for the long term.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco talks with Police Minister and Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs about e-scooters, their risks, regulations and impact on the community. The South Australian Government is seeking community input on e-scooters.
More info: yourSAy Personal Mobility Device Use
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Peter Greco catches up with Meredith Waters, General Manager at Hope FM Community Radio Station in Esperence. Hope FM has recently updated their programming to include Leisure Link and Vision Extra.
More info: Hope FM Esperance
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April 16 was Audio Description Awareness Day, Peter Greco chats with audio describer Meg Riley about the service and how she became involved.
Audio Description Awareness Day acknowledges, celebrates, and advocates for quality and excellence in all forms of audio description (AD).
More info: Audio Description Australia
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Grace Warner believes in the power of community. Grace believes in Vision Australia Radio and its purpose. She not only gives her time as a volunteer reader, she gives to our Radiothon each year. Grace encourages you to do the same.
Vision Australia Radiothon is on now.
Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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In this podcast highlight, Vision Australia Radiothon coordinator Jason Gipps is invited into the Golden Days studios in Melbourne's inner East to share what Vision Australia Radio does and how it supports the blind and low vision community. Big thanks to Robert Anderson for inviting us to discuss our important appeal.
Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate via: https://fundraise.visionaustralia.org/event/var-radiothon/home and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Vision Australia Radiothon coordinator Jason Gipps is joined by Vision Australia contributor Julie Houghton to discuss the value of our essential service for people living with print disability. Julie is a voice actor and is also a member of Melbourne community radio station 3MBS.
Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate via www.varadio.org and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Manager of Vision Australia Audio Description Services Michael Ward speaks to Sam Colley on the verge of Audio Description Awareness Day about a new partnership between Vision Australia and ACMI.
Audio Description Services: https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/audio-description
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Brisbane Mum, Dimitra Baveas was awarded the 'Innovation award' for her creation ‘MyBurrow®’ at the Source Kids Disability Expo, in Sydney. Dimitra Baveas & Helena Smith share the good news with Peter Greco.
More info: My Burrow
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Peter Greco chats with Emily Bourke, Assistant Minister for Autism in South Australia about the progress of the appointment of autism Inclusion teachers in South Australian public primary schools. Emily also had an exciting announcement regarding an Office for Autism.
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Robert Anderson has been volunteering at Vision Australia Radio for 24 years, he gives his time weekly by coming into our studios incredibly early, and also gives up his weekends. In this interview highlight he shares why he supports our service for people with print disability and asks if you can do the same.
Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate via www.varadio.org and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Edwards, Head of Government Relations and Advocacy at Vision Australia joins Peter Greco to speak about a new campaign to mandate the use of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems in electric vehicles which has been elevated to a national discussion, listen to learn how to have your say.
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The Rheola Charity Carnival is holding its 150th event this year on Easter Monday, 10th April 2023.
The tiny farming community with a population of approx. 50 comes to life every Easter Monday holding a Charity Carnival in aid of the Inglewood and Dunolly Hospitals and the local Recreation Reserve and Public Hall. Vision Australia Radio is proud to this year be supoorting the event as a media partner.
In this podcast highlight, Vision Australia Radiothon community partnerships coordinator Jason Gipps speaks to Rheola Charity Carnival committee member Leesa Catto about the event, its long history and their own connection to Vision Australia Radio.
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Greg Kennedy, President of the Australian Blind Bowlers wrapped up the great win by Australia at the recent International Blind Bowls Championships held at Tweed Heads. Peter Greco learns all about the event.
More info: abbaenquiry@gmail.com
Blind Sports Australia
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Vision Australia Radio Program Coordinator Gemma Sidney is joined by VA Radio Perth listener Frankie Mars who shares her family connection with our essential radio service and what she thinks we could do better with increased resources.
Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate via www.varadio.org and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
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Peter Greco hears from Dylan Littlehales, 2 times Paralympian about how he has just competed successfully at the Canoe Sprint Championships in WA.
More info: Dylan Littlehales
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Jonathan Chan, part of the digital access team at Vision Australia shares his commitment to the 100k Your Way Campaign. Jonathan chats with Peter Greco about his progress and invites all to join in the campaign.
More info: 100K Your Way
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate via www.varadio.org and make a tax deductible donation of $2 or more to support our service to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
In this podcast highlight, Vision Sports presenter Matt Lee speaks to Peter Stotzer, who has various volunteer roles within our Vision Australia Radio Perth team and has had a very successful cycling career.
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The 2023 Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. To discuss the annual donation appeal, presenter Matt Lee quizzes Vision Australia Radiothon coordinator Jason Gipps on the need for such a drive and how community support for the cause benefits those living with print disability.
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Peter Greco caught up with Zoe Bettison, Minister for Multi-culturalism in South Australia about Harmony Week. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
More info: Harmony
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Saturday 25 March 2023 at 8.30 pm, was Earth Hour. Peter Greco talks with Kerri Major, Community Engagement Manager for WWF about what we can do to show our support for stronger action on climate change.
More info: Earthhour - take time out for nature
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David Truong, singer/song-writer, speaks with Peter Greco about the “Last Seen” concert and exhibition in Brisbane - raising awareness and funds for the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF).
More info: Last Seen
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Peter Gerco interviews Gabby Comerford and Hayley Gosman, physiotherapists who have put together a series of videos, Let's Move, encouraging youngsters between the age of about 5 and 18 to have a healthy life style
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In this interview highlight Matt Lee speaks to the president of the Victorian Goalball association Brooke Carter to learn more about the sport's come and try days across March. The final come and try day is tomorrow (March 25). For more details visit Victorian Goalball Association on Facebook. Or listen to the podcast ;)
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The AFL Record is back this week for the 2023 AFL premiership season and with it too our AFL Record radio program on Vision Australia Radio. To celebrate, our presenter Matt Lee catches up with the senior writer of the AFL Record, Ashley Brown to reflect on the opening rounds and to preview whats happening in the AFL Record magazine this week.
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Transitioning from secondary school to tertiary education? Vision Australia provides expert services in preparing young people who are blind or have low vision for the next steps in their education.
LEAP Up: Transition to Tertiary.This innovative program is designed specifically for young people who are interested in entering tertiary education and is tailored to each participants needs and goals.
In this podcast, Belinda Wilson shares insight into the LEAP Up program and encourages eligible participants to apply by March 31, 2023 for the next available round.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville discusses what you need to know about investing in blue chip shares.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Peter Greco learns about the exciting news of Beyond Blindness’s move to Campbelltown via Jim Colligan, General Manager. Jim also shares an invitation for volunteers.
Beyond Blindness‘s focus is to promote and assist our members in maintaining independence and individual lifestyles.
More info: Beyond Blindness
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Meet Matt Formston, the blind surfer with big visions. Matt always dreamed of becoming a professional surfer. Peter Greco caught up with Matt and Matt's mother Lorraine. They talked about a unique book launched by Vision Australia “Surfing in The Dark” and a movie about Matt coming out later this year “The Blind Sea”.
More info: Surfing In The Dark
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Nat Cook, Minister for Human Services in South Australia, talks with Peter Greco about the sale of Highgate Park. What will happen to the funds and updates on the number of people waiting in hospital for months even though they are well enough to leave and take up their NDIS plans.
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What’s happening at the VA Library? Leeanne Surjadi, Community Engagement Co-ordinator for National Programs at the Vision Australia Library, chats with Peter Greco about poetry writing, reading and sharing sessions.
More info:
Call 1300 74 84 66 or
Visionaustralia Library
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Talking Vision host Sam Colley catches up with CEO of Vision 2020 Australia, Carly Iles, for a super quick chat about the upcoming Barry Jones Vision Oration, taking place online at 2pm on March 22.
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The 2023 Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. To discuss the annual donation appeal, presenter Matt Lee quizzes Vision Australia Radiothon coordinator Jason Gipps on the need for such a drive and how community support for the cause benefits those living with print disability.
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The AFL Record is back this week for the 2023 AFL premiership season and with it too our AFL Record radio program on Vision Australia Radio. To celebrate, our presenter Matt Lee catches up with the editor of the AFL Record, Michael Lovett to learn what is to come across this year's footy season.
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The NSW election on 25th March, 2023 is coming up. Bruce Maguire, Lead Policy Advisor with Vision Australia, shares news with Peter Greco on how people who are blind or have low vision can vote at this year's NSW election 25th March, 2023.
More here: Elections NSW
Info in your preferred format contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66
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Fiona Woods, President of Blind Citizens Australia, shared her thoughts with Peter Greco about International Women's Day.
Blind Citizens Australia - Fiona Woods
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Dr Flora Hui, From the Centre for Eye Research Australia spoke with Peter Greco about her research into glaucoma and the benefits of Nicatinamide (Vitamin B3). Dr Hui is keen to hear from people in South Australia and Victoria with glaucoma who may be able to take part in research.
More info: Cente For Eye Research Australia
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Grace King, Artist and Advocate. Grace invites everyone to extend your summer at the nineteenth Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe on Perth’s iconic Cottesloe Beach, 3-20 March 2023.
Learn more here: Sculpture By The Sea
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Peter Catches up with James (Buck) McFarlane, from Cocky Guides. Cocky Guides is sponsoring a scholarship for those in the tourism industry to be more accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities.
More info: Travel Industry Mentor
Cocky Guides
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Sam Paior, CEO for The Growing Space, shares her thoughts about International Women's Day with Peter Greco.
More info here: The Growing Space
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Zel Iscel talks with Peter Greco about an Earth Quake appeal just launched by the Multicultural Services Centre of WA. Zel has lost 13 members of her family in this disaster.
For more information on how to donate call 08 9328 2699
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Peter Greco Chatted to the champion cricketer and amazing musician Jeff Usher on Focal Point. Jeff has composed a piece for the "Last Seen" Exhibition and concert in South Brisbane - raising awareness and funds for Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF).
More info: Last Seen
Jeff's track can be found here: "Fifteen"
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Glaucoma awareness week is coming up so Peter Greco talks with Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point about Phil's experiences living with glaucoma.
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What time is it? Time for Peter Greco to learn about a new timepiece from David Woodbridge, AT Expert Commercial Services at Vision Australia. They speak about the Bradley time piece, available from Vision Australia.
Eone Bradley Mesh Silver Watch
Or call VA on 1300 84 74 66
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Peter Greco learns all about dog behaviour from Tony Knight. Tony is a dog behaviourist and a comedian and is bringing his show “Mad Dogs and an Englishman” to the Adelaide Fringe - at the Burnside Library on Saturday 25th at 2pm.
Find out more here: Mad Dogs and an Englishman
or call 8100 2089
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Vision Australia's Low Vision Optometry clinic is now open. In this podcast, Optometrist, Sunil Banga speaks to Vision Australia Radio to discuss the points of difference between this new service and other optometrists and gives his top tips for good eye heath.
- Staying on top of your eye health is important.
- An annual check-up ensures any changes are identified and addressed as early as possible.
- Make the most of your remaining vision by visiting our low vision optometrist.
Learn more by selecting the following link: https://www.visionaustralia.org/visit-a-vision-clinic
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Sharon Sloshberg. Sharon reminds Vision Australia Members of being able to access up to 360 print pages a year into your preferred format.
For more information call 1300 84 74 66
Alternate Format Production
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Peter Greco hears from Jo Armstrong, CEO for Cystic Fibrosis Australia, about Cystic fibrosis treatment Trikafta and their campaign to make it available on the PBS for children aged 6 to 11.
Cystic Fibrosis
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Tania De Jong, Executive Director and Founder of Mind Medicine Australia, talks about the TGA Announcement the Delegate's Final Decision to Reschedule the Use of Psilocybin and MDMA for Medical Purposes for conditions such as treatment resistant depression.
Find out more here: Mind Medicine Australia
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President of St Kevin's Old Boys Football Club, & Victorian Amateur Football Association, Patrick Mount calls in to Vision Sports radio program to speak to the team from the USA and in the lead up to the 2023 Superbowl.
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Jonathan Craigis a writer, policy advisor, audio producer and accessibility consultant. From 2018 to 2021 he was Editor of the quarterly magazine from Blind Citizens Australia, where he was credited with transforming the publication. He has also been a member of the Program Advisory Committee for Emerging Writers Festival, and has been a consultant on several Arts House projects, including co-devising The Warehouse Residency program for Deaf and Disabled artists. A lifelong science fiction fan, he’s interested in exploring the consequences of post-humanism and the future of disability.
Here he speaks to Vision Australia Radio presenter Chris Thompson (Behind the Scenes) and the discussion includes a preview of the upcoming FRAME: A biennial of dance - a month of dynamic dance; Arts House will present a suite of dance offerings that will confront, evoke and uplift.
Learn more about FRAME via the following link:https://www.artshouse.com.au/frame-a-biennial-of-dance/
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The National Cricket Inclusion Championships have just concluded in Brisbane. Blind Cricket Tasmania player Nicole McKillop spoke to our own Vision Sports team to share her experiences at the tournament.
Nicole is 26 years of age and was one of the 9 women who took part in the blind division in the NCIC this year. She was part of the TAS-ACT team.
NSW won the blind division, defeating Western Australia by 41 runs. It was their 4th consecutive NCIC win and they were undefeated during the entire tournament.
Photo: rights belong to Cricket Australia. Photo is of the group together after their win at the champtionships.
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco hears from Lara Nakhle about her experience performing at Vision Australia's Carols last year. Lara is also working as a Product Loan Specialist for Apple while studying a Masters in Creative Music Therapy.
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Peter Greco talks with Tim Ginty, Manager for Communications and Advocacy at the National Justice Project, about the “Call It Out” Campaign - encouraging anyone experiencing or witnessing racial vilification or discrimination to Call It Out.
More info:
Call it out
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Ever wanted to mark a celebration by putting braille on cookies? Jessica Strudwick, from Jessica's Choc O Yum, may have the answer. Peter Greco interviews Jessica about how she is keen to bake cookies with messages in braille. You can let Jessica know what you think of her idea here:
jessicaschocoyum@gmail.com
Facebook Jessicas Choc O Yum
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Susan Vine, an ocular melanoma survivor. Suan shared the treatment and also the impact on her vision and life. Susan encouraged others to join the support group.
More Info: Ocular Melanoma Australia
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Australians have a great respect and love for sport, however new research reveals 56% of West Australians (approximately 1.2 million West Australians) agree there is not enough representation of people living with a disability in sport.
To champion inclusivity on and off the court, Mastercard Ambassador and former world No.8 singles tennis player Alicia Molik took to the court wearing simulation glasses – playing with two blind and low vision (BLV) tennis champions – to simulate the game from the perspective of a person living with a vision impairment.
Here Alicia speaks to Vision Sports presenter Matt Lee about her experiences and why awareness of blind tennis is so important.
After launching globally, Mastercard is launching Touch Cards this year in Australia – three individual cards (debit, credit, prepaid) – each with unique notches to help blind and low-vision Mastercard cardholders distinguish their cards.
Keep listening to Vision Australia Radio for more on this and our AO Radio simulcast across the Australian Open.
Photo: Alicia Molik shakes hands over the net of a tennis court with Courtney Webeck, BLV tennis player and campaign spokesperson
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This is '2022 The Year That Was' presented by Vision Australia Radio volunteers Melissa Dixon and Michael Harris.
The program is a look back at 2021. The big stories from a big year including politics (domestic, national and International), sport, the people we lost during the year plus general world news and more.
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A special interview highlight from the Seeing Eye Dogs Show with Dr Geraldine Lane.
Seeing Eye Dogs Show host Harriet talks with Dr Geraldine Lane about her PhD on the benefits of having a dog guide and about her thesis: 'There's more to a Dog Guide than meets the Eye' and the findings.
We also talk about her life and relationships with her own Seeing Eye Dogs. Geraldine was recently a finalist in the 2022 Blind Australian of the Year award. As an academic, and spreading the message of the capabilities of people who are blind or have low vision, her work inspiring others and leading a career in education earnt her the nomination.
If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/
Seeing Eye Dogs is looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! If you live in the North Brisbane or Sunshine Coast regions of Queensland or Victoria in Geelong, Bendigo and metro Melbourne (listed on our website) get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website.
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Join host Peter Stotzer for Music – Places – Pot Pourri and zig zag around the globe, visiting places as diverse as the Champs-Elysees, Bandung, La Paz and Napoli… As a virtual tourist you’ll hear interesting facts about each place then experience the local culture through hand-picked music tracks.
Photo credit: Georgie Kell
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Join host Peter Stotzer for Music – Places – Pot Pourri and zig zag around the globe, visiting places as diverse as the Champs-Elysees, Bandung, La Paz and Napoli… As a virtual tourist you’ll hear interesting facts about each place then experience the local culture through hand-picked music tracks.
Photo credit: Georgie Kell
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join host Peter Stotzer for Music – Places – Pot Pourri and zig zag around the globe, visiting places as diverse as the Champs-Elysees, Bandung, La Paz and Napoli… As a virtual tourist you’ll hear interesting facts about each place then experience the local culture through hand-picked music tracks.
Photo credit: Georgie Kell
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In early December, Vision Australia Radio Manager Conrad Browne appeared on the 'Out and About with Robert Toseland' program to discuss his attendance at the 2022 CBAA Conference in Cairns in October and accepting the award for the Excellence in Outside Broadcasting Award for its 2021 VIC Disability & Sports Recreation Festival broadcast.
'Out and About with Robert Toseland' is a 1 hour show broadcast on 94.1 3WBC FM in Box Hill and surrounding areas and online at https://www.3wbc.org.au/ on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9am except in January. It features interviews and content contributions from others to use in his programs. He covers a lot of different activities and topics including his lived experience with a disability. More information about the show is also found on the 'Out and About with Robert Toseland' Facebook page each month: https://www.facebook.com/outandaboutwithroberttoseland
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Vision Australia is celebrating 85 years of Carols by Candlelight. In this podcast, presenter Ben Murphy (host Please welcome with Ben Murphy) speaks to performer Greg Gould, who will be performing at this year's Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight. Tune in to your local Vision Australia Radio service from 7 PM on Saturday December 26 for our live audio described simulcast.
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Vision Australia is celebrating 85 years of Carols by Candlelight. In this podcast, Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps shares how our national radio network makes the carols accessible to people living with blindness or low vision via our audio described simulcast of this Christmas Eve favorite.
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Jo and Peter discuss the new national Fire Danger Rating system that is now in place across Australia wide. Each rating level is described along with the resources and information sources accessible for everyone to gain more information about the Fire Danger Ratings and bushfire safety in general.
In times of emergency, we encourage you to tune in to your local emergency broadcaster. During these periods, Vision Australia Radio cannot report on local dangers in real time, however news is likely covered at a later date across our range of news reading programs.
Learn more about the Australian Fire Danger Rating system at https://afdrs.com.au/
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Vision Australia is celebrating 85 years of Carols by Candlelight. In this podcast, Behind the Scenes presenter Chris Thompson is joined by Vika Bull to discuss Vika and Linda's new Cristmas album and also their appearance at this year's event.
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Initially aired on Our Aussie Gardens on Vision Australia Radio, program host Trudy Hellsten is in conversation with Timothy Warren from the Vision Australia Library. Listen to find out how VA Library members can experience the delights of gardening by getting their green thumbs on free seed kits as part of the brand new Let’s grow! Seed library initiative
[image description: a suitcase containing a seed kit: a spiral bound instruction booklet with text and braille, a plastic container of soil mix, a biodegradable seedling pot, a seed envelope and a Pathway audio player]
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Reuben Fairbank is about to leave to represent Australia for the first time at the T20 World Cup of Blind Cricket in India
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Caitlin O'Dea from Catholic Health Australia about more people with private health cover being able to choose to hospital in-home care.
Catholic Health Australia represents the nation’s largest non-government grouping of hospitals, aged and community care services, providing approximately 10 percent of hospital and aged care services in Australia.
More info:
Catholic Health Australia
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Fancy a trip? Cocky Guides run tactile and sensory group adventures all around NSW and Australia. providing unique, multi-sensory adventures in small groups for the blind and low-vision community, as well as dedicated tours with an Auslan Interpreter for deaf travellers or those that sign.
Peter Greco speaks with James McFarlane and James Disco from Cocky Guides, who recently won a Silver Medal in the NSW Tourism Awards.
Find out more here:
Cocky Guides
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Need to have something transcribed? Find out how here. In this interview highlight Peter talks Marcie Civins who has volunteered for over seven years with Vision Australia's personal support service. Clients can have up to 360 print pages a year transcribed into their preferred format.
To find out more call 1300 84 74 66
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Graeme Bennett peacefully passed away Friday 11th November 2022. Graeme was a much loved, dedicated and long term radio volunteer with Vision Australia Radio who generously gave his time, skills and knowledge for over 20 years as the co-host of our regular radio programs Planes, Trains and Automobiles and morning news. His rich voice, great delivery of content and insightful interviews were enjoyed by many listeners. Graeme’s outstanding contribution helped Vision Australia support people who are blind or low vision to live the life they choose and have access to opportunities and information that enrich their lives. He will be missed dearly.
Recently, current program host Michael Densley presented this flashback as a tribute to Graeme. Enjoy.
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A new voice to our interview highlights today Mark Jackman joins in on the fun. Mark is a Seeing Eye Dogs puppy trainer but he's also an avid golfer and catches up with World Blind Golf CEO, Neil Herdegen, to speak about the ways World Blind Golf is innovating and making golf accessible for the blind and low vision community.
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In this podcast, presenter Peter Greco is joined by Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton, to discuss the importance of the Carols by Candlelight and how your donations support children and young people live the life they choose.
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For 6 months after his birth, Raphael went undiagnosed with albinism, everyone in the operating theatre just assumed that he had very fair hair. At birth Raphael had a different name, Albie. With the confirmed diagnosis his name was quickly changed. After his diagnosis, Raphael and his family where immediately pointed in the direction of Vision Australia. One month later, he was prescribed glasses, and was having weekly sessions to improve his development.
Through Vision Australia’s intervention, Raphael has been granted another go at life. Raphael's mum Francesca joins presenter Peter Greco to discuss the journey so far.
Learn more about Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight: https://carols.visionaustralia.org/
Learn more about Vision Australia Radio: http://www.varadio.org/
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Have you sent your letter to Santa? Peter Greco talks with Sharon Carroll, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Business Partner at Australia Post about Santa Mail. This program allows you to send a letter to Santa and your response from Santa will be in your preferred format, large print & braille replies are available for children who have low vision.
Sending info for parents Address your envelope to:
Santa
NORTH POLE 9999
More info:
Letters To Santa
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In this podcast highlight and originally aired on Vision Australia Radio program 'Literary Ear' we feature an interview with Professor Fiona Wood AM discussing new-release book ‘Under Her Skin’, a biography of Fiona’s remarkable life, written by Sue Williams.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will support the Fiona Wood Foundation. The book is available in paperback format, on Amazon Kindle as well as Audible.
Subscribe to this Vision Australia Radio podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
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In this podcast, James Trebilcock, Director for Communications at the Electoral Commission of South Australia, shares information as to how people who are blind or have low vision can vote at this year's local government election. You have until Thursday, 10th of November. Call 1300 655 232 or go to www.ecsa.sa.gov.au
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Sue Lang, Director for Communication and Engagement at the Victorian Electoral Commission, tells us how people who are blind or have low vision can vote at this year's state election - including receiving voting papers in braille.
To find out more go to https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2022-state-election/voting-options-during-an-election
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Did you know, as a Vision Australia library member, you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year for free?
In this podcast discussion, presenter Peter Greco speaks to David Tredinnick, Narrator and Audio Production Volunteer Coordinator at Vision Australia to learn more about the service.
Contact us today to find out more, call 1300 84 74 66 or email printaccess@visionaustralia.org. You can also contact us here.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville discusses in his Finance Facts segment, the share market.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco learns all about the Can Give Appeal, part of the Commonwealth Bank's Next Chapter Campaign from Stephanie Metry, Team Leader YWCA's domestic violence programs and services in the Northern Territory. They also discuss shared news in the Week Without Violence, with special attention to financial abuse.
More info: Commonwealth Bank Can Give Appeal
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Halloween is almost upon us! We chat with horror writer Kaaron Warren on why people love to read things that scare them.
Kaaron is also conducting a creepy audio described tour of the infamous Beechworth Asylum for the Vision Australia Library’s Haunted Library event. We hear some tales to make your hair stand on end.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/staying-connected/events/1667208600/haunted-library
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If you missed our special 2 hour broadcast on White Cane Day (October 15th), never fear, It's available here for your listening pleasure.
During the broadcast a range of Vision Australia Radio presenters spoke to a line up of special guests with lived experience of blindness or low vision to share their stories of challenge, success and celebration.
Special thanks to our partner Platinum Cre8tive, organisers of the White Stick Fest which was featured within out 2 hour special. Visit www.whitestickfest.org for the full line up and to watch the online concert.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Vision Australia client Brittnee Watson shares her cane experiences and thoughts on advocacy within the community.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Authors Sally Rippin and Eliza Hull join us in celebration of White Cane Day. Their new children's book 'Come over to my house' is a great example of inclusion and advocacy for children or parents living with disability.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Studio 1 presenter Matthew Layton Mathew speaks with White Stick Fest performer, Soprano Kirsten Busby.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Back for a second year running the good people at Uber return to sponsor our White Cane Day special broadcast, To learn more about how the ride share is continuing to better their service to Australia’s blind and low vision community, Studio 1 presenter Matthew Layton is joined by Rita Peker Head of Rider Operations.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Talking Vision presenter and white cane user Tess Herbert and co host Sam Colley get to know another white cane user Dianne, who amongst other things shares what it was like learning to use a cane via zoom during the COVID pandemic, not an easy task.
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Vision Australia Radio speaks to Platinum Cre8tive's Duncan Steward, event organiser for #WhiteStickFest. Learn more about this White Cane Day 2022 event by visiting: http://www.whitestickfest.org/
White Cane Day on Vision Australia Radio, sponsored by Uber. Uber’s aim is to provide reliable transport to everyone, to go anywhere. Download the Uber APP today.
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Are you experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue? As Mental Health Awareness Month is happening now, Peter Greco talks with Deborah Shand, the National Psychology Services Manager at Rehab Management.
Leading corporate health provider Arriba Group is providing free mental health webinars with a variety of mental health experts for job seekers, employers, supervisors, personal injury insurance personnel and allied health professionals, starting from October 6th until the 27th.
More info:
Mental Health Month
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In this interview highlight Peter catches up with with Tristan Meecham, from All The Queen's Men, to talk about an LGBTIQ+ social event on Sunday 9th October at 2 pm. The Coming Back Out Social is a special afternoon gathering at State Library Victoria as part of the 40th anniversary of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
More info:
All The Queen's Men
Trybooking
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Peter Greco catches up Ian Henschke, Chief Advocate for National Seniors, they speak very passionately and powerfully about ageism. Coming up on October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day, raising awareness of the value of older people in all eras and aspect of life.
More info here:
Ageism Awareness Day 2022
National Seniors
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco speaks to Conrad Browne, Manager Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services to learn of this year's 2022 listener survey and why Vision Australia Radio listeners and Vision Australia clients are being encouraged to take part.
to complete the survey and for a chance to win a great prize from station sponsor Amazon, visit www.varadio.org
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Jonanthan Craig, with exciting news about audio description and residencies at Arts House.
Located in the Town Hall in North Melbourne, Arts House is Melbourne’s home for contemporary performance – a producing and presentation home that generates new work.
More info: Artshouse
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Peter learns all about Dementia Action Week from Maree McCabe, CEO for Dementia Australia. Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. Maree talked about the week’s theme along with the latest research to help keep our brains in the best health.
More info: Dementia Action Week
Or call 1800 100 500
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In this interview highlight Peter talks with Chris Harrop, Telstra Sports Technology Lead, about an innovative and exciting way for people who are blind or have low vision to follow the football in an AFL match.
More info: Telstra Unveils Touch and Track Prototype
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Sam Colley speaks with Shayne Marks from The Buzz, a radio station set up as part of RadioVoice, an organisation which builds skills for radio and podcasting in the disability sector.
Shayne is the new host of Disability Matters, where he following on from his time working on the Disability Talks podcast as part of the broader RadioVoice program.
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In this interview highlight Peter Greco talks with Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker, Australia's first and (at this stage only) Indigenous Ophthalmologist, making him a trailblazer and an inspiration throughout Australia.
The Fred Hollows Foundation has been working to end avoidable blindness and restore sight for 30 years. With the support of generous Australians, The Foundation is able to carry on Fred’s vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind.
More info: Fred Hollows Foundation
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Dr Geraldine Lane works as a Teaching Fellow at Curtin University in W.A. in the School of Education and teaches in a range of units, both in the on campus and online modes. Geraldine has a long background in teaching at University level and was an inaugural staff member in the Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired where she delivered online Computer networking and IT instruction to students worldwide who are blind or low vision. Geraldine has a variety of research interests and she completed her PhD through the Faculty of Medicine at Flinders University in South Australia. Geraldine's thesis examined potential health benefits of working with a dog guide and is titled 'There’s more to a Dog Guide than meets the Eye’: A Mixed Methods Investigation into the Health Benefits of Having a Dog Guide.
In this interview, Vision Australia Radio Manager Conrad Browne spoke to Dr Lane about her incredibly diverse career and her lived experience with vision loss. They also speak about her long relationship with Vision Australia and Seeing Eye Dogs and how these services continue to support her ongoing. We also learn about her commitment as a donor to Seeing Eye Dogs and why she decided to leave a gift in her will to support this vital service, creating a legacy for future generations.
To find out more about leaving a gift in your will, call Nigel Mapes National Gifts in Wills Manager, who will be able to connect you to your local Gifts in Wills team member; call 1800 422 077 or visit www.visionaustralia.org/wills
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In this interview highlight Peter Greco talks with Belinda Wilson, Program Officer for Service Excellence and Compliance at Vision Australia about programs available for developing life skills, figuring out university, uncovering passions to kicking career goals.
Anyone between 14 and 18 years of age who has a vision impairment or is blind can take part in the LEAP - Lead Engage Act Perform - and the LEAPUP transition to tertiary, programs, preparing for tertiary education an employment.
Find out more here:
Services for children in high school and beyond
Contact Belinda on 1300 84 7466
email: leap@visionaustralia.org or academy@visionaustralia.org
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville discusses in his Finance Facts segment, ideas as to how you may invest your tax returns.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
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Peter Greco catches up with Danielle Gullotta, Senior Access Programs Producer from the Art Gallery of NSW. They discuss the news of exciting audio described and tactile exhibitions, some are available on line and others in the flesh.
Learn more here:
Art Gallery of NSW Audio Description Tour
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In this interview highlight Peter Greco talks with education specialist from RMIT, David Armstrong, about teachers leaving the workforce. Considering the importance of the relationship between teachers and children with disabilities and other disadvantages, research has shown the impact of the ongoing lack of secure staffing can have a significant negative effect.
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Leon Knoop has been volunteering for almost 27 years putting out an audio version of the Dutch Newspaper. If you or someone you know would like to receive this audio paper please contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66
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Peter Greco talks with the newly appointed Assistant Minister for Autism in South Australia, hon Emily Bourke. Ms Bourke, a first-term MLC who already holds the role of Assistant Minister to the Premier, will be responsible for delivering Labor’s autism election commitments in conjunction with the ministers for education and human services. The state government said the appointment is a national first.
More info:
Hon Emily Bourke MLC
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Peter Greco chats with Senator David Pocock, Independent Senator for the ACT about having his Maiden Speech interpreted into Auslan and how parliamentary convention and protocol played a part!!
More info:
Senator David Pocock
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In this interview highlight Peter Greco talks with Victoria Page, Event and Marketing manger for Orange Sky about homelessness and the Sudsy Challenge. Orange Sky provides a platform for every day Australians to connect through a regular laundry and shower service.
Orange Sky, invites you to take part in the Sudsy Challenge - raising funds and awareness for the issue of homelessness.
Find out more here:
Orange Sky
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In this podcast we speak to the Hon.Colin Brooks, the Victorian Government's Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers in celebration of the upcoming Victorian Seniors Festival.
We focus on this year's event and its history. We also discuss the needs of people living with disability in a post COVID world.
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Peter Greco chats with Samantha Connor, President Of People With Disabilities Australia, PWDA. Having recently celebrated 40 years as an organisation they have launched a new website.
PWDA’s purpose is to be a leading disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation of and for all people with disability, which strives for the realisation of our vision of a socially just, accessible, and inclusive community.
More info:
PWDA
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Vision Australia and Seeing Eye Dogs welcomed guests from the Singaporean assistance dog organisation, K9. Director Cassandra Chui and board member Andrew Chew were on a learning tour of a number of Australian blindness and assistance dog organisations . In this interview they discuss the importance of assistance dogs for disabilities outside of blindness and low vision including autism and deaf and hard of hearing.
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In this interview highlight from Focal Point, Peter Greco talks with David Locke, Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) David tells us what AFCA do if you have an issue with any financial institution and how you can be supported to make a complaint.
More info:
AFCA
1800 931 678
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This month Neville has his Finance Facts and discusses the benefits of investing long term.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keith Cox is a highly qualified nurse who has dedicated 50 years of his life to patient care, mentoring cancer nurses, writing research papers and addressing medical conferences around the world. In 2006, he was also the third-ever Australian to become a cancer nurse practitioner and in 2007 was awarded an OAM for his services to nursing and community volunteer work. Keith remains involved with various fundraising committees and charitable organisations, and he volunteers in several capacities. He is joined by Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco in this interview highlight.
Learn more about the new publication: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760987251/a-caring-life/
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Inala Cooper has just Launched her thought-provoking book “Marrul: Aboriginal Identity and the Fight for Rights” available from all good book stores,
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In this podcast highlight, puppy trainer Paige Coleman, invites all to take part in the Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games, this Thursday July 21.
Learn more here: https://thepuppygames.visionaustralia.org/
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Mitch is a staff member of Vision Australia. In this interview highlight he shares his experiences growing up, studying law, his passion for DJ'ing and now working within Vision Australia following his participation in the Career Start program. Mitch continues to work in the Advocacy and Government Relations team, and yes, he is still DJ'i ng!
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Bobtail's Friend: From the Desert to the Sea is a new book written by Rhonda Collard-Spratt & Jacki Ferro with llustration by Rhonda Collard-Spratt.
In Bobtail’s Friend, Yamatji-Noongar artist, storyteller and Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt shares vibrant images of Yamatji Country, and words from the Wajarri and Nhanda languages of Western Australia, as she teaches us to walk tall and proud in the skin we’re in.
Purchase the book: t.ly/VdkJ
.
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Simone Casey from ACOSS shares news on a recent survey regarding the former 'Job-Active' service (transitioning to a new model and new name 'Work Force Australia'.
Simone and her team are seeking feedback on accessibility or usability experiences with the transformed service. You can email simone@acoss.org.au
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In this interview highlight, we speak to Melanie Eagle, Chair of Disability Worker Registration Board of Victoria. Find out more: https://www.vdwc.vic.gov.au/
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Zhila Hansanloo, from Ability Without Boundaries, recently Launched a book “Enabling Narratives” featuring stories of people with disabilities from many cultures and backgrounds. You can learn more here: https://www.abilitybeyondboundaries.com.au
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- New research reveals fewer than two in five Australians over 50 have had a hearing check in the last two years, despite 6 million Australians currently living with hearing loss • Less than a fifth (18%) of Aussies have prioritised or will prioritise their hearing check amongst all health checks
• Specsavers Audiology professionals are encouraging Australians to have their hearing checked to make sure they’re not struggling with everyday sounds
SUPPLIED MEDIA RELEASE:
New research from Specsavers Audiology reveals Australians are not taking their hearing seriously, despite 6 million Australians currently living with hearing loss. The research reveals that in the last two years, 97% of Australians aged 50 and over have had some type of health check however fewer than two in five (38%) have specifically had a hearing check.
Shockingly, less than a fifth (18%) of Aussies have prioritised or will prioritise their hearing check amongst all health checks and only 2% would put a hearing check as their first priority amongst all medical tests. This is of particular concern considering nearly half (48%) of Aussies missed, delayed or rescheduled health checks during the pandemic.
When asked what would help them prioritise a health check, Australians over 50 listed the following reasons: noticing something different in their body that needs checking (71%), a GP recommending a health check (56%), having an issue that requires regular checks (49%), and being reminded by friends or family (12%).
The research also revealed less than half (43%) of Australians over 50 consider hearing loss a serious health condition. These figures are concerning to experts, who warn that hearing loss can lower the quality of life of Australians and cause serious discomfort if not checked regularly and treated.
Specsavers Audiology professionals are encouraging Australians to have their hearing checked to make sure they’re not struggling to hear everyday sounds. Those who think they may be hard of hearing or are worried about a loved one are encouraged to book a free** 15-minute hearing check with a local audiology professional at Specsavers by visiting www.specsavers.com.au/hearing.
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Col Makereth, from Spinal Life Australia, had a diving accident at 18 and now is passionate about peer support and sharing stories of lived experience of his disability. To learn more go to https://www.spinal.com.au/
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Penny Melville-Brown, A.K.A Baking Blind, global tour working with professional chefs and home-cooks: was put to an abrupt end with a major car accident. She spent months in rehabilitation re-learning how to both walk and talk.
This story and her tour is now part of an extraordinary book, Baking Blind Goes Global. Penny shares her death-defying experience, prize-winning world tour, recipes and much more in her triumph and near-tragedy life story.
More information about Penny https://www.pennymelvillebrown.com/
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In early 2019, Vision Australia Radio teamed up with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to create a three-part podcast series about bushfire safety and home fire safety. Many parts of Australia (were) experiencing extreme weather events and fire danger (had) been and likely to remain at extreme levels across the Australian Summer.
Bushfires are a serious concern across the country during the warmer months and we all need to know how to be prepared and how to stay safe.
Fires starting inside the home are also all too common, with CFA attending more than 3000 house fires on average each year. These house fires, although more likely to occur in winter, occur all year round. The good news about house fires is they can often be prevented and when they do happen you should be able to get out safely.
Working smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas and keeping an eye on your cooking at all times are just two simple safety tips to keep you safe in your home.
To explore these topics more thoroughly and hear more about both bushfire safety and home fire safety you can listen to our three part podcast series which was produced in late 2018 to early 2019.
The first episode focuses on home fire safety with long-time CFA member and community safety expert Jim Read, (then) at Scoresby Fire Brigade. He delved into the importance of having a home escape plan and working smoke alarms that are interconnected and located throughout the house. Jim had many stories spanning the significant number of years he's spent as a CFA volunteer.
The second podcast is a ‘Double Dave’ effort with David Web Ware from Glenburn Fire Brigade (an experienced bushfire safety presenter) alongside David Williams, a team leader in CFA’s community engagement team. This podcast focuses more on bushfire safety and how to stay safe during the summer months, with the two Davids referring to their experiences of the Black Saturday fires in February 2009.
The third podcast is an engaging conversation with Fiona Macken, who wears multiple hats for CFA. A volunteer at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, a bushfire safety presenter and an employee in the Community Safety team at CFA headquarters. Using her vast expertise, she discusses the risk of bushfire in the urban area, how to avoid starting outside fires in the first place and where to seek more information about bushfires in your area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In early 2019, Vision Australia Radio teamed up with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to create a three-part podcast series about bushfire safety and home fire safety. Many parts of Australia (were) experiencing extreme weather events and fire danger (had) been and likely to remain at extreme levels across the Australian Summer.
Bushfires are a serious concern across the country during the warmer months and we all need to know how to be prepared and how to stay safe.
Fires starting inside the home are also all too common, with CFA attending more than 3000 house fires on average each year. These house fires, although more likely to occur in winter, occur all year round. The good news about house fires is they can often be prevented and when they do happen you should be able to get out safely.
Working smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas and keeping an eye on your cooking at all times are just two simple safety tips to keep you safe in your home.
To explore these topics more thoroughly and hear more about both bushfire safety and home fire safety you can listen to our three part podcast series which was produced in late 2018 to early 2019.
The first episode focuses on home fire safety with long-time CFA member and community safety expert Jim Read, (then) at Scoresby Fire Brigade. He delved into the importance of having a home escape plan and working smoke alarms that are interconnected and located throughout the house. Jim had many stories spanning the significant number of years he's spent as a CFA volunteer.
The second podcast is a ‘Double Dave’ effort with David Web Ware from Glenburn Fire Brigade (an experienced bushfire safety presenter) alongside David Williams, a team leader in CFA’s community engagement team. This podcast focuses more on bushfire safety and how to stay safe during the summer months, with the two Davids referring to their experiences of the Black Saturday fires in February 2009.
The third podcast is an engaging conversation with Fiona Macken, who wears multiple hats for CFA. A volunteer at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, a bushfire safety presenter and an employee in the Community Safety team at CFA headquarters. Using her vast expertise, she discusses the risk of bushfire in the urban area, how to avoid starting outside fires in the first place and where to seek more information about bushfires in your area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In early 2019, Vision Australia Radio teamed up with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to create a three-part podcast series about bushfire safety and home fire safety. Many parts of Australia (were) experiencing extreme weather events and fire danger (had) been and likely to remain at extreme levels across the Australian Summer.
Bushfires are a serious concern across the country during the warmer months and we all need to know how to be prepared and how to stay safe.
Fires starting inside the home are also all too common, with CFA attending more than 3000 house fires on average each year. These house fires, although more likely to occur in winter, occur all year round. The good news about house fires is they can often be prevented and when they do happen you should be able to get out safely.
Working smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas and keeping an eye on your cooking at all times are just two simple safety tips to keep you safe in your home.
To explore these topics more thoroughly and hear more about both bushfire safety and home fire safety you can listen to our three part podcast series which was produced in late 2018 to early 2019.
The first episode focuses on home fire safety with long-time CFA member and community safety expert Jim Read, (then) at Scoresby Fire Brigade. He delved into the importance of having a home escape plan and working smoke alarms that are interconnected and located throughout the house. Jim had many stories spanning the significant number of years he's spent as a CFA volunteer.
The second podcast is a ‘Double Dave’ effort with David Web Ware from Glenburn Fire Brigade (an experienced bushfire safety presenter) alongside David Williams, a team leader in CFA’s community engagement team. This podcast focuses more on bushfire safety and how to stay safe during the summer months, with the two Davids referring to their experiences of the Black Saturday fires in February 2009.
The third podcast is an engaging conversation with Fiona Macken, who wears multiple hats for CFA. A volunteer at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, a bushfire safety presenter and an employee in the Community Safety team at CFA headquarters. Using her vast expertise, she discusses the risk of bushfire in the urban area, how to avoid starting outside fires in the first place and where to seek more information about bushfires in your area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pathways Foundation assist young people make a healthy and timely transition from boy to young man and girl to young woman and have led the resurgence of contemporary Rites of Passage Programs throughout Australia for 30 years.
Thousands of young people and their families have experienced an empowered journey into adulthood and developed connected resilience through self-awareness with quality assured, cutting edge programs. They provide young people and their parents a real experience that paves the way for deeper bonds, insights and communication.
This transition can see boys and girls struggle as they seek to discover who they are. Join us for a meaningful and fun time away in a bush setting to reflect on who they are, in family, with peers, in community and in their world.
Pathways Foundation also has a YoungSTARS Program for younger children aged 7-12, Leadership Training Programs and Volunteer and support opportunities.
Find out more as The Journey Begins Here!
https://pathwaysfoundation.org.au/
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Aussie Blind Cricketer Steffan Nero recently hit a world-record 309 not out from 140 balls against New Zealand as part of the International Inclusion Series. In this podcast he shares his experience with Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco.
Vision Australia Radiothon is almost over. We need your support today to help us keep broadcasting for the next 12 months. Select the following link and give to our essential radio service. https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0
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Is there anything our volunteers can't do? Over the past couple of years in particular Vision Australia Radio volunteers like Marjie Courtis have navigated their way through countless lockdowns, broadcasting restrictions and social distancing to continue providing an essential service to people living with print disability. In this special Vision Australia Radiothon podcast interview, Marjie urges our wonder radio and podcast listeners, (and partner John) to dig deep and support our radio reading service this Radiothon.Support the work we do by donating now. Donations over $2 or more are tax deductible, but do it before June 30.
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June is Vision Australia's Radiothon. Support the work we do by donating now. Your donation will support an essential service for people living with print disability.
Radio Geeks unite, you're in for a treat with this very special interview highlight. In celebration of our 2022 Radiothon and of our community radio service more broadly, Stephen Jolley and Jamie Kelly pay tribute to the role radio and audio plays in both of their lives. Jamie discusses his passion for radio and treats us to sounds from his impressive audio archive.
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate today and support our essential radio service for people living with print disability.
In this interview highlight Emma Toomey shares more on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and how you can support the work they do.
To learn more go to: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate today and support our essential radio service for people living with print disability.
Clare Dundas, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had tips to minimise the chances Identity fraud. You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestoppersvic.com.au To learn more about Identity Fraud go to https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/threats/identity-theft?gclid=CjwKCAjwnZaVBhA6EiwAVVyv9E0anczuaVNlLlL2la1TzLvBolQf0-obj8kCoUPFMNtYwp7uUn4cKxoCBmMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Vision Australia Radiothon is on now. Donate today and support our essential radio service for people living with print disability.
Gerard Stevens, Medicine Management Meistro, and Founder of Webstercare, was on with an empowering message for helping you or those you care about better manage their medications. Find out more here: https://www.webstercare.com.au/
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Recently 720 ABC Perth invited our program coordinator Gemma Sidney in to share what Vision Australia Radio and its Perth based volunteers do to make information accessible to be blind and low vision community. With Gemma was volunteer Trudy Hellsten to share her commitment and her role.
This audio was provided to us by ABC Perth, the conversation aired on Friday 20th of May, 2022. We thank ABC Perth for allowing us to podcast the chat and for the much needed promotion.
Interested in volunteering on Vision Australia Radio? Get in touch.
Support Vision Australia Radiothon, on now. Donate here.
Cheers
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In this podcast, John Lonergan, coach the Australian cricket team for athletes with an Intellectual Disability, previews their series coming up against England.
Learn more about the series here: www.cricketaustralia.com.au
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In this podcast highlight, Mechelle Hare, coach of the Australian blind cricket team, previews the upcoming series in Queesland as Australia play against New Zealand.
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Vision Australia Radio is proud to present the audio highlights from the Vision Australia National Reconciliation Week Kooyong Event from Tuesday 31st May 2022.
Along with a Welcome to Country and tree planting ceremony, this event was also an opportunity for Vision Australia to acknowledge the work and progress it has made in developing the Vision Australia Reconciliation Action Plan. This plan ensures that engagement and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations will be undertaken in a respectful, ethical and transparent manner and that Vision Australia will strive to foster a culture of inclusion and cultural awareness. We acknowledge and thank the special guests and local First Australian Elders who contributed to this event and pay our respects to Elders both past, present and future in maintaining their cultures, countries and their spiritual connection to the lands and waters and respects the genuine diversity and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across Australia.
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In this 'first to podcast' conversation, Talking Vision's Stella Glorie speaks to long time dedicated listener Sheila Blanchfield about her Vision Australia Radio listening habits, why it's important to her and why others should support this essential service during our annual radiothon.
Learn more about our radiothon
Be a good listener, support our work and donate now.
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In this podcast highlight, presenter Peter Greco interviews Belinda Wilson, host of new employment series 'The Career Path' produced by Vision Australia Radio.
Come along an employment journey as we provide a platform to blind and low vision job seekers, those who have found meaningful employment and industry recruiters who recognize the strengths of blind and low vision candidates who share their own perspectives.
Learn more about the career path: https://radio.visionaustralia.org/podcasts/podcast-series/the-career-path
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In this interview highlight, Sam Colley of Talking Vision welcomes Studio 1's Matthew Layton & Sam Rickard into the broadcast studio to discuss this year's radiothon and why you need to support it. Be a good listener, donate now at www.varadio.org.
BeAGoodListener.
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June 3rd is Mabo day, marking 30 years since the High Court handed down its landmark native title decision. It also wraps up National Reconciliation Week. In recognition, Talking Law has an interview with native title barrister, author and activist Dr Byran Keon-Cohen AM QC. Dr Keon-Cohen acted for the plaintiffs in the Mabo litigation. In this interview highlight, he tells Erik Dober what the High Court decided and why it continues to be important today. T
Talking Law broadcasts weekly across the VA Radio network at 8:30pm on Sundays, repeated 8:30pm Tuesdays.
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This is a Talking Vision special podcast. Reggie Sorenson is a current contestant on the reality TV program Big Brother. She also has retinitis pigmentosa and is legally blind. She is considered to be a positive representation of blindness on national TV.
She’s in conversation with big brother fan Bethany Cody who also has RP. Beth sees Reggie as a role model.
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In this interview highlight from Focal Point, Peter Greco talks with Ben Harrington, Project Support Officer with Travellers Aid. Travellers Aid is a not for profit organisation that offers a range of services to assist people with mobility challenges. They have a frontline of staff and volunteers that operate out of Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, up in Seymour and also across a range of different events around Melbourne.
Travellers Aid is committed to enabling individuals of all abilities to connect to people and place. We take pride in the diverse backgrounds of our team which reflect the communities in which we work. We operate ethically and are guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who ensure strong and transparent governance. Travellers Aids workforce consist of 75% dedicated volunteers and 25% committed staff who are motivated by creating real outcomes for the people we serve.
More info: Travellers Aid
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Vision Australia Radio Community Partnerships Coordinator Jason Gipps speaks with AAMI CMO/ EGM Brand and Marketing Manager Mim Haysom to discuss all things AFL, clangers, carols and roadside cheer!
Learn more about AAMI
Keep tabs on Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight, sponsored by AAMI
Follow Vision Australia Radio on Facebook to learn of this year's audio described Carols simulcast.
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Neville Houghton has spent 60 years as a CPA and member of the Australian Society of Certified Public Accountants and today offers financial advice to Vision Australia Radio listeners.
This week Neville discusses an alternative way of saving to afford to buy a house.
Please note that advice within this podcast is of a general nature only and individual circumstances will mean different results for individual people. Neville provides points of contact within this podcast but we highly encourage you make an informed decision before contacting a financial planner and making an informed decision before committing to any products or services from any individual, business or organization at any time.
Neville can be reached on 0452 596 855 during business hours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Greco talks with Senator Anne Ruston, Minister for Families and Social Services and Minister for Women's Safety, in this interview highlight. Topics include dealing with the pandemic, the economy, NDIS, employment and disability, and mental health.
More info:
Senator Ann Ruston
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In this interview highlight from Leisure Link, Peter Greco chats with Blind and low-Vision Tennis player Ross Patterson. Only recently diagnosed with low-vision, Ross took out two Singles Titles at the Victorian Blind and Low-Vision State Tennis championships held on 7-8 May at the National Tennis Centre.
Find out more here:
Victorian Blind and Low-Vision State Tennis championships
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In this interview highlight, we meet Clare Dundas, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, alerting us to financial scams. You can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or go to https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/
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He's one of Vision Australia Radio's favorite performers and has supported our White Cane Day events in recent years, now Connor returns to discuss his recent experiences on the popular television program The Voice. He speaks to Peter Greco.
Learn more about Connor: connorwink.com.au
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Community TV Channel 31 is almost 30 years old yet still has concerns about it’s financial future. Channel 31 airs a very diverse range of programs especially locally produced content. In this interview highlight, Peter Greco talks with Shane Dunlop, General Manager for TV Channel 31 in Victoria. Shane discusses why community TV is important and has news on their current fundraiser campaign.
Find out more here:
Community TV Channel 31
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Senator for Queensland Malcom Roberts of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party drops in to Focal Point to discuss a range of topics of importance to people living with disability in the lead up to the federal election.
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Evan Ekin-Smyth, Director for Media and Digital Engagement at the Australian Electoral Commission, outlined how people who are blind or have low vision will have access to accessible voting by phone.
To register call 1800 913 993 or call 132326.
More info: AEC Assistance
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In this interview highlight from Leisure Link, Peter Greco talks with Chris Edwards, Vision Australia's Manager for Government Relations. Chris told us why accessible voting is important for people who are blind or have low vision. It is a fundamental right to have a choice and ability to be able to complete an independent vote. Other topics include Advocacy, NDIS and Aged Care.
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CommBank are hosting a nationwide roadshow to showcase the accessibility features on the new Smart EFTPOS terminal. You are invited to attend and familiarise yourself with the terminal to gain an understanding on methods to activate accessibility mode, processing a payment via contactless payment, using tactile indicators to enter a PIN, and making payments via swiping or inserting your card.
In this interview highlight, Talking Vision presenter Sam Colley is joined by Dongli Han, Executive Manager at CBA Merchant Solutions to discuss the new technology and how you can be a part of the roadshow.
To RSVP and for more information please visit commbank.com.au/smart-roadshow
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This week Peter is talking to Tony Weldon OAM, Chair of Courage to Care. The Courage to Care Upstander Programs bring a vital message about the dangers of prejudice, racism, discrimination and bullying, empowering participants to challenge and speak out against these behaviours.
Delivered by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers and featuring inspiring testimonies from Holocaust survivor speakers, our Upstander Programs promote acceptance of diversity within our community, transform bystander behaviour, and inspire participants to become Upstanders.
More info:
Courage To Care
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In this highlight, Peter Greco learns about the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) from Dr Amandeep Hansra. The ADHA is encouraging everyone to not overlook having their flu and COVID vaccines and screening as well as having regular preventative check-ups.
Australia has one of the best healthcare systems, but there are still opportunities for improvement. Whether it's a secure connection to doctors, electronic prescriptions or telehealth, through the ADHA progress is being made to connect Australia to better healthcare.
More info:
Australian Digital Health Agency
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In this podcast highlight, Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco catches up with WA Senator Jordon Steele-John of The Australian Greens. Senator Jordon Steele-John lives with a disability and is the youngest person in the Australian Senate.
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In this highlight, Peter chats with Commissioner Dan Stubbs, from the Victorian Disability Worker Commission, about the Disability Worker Registration Scheme.
The scheme includes:
A Code of Conduct that disability workers must comply with, regardless of how they are funded. An independent complaints service, with power to investigate the conduct of disability workers. Voluntary registration, which involves the Board setting registration standards for registered Victorian disability workers and registering Victorian disability workers
Find out more here:
Victorian Disability Worker Commission
call 1800 497 132
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In this interview highlight lifted from Vision Australia Radio program Talking Law, lawyer Natalie Wade of Equality Lawyers joins host Erik Dober to talk about the rules for voting in the coming federal election, the challenges people living with a disability face in making their vote count, and how voting has been made accessible. It is your interesting and informative how-to voting guide with none of the who-to distractions. Talking Law broadcasts weekly across the VA Radio network at 8:30pm on Sundays, repeated 8:30pm Tuesdays.
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Peter Greco speaks to the Hon Bill Shorten MP - Shadow Minister for the NDIS about the scheme and the Labor Party's vision for the service beyond the federal election.
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Jane Britt, Team Leader for Policy and Advocacy at Blind Citizens Australia, with news on accessible voting at the 21st May Federal Election. To register from 9th May call, 1800 913 993. Call BCA on 1800 033 660 or go to bca.org.au
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In this highlight, Peter Greco learns about Vision Australia’s Personal Support services from Laura Garcia. As a Vision Australia library member, you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year for free.
Laura has a daughter with low vision and she recently received some tactile images of artworks by Andy Warhol and Van Gogh to help with a school assignment. (Please note that education material is not generally covered by the free personal support service, but sometimes we can do supplementary material that the school cannot provide).
The tactile images mentioned in this podcast were produced by Vision Australia's alternate format production team with thanks to the Australian Government Print Disability Grant. Vision Australia Library members can receive up to 360 print pages converted to the accessible format of their choice for free. Library membership is also free for members of the community living with print disability.
To learn more call 1300 84 74 66
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After 2 years of disruptions due to Covid-19, Special Olympics Victoria is thrilled to welcome athletes back to the Victorian State Games.
Peter Greco talks with Sarah Venning, State Director for Special Olympics Victoria, and learns all about the the second week of the Special Olympics State Games continuing on 23-24 April in the City of Casey.
Learn more here:
Special Olympics
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On April 2, 2022 Vision Australia Kooyong office welcomed children and families to our Family Day. Families had the opportunity to get to know the Victorian Children and Young People team, tour our new paediatric hub including therapy spaces and sensory room, and find out more about the services and supports available.
Amongst other things, Vision Australia Radio (VAR) swung its doors open (very carefully) to welcome families and our young Vision Australia clients into our studios for a tour and some recording fun. During the family day, VAR Happy Pants radio show presenter Callum got to know Elijah and his Dad . This is what happened!
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On April 2, 2022 Vision Australia Kooyong office welcomed children and families to our Family Day. Families had the opportunity to get to know the Victorian Children and Young People team, tour our new paediatric hub including therapy spaces and sensory room, and find out more about the services and supports available.
Amongst other things, Vision Australia Radio (VAR) swung its doors open (very carefully) to welcome families and our young Vision Australia clients into our studios for a tour and some recording fun. During the family day, VAR Happy Pants radio show presenter Callum got to know young Luna. This is what happened!
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In this highlight, Peter chats with Paul Ah Chee, about Parrtjima, on in Alice Springs from 8-17 April. Parrtjima is the meeting place where old meets new. It is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of it’s kind, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through the newest technology – all on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.
Each year this free event celebrates the ways in which artists evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to Country and culture.
Parrtjima is held on Mparntwe (Alice Springs), which is connected to the estates of Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme. This also includes a network of people who have connections to these areas; some of whom have established the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group to guide and help create Parrtjima. Together, they invite visitors to come and experience Parrtjima, and watch the desert come alive with new artworks, light shows and a program of performances, interactive workshops, music, films and talks.
Parrtjima Australia
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Platinum Cre8ive's Duncan Steward encourages Melburnians to attend the free Melbourne Disability Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre South Wharf, Friday and Saturday 1st and 2nd April.
Learn more via the following link: https://www.melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/ and dont miss the Rachael Leahcar concert on Saturday at Unity of Melbourne Church, 4 Renown Street: https://www.unitymelbourne.org.au/a/Events)
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Let's Talk About Vision Loss features eight people who share their very personal stories of blindness or low vision to help others facing similar experiences.
You'll discover their emotional experiences of vision loss, impact on their relationships, plus the emotional, financial and practical services that led them to regain hope and independence. In their own time, they connected with a range of supports allowing them to continue doing the things they have always done like reading, traveling, working and much more.
Project Lead Reeni Ikanayake discusses the series with Peter Greco in this interview highlight lifted from Focal Point.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/letstalk
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with Harzita Hashim, Manager for Children and Young People's services at Vision Australia about Vision Australia Family Day coming up on April 2, 2022 from 2 pm at Vision Australia, Kooyong.
Come along to our inaugural family day and get to know the Victorian Children and Young People team. Tour our new paediatric hub at Kooyong, including therapy spaces and sensory room, and find out more about the services and supports available to your family.
On the day you can:
. Check out the latest technology and equipment in the Vision Store
. Get behind the microphone in the Vision Australia Radio studios
. Try your hand at blind cricket, goal ball and other sports
. Hone your kitchen skills with a therapist facilitated cooking activity
. Learn the art of tactile book making with the Felix Library
. Hang out with our ever popular and super cute Seeing Eye Dog puppies
There'll be food, music, lucky door prizes and more! Further information and details on how to register will be available soon.
More info:
Vision Australia Family Day
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with Professor Nicole Rinehart, an international leader in neurodevelopmental disorders and practising clinical psychologist about a new and exciting program to help children with developmental challenges or disabilities participate in school and better cope with the stresses of COVID.
Australian television superstar Humphrey B. Bear is returning in this series to help educators and parents support children of all ages and abilities to regulate their emotions through movement and better settle back into school life. AllPlay's free resources, available to teachers and parents, feature Humphrey B. Bear with children with disabilities and dancers from the Queensland Ballet, singing and dancing to music created by Corinne Gibbons, and former Hi-5 executive producer Julie Greene.
More info:
Allplay - Humphrey Bear
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Peter Greco talks with Max and Sam about a new 4ZZZ podcast series, The Way I See It, focussing on first-person audio documentaries following the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired as they wrestle with a personal challenge or undergo a life change.
The show's producers will give select participants audio recorders and work with them over a series of months to document their lives as it is happening - asking the participants to reflect on their past, share their world and how it sounds, interview the people in their life, and express their hopes for the future.
We are committed to seek out a diversity of voices and experiences and
if this interests you, please send your response to the executive producer, Sam Regi. Your response must contain an audio recording of yourself so we can get to know a bit about you. Try to keep it under 3 minutes, audio quality is not important. We want to know:
1. Who are you?
2. What would the title of your autobiography be?
3. Is there a personal challenge in your life that you are currently dealing with or are you undergoing a life change?
Contact:
sam.regi@4zzz.org.au
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco talks with Lauren Mcnee, audiologist with Audika. Over a third of Australians with hearing aids say their lives are 'happier' than before their diagnosis Despite almost half of all Australians being aware they have some degree of hearing loss, only one in five are planning to take a hearing test in the next 12 month Audika is encouraging Australians to 'Love your ears' and get their hearing tested this World Hearing Day (3 March 2022)
More info:
Audika
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Listen and learn how easy it is to promote your brand as a Vision Australia Radio sponsor. Find out more at https://radio.visionaustralia.org/sponsorship/sponsor-us call Jason on 0439 693 779 or email jason.gipps@visionaustralia.org
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco talks with Emma Bennison, ex CEO of Blind Citizens Australia. Emma shares her thoughts about her career so far, management, leadership and also international Women's Day.
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with David Gulley, South Australian Deputy Electoral Commissioner about how to make your vote count at the March 19th election.
You can find out more here:
Electoral Commission South Australia
1300 655 232
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Peter Greco interviews Katrina Taylor, President of the National Women's Branch of Blind Citizens Australia. Katrina shares her thoughts about the direction of the branch; International Women's Day; and an event discussing accessing personal finance information on 14th March 14 - this Event is for women only.
For more information: 1800 033 660
or email nwb@bca.org.au
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats Noam Hadas, founder and head of Research and Development at Ophthalmic Sciences. Noam is working on a device which will enable a person to test their own glaucoma reading.
Find out more here: Opthalmic Sciences
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In this podcast highlight, Ben Clare from Australia's national broadcaster the ABC invites people based in the NT and living with disability to share their stories in a forum taking place on March 16th. Expressions of interest can be made via email and to Ben via the following email address: clare.benjamin@abc.net.au
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"For me, International Women's Day is really important, because it is a day that we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political contributions of women. And it's an important day for celebrating women's achievements."
In this podcast highlight Peter Greco is joined by Karen Knight General Manager Client Services at Vision Australia to hear Karen's perspective on this annual event and to hear why everyone needs to be a part of positive change.
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Originally airing on “Leisure Link”, Peter Greco talks with Dina Bassile, creator of accessibility consultancy, Tibi Access about an upcoming new event, Groove Tunes. Some features include; Auslan interpreters, an accessible website, a lift to the stage and more!
Groove Tunes will showcase some of Melbourne's best artists and provide musicians living with a disability with the access and platform to showcase their work. At Melbourne's Corner Hotel on Saturday March 19, 7.30 pm.
More info:
Groove Tunes
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with Michelle Francisco, Vision Australia’s Quality Living Coordinator about VA’s Quality Living Program. The Quality Living Groups are a place where you can share your experiences, and learn more about the vision specific services that we provide in a supportive setting. Michelle discusses the benefits of joining a group, what groups are available and how to become involved.
More info:
Community Groups
1300 84 74 66
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The South Australian state election is on Saturday 19 March. Voting is compulsory. In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio's Peter Greco speaks to Deputy Electoral Commissioner David Gully to learn of voting options accessible to the blind and low vision community and the support that is available to make their vote count this election day.
Learn more via the following link: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/
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Being handed a 5-page braille book at the age of four was all the introduction Tess Herbert needed to immerse herself in reading.
“It was the first braille book I ever read and it was simply entitled Where’s Tessa? and I thought, wow, I’m in a book, I’m a celebrity,” Tess told Talking Vision host Sam Colley.
Reading braille books and writing in braille was all Tess knew for her first few years, as computers and touch-typing didn’t come into her life until 10 years old.
In this podcast, Tess shares her braille journey with Talking Vision host Sam Colley.
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In this interview highlight and originally aired on Talking Vision, Vision Australia Radio presenter and audio describer John Westland joins Sam Colley to celebrate World Radio Day which recently took place on Sunday the 13th of February, inaugurated by UNESCO in 2011 to commemorate the importance of radio as the medium reaching the widest audience in the world. #worldradioday
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with Angela Gallan from Mind Australia about Mental health and wellbeing hubs. The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. Even as Victoria reopens, it’s important to take care of your mental health and know that help is available near you.
All support is free and available to everyone of all ages right across Victoria, regardless of where you live.
More Info:
1300 375 330
Mind Australia
Mental Health Hub
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Hello and welcome to another conversation with Crime Stoppers Victoria. Following on from our weekly SafetyVision series in 2022, Lexie Jeuniewic now joins Vision Australia Radio's Peter Greco each month on his program to discuss crime issues affecting the community and sharing information that helps keep you safe.
On this episode, the Australian Government has partnered with Crime Stoppers Australia to launch a permanent national firearms amnesty to keep Australians safe while ensuring those with a legitimate need to access firearms are able to do so.
People who have an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item will be able to surrender it to a police station anonymously and without penalty, for registration, sale or destruction.
Learn more via the following web link: https://crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty/
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In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco took advantage of the upcoming World Radio Day celebrations to speak to Yvonne Milne, Senior Radio Station Manager for RNIB Connect Radio.
RNIB Connect Radio is a radio station serving the UK and provides a similar service to that of our own, Vision Australia Radio network. The broadcaster is funded primarily by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and also by other local councils.
Radio continues to be one of the most trusted and used media in the world, according to different international reports. The theme of the 2022 edition of World Radio Day is thus devoted to "Radio and Trust". Learn more about World Radio day via the following link: https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldradioday
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How's about US$25,000 towards your entrepreneurial goal? That’s the amazing cash prize you can win by entering the Holman Prize.
The global opportunity is now open for anyone who is blind or has low vision and has a unique idea to tackle. In this podcast highlight initially aired on Talking Vision, host Stella Glorie speaks to one of three 2021 Holman Prize winners on the opportunity she has been able to plan thanks to the winnings.
Maud Rowell, 25, hopes to travel across Japan independently including visits to rural and remote areas, solely by foot and public transportation to write a book.
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Peter Greco interviews founder of Vocal Art Studios, Liz Tripodi. Liz has been working professionally in the music industry for over 25 years. She has had extensive experience and training in all aspects of Performing Arts including Music, Recording, Songwriting, Dance and Television and has studied under some of the best Teachers in Australia as well as Music and Vocal Training in America and Europe.
More info:
Vocal Art Studios
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On December 3rd 2021, Vision Australia Radio went live with a special broadcast for the 2021 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival, presented by Disability Sport & Recreation. The broadcast was sponsored by City of Melbourne.
In this interview highlight from the day, Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco interviews Australian Paralympic, vision impaired, middle-distance athlete Jaryd Clifford. This is an interview encore that originally aired shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
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On December 3rd 2021, Vision Australia Radio went live with a special broadcast for the 2021 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Festival, presented by Disability Sport & Recreation. The broadcast was sponsored by City of Melbourne.
This is the full broadcast which started at 9:30am on International Day of People with Disability and it includes a range of interviews with community leaders and groups celebrating the event.
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco chats with Nikki Hind, a recent recipient of the 2021 National Awards for Disability Leadership.
Nikki Hind is Australia’s first legally blind fashion designer and the Founder of her fashion label Blind Grit. Nikki is also the Fashion Editor for Women Beyond Forty Magazine and Magazine, she is a Disability and Inclusion advisor and media consultant.
More info:
Blind Grit
Disability Leaders National Awards 2021
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Originally airing on “Leisure Link”, Peter Greco chats with Tim Devine, Executive Innovations Director at Action Audio. Action Audio works by turning spatial data from the Australian Open’s real time ball monitoring technology into 3D sound. The system emphasises ball speed and trajectory, proximity to line and shot type, and augments critical moments to allow blind and low vision audiences to follow the game without seeing the ball.
More info:
Action Audio
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This is '2021 The Year That Was' presented by Vision Australia Radio volunteers Melissa Dixon and Michael Harris.
The program is a look back at 2021. The big stories from a big year including politics (domestic, national and International), sport, the people we lost during the year plus general world news and more.
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In this podcast highlight, Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco speaks to Mark Baylis: Executive Direct, Personal Banking at NAB.
NAB is supporting Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve for the third year. NAB’s dedicated volunteers will be part of Vision Australia’s call centre, taking donations and answering questions.
Learn more and give to the Carols here: https://carols.visionaustralia.org/ or call 1300 84 74 66.
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In this interview highlight, we speak to Vision Australia manager of audio description Michael Ward to learn about audio description, how it will be offered at the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI and what Vision Australia clients can look forward to in 2022 by way of audio described events.
Vision Australia Radio's audio described simulcast of the Carols is sponsored by Belong, proudly behind Aussies with a print disability. It feels good to Belong. Visit belong.com.au to learn more.
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In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio presenter Peter Greco speaks to Belong Head of Brand, Comms & Culture Kelly Schulz to learn why not just audio description but also inclusion is so important to the brand, and why they are back to support our audio described Carols by Candlelight simulcast on Christmas Eve.
It feels good to Belong. Visit belong.com.au to learn more.
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In this interview highlight, Harriet Moffat speaks to Jason Gipps, Vision Australia Radio Community Partnerships Coordinator to learn more about the 2021 Vision Australia Radio Listener Survey. The Listener Survey is a chance to share your thoughts on our podcast and radio offerings, what you like, dislike and what you feel we could do better. Plus, if you choose to, you'll have the chance to win one of ten Amazon Echo Dots with Alexa. Here's the survey. t.ly/WIpV - T's & C's apply.
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In this interview highlight, Peter Greco speaks to Conrad Browne, Manager Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services to learn more about the 2021 Vision Australia Radio Listener Survey. The Listener Survey is a chance to share your thoughts on our podcast and radio offerings, what you like, dislike and what you feel we could do better. Plus, if you choose to, you'll have the chance to win one of ten Amazon Echo Dots with Alexa. Here's the survey. t.ly/WIpV - T's & C's apply.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.