Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

On FOCAL POINT:

• Anne-Marie Banfield, First Nations Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia,  wrapped up The Vision 2020/Guide Dogs Victoria,  National Reconciliation Week "All In as Allies, From Good Intentions to Meaningful Action"
• Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about retail crime - the impact on those working in the industry; owners; those people shopping, and how taking notice of some happe...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Annette Sutherland is this year's very worthy recipient of the Tammy Axelsen's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Round Table on information Access for People with a Print Disability.  Annette's vast array of contributions include guidelines for producing accessible graphics and being part of the Sydney Braille Forum - enabling students who are blind or have low vision access to information in braille,
• Ma...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead.
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more
• Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know what they will be featuring at ...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.  Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with the
  Pilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle.
• Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2 Arts, had news on audio-des...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -  attended by campers from all around Australia.
• Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse.
• Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day.
• Emma Lawrence, Operations Director for Kids Alive, launched fr...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS. 
• Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.  Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensington Gardens, from 10am. , all we...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Iconyx, a proud Indigenous award-winning singer/song writer, chatted about an illustrious career so far and the recently released album Black on Track - as well as being on the ABC's The piano.
• Sophie Slattery, assistance dog Instructor at See Differently, spoke about the 12 years of Operation K-9 - a program making huge difference to our returned service people better manage PTSAID. The program is funded by DV...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Molly Smith, has returned with the Aussie Belles Goalball team from Europe.  Molly was equal highest goal scorer in the tournament, and the team placed 3rd,
• Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, had news on events and activities, including, volunteering opportunities; walking groups; 10 pin bowling; "moving into dance" can do from a chair and a sausage sizzle at the Windsore Gardens Bunnings.
• Kristy Sti...

On FOCAL POINT: 

• Aasha Rose is a PHD student at the University of Southern Queensland doing research into braille literacy and people's quality of life.  Aasha would love you to take part in the survey. (Available under "Resources" in the podcast notes.
• Jude Gafney, Audio Description Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, with news on the tactile tour and audio description of RBG of Many - about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  ...

On Focal Point:

• Susan Harris,  was legally blind until 6 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis, then Susan's sight returned, shared Susan's lived experiences, Susan works with TwinView Health, providing support services to individuals with  vision impairment, those on the NDIS, My aged Care and veterans, 08 8166 2686 https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.twinviewhealth.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!GLaEHonikK8-G56gxA1nPfTwiQX...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr James Daley, Medical Director Pathology Services
   from the Redcross Blood Bank, had news on new eye drops developed from donated blood,  AlloSED, with incredible results.
• Bradley Brider, Australian Blind cricketer, is off to New Zealand with the South Australian team and friends to play and help the game thrive,
• Erin Mortimer performed on the ABC's show "The Piano".  Erin spoke about the st...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Tony Clark, Mayor of the Hepburn Shire Council, spoke about the challenges; lessons learnt and  achievements to attain this Role as well as a number of portfolio positions Tony holds.
• Rachel, from marketing at Beyond Blindness, paid tribute to 4 volunteers recently recognised for over 89 years combiner valued service - other volunteer roles available.
• Mona Hemsley, Head of Audiology at Audika, shared resea...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar,
  Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, gave us an insight into how popular the game is in India for athletes and how well it is supported and the opportunities the game enables, a blind cricket version of IPL?
• Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with information about  Next Level Creative Mentorships (A $3,000 project funding); "The Chronicles" Audio...

  On FOCAL POINT:

• Scott Dixon Smith took part in Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Scot was accompanied by his guide dog Pretzel, from Guide Dogs NSW & ACT - Guide with Pride.
• Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer from the City of Campbelltown invited all to a free audio-described Fringe Festival Event, Connection a visual art exhibition that looks at how we relate to each other, to the places we li...

On FOCAL POINT:

• Nicola Ettridge is a highly respected and accomplished advocate. Nicola talked about losing her hearing at 21 and then becoming the advocate; support; role model and leader. Nicole also reflected on International Women's Day, and work finding employment opportunities for people of all abilities, especially in non metropolitan Australia.
• Dr Frances Gentle, chatted about the joint ICEVI and WBU global braille lit...

 On FOCAL POINT:

• Dr Kari Seeley is a researcher from Curtin University who  invited all Audio Description users & creators in Australia to share their experiences and thoughts about AD -  in March, in person and also online if you choose. (Details under Resources in the Podcast Notes)
• Rachel from Marketing, at Beyond Blindness, had news on a Wills and Estates information session; the travel club; news from t...

 On FOCAL POINT:

• Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, released research for World Cancer Day. This Research showing the grim news that First Nations Australians are dying at far higher rates from blood cancer, and challenged all to take part in the world's greatest Shave.
• Skye Bee, Operations Manager for Access 2 Arts, invited all to Celebrate the Opening of Fringe 2026 with an Intimate Aboriginal...

On FOCAL POINT:

• David Rice OAM, recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for his  roles as  voluntary Treasurer for ICEVI Pacific, SPEVI; and Round Table On Information Access For People With Print Disabilities.
• Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared information to help children be safe  -especially as they return to school.
• Jeremy Moses, comedian, invited all to his season during the Adelaide...