May 15, 2025 • 52 mins
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
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S1 (00:05):
The Volunteer Annual 2025, a thank you booklet in celebration
of National Volunteer Week from Vision Australia. Blindness. Low vision. Opportunity.
This recording lasts for about 50 minutes. Here's what's inside.
Message from the acting CEO. A message from the Vision
(00:26):
Australia Volunteer Partnership team. The power of our volunteers and
a year of impact. The Ovation Awards. Back office volunteers.
Vision Australia. Audio describers. Client services. Volunteers. Fundraising volunteers. Vision
Australia radio and Seeing Eye Dogs volunteers.
S2 (00:49):
Message from the acting CEO. Vision Australia's mission is to
support people who are blind or have low vision, and
that's something we couldn't do without our amazing volunteers. Each
year we're fortunate enough to be supported by thousands of
people who give their time to make a difference in
the lives of people who are blind or have low
(01:11):
vision across Australia. I know our staff and clients are
always grateful for this selfless work, but it is important
we acknowledge the difference you make. This is why National
Volunteer Week and the entire month of May is the
time we go out of our way to say thank
you to each and every one of you that comes
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from everyone at Vision Australia, as there is no team
across our organisation that doesn't benefit from your contributions. From
manning reception desks across our offices to facilitating tele link groups,
bringing Vision Australia Radio to air, caring for seeing eye
dog puppies or supporting our client recreation and community groups,
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it's truly an amazing range of skills our volunteers bring
to our organization. What is also special about May is
celebrating the old and new faces that make up our volunteers.
Again this year, there will be many of our volunteers
marking milestones of five, ten or even 20 years and
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more are volunteering with us at the same time. It
is always so pleasing to acknowledge those who have recently
joined our volunteer ranks and the ongoing Support Vision Australia,
and by extension, the entire blind and low vision community,
receives once again from everyone at Vision Australia. Thank you
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for another year of support and I hope you enjoy
the Volunteer Annual, which puts the spotlight on everything our
volunteers do. Yours sincerely. Justine Heath. Vision Australia acting Chief
Executive Officer.
S3 (03:02):
A message from the Vision Australia Volunteer Partnership team. Between us,
we've had the privilege of working alongside Vision Australia volunteers
for nearly 40 years and it has been an incredible adventure.
Last year, as we farewelled our wonderful manager Cassie Hassell,
after more than 17 years of dedicated service, we stepped
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into this role together to lead the program and carry
forward the important work that was already underway while taking
on this responsibility. We've continued coordinating our own volunteer regions
because we love the work we do, both at a
local level and now on a national scale. We are
immensely proud of and grateful for every volunteer who gives
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their time, energy and passion to Vision Australia. Your dedication
makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of
people who are blind or have low vision, and we
cannot thank you enough. This volunteer annual magazine is a
testament to the spirit of collaboration made possible by the
kind contributions of clients, volunteers and staff who come together
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to share their stories and experiences. We hope you enjoy
reading it as much as we enjoyed seeing it come
to life. We look forward to many more conversations, catch
ups and the incredible work we will continue to do
together to create a positive impact in the blind and
low vision community. Thank you for being part of this
journey with us. Yours sincerely, Anastasia Devereaux Caputo and Pam Power.
(04:32):
Volunteer partnerships. Leads. Volunteer partnership coordinators.
S1 (04:38):
The power of our volunteers and a year of impact.
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. Over the last 12 months,
our volunteers have dedicated countless hours to the Vision Australia community,
including over 13,700 back office hours, over 39,600 client services hours,
(05:07):
over 2400 fundraising hours, over 39,200 Vision Australia radio hours,
over 2,600,000. Seeing Eye Dogs hours. That's over 2,700,000. Total hours.
In the past year, more than 1739 volunteers have generously
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contributed their time and skills across various areas of the organisation.
This is just a glimpse of the incredible impact they've made.
We appreciate every volunteer and the valuable contributions they make.
We also would like to extend a special thank you
to our long standing volunteers, whose dedication and commitment have
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made a lasting difference. Your continued support means so much.
We have 280 volunteers who have been volunteering with us
for ten or more years, 23 of whom have been
volunteering for 30 years or more. The Ovation Awards. Have
your say and make your vote count. The Ovation Awards
(06:13):
is Vision Australia's workforce recognition program, acknowledging those going above
and beyond to bring our values to life. Open to
paid staff and volunteers, the Ovation Awards recognise our colleagues,
paid and volunteer, going above and beyond to bring Vision
Australia's values to life. Nominations are open all year and
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will be included for consideration in the season award. Autumn, winter,
spring and summer closest to when they are received. The
nomination process is easy and can be completed online in
around ten minutes. If you know someone who deserves to
be recognised, nominate them now. Aside from an award and
the acclaim and acknowledgement of their peers and the organization.
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The winner also takes home a trophy and prize valued
at up to $2,000. If you know someone who deserves
to be recognized, nominate them now via the Ovation Award
nomination form. Picture caption Vision Australia Ovation Award 2024 end caption.
(07:16):
The volunteer of the Year Award 2024 and the winner
was an Gourds radio volunteer, Aubrey. Last year, the annual
Ovation Award Gala event lit up the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club,
bringing together members of the board and the leadership team,
past winners, as well as nominees and nominators from 2023
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for an evening of celebration, laughter and memories. Congratulations to
Anne Gourds, who took out the volunteer of the Year
Award 2024. With 15 years of service starting as a
Vision Australia volunteer in administration. Moving to reading to tapes,
then moving into radio. Anne has shown unwavering commitment to
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keeping all three Vision Radio on air. She not only
manages the station's roster, but often steps in herself to
ensure things run smoothly. Anne embodies true dedication and professionalism,
making a real difference every day. Although Anne couldn't attend
the gala, our Volunteer Partnerships Lead and Volunteer Partnerships Coordinator
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Pam Power accepted the award on Anne's behalf. Back in Albury,
Anne's team surprised her with a morning tea to present
her this award in person. Picture caption Anne proudly holding
her special trophy. End caption. Back office volunteers at Vision Australia.
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We are fortunate to have volunteers supporting various departments and
staff teams across the organisation, contributing to a wide range
of back office roles. This includes vital assistance in areas
such as our reception, where teams of reception hosts are
present every business day, as well as behind the scenes
roles including in data entry, research, offer support, finance, information technology, fundraising,
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client outreach and short term projects when needed. Staff feedback.
A quote from George. We want to take a moment
to acknowledge our appreciation for the incredible work our reception
volunteers do. Their constant smiles and positive attitude create such
a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. They handle every question
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with grace and diligence, ensuring that each person who walks
through our doors feels supported and valued. Without a doubt,
they are an essential part of our organisation and we
truly couldn't function without them. Their dedication doesn't go unnoticed
and we are so grateful for the care and commitment
they bring every day. End quote. Volunteer activity in audio production.
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Our volunteers also play an essential role in our library services,
from Braille production and transcription, including music proofreaders to supporting
our children's library through book production, circulation, and dispatch. Volunteers
are integral to these functions. Additionally, volunteers contribute to tech
related areas such as audio maintenance and fulfillment. They also
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assist in creating alternative formats of the written word, including audio, narration,
and proofreading for our audiobooks. Below, you'll find more details
on how volunteer support our audio production efforts. Over the
past 12 months, volunteer narrators and proofreaders assisted in the
creation of 1340 hours of audio content for our clients.
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This included 73 audiobooks and 90 magazines for library and
44 personal support titles for individual users. Client feedback. A
quote from Joy. I just want to let you know
how much I appreciate the hours of reading that. Go
into the magazines every month. Oh, how I love to
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sit back comfortably on my couch with a cuppa and
of course, something sweet to eat while I listen to
the faultless reading of these mags. They are read with
such expression and genuine interest in every single article. Thank
you all so very much. End quote. A quote from Judith.
The narrators were capable and confident. The book and their
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voices were a source of happiness. I feel beyond blessed
for your services. End quote. Volunteer feedback. A quote from Graham.
I love knowing that my voice helps make books more accessible,
creating a sense of connection and inclusion. It's a privilege
to share the power of storytelling and make a meaningful
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impact in people's lives. End quote. A quote from Marguerite.
It's a crazy fun thing to do. No financial remuneration.
That's the crazy part. Heaps of laughs. The fun part.
When I proofread audiobooks, I embark on different adventures in
the company of all sorts of authors who have put
their soul on the line to tell a good yarn.
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Fiction or non-fiction? They are all good yarns. Priceless. And
all the people at Vision Australia who enable this and
the other volunteers I meet are priceless. To end quote.
A quote from Andrew. What a delight it is to
be a volunteer reader at Vision Australia, to be granted
quiet time to read interesting texts, and to know that
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out there somewhere someone is going to be provoked or
intrigued or entertained by the words is a good feeling.
The whole atmosphere of the centre is very welcoming and
if that wasn't enough, there are free biscuits, though I
note none with chocolate. End quote. A quote from via.
I love knowing that my voice helps make books more accessible,
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creating a sense of connection and inclusion. It's a privilege
to share the power of storytelling and make a meaningful
impact in people's lives. End quote. A quote from Effie.
Volunteering brings me joy. It's the gift of giving back
to the community in my role. I'm able to reach
many isolated Greek people who have the opportunity to hear
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stories and articles read to them in their first language,
in which otherwise they would struggle to locate. End quote.
A quote from Bill. I appreciate the comradeship of other
narrators and the exposure to a variety of often very
interesting written material that I would probably not read under
other circumstances. End quote. A quote from Barry. It's the
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old story. You start out to give and end up receiving.
I get pleasure and gain knowledge from everything I read
for Vision Australia, Radio and the organisation more broadly, our
clients appreciation makes it extra special. End quote. A quote
from Helen reading for Vision Australia is something I look
forward to every week. Over the years, I've read so
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many interesting books and magazine articles that I never would
have considered. Then there is morning tea with my fellow narrators,
an erudite, humorous, terrific group. End quote. A quote from Natasha.
I first started narrating at Vision Australia after being fortunate
enough to have laser surgery on my eyes. I went
from -10 to 2020 overnight, and volunteering at Vision Australia
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seemed an appropriate step. I had always loved reading to
my children, but once they had enough of me doing that,
it was nice to find someone else who would appreciate it.
End quote. I quote from Pragati. When I was informed
about the audio production work that Vision Australia provided. My
first instinct was to think about myself and the wonderful
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growth opportunity this was for me as a voice artist,
but from the moment I took on the volunteering opportunity
and met the team, I almost instantly felt humbled that
I had been entrusted with effectively being someone's eyes and
on the other hand, the author's voice for their story.
What started as a way for me to gain experience
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ended up being so enriching. Once I let go and
started to read, I really got into it. I was
taken on a journey into the author's world, and did
my very best to share the same journey with the listeners.
I hope I did justice to storytelling and was able
to convey the emotions I experienced as a reader, so
that the listeners were able to experience what the authors
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had intended to say. Thank you to Vision Australia for
providing such a service for all parties. I am really grateful.
End quote. A quote from Jude. It has been a
joy to share both stories with fellow narrators and to
learn from their inspiring initiatives. Becoming a volunteer with Vision
Australia has sparked a deep curiosity in me, one that
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makes me wonder what other purposeful paths I might explore
beyond my current imagination. I am profoundly grateful to Vision
Australia for taking a chance on me, fostering a supportive
and professional environment where I can dream bigger and contribute
to its meaningful community impact. End quote. A quote from
Graham recording the narrative of a variety of requested books
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has been a life enriching exercise, offering diverse perspectives and
experiences I would not have otherwise read. Each book has
opened the door to a sometimes weird and wonderful assortment
of cultures and ideas, often fostering a new empathy and perspective.
I can only hope that those who listen to these
audiobooks enjoy them as much as I have recording them.
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End quote. Picture captions. Volunteer narrators Jonathan, Helen, Sharon, Bill
and Dennis. This illustrious group convene on a Wednesday for
morning tea in the Kooyong kitchen. These lively catch ups
are affectionately known as Wednesday Waffle. Volunteer proofreader Philippa at
work in one of the Kooyong studios, Philippa says I
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get to discover books I would not otherwise have known about.
There is the feel good aspect, as well as having
contributed to someone else's enlightenment and or enjoyment. End captions.
Vision Australia audio describers audio description provides people who are
blind or who have low vision, with an understanding of
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the visual aspects of a stage play. Volunteers who are
highly trained vision Australia audio describers vividly and succinctly describe transitions, movements, gestures, Props,
settings and costumes during pauses in on stage dialogue. Audio
description is delivered live, transmitted via a discrete receiver collected
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as you enter the theater. Tickets to audio described by
Vision Australia. Performances are purchased directly through the booking agent
at the time of booking. You request the audio Description
service to be allocated to your receiver. Did you know
that over the past 12 months, the audio Description service
at Vision Australia accumulated over 6500 volunteer hours with 148
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audio described performances at over 28 theatres. An extraordinary contribution
from our very skilled audio describer volunteers. Volunteer story. My
name is Joe. I'm 65 years old and live between
Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. I've been audio describing for
eight years. Our usual work involves describing ballet, opera, plays, musicals.
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We've also done the opening and closing ceremonies for the
Commonwealth Games, Christmas windows and installations, art galleries, fashion parades,
and even how to navigate around Brisbane train stations. My
mother in law lost her sight due to macular degeneration
and relied heavily on talking books. I quickly realised the
impact it made on her quality of life. I have
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always loved theatre and when the opportunity arose to apply
for a volunteer role with Vision Australia to audio describe
live theatre, I jumped at it. The interview process involved
describing a scene that Michael, manager of Audio Description Services, supplied.
After passing that first test, I attended a two day
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workshop which refined the skills needed and answered many of
my questions. The process of audio describing is very straightforward,
although the ease of delivery and the very many changes
with the production think Hamilton versus Sleeping Beauty makes it exciting.
Our guidelines are clear. We describe for our clients the details,
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the costumes, the set, the lighting. We do not interpret.
We do extensive notes on all of the above, including
a synopsis of the show, details about the cast, and
current reviews. These are sent out by Vision Australia well
before the ad performance when running time allows, so clients
can read and decide if this is something they would enjoy.
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We work in pairs. First we see the production as
part of the audience. Next, we sit together, usually in
a sound booth at the very back of the theatre
and begin to take notes, dividing the production into 20
to 30 minute segments. We then see the production one
more time, again in the sound booth, which helps us
refine our notes and gets our timing right. We try
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very much to not talk over dialogue or singing, but
sometimes this is unavoidable. On the day of the audio description.
We greet the clients while they are collecting their headsets
from the staff at Qpac. The staff then ensure all
is working by doing a test run once the clients
are seated. When the performance is finished, we go back
to where the headsets are handed back to get any feedback.
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Good or bad is very much encouraged. Overall, audio describing
has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has hopefully allowed
me to make a positive impact on our clients. Picture captions.
Volunteers Joe and Jane practice for sister act. Volunteer. Joe
preparing for sister Act. End captions. Client feedback. A quote
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from Louise Sydney. It's such a fantastic service. I just
love those people that describe and all that they do
for us. End quote. A quote from Lisa Brisbane. What
the describers do really goes a long way to make
opera more accessible. Thank you. End quote. A quote from
Karen Melbourne. As someone who loves the arts and with
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a deteriorating eye condition, I was thrilled to be able
to experience audio description at the theatre for the first time.
It made such a difference, especially in the darker scenes.
The audio description was fabulous. End quote. A quote from
Maria Sydney I attended My Fair Lady on Saturday with
the audio description by Vision Australia. The show was fantastic
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thanks to the lovely describers from VA providing audio description
throughout the show. They helped to paint a picture of
the stage and allowed me to understand the visual cues
given by the performers. All in all, another fantastic audio
description from Vision Australia. End quote. Volunteer feedback. A quote
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from Pam Sydney. Preparing for audio description is a more
intense way of viewing a production, in order to provide
our patrons with information to expand their experience. It requires
that I be aware of the critical links in the
story and how the actors are directed to convey the story.
I get the benefit of sharing the wonder of each
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production and enjoying amazing Australian talent. End quote. I quote
from Jane Brisbane. As a lover of live performance, the
notion of acting as a conduit between visually impaired theatre
goers and their fully immersive experience had great appeal. It
gives me such pleasure to dig deep into a show
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and provide through my voice the physical details of a
sight gag, the costumes, set or lighting, as well as
the nuances of facial expression and other gestures. I hope
I bring their visit to a theatre to its fullest potential.
End quote. I quote from Karen Sydney, I describe because
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I can make a difference to the experience of live
theatre by patrons who are blind or have low vision.
I enjoy the challenge of providing an effective description that
will assist them to access the visual elements of a
show that are important to their understanding and enjoyment of
the theatre. End quote. Client services. Volunteers at Vision Australia.
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Our volunteers provide invaluable support to people who are blind
or have low vision, both in person and remotely. Their
contributions make a meaningful impact in countless ways helping clients
stay connected, engaged, and supported in their daily lives. Many
of our volunteers assist with site based day programs, ensuring
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clients have the support they need to fully participate. From
driving clients to and from programs to assisting with scheduled
activities such as crafts, art and reading, their presence is essential.
Others facilitate and support community groups covering a wide range
of topics, from social support to sports and recreational activities
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beyond group settings. Some volunteers take on peer support roles,
acting as public speakers, leading telephone and quality living groups,
and providing guidance to individuals at different stages of vision
loss in our children and young people. Client services volunteers
assist with administrative tasks, craft activities, and school holiday programs. Meanwhile,
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in adult client services, personal support volunteers help with reading,
shopping and other daily tasks, ensuring that clients receive assistance
tailored to their needs and fostering their independence from childhood
to adulthood. Our volunteers play a vital role at every
stage of client support. Below are some examples of how
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they make a difference every day. Volunteer story. Belinda began
volunteering in our Bendigo Day program in client services in
2019 and quickly became a valued member of the team.
Her lived experience with low vision brought a unique and
insightful perspective, and the group appreciated having someone who could
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relate to their challenges. Belinda was always eager to help
in any part of the program, demonstrating that low vision
doesn't prevent her from assisting and supporting others. As time passed,
a volunteer administration role became available and Belinda was quick
to step forward. It wasn't long before her dedication and
skills made her an integral part of the client services team.
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Along with her invaluable contributions, Belinda's delicious baked treats became
a beloved part of the program. Adding a personal touch
that further endeared her to everyone, the team quickly recognized
Belinda's exceptional organizational abilities, empathy and connection with clients. Her
work ethic and positive attitude led the program manager to
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offer her a temporary staff position, confident in her ability
to make a real impact. Feedback from the team consistently
praises Belinda for her dedication, organizational skills and ability to
foster a welcoming and supportive environment for clients. Belinda continues
to be a shining example of how lived experience can
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enhance both the quality of the program and the lives
of those involved. Volunteer feedback. A quote from Shell Queensland
volunteering is something I always like to do. Although various
careers and employment situations haven't provided me with the opportunity
to be able to commit to a volunteer role, after
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joining Vision Australia, I was provided with a perfect opportunity.
I've helped older folk with reading their mail, volunteered at
events and now as a tele link facilitator. To get started,
I undertook the training and now facilitate a group once
a fortnight. I appreciate being able to provide an opportunity
for a small group of clients to join in via
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the phone for regular catch up. While my role is
more just to address the formalities of roll call, etc.,
I get to experience a great bond and friendship shared
by the participants. They are so supportive of each other.
Have really lovely life stories to share, remembering what they
all talked about last time and all while living in
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various parts of the country. End quote. Tele link program
tele link is our virtual social program that connects like
minded people across a wide range of interest areas nationally,
either through telephone or video conferencing. It is a complimentary
service available to Vision Australia clients aged 18 and over.
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Spaces on groups connected by teleconference have a limit of
12 members. Groups of clients are linked together for an
hour long facilitated group session, Possession, either via the phone
or through video conferencing, depending on the program. These are
delivered either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. A skilled volunteer facilitates
and may connect the discussion and is there to keep
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the conversation fun and interesting. Volunteers facilitate a diverse range
of subject matter topics. Activity based and language groups, and
make it possible for clients to socially engage with other
like minded people. We have programs for everyone. We also
deliver special topic specific interest programs in January and July
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each year. We sincerely thank you on behalf of the
over 700 clients who participate in the over 95 tele
link groups each week, fortnight and month. Volunteers play an
essential role in the success of the Tele Link program
at Vision Australia. 2025 marks 45 years of the tele
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link program and volunteers have been there since day one.
Clients consistently tell us how much they value the volunteers
who work in the Telelink program and express. They feel
the volunteers endure a safe and welcoming environment during each session.
Over the last 12 months, volunteers have provided 6276 hours
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facilitating and connecting Telelink groups nationally. The Telelink program prides
itself on the contribution volunteers make towards ensuring their groups
are inclusive and provide adults who are blind or have
low vision, the opportunity to interact with others who share
similar interests and linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Volunteer story. Margaret
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became a Vision Australia volunteer to help people. What she
didn't expect was to make lifelong friends. After spending much
of her career working as a teacher, Margaret joined Vision
Australia in June 2023, initially to assist with one off
events whilst she downsized her property portfolio and moved into
her full time home on the Central Coast of New
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South Wales. Margaret sat across a table from the volunteer
partnerships coordinator in Gosford, telling him that she had a
lot going on and wasn't sure how much time she
would have to commit. She had undertaken some work with
children with vision loss as a teacher and found it
extremely satisfying, but had retired some time ago and was
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unsure what she brought to the table now. Margaret wasn't
sure what she wanted to do, only that she wanted
to help people in her community. Fast forward to 2025,
and Margaret has now assisted with many meaningful events that
have greatly benefited the blind and low vision community in
New South Wales. She is an active group leader across
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multiple groups on the Central Coast, as well as a
tele link facilitator running an extremely successful weekly book club.
Staff feedback. A quote from Maria Telelink, Program Coordinator. The
Telelink program greatly benefits from having Margaret on board when
she takes on a task. She goes all in researching
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everything there is to know about that topic, and our
clients greatly enjoy her enthusiasm. We could use more. Margaret's
end quote. A quote from Jordan, volunteer partnerships coordinator. Her
personality is infectious. I know I can rely on her
when I need help with anything. Margaret is the first
to put her hand up, and I know I am
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going to get someone who will not only research and
prepare for the volunteer task, but will also check in
on other volunteers and myself to make sure we are
not overwhelmed on the day of the activity. End quote.
Client feedback. A quote from Dawn Margaret makes it her
personal mission to give the very best to those she
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is assisting. She not only cares for their experience, but
she also takes a vested interest in their long term development.
She doesn't support as much as she empowers, and she
manages to do this without coming across as too much
of a retired teacher. Whether it be assisting our Seeing
Eye Dogs team at community engagement stalls, guiding families around
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Sydney Zoo, partaking in sensory art and play at the
Art Gallery of New South Wales, guiding people on and
off sailboats in Sydney with sailability or working pit lane
at the blind speed track day at Eastern Creek, Margaret
thrives taking on new volunteer opportunities, working with our clients.
What she does for our blind and low vision community
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is not a one way street though. End quote. Volunteer feedback.
A quote from Margaret I came to Vision Australia at
a time in my life where there was a fair
bit of transition. What I found as a result were
friendships that I have no doubt will last me a lifetime.
People with sight loss have welcomed me into their lives
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and made me part of their communities, and I couldn't
be more grateful for this. It's not what I had
expected when I first sat down with a volunteer partnerships coordinator,
but it has truly enriched my life. I love the
purpose it has and the traits it has rekindled in me,
that thirst for knowledge and engagement that is triggered when
I prep for my tele link book club. That sense
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of personal satisfaction that I get every time I see
someone with vision loss, enjoying something new, or the pride
I feel when a community trusts me to advocate on
their behalf, knowing that they are the most resilient bunch
I have ever met. These are felt daily in my
volunteer role, and they continue to push me to be
the best I can be in both my personal and
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volunteer life. I have a fierce camaraderie with the Vision
Australia staff I work alongside. I love being a Vision
Australia volunteer. I feel they have been available whenever I
have needed them. I see the amazing work they are
doing and how it benefits Vision Australia clients, and I
genuinely couldn't recommend the volunteer experience with Vision Australia more.
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End quote. Fundraising volunteers be part of our exciting events
at Vision Australia. We are fortunate to host a wide
range of events throughout the year, all made possible by
the incredible support of our volunteers. Whether at a national
level through major fundraising events or locally where specific departments
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hold special gatherings, our volunteers play a key role in
making these events a success. From large scale fundraising efforts
like Santa Fun Run, held across multiple states at Christmas
to the Bendigo Easter Hunt during Easter in Victoria, our
events are diverse and engaging. Each one offers unique experiences
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with volunteer roles ranging from events set up and pack
down to greeting guests, providing guidance and orientation, assisting with registration,
and offering general event support. Some of our other exciting
annual local events include the Writers Festival in May, Iris Circle,
Gifts in Wills, Thank You gatherings, and family days for
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our younger clients and their families. We want to extend
our heartfelt thanks to our incredible pool of event volunteers,
who consistently lend their time and energy to make these
events a success. Your dedication allows us to create memorable
and meaningful experiences for our clients, supporters, and community. Whether
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you'd like to contribute once a year or get involved
multiple times, there are plenty of opportunities to support these
important events. If you're interested in joining our event volunteer
team or helping spread the word, we'd love to hear
from you. Picture caption. Vision Australia clients, staff and families
at the 2024 Santa Fun Run. and caption. Vision Australia
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Radio Melbourne Over 120 volunteers support the Vision Australia Radio
Melbourne service, delivering a wide variety of reading and specialist
programs for the local community of interest and for the
Vision Australia radio network. The Vision Australia Radio Melbourne service
broadcasts in the Melbourne, Victoria region, providing access to news
(36:41):
and information through local news, reading programmes and specialist programmes
for Melbourne and Victoria's blind and low vision community and
print disabled community. It also operates simulcast services for Warragul
and Warrnambool via the Melbourne service Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne
broadcasts 24 hours of local content generated by over 120
(37:04):
Vision Australia, Radio Melbourne Volunteers Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne maintains
connections with community organisations in Melbourne and Victoria through promoting
their services and organisations on air through community service announcements.
Ksas interviews and outside broadcasts. Vision Australia radio Melbourne broadcast
(37:24):
approximately 125 ksas per week locally and via networked programs
that cover both local disability and not for profit organisations,
including Midsummer Festival 2024 and 2025, children's ground wear at
Yellow World Braille Day 2024 and 2025 World Sight Day
(37:46):
Blind Australian of the Year awards go volunteer, Kangaroo Flats
Uniting Church, World Radio Day Focus on ability short film festival,
Cancer Council Victoria presentation day, International Day of People with
a disability, ageing with Grace, Strength to Give and National
Reconciliation Week 2024. In January 2025 Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne
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started the year with our Midsummer Accessibility Partnership, broadcasting live
from Carnival Day, and encouraged our community to head down
and enjoy other events within the festival. Aided by our
audio accessible program guide produced and supplied to midsummer, we
also simulcast the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam and promoted
(38:33):
the All Abilities Day. Encouraging our blind and low vision
listeners to attend this international sporting event and get involved.
Picture captions Conrad Brown, manager, Vision Australia Radio and Audio
Services and Vision Australia radio team and a listener's post-it
note that says I love listening to Vision Australia Radio
(38:55):
on 1170 9 a.m.. As a superfan of community radio
as well. End captions regional Victoria and Albury. There are
143 registered volunteers at Vision Australia Radio Geelong, Albury, Bendigo
and Shepparton who volunteer an average of over 255 hours
(39:16):
per week. A huge thank you to volunteers John and
Barry from Bendigo for their dedication to producing Inside Voice.
A powerful new program sharing readings from writings by currently
and previously incarcerated individuals, as well as those who have
experienced detention. Your commitment to giving voice to these stories
(39:36):
is truly commendable. We also warmly welcome our new volunteers
from Geelong, Joe, Annie and Kate, who are taking on
the production of Time of Your Life, a program dedicated
to seniors. Your time and effort in bringing this important
content to the airwaves are deeply appreciated. We also acknowledge
the incredible Shepparton Radio volunteers who were nominated for the
(39:59):
Greater Shepparton City Council Volunteer Recognition Awards, highlighting their dedication
and contribution to the community. A special thank you to
all who attended the awards ceremony in May 2020 for
celebrating the spirit of volunteerism in Shepparton. Your hard work
and commitment continue to make a meaningful impact, and we
(40:19):
appreciate everything you do to keep Vision Australia Radio thriving
in this region. We extend our deepest gratitude to Anna
Marie for her outstanding dedication and tireless contributions to Vision
Australia Radio in Geelong. Beyond her role as a presenter,
Anna Marie takes on multiple responsibilities, including serving as an
(40:41):
advisory committee member, presenter, trainer and mentor, even going the
extra mile to produce the training manual. Anna Marie represents
and advocates with passion, all while managing additional administrative tasks
to help keep Geelong's airwaves running smoothly. Her commitment, leadership
and generosity of spirit make a lasting impact on both
(41:02):
the station and the wider community. Community radio thrives because
of passionate volunteers like you all. Thank you for your contributions.
Picture caption. Vision Australia radio news reader team certificate. End
caption Adelaide there are 110 registered volunteers at Vision Australia
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Radio Adelaide who volunteered over 9000 hours in the last
12 months. Peter, who has been a volunteer broadcaster for
almost 25 years, volunteered over 650 hours last year. Listener
feedback quotes. The station continues to provide an important service
(41:45):
and allows me to access written material when I otherwise
wouldn't be able to. It gives me news and information,
and also items and programs of interest which would not
be available to me otherwise. The variety of programs and
the quality of the presenters is excellent. I particularly like
the current affairs and interview based shows. The topics are
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always of interest and topical. I like how there are
numerous programs so I know I will find something I enjoy.
I also appreciate how it shows inclusivity for people with
vision loss. I also love that it is produced by volunteers.
End quotes. Perth at Vision Australia, Radio Perth we are
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proud to have a close knit team of 69 dedicated
volunteers who bring enthusiasm, commitment and a strong sense of
teamwork to everything they do. Their passion for supporting our
audience and mission is evident in the way they continuously
seek growth, embrace feedback and challenge themselves to develop new skills,
often surpassing their own expectations. We are incredibly grateful for
(42:52):
their hard work and proud of everything we accomplish together
each day. Below are just a few examples of the
passion and dedication that make our volunteer team so exceptional.
Volunteer feedback. A quote from Simon. I've been a volunteer
program creator and presenter for about 12 months and I
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love it. As I've just turned 60 years old, the
age where many of my peers are thinking about slowing
down or retiring. Well, I've just begun the best job,
and I'm looking forward to the future and am really
enjoying my involvement with this new and exciting job. I'm
vision impaired and have either been underemployed or unemployed for
(43:33):
large portions of my life, and it is great to
be in a role that I find so rewarding, fulfilling,
and something I feel very natural at. I feel very
pleased and proud that Vision Australia, Radio Perth have given
me this opportunity and hope to do them proud also.
Thanks and much appreciation. End quote. Quote from Geraldine. If
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you are thinking about volunteering, go for it. When I
signed up as a volunteer with Vision Australia, I thought
it would just be something useful with which to fill
up a few hours each week. Instead, it has become
an absorbing avenue for applying skills I thought would never
be needed in retirement. I know I get much more
out of my involvement with Happy Pants than I contribute,
(44:17):
and the talented and supportive group which makes up the
team ensures that participation in the program is a joy
and the highlight of my week. Good friends, good company
and something useful to contribute. What more could one want?
End quote. I quote from Peter. After years of being
a tandem pilot for blind cycling partners, my legs could
(44:38):
no longer do the talking. Vision Australia Radio Perth gave
me the opportunity to do talking of a different kind
behind a microphone to a specific audience, by hopefully being
an uplifting host on a local early morning news program,
reading serious reports across the network, producing and presenting a
weekly virtual travel and music show. I gained Structure, skills, knowledge, patience, confidence,
(45:04):
friends and learnt to have a thick skin. My aim
to inform, entertain and brighten up the days of our listeners.
It is a privilege to be invited into their homes
via the airwaves at this stage in my tour de life.
Being a volunteer at Vision Australia is a good thing.
End quote. Vision Australia, Radio Perth highlights. Happy pants. Winner
(45:30):
of the 2024 Community Broadcasting of Australia Award for Best Program.
Talks over 112 episodes produced and the program has been
running for three years. One year from Melbourne, two from Perth.
This half hour program promises to entertain and inspire children
under ten years of age who are blind or have
(45:51):
low vision. Tune in each week to hear immersive stories
and music, learn new dance moves and fun facts about
animals and the world around us. Plain sight. A program
where we highlight people who are making a positive impact
within their community, and more specifically, the disability sector. Shining
(46:11):
a light on those who might be hidden in plain sight. Sights,
sounds and songs. Cbaa. Nominated for Best Program and New
at the 2024 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Awards. Zigzag
around the globe and discover fascinating facts and experience local
(46:31):
culture and music at each stop. Picture caption volunteers of
our Vision Australia Radio Perth team. End caption. Seeing eye
dogs volunteers, Vision Australia. Seeing Eye Dogs provides tailored training
and mobility aids to empower people who are blind or
(46:52):
have low vision to move with greater freedom and confidence
through a careful matching process. We pair pay our clients
with a seeing eye dog that best suits their lifestyle.
Ensuring they gain not only a trusted companion, but also
a vital partner in independence. For those experiencing challenges in
navigating their surroundings due to blindness or low vision, a
(47:13):
seeing eye dog can be life changing, enhancing mobility, confidence,
and the ability to take on new opportunities to make
each partnership a success. We take great care in understanding
our client's needs, ensuring that every match supports their active
and independent lifestyle. Below, you'll find an inspiring story from
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one of our dedicated volunteer puppy carers, offering a glimpse
into the incredible journey of raising and preparing future Seeing
Eye dogs. Volunteer story volunteer Harriet. Being a Seeing Eye
Dogs volunteer isn't just about the dogs. We make connections
with each and every dog in our care, whether it's
(47:55):
for a few days, a few months, or a few years,
as well as the carers that have these dogs in
their homes. Many of our carers say that caring is
like a family. We meet littermates of the dogs we've raised.
We share our struggles and wins with carers of other
puppies and understand how each puppy is different. One of
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the best things about caring is the people you meet
and the stories you hear. I've become walking buddies with
a carer I ran into at my local beach during
Covid lockdown in 2020. Since then, we've gone beyond the
five kilometre radius and have gone for many coffees, attended
galleries and exhibitions and walked across Melbourne with various pups
(48:36):
we've had across a few years. I've made friends with
other Seeing Eye Dogs carers from Instagram, and found we
share more than just a love of dogs. I've enjoyed dinners,
coffees and message exchanges with people who are blind or
have low vision, who now work with dogs I've raised.
Other carers have too. It's not a guarantee that you'll
connect with the client. But carers have met up with
(48:58):
handlers across Australia and bonded over shared love and appreciation
of a dog. You meet amazing people across the organisation,
including staff, clients and other volunteers. People with different histories
and backgrounds, those who are doing uni out of high
school and those who are retired grandparents. Some of them
have fascinating jobs and other passions which you discover when
(49:21):
speaking with them at a group session. Our trainers make
it so easy to connect to the community through group walks.
We go into the city and parks with lovely on
lead walking trails for dog distraction training. Shopping centres and
one of my personal favourites. The ferry trip, which along
Bayside and Mornington Peninsula carers gather for group obedience and
(49:41):
lunch after the session. We share a common passion and
although we've all got different stories, we bond over these
dogs and the goal of raising seeing eye dogs for
people who are blind or have low vision. I take
a lot of pride in what I do as a
seeing eye dog volunteer, both in the successes I've seen
with dogs who have graduated and in the micro-goals where
(50:02):
each puppy grows and learns so quickly in my home.
It's something really special to be part of. Picture caption
volunteer Harriet with her seeing eye dog puppy in training.
End caption. Thank you for reading. We hope you've enjoyed
exploring the many inspiring and insightful stories of how volunteers
(50:26):
have contributed to Vision Australia across different areas of our
organisation throughout 2024 to 2025. Your dedication and impact continue
to make a real difference in the lives of people
who are blind or have low vision. If you have
a story you'd like to share in a future edition
of this magazine, we'd love to hear from you. Please
(50:46):
reach out to your local volunteer Partnerships coordinator or contact
the National Volunteering Partnerships Office at volunteer services at Vision Australia.
Thank you for being part of our volunteer community. We
look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.
You have been listening to the Volunteer Annual 2025. This
(51:09):
recording has been produced by Vision Australia in 2025. In
the interests of information accessibility, care has been taken in
the recording of this publication. But Vision Australia does not
accept responsibility for the results of specific action taken on
the basis of this recording, nor for any error or omission.
This recording is copyright. No unauthorized copying, broadcasting or public
(51:33):
performance is permitted. Your narrators were David Tredinnick, Lisa Rogers,
and Elaine Carter. This concludes the recording.
S4 (51:46):
Vision Australia. Blindness.
S5 (51:48):
Low vision.
S6 (51:49):
Opportunity.
The Volunteer Annual 2025, a thank you booklet in celebration
of National Volunteer Week from Vision Australia. Blindness. Low vision. Opportunity.
This recording lasts for about 50 minutes. Here's what's inside.
Message from the acting CEO. A message from the Vision
(00:26):
Australia Volunteer Partnership team. The power of our volunteers and
a year of impact. The Ovation Awards. Back office volunteers.
Vision Australia. Audio describers. Client services. Volunteers. Fundraising volunteers. Vision
Australia radio and Seeing Eye Dogs volunteers.
S2 (00:49):
Message from the acting CEO. Vision Australia's mission is to
support people who are blind or have low vision, and
that's something we couldn't do without our amazing volunteers. Each
year we're fortunate enough to be supported by thousands of
people who give their time to make a difference in
the lives of people who are blind or have low
(01:11):
vision across Australia. I know our staff and clients are
always grateful for this selfless work, but it is important
we acknowledge the difference you make. This is why National
Volunteer Week and the entire month of May is the
time we go out of our way to say thank
you to each and every one of you that comes
(01:34):
from everyone at Vision Australia, as there is no team
across our organisation that doesn't benefit from your contributions. From
manning reception desks across our offices to facilitating tele link groups,
bringing Vision Australia Radio to air, caring for seeing eye
dog puppies or supporting our client recreation and community groups,
(01:58):
it's truly an amazing range of skills our volunteers bring
to our organization. What is also special about May is
celebrating the old and new faces that make up our volunteers.
Again this year, there will be many of our volunteers
marking milestones of five, ten or even 20 years and
(02:20):
more are volunteering with us at the same time. It
is always so pleasing to acknowledge those who have recently
joined our volunteer ranks and the ongoing Support Vision Australia,
and by extension, the entire blind and low vision community,
receives once again from everyone at Vision Australia. Thank you
(02:43):
for another year of support and I hope you enjoy
the Volunteer Annual, which puts the spotlight on everything our
volunteers do. Yours sincerely. Justine Heath. Vision Australia acting Chief
Executive Officer.
S3 (03:02):
A message from the Vision Australia Volunteer Partnership team. Between us,
we've had the privilege of working alongside Vision Australia volunteers
for nearly 40 years and it has been an incredible adventure.
Last year, as we farewelled our wonderful manager Cassie Hassell,
after more than 17 years of dedicated service, we stepped
(03:23):
into this role together to lead the program and carry
forward the important work that was already underway while taking
on this responsibility. We've continued coordinating our own volunteer regions
because we love the work we do, both at a
local level and now on a national scale. We are
immensely proud of and grateful for every volunteer who gives
(03:45):
their time, energy and passion to Vision Australia. Your dedication
makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of
people who are blind or have low vision, and we
cannot thank you enough. This volunteer annual magazine is a
testament to the spirit of collaboration made possible by the
kind contributions of clients, volunteers and staff who come together
(04:08):
to share their stories and experiences. We hope you enjoy
reading it as much as we enjoyed seeing it come
to life. We look forward to many more conversations, catch
ups and the incredible work we will continue to do
together to create a positive impact in the blind and
low vision community. Thank you for being part of this
journey with us. Yours sincerely, Anastasia Devereaux Caputo and Pam Power.
(04:32):
Volunteer partnerships. Leads. Volunteer partnership coordinators.
S1 (04:38):
The power of our volunteers and a year of impact.
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. Over the last 12 months,
our volunteers have dedicated countless hours to the Vision Australia community,
including over 13,700 back office hours, over 39,600 client services hours,
(05:07):
over 2400 fundraising hours, over 39,200 Vision Australia radio hours,
over 2,600,000. Seeing Eye Dogs hours. That's over 2,700,000. Total hours.
In the past year, more than 1739 volunteers have generously
(05:30):
contributed their time and skills across various areas of the organisation.
This is just a glimpse of the incredible impact they've made.
We appreciate every volunteer and the valuable contributions they make.
We also would like to extend a special thank you
to our long standing volunteers, whose dedication and commitment have
(05:50):
made a lasting difference. Your continued support means so much.
We have 280 volunteers who have been volunteering with us
for ten or more years, 23 of whom have been
volunteering for 30 years or more. The Ovation Awards. Have
your say and make your vote count. The Ovation Awards
(06:13):
is Vision Australia's workforce recognition program, acknowledging those going above
and beyond to bring our values to life. Open to
paid staff and volunteers, the Ovation Awards recognise our colleagues,
paid and volunteer, going above and beyond to bring Vision
Australia's values to life. Nominations are open all year and
(06:33):
will be included for consideration in the season award. Autumn, winter,
spring and summer closest to when they are received. The
nomination process is easy and can be completed online in
around ten minutes. If you know someone who deserves to
be recognised, nominate them now. Aside from an award and
the acclaim and acknowledgement of their peers and the organization.
(06:56):
The winner also takes home a trophy and prize valued
at up to $2,000. If you know someone who deserves
to be recognized, nominate them now via the Ovation Award
nomination form. Picture caption Vision Australia Ovation Award 2024 end caption.
(07:16):
The volunteer of the Year Award 2024 and the winner
was an Gourds radio volunteer, Aubrey. Last year, the annual
Ovation Award Gala event lit up the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club,
bringing together members of the board and the leadership team,
past winners, as well as nominees and nominators from 2023
(07:38):
for an evening of celebration, laughter and memories. Congratulations to
Anne Gourds, who took out the volunteer of the Year
Award 2024. With 15 years of service starting as a
Vision Australia volunteer in administration. Moving to reading to tapes,
then moving into radio. Anne has shown unwavering commitment to
(07:59):
keeping all three Vision Radio on air. She not only
manages the station's roster, but often steps in herself to
ensure things run smoothly. Anne embodies true dedication and professionalism,
making a real difference every day. Although Anne couldn't attend
the gala, our Volunteer Partnerships Lead and Volunteer Partnerships Coordinator
(08:21):
Pam Power accepted the award on Anne's behalf. Back in Albury,
Anne's team surprised her with a morning tea to present
her this award in person. Picture caption Anne proudly holding
her special trophy. End caption. Back office volunteers at Vision Australia.
(08:42):
We are fortunate to have volunteers supporting various departments and
staff teams across the organisation, contributing to a wide range
of back office roles. This includes vital assistance in areas
such as our reception, where teams of reception hosts are
present every business day, as well as behind the scenes
roles including in data entry, research, offer support, finance, information technology, fundraising,
(09:09):
client outreach and short term projects when needed. Staff feedback.
A quote from George. We want to take a moment
to acknowledge our appreciation for the incredible work our reception
volunteers do. Their constant smiles and positive attitude create such
a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. They handle every question
(09:32):
with grace and diligence, ensuring that each person who walks
through our doors feels supported and valued. Without a doubt,
they are an essential part of our organisation and we
truly couldn't function without them. Their dedication doesn't go unnoticed
and we are so grateful for the care and commitment
they bring every day. End quote. Volunteer activity in audio production.
(09:58):
Our volunteers also play an essential role in our library services,
from Braille production and transcription, including music proofreaders to supporting
our children's library through book production, circulation, and dispatch. Volunteers
are integral to these functions. Additionally, volunteers contribute to tech
related areas such as audio maintenance and fulfillment. They also
(10:20):
assist in creating alternative formats of the written word, including audio, narration,
and proofreading for our audiobooks. Below, you'll find more details
on how volunteer support our audio production efforts. Over the
past 12 months, volunteer narrators and proofreaders assisted in the
creation of 1340 hours of audio content for our clients.
(10:43):
This included 73 audiobooks and 90 magazines for library and
44 personal support titles for individual users. Client feedback. A
quote from Joy. I just want to let you know
how much I appreciate the hours of reading that. Go
into the magazines every month. Oh, how I love to
(11:05):
sit back comfortably on my couch with a cuppa and
of course, something sweet to eat while I listen to
the faultless reading of these mags. They are read with
such expression and genuine interest in every single article. Thank
you all so very much. End quote. A quote from Judith.
The narrators were capable and confident. The book and their
(11:28):
voices were a source of happiness. I feel beyond blessed
for your services. End quote. Volunteer feedback. A quote from Graham.
I love knowing that my voice helps make books more accessible,
creating a sense of connection and inclusion. It's a privilege
to share the power of storytelling and make a meaningful
(11:50):
impact in people's lives. End quote. A quote from Marguerite.
It's a crazy fun thing to do. No financial remuneration.
That's the crazy part. Heaps of laughs. The fun part.
When I proofread audiobooks, I embark on different adventures in
the company of all sorts of authors who have put
their soul on the line to tell a good yarn.
(12:12):
Fiction or non-fiction? They are all good yarns. Priceless. And
all the people at Vision Australia who enable this and
the other volunteers I meet are priceless. To end quote.
A quote from Andrew. What a delight it is to
be a volunteer reader at Vision Australia, to be granted
quiet time to read interesting texts, and to know that
(12:34):
out there somewhere someone is going to be provoked or
intrigued or entertained by the words is a good feeling.
The whole atmosphere of the centre is very welcoming and
if that wasn't enough, there are free biscuits, though I
note none with chocolate. End quote. A quote from via.
I love knowing that my voice helps make books more accessible,
(12:58):
creating a sense of connection and inclusion. It's a privilege
to share the power of storytelling and make a meaningful
impact in people's lives. End quote. A quote from Effie.
Volunteering brings me joy. It's the gift of giving back
to the community in my role. I'm able to reach
many isolated Greek people who have the opportunity to hear
(13:20):
stories and articles read to them in their first language,
in which otherwise they would struggle to locate. End quote.
A quote from Bill. I appreciate the comradeship of other
narrators and the exposure to a variety of often very
interesting written material that I would probably not read under
other circumstances. End quote. A quote from Barry. It's the
(13:44):
old story. You start out to give and end up receiving.
I get pleasure and gain knowledge from everything I read
for Vision Australia, Radio and the organisation more broadly, our
clients appreciation makes it extra special. End quote. A quote
from Helen reading for Vision Australia is something I look
forward to every week. Over the years, I've read so
(14:07):
many interesting books and magazine articles that I never would
have considered. Then there is morning tea with my fellow narrators,
an erudite, humorous, terrific group. End quote. A quote from Natasha.
I first started narrating at Vision Australia after being fortunate
enough to have laser surgery on my eyes. I went
from -10 to 2020 overnight, and volunteering at Vision Australia
(14:31):
seemed an appropriate step. I had always loved reading to
my children, but once they had enough of me doing that,
it was nice to find someone else who would appreciate it.
End quote. I quote from Pragati. When I was informed
about the audio production work that Vision Australia provided. My
first instinct was to think about myself and the wonderful
(14:53):
growth opportunity this was for me as a voice artist,
but from the moment I took on the volunteering opportunity
and met the team, I almost instantly felt humbled that
I had been entrusted with effectively being someone's eyes and
on the other hand, the author's voice for their story.
What started as a way for me to gain experience
(15:13):
ended up being so enriching. Once I let go and
started to read, I really got into it. I was
taken on a journey into the author's world, and did
my very best to share the same journey with the listeners.
I hope I did justice to storytelling and was able
to convey the emotions I experienced as a reader, so
that the listeners were able to experience what the authors
(15:34):
had intended to say. Thank you to Vision Australia for
providing such a service for all parties. I am really grateful.
End quote. A quote from Jude. It has been a
joy to share both stories with fellow narrators and to
learn from their inspiring initiatives. Becoming a volunteer with Vision
Australia has sparked a deep curiosity in me, one that
(15:57):
makes me wonder what other purposeful paths I might explore
beyond my current imagination. I am profoundly grateful to Vision
Australia for taking a chance on me, fostering a supportive
and professional environment where I can dream bigger and contribute
to its meaningful community impact. End quote. A quote from
Graham recording the narrative of a variety of requested books
(16:21):
has been a life enriching exercise, offering diverse perspectives and
experiences I would not have otherwise read. Each book has
opened the door to a sometimes weird and wonderful assortment
of cultures and ideas, often fostering a new empathy and perspective.
I can only hope that those who listen to these
audiobooks enjoy them as much as I have recording them.
(16:44):
End quote. Picture captions. Volunteer narrators Jonathan, Helen, Sharon, Bill
and Dennis. This illustrious group convene on a Wednesday for
morning tea in the Kooyong kitchen. These lively catch ups
are affectionately known as Wednesday Waffle. Volunteer proofreader Philippa at
work in one of the Kooyong studios, Philippa says I
(17:07):
get to discover books I would not otherwise have known about.
There is the feel good aspect, as well as having
contributed to someone else's enlightenment and or enjoyment. End captions.
Vision Australia audio describers audio description provides people who are
blind or who have low vision, with an understanding of
(17:29):
the visual aspects of a stage play. Volunteers who are
highly trained vision Australia audio describers vividly and succinctly describe transitions, movements, gestures, Props,
settings and costumes during pauses in on stage dialogue. Audio
description is delivered live, transmitted via a discrete receiver collected
(17:49):
as you enter the theater. Tickets to audio described by
Vision Australia. Performances are purchased directly through the booking agent
at the time of booking. You request the audio Description
service to be allocated to your receiver. Did you know
that over the past 12 months, the audio Description service
at Vision Australia accumulated over 6500 volunteer hours with 148
(18:14):
audio described performances at over 28 theatres. An extraordinary contribution
from our very skilled audio describer volunteers. Volunteer story. My
name is Joe. I'm 65 years old and live between
Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. I've been audio describing for
eight years. Our usual work involves describing ballet, opera, plays, musicals.
(18:40):
We've also done the opening and closing ceremonies for the
Commonwealth Games, Christmas windows and installations, art galleries, fashion parades,
and even how to navigate around Brisbane train stations. My
mother in law lost her sight due to macular degeneration
and relied heavily on talking books. I quickly realised the
impact it made on her quality of life. I have
(19:02):
always loved theatre and when the opportunity arose to apply
for a volunteer role with Vision Australia to audio describe
live theatre, I jumped at it. The interview process involved
describing a scene that Michael, manager of Audio Description Services, supplied.
After passing that first test, I attended a two day
(19:22):
workshop which refined the skills needed and answered many of
my questions. The process of audio describing is very straightforward,
although the ease of delivery and the very many changes
with the production think Hamilton versus Sleeping Beauty makes it exciting.
Our guidelines are clear. We describe for our clients the details,
(19:44):
the costumes, the set, the lighting. We do not interpret.
We do extensive notes on all of the above, including
a synopsis of the show, details about the cast, and
current reviews. These are sent out by Vision Australia well
before the ad performance when running time allows, so clients
can read and decide if this is something they would enjoy.
(20:06):
We work in pairs. First we see the production as
part of the audience. Next, we sit together, usually in
a sound booth at the very back of the theatre
and begin to take notes, dividing the production into 20
to 30 minute segments. We then see the production one
more time, again in the sound booth, which helps us
refine our notes and gets our timing right. We try
(20:29):
very much to not talk over dialogue or singing, but
sometimes this is unavoidable. On the day of the audio description.
We greet the clients while they are collecting their headsets
from the staff at Qpac. The staff then ensure all
is working by doing a test run once the clients
are seated. When the performance is finished, we go back
to where the headsets are handed back to get any feedback.
(20:51):
Good or bad is very much encouraged. Overall, audio describing
has been an incredibly rewarding experience and has hopefully allowed
me to make a positive impact on our clients. Picture captions.
Volunteers Joe and Jane practice for sister act. Volunteer. Joe
preparing for sister Act. End captions. Client feedback. A quote
(21:18):
from Louise Sydney. It's such a fantastic service. I just
love those people that describe and all that they do
for us. End quote. A quote from Lisa Brisbane. What
the describers do really goes a long way to make
opera more accessible. Thank you. End quote. A quote from
Karen Melbourne. As someone who loves the arts and with
(21:41):
a deteriorating eye condition, I was thrilled to be able
to experience audio description at the theatre for the first time.
It made such a difference, especially in the darker scenes.
The audio description was fabulous. End quote. A quote from
Maria Sydney I attended My Fair Lady on Saturday with
the audio description by Vision Australia. The show was fantastic
(22:04):
thanks to the lovely describers from VA providing audio description
throughout the show. They helped to paint a picture of
the stage and allowed me to understand the visual cues
given by the performers. All in all, another fantastic audio
description from Vision Australia. End quote. Volunteer feedback. A quote
(22:25):
from Pam Sydney. Preparing for audio description is a more
intense way of viewing a production, in order to provide
our patrons with information to expand their experience. It requires
that I be aware of the critical links in the
story and how the actors are directed to convey the story.
I get the benefit of sharing the wonder of each
(22:45):
production and enjoying amazing Australian talent. End quote. I quote
from Jane Brisbane. As a lover of live performance, the
notion of acting as a conduit between visually impaired theatre
goers and their fully immersive experience had great appeal. It
gives me such pleasure to dig deep into a show
(23:06):
and provide through my voice the physical details of a
sight gag, the costumes, set or lighting, as well as
the nuances of facial expression and other gestures. I hope
I bring their visit to a theatre to its fullest potential.
End quote. I quote from Karen Sydney, I describe because
(23:26):
I can make a difference to the experience of live
theatre by patrons who are blind or have low vision.
I enjoy the challenge of providing an effective description that
will assist them to access the visual elements of a
show that are important to their understanding and enjoyment of
the theatre. End quote. Client services. Volunteers at Vision Australia.
(23:50):
Our volunteers provide invaluable support to people who are blind
or have low vision, both in person and remotely. Their
contributions make a meaningful impact in countless ways helping clients
stay connected, engaged, and supported in their daily lives. Many
of our volunteers assist with site based day programs, ensuring
(24:11):
clients have the support they need to fully participate. From
driving clients to and from programs to assisting with scheduled
activities such as crafts, art and reading, their presence is essential.
Others facilitate and support community groups covering a wide range
of topics, from social support to sports and recreational activities
(24:34):
beyond group settings. Some volunteers take on peer support roles,
acting as public speakers, leading telephone and quality living groups,
and providing guidance to individuals at different stages of vision
loss in our children and young people. Client services volunteers
assist with administrative tasks, craft activities, and school holiday programs. Meanwhile,
(24:57):
in adult client services, personal support volunteers help with reading,
shopping and other daily tasks, ensuring that clients receive assistance
tailored to their needs and fostering their independence from childhood
to adulthood. Our volunteers play a vital role at every
stage of client support. Below are some examples of how
(25:19):
they make a difference every day. Volunteer story. Belinda began
volunteering in our Bendigo Day program in client services in
2019 and quickly became a valued member of the team.
Her lived experience with low vision brought a unique and
insightful perspective, and the group appreciated having someone who could
(25:40):
relate to their challenges. Belinda was always eager to help
in any part of the program, demonstrating that low vision
doesn't prevent her from assisting and supporting others. As time passed,
a volunteer administration role became available and Belinda was quick
to step forward. It wasn't long before her dedication and
skills made her an integral part of the client services team.
(26:04):
Along with her invaluable contributions, Belinda's delicious baked treats became
a beloved part of the program. Adding a personal touch
that further endeared her to everyone, the team quickly recognized
Belinda's exceptional organizational abilities, empathy and connection with clients. Her
work ethic and positive attitude led the program manager to
(26:26):
offer her a temporary staff position, confident in her ability
to make a real impact. Feedback from the team consistently
praises Belinda for her dedication, organizational skills and ability to
foster a welcoming and supportive environment for clients. Belinda continues
to be a shining example of how lived experience can
(26:46):
enhance both the quality of the program and the lives
of those involved. Volunteer feedback. A quote from Shell Queensland
volunteering is something I always like to do. Although various
careers and employment situations haven't provided me with the opportunity
to be able to commit to a volunteer role, after
(27:09):
joining Vision Australia, I was provided with a perfect opportunity.
I've helped older folk with reading their mail, volunteered at
events and now as a tele link facilitator. To get started,
I undertook the training and now facilitate a group once
a fortnight. I appreciate being able to provide an opportunity
for a small group of clients to join in via
(27:31):
the phone for regular catch up. While my role is
more just to address the formalities of roll call, etc.,
I get to experience a great bond and friendship shared
by the participants. They are so supportive of each other.
Have really lovely life stories to share, remembering what they
all talked about last time and all while living in
(27:53):
various parts of the country. End quote. Tele link program
tele link is our virtual social program that connects like
minded people across a wide range of interest areas nationally,
either through telephone or video conferencing. It is a complimentary
service available to Vision Australia clients aged 18 and over.
(28:16):
Spaces on groups connected by teleconference have a limit of
12 members. Groups of clients are linked together for an
hour long facilitated group session, Possession, either via the phone
or through video conferencing, depending on the program. These are
delivered either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. A skilled volunteer facilitates
and may connect the discussion and is there to keep
(28:39):
the conversation fun and interesting. Volunteers facilitate a diverse range
of subject matter topics. Activity based and language groups, and
make it possible for clients to socially engage with other
like minded people. We have programs for everyone. We also
deliver special topic specific interest programs in January and July
(29:00):
each year. We sincerely thank you on behalf of the
over 700 clients who participate in the over 95 tele
link groups each week, fortnight and month. Volunteers play an
essential role in the success of the Tele Link program
at Vision Australia. 2025 marks 45 years of the tele
(29:20):
link program and volunteers have been there since day one.
Clients consistently tell us how much they value the volunteers
who work in the Telelink program and express. They feel
the volunteers endure a safe and welcoming environment during each session.
Over the last 12 months, volunteers have provided 6276 hours
(29:42):
facilitating and connecting Telelink groups nationally. The Telelink program prides
itself on the contribution volunteers make towards ensuring their groups
are inclusive and provide adults who are blind or have
low vision, the opportunity to interact with others who share
similar interests and linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Volunteer story. Margaret
(30:06):
became a Vision Australia volunteer to help people. What she
didn't expect was to make lifelong friends. After spending much
of her career working as a teacher, Margaret joined Vision
Australia in June 2023, initially to assist with one off
events whilst she downsized her property portfolio and moved into
her full time home on the Central Coast of New
(30:27):
South Wales. Margaret sat across a table from the volunteer
partnerships coordinator in Gosford, telling him that she had a
lot going on and wasn't sure how much time she
would have to commit. She had undertaken some work with
children with vision loss as a teacher and found it
extremely satisfying, but had retired some time ago and was
(30:47):
unsure what she brought to the table now. Margaret wasn't
sure what she wanted to do, only that she wanted
to help people in her community. Fast forward to 2025,
and Margaret has now assisted with many meaningful events that
have greatly benefited the blind and low vision community in
New South Wales. She is an active group leader across
(31:08):
multiple groups on the Central Coast, as well as a
tele link facilitator running an extremely successful weekly book club.
Staff feedback. A quote from Maria Telelink, Program Coordinator. The
Telelink program greatly benefits from having Margaret on board when
she takes on a task. She goes all in researching
(31:30):
everything there is to know about that topic, and our
clients greatly enjoy her enthusiasm. We could use more. Margaret's
end quote. A quote from Jordan, volunteer partnerships coordinator. Her
personality is infectious. I know I can rely on her
when I need help with anything. Margaret is the first
to put her hand up, and I know I am
(31:52):
going to get someone who will not only research and
prepare for the volunteer task, but will also check in
on other volunteers and myself to make sure we are
not overwhelmed on the day of the activity. End quote.
Client feedback. A quote from Dawn Margaret makes it her
personal mission to give the very best to those she
(32:12):
is assisting. She not only cares for their experience, but
she also takes a vested interest in their long term development.
She doesn't support as much as she empowers, and she
manages to do this without coming across as too much
of a retired teacher. Whether it be assisting our Seeing
Eye Dogs team at community engagement stalls, guiding families around
(32:35):
Sydney Zoo, partaking in sensory art and play at the
Art Gallery of New South Wales, guiding people on and
off sailboats in Sydney with sailability or working pit lane
at the blind speed track day at Eastern Creek, Margaret
thrives taking on new volunteer opportunities, working with our clients.
What she does for our blind and low vision community
(32:58):
is not a one way street though. End quote. Volunteer feedback.
A quote from Margaret I came to Vision Australia at
a time in my life where there was a fair
bit of transition. What I found as a result were
friendships that I have no doubt will last me a lifetime.
People with sight loss have welcomed me into their lives
(33:20):
and made me part of their communities, and I couldn't
be more grateful for this. It's not what I had
expected when I first sat down with a volunteer partnerships coordinator,
but it has truly enriched my life. I love the
purpose it has and the traits it has rekindled in me,
that thirst for knowledge and engagement that is triggered when
I prep for my tele link book club. That sense
(33:43):
of personal satisfaction that I get every time I see
someone with vision loss, enjoying something new, or the pride
I feel when a community trusts me to advocate on
their behalf, knowing that they are the most resilient bunch
I have ever met. These are felt daily in my
volunteer role, and they continue to push me to be
the best I can be in both my personal and
(34:04):
volunteer life. I have a fierce camaraderie with the Vision
Australia staff I work alongside. I love being a Vision
Australia volunteer. I feel they have been available whenever I
have needed them. I see the amazing work they are
doing and how it benefits Vision Australia clients, and I
genuinely couldn't recommend the volunteer experience with Vision Australia more.
(34:27):
End quote. Fundraising volunteers be part of our exciting events
at Vision Australia. We are fortunate to host a wide
range of events throughout the year, all made possible by
the incredible support of our volunteers. Whether at a national
level through major fundraising events or locally where specific departments
(34:50):
hold special gatherings, our volunteers play a key role in
making these events a success. From large scale fundraising efforts
like Santa Fun Run, held across multiple states at Christmas
to the Bendigo Easter Hunt during Easter in Victoria, our
events are diverse and engaging. Each one offers unique experiences
(35:10):
with volunteer roles ranging from events set up and pack
down to greeting guests, providing guidance and orientation, assisting with registration,
and offering general event support. Some of our other exciting
annual local events include the Writers Festival in May, Iris Circle,
Gifts in Wills, Thank You gatherings, and family days for
(35:32):
our younger clients and their families. We want to extend
our heartfelt thanks to our incredible pool of event volunteers,
who consistently lend their time and energy to make these
events a success. Your dedication allows us to create memorable
and meaningful experiences for our clients, supporters, and community. Whether
(35:52):
you'd like to contribute once a year or get involved
multiple times, there are plenty of opportunities to support these
important events. If you're interested in joining our event volunteer
team or helping spread the word, we'd love to hear
from you. Picture caption. Vision Australia clients, staff and families
at the 2024 Santa Fun Run. and caption. Vision Australia
(36:18):
Radio Melbourne Over 120 volunteers support the Vision Australia Radio
Melbourne service, delivering a wide variety of reading and specialist
programs for the local community of interest and for the
Vision Australia radio network. The Vision Australia Radio Melbourne service
broadcasts in the Melbourne, Victoria region, providing access to news
(36:41):
and information through local news, reading programmes and specialist programmes
for Melbourne and Victoria's blind and low vision community and
print disabled community. It also operates simulcast services for Warragul
and Warrnambool via the Melbourne service Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne
broadcasts 24 hours of local content generated by over 120
(37:04):
Vision Australia, Radio Melbourne Volunteers Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne maintains
connections with community organisations in Melbourne and Victoria through promoting
their services and organisations on air through community service announcements.
Ksas interviews and outside broadcasts. Vision Australia radio Melbourne broadcast
(37:24):
approximately 125 ksas per week locally and via networked programs
that cover both local disability and not for profit organisations,
including Midsummer Festival 2024 and 2025, children's ground wear at
Yellow World Braille Day 2024 and 2025 World Sight Day
(37:46):
Blind Australian of the Year awards go volunteer, Kangaroo Flats
Uniting Church, World Radio Day Focus on ability short film festival,
Cancer Council Victoria presentation day, International Day of People with
a disability, ageing with Grace, Strength to Give and National
Reconciliation Week 2024. In January 2025 Vision Australia. Radio Melbourne
(38:12):
started the year with our Midsummer Accessibility Partnership, broadcasting live
from Carnival Day, and encouraged our community to head down
and enjoy other events within the festival. Aided by our
audio accessible program guide produced and supplied to midsummer, we
also simulcast the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam and promoted
(38:33):
the All Abilities Day. Encouraging our blind and low vision
listeners to attend this international sporting event and get involved.
Picture captions Conrad Brown, manager, Vision Australia Radio and Audio
Services and Vision Australia radio team and a listener's post-it
note that says I love listening to Vision Australia Radio
(38:55):
on 1170 9 a.m.. As a superfan of community radio
as well. End captions regional Victoria and Albury. There are
143 registered volunteers at Vision Australia Radio Geelong, Albury, Bendigo
and Shepparton who volunteer an average of over 255 hours
(39:16):
per week. A huge thank you to volunteers John and
Barry from Bendigo for their dedication to producing Inside Voice.
A powerful new program sharing readings from writings by currently
and previously incarcerated individuals, as well as those who have
experienced detention. Your commitment to giving voice to these stories
(39:36):
is truly commendable. We also warmly welcome our new volunteers
from Geelong, Joe, Annie and Kate, who are taking on
the production of Time of Your Life, a program dedicated
to seniors. Your time and effort in bringing this important
content to the airwaves are deeply appreciated. We also acknowledge
the incredible Shepparton Radio volunteers who were nominated for the
(39:59):
Greater Shepparton City Council Volunteer Recognition Awards, highlighting their dedication
and contribution to the community. A special thank you to
all who attended the awards ceremony in May 2020 for
celebrating the spirit of volunteerism in Shepparton. Your hard work
and commitment continue to make a meaningful impact, and we
(40:19):
appreciate everything you do to keep Vision Australia Radio thriving
in this region. We extend our deepest gratitude to Anna
Marie for her outstanding dedication and tireless contributions to Vision
Australia Radio in Geelong. Beyond her role as a presenter,
Anna Marie takes on multiple responsibilities, including serving as an
(40:41):
advisory committee member, presenter, trainer and mentor, even going the
extra mile to produce the training manual. Anna Marie represents
and advocates with passion, all while managing additional administrative tasks
to help keep Geelong's airwaves running smoothly. Her commitment, leadership
and generosity of spirit make a lasting impact on both
(41:02):
the station and the wider community. Community radio thrives because
of passionate volunteers like you all. Thank you for your contributions.
Picture caption. Vision Australia radio news reader team certificate. End
caption Adelaide there are 110 registered volunteers at Vision Australia
(41:25):
Radio Adelaide who volunteered over 9000 hours in the last
12 months. Peter, who has been a volunteer broadcaster for
almost 25 years, volunteered over 650 hours last year. Listener
feedback quotes. The station continues to provide an important service
(41:45):
and allows me to access written material when I otherwise
wouldn't be able to. It gives me news and information,
and also items and programs of interest which would not
be available to me otherwise. The variety of programs and
the quality of the presenters is excellent. I particularly like
the current affairs and interview based shows. The topics are
(42:06):
always of interest and topical. I like how there are
numerous programs so I know I will find something I enjoy.
I also appreciate how it shows inclusivity for people with
vision loss. I also love that it is produced by volunteers.
End quotes. Perth at Vision Australia, Radio Perth we are
(42:28):
proud to have a close knit team of 69 dedicated
volunteers who bring enthusiasm, commitment and a strong sense of
teamwork to everything they do. Their passion for supporting our
audience and mission is evident in the way they continuously
seek growth, embrace feedback and challenge themselves to develop new skills,
often surpassing their own expectations. We are incredibly grateful for
(42:52):
their hard work and proud of everything we accomplish together
each day. Below are just a few examples of the
passion and dedication that make our volunteer team so exceptional.
Volunteer feedback. A quote from Simon. I've been a volunteer
program creator and presenter for about 12 months and I
(43:12):
love it. As I've just turned 60 years old, the
age where many of my peers are thinking about slowing
down or retiring. Well, I've just begun the best job,
and I'm looking forward to the future and am really
enjoying my involvement with this new and exciting job. I'm
vision impaired and have either been underemployed or unemployed for
(43:33):
large portions of my life, and it is great to
be in a role that I find so rewarding, fulfilling,
and something I feel very natural at. I feel very
pleased and proud that Vision Australia, Radio Perth have given
me this opportunity and hope to do them proud also.
Thanks and much appreciation. End quote. Quote from Geraldine. If
(43:56):
you are thinking about volunteering, go for it. When I
signed up as a volunteer with Vision Australia, I thought
it would just be something useful with which to fill
up a few hours each week. Instead, it has become
an absorbing avenue for applying skills I thought would never
be needed in retirement. I know I get much more
out of my involvement with Happy Pants than I contribute,
(44:17):
and the talented and supportive group which makes up the
team ensures that participation in the program is a joy
and the highlight of my week. Good friends, good company
and something useful to contribute. What more could one want?
End quote. I quote from Peter. After years of being
a tandem pilot for blind cycling partners, my legs could
(44:38):
no longer do the talking. Vision Australia Radio Perth gave
me the opportunity to do talking of a different kind
behind a microphone to a specific audience, by hopefully being
an uplifting host on a local early morning news program,
reading serious reports across the network, producing and presenting a
weekly virtual travel and music show. I gained Structure, skills, knowledge, patience, confidence,
(45:04):
friends and learnt to have a thick skin. My aim
to inform, entertain and brighten up the days of our listeners.
It is a privilege to be invited into their homes
via the airwaves at this stage in my tour de life.
Being a volunteer at Vision Australia is a good thing.
End quote. Vision Australia, Radio Perth highlights. Happy pants. Winner
(45:30):
of the 2024 Community Broadcasting of Australia Award for Best Program.
Talks over 112 episodes produced and the program has been
running for three years. One year from Melbourne, two from Perth.
This half hour program promises to entertain and inspire children
under ten years of age who are blind or have
(45:51):
low vision. Tune in each week to hear immersive stories
and music, learn new dance moves and fun facts about
animals and the world around us. Plain sight. A program
where we highlight people who are making a positive impact
within their community, and more specifically, the disability sector. Shining
(46:11):
a light on those who might be hidden in plain sight. Sights,
sounds and songs. Cbaa. Nominated for Best Program and New
at the 2024 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Awards. Zigzag
around the globe and discover fascinating facts and experience local
(46:31):
culture and music at each stop. Picture caption volunteers of
our Vision Australia Radio Perth team. End caption. Seeing eye
dogs volunteers, Vision Australia. Seeing Eye Dogs provides tailored training
and mobility aids to empower people who are blind or
(46:52):
have low vision to move with greater freedom and confidence
through a careful matching process. We pair pay our clients
with a seeing eye dog that best suits their lifestyle.
Ensuring they gain not only a trusted companion, but also
a vital partner in independence. For those experiencing challenges in
navigating their surroundings due to blindness or low vision, a
(47:13):
seeing eye dog can be life changing, enhancing mobility, confidence,
and the ability to take on new opportunities to make
each partnership a success. We take great care in understanding
our client's needs, ensuring that every match supports their active
and independent lifestyle. Below, you'll find an inspiring story from
(47:34):
one of our dedicated volunteer puppy carers, offering a glimpse
into the incredible journey of raising and preparing future Seeing
Eye dogs. Volunteer story volunteer Harriet. Being a Seeing Eye
Dogs volunteer isn't just about the dogs. We make connections
with each and every dog in our care, whether it's
(47:55):
for a few days, a few months, or a few years,
as well as the carers that have these dogs in
their homes. Many of our carers say that caring is
like a family. We meet littermates of the dogs we've raised.
We share our struggles and wins with carers of other
puppies and understand how each puppy is different. One of
(48:16):
the best things about caring is the people you meet
and the stories you hear. I've become walking buddies with
a carer I ran into at my local beach during
Covid lockdown in 2020. Since then, we've gone beyond the
five kilometre radius and have gone for many coffees, attended
galleries and exhibitions and walked across Melbourne with various pups
(48:36):
we've had across a few years. I've made friends with
other Seeing Eye Dogs carers from Instagram, and found we
share more than just a love of dogs. I've enjoyed dinners,
coffees and message exchanges with people who are blind or
have low vision, who now work with dogs I've raised.
Other carers have too. It's not a guarantee that you'll
connect with the client. But carers have met up with
(48:58):
handlers across Australia and bonded over shared love and appreciation
of a dog. You meet amazing people across the organisation,
including staff, clients and other volunteers. People with different histories
and backgrounds, those who are doing uni out of high
school and those who are retired grandparents. Some of them
have fascinating jobs and other passions which you discover when
(49:21):
speaking with them at a group session. Our trainers make
it so easy to connect to the community through group walks.
We go into the city and parks with lovely on
lead walking trails for dog distraction training. Shopping centres and
one of my personal favourites. The ferry trip, which along
Bayside and Mornington Peninsula carers gather for group obedience and
(49:41):
lunch after the session. We share a common passion and
although we've all got different stories, we bond over these
dogs and the goal of raising seeing eye dogs for
people who are blind or have low vision. I take
a lot of pride in what I do as a
seeing eye dog volunteer, both in the successes I've seen
with dogs who have graduated and in the micro-goals where
(50:02):
each puppy grows and learns so quickly in my home.
It's something really special to be part of. Picture caption
volunteer Harriet with her seeing eye dog puppy in training.
End caption. Thank you for reading. We hope you've enjoyed
exploring the many inspiring and insightful stories of how volunteers
(50:26):
have contributed to Vision Australia across different areas of our
organisation throughout 2024 to 2025. Your dedication and impact continue
to make a real difference in the lives of people
who are blind or have low vision. If you have
a story you'd like to share in a future edition
of this magazine, we'd love to hear from you. Please
(50:46):
reach out to your local volunteer Partnerships coordinator or contact
the National Volunteering Partnerships Office at volunteer services at Vision Australia.
Thank you for being part of our volunteer community. We
look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.
You have been listening to the Volunteer Annual 2025. This
(51:09):
recording has been produced by Vision Australia in 2025. In
the interests of information accessibility, care has been taken in
the recording of this publication. But Vision Australia does not
accept responsibility for the results of specific action taken on
the basis of this recording, nor for any error or omission.
This recording is copyright. No unauthorized copying, broadcasting or public
(51:33):
performance is permitted. Your narrators were David Tredinnick, Lisa Rogers,
and Elaine Carter. This concludes the recording.
S4 (51:46):
Vision Australia. Blindness.
S5 (51:48):
Low vision.
S6 (51:49):
Opportunity.
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