September 23, 2025 • 28 mins
Sam speaks to Myra Woodley from Vision Australia and Mikaela Day from Kay and Burton about the upcoming Santa Fun Run, taking place on 22 November at the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. You can find out more about the Santa Fun Run and grab you early bird tickets by heading to the Santa Fun Run website.
You'll also hear from blind and low vision indoor skydiver Tom Kennedy, he catches up with Sam to chat about his first indoor skydiving competition, meeting with fellow indoor skydiver Jo Cabot and much more.
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Episode Transcript
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S1 (00:21):
From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's
your host, Sam Colley.
S2 (00:31):
Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And
for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness
and low vision.
S3 (00:39):
When they found out that we needed three people with
blindness or low vision for it to qualify for the
international ranking. Chris from Adaptive Athlete Academy was looking for
other vision impaired people, and Joe came across his radar.
So then Joe was obviously very keen to get into
the sport. And so yeah, Joe and I were able
to meet in Sydney and it was just such an
(00:59):
amazing person who has her heart set on so many goals.
S2 (01:03):
Welcome to the program. This week we feature Myra Woodley
from Vision Australia and Michaela Day from the Ken Burton Foundation.
They're here to chat to me about the upcoming Santa
Fun Run, taking place on the 22nd of November at
(01:23):
the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. Then after that, you'll hear
from Tom Kennedy. Now, Tom is a teammate of Joe Cabot,
who you heard from a couple of weeks ago, indoor
para skydiver Tom. He recently took part in his first competition,
(01:46):
and he caught up with me to chat all about it.
And then after that, you'll hear from Francis Kelland. She
drops in for a reader recommended to wrap up the show.
I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision.
Coming up in just under two months time, the Santa
(02:10):
Fun Run is taking place on the 22nd of November
at the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. And if you sign
up before the 13th of October, you'll benefit from the
early bird prices to grab a ticket to the event.
(02:31):
To tell us more about the Santa Fun Run, it's
my great pleasure to welcome Vision Australia's Community Fundraising Coordinator
Moira Woodley, alongside director of the Kaonde Burton Foundation, Michela
de Mora. Michaela, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very
(02:54):
much for your time.
S4 (02:55):
Thank you for having us.
S2 (02:57):
Now, Moira, I'll start with you. Could you tell us
a little bit about the Santa fun run for people
who may not be aware.
S5 (03:05):
Vision Australia. Santa Fun Run is a Christmas tradition which
you can run with. This is our third year with
this magical event, and we welcome everyone to join us
once again and invite your friends and family to take part.
It's a really fun opportunity to grab your favorite Christmas
clothes and join a sea of Santas for a run,
a stroll, or a walk around Melbourne's beautiful tan track.
(03:25):
It's a really festive day full of live entertainment, kids giveaways.
We've got our children's and Young People team there, we've
got raffles, Santa and of course our beautiful Seeing Eye
dog puppies.
S2 (03:38):
Oh, wonderful. Now, Michaela, I'll come to you and, um,
have a little bit of a chat about why Kay
and Burton got involved with the Santa Fun run.
S4 (03:50):
Sure. So I proudly sit on the board of the
Burton Foundation, and this is our second year partnering with
Vision Australia for the Santa Fun Run and Carols by Candlelight.
We really thought this would be an incredible partnership, and
after last year, we couldn't be more thrilled to be
coming back on board. We are coming on this year
(04:11):
as the major partner for Santa Fun Run. We had
so much fun last year. We had lots of our
team members attending, whether they were taking part in the
run itself or we had a few volunteers there on
the day. And then we also have a bit of
a signature Kay and Burton experience, um, which we're setting
up this year at the finish line. So we'll have
a relaxation station, which is styled by one of our
(04:34):
concierge partners, Navari Collective. So adding a little bit of
cayenne and flair to the day. And then this year
we're also levelling it up. We've got our friends at
domain coming along to serve coffee to everyone. Or a
hot chocolate maybe. So yeah, it was just a really
beautiful partnership last year and we're thrilled to be continuing
again this year.
S2 (04:54):
Fantastic. And Mara, let's get some key details for people
out there. Where and when will the Santa Fun Run
be taking place? Just to recap.
S5 (05:07):
Yep. So the Vision Australia Centre Fun Run is taking
place on Saturday, November 22nd. We have a new event
village this year, which will be located at gate one
on the lawns of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl at
Melbourne's iconic tan track. Participants can register and choose to
do one lap or two laps around the festive course,
(05:27):
and then join us in the event village for the festivities.
You can register online or on the day at the event.
S2 (05:36):
Excellent. Now, Michaela, let's get back into the story of
how Callum Burton and Vision Australia got together a couple
of years ago. Now it would be. And how did
that all come about?
S4 (05:51):
Oh, that's a really good question, Sam. I believe it
was just some personal connections. We both are nearby. Vision
Australia is based in Kooyong, and our head office for
Burton is in Toorak. And I think a few personal
connections suggested we reach out. And I think with the
Burton Foundation, our goal is to make an impact on
(06:12):
the lives of those in need and champion health and
wellness within the community across Victoria. And I think it
was just a really meaningful partnership where we felt we
could support Vision Australia with not just monetary contribution, but
also supporting getting exposure out of the Santa Fun Run
and Carols by Candlelight. We try and use our marketing
avenues as much as possible, and try and help with
(06:34):
a little bit of our expertise there and and our
fundraising efforts as well. So we just really wanted to
amplify the incredible work that Vision Australia does. And it
was really a meaningful partnership that is just going from
strength to strength.
S2 (06:48):
Perfect. Okay. And Myra, tell us a little bit about
why events such as the Santa Fun Run are so
vital for Vision Australia. I mean, you and I, we all,
all of us know how important they are. But just
for people out there to reiterate, what does this mean
(07:10):
for Vision Australia to have so many valuable donations coming
in to change the lives of people who are blind
or have low vision.
S5 (07:20):
Sure thing Sam. Well, most importantly, why we are having
this event is that all proceeds raised from the Santa
Fun Run will go back to supporting Vision Australia's Children
and Young People program. Our Children and Young People program
aims to deliver specialised services to children who are blind
or have low vision, so that they can lead independent
lives through education and meaningful employment outcomes. Our services range
(07:43):
from occupational therapy to orthoptics, speech pathology, psychology and orientation
and mobility training. So it's a really magical event. It's
a great way for our client families to get involved
and for the general public to come down and speak
to our children and young people's team, as well as
our vision store will be present at the event, so
(08:06):
gets a nice look into the services we provide and
also that first hand experience of the impact which everyone
provides to our client families.
S2 (08:16):
Awesome. Now, Michaela, I'm interested to hear about Kian Burton's
involvement with the blind and low vision community. And I mean,
following on from that, are there any personal connections or
staff with lived experience? And is that sort of something
(08:37):
that played a role in the relationship with Vision Australia?
What's Burton's involvement with them? The blind and low vision community,
including but not limited to, the relationship with Vision Australia.
S4 (08:51):
Thanks, Sam. So I don't know anyone personally that works
within Kian Burton at the moment who is blind or
has low vision. But we do know how many people
are in this space, and we just want to be
able to amplify the incredible work that Vision Australia does,
because it does touch the lives of so many. And
I think it's just really important that we can support
(09:14):
you on your mission as much as possible, and support
getting the word out there of how other people can
assist in this space. And I think the Santa Fun
Run is this really beautiful day where it's so much fun.
I could not wipe the smile off my face last
year when I was there. And it's just such a
fun day. But it's also raising such vital funds that
(09:35):
are required so you know, you can have a lot
of fun when it comes to fundraising. And I think
that's a reason why we love partnering with Vision Australia
so much, because it really blends the most, and so
many of our team can get involved and support.
S2 (09:48):
Certainly. Now, Myra, just finally, for people out there, if
they're interested in heading along to the Santa Fun Run
in November at the Tan Gardens in Melbourne, what's the
best way for them to register and sign up for
a ticket to head along to the event.
S5 (10:12):
Yeah. Sure thing. So registrations are open now. Um, we
have early bird pricing available until the 13th of October.
So please register early at Santa Fun Run for some
great early bird savings. Um, it's really exciting. This year
we have a new addition of being able to provide
finisher bags to every participant, and we have some great
(10:34):
gifts from our reward partners, Salt Lab and Mattel. So
it's a lovely event that gives back as well. And
there is also an opportunity to purchase a Santa Fun
Run t shirt, um, socks or a hat at the event,
which is proudly supported by Kane Burton Foundation. So please
join us for a sea of red and white. Um,
(10:54):
and you can also dress up in as much festive
gear as you like. Um, it's completely up to you.
S2 (11:01):
Wonderful. Definitely head along and any ticket you buy does
greatly benefit Vision Australia's work with children and young people
to help them live the life they choose, and there's
a variety of different ticket options. Whether you're on your own,
(11:23):
you're going with family or just a partner. Lots of
different options. Lots of different ways that you can sign
up and find an option that suits you. And as
Moira's mentioned, you sign up before the 13th of October,
and you can also benefit from the early bird prices
(11:45):
to head along in November to the Santa Fun Run.
But if you can't make it to the Botanical Gardens
on the 22nd of November, there's still a way you
can donate to the event. Moira. How can people donate
to the Santa Fun Run?
S5 (12:05):
Yep. If you can't attend the event or you'd simply
like to donate to support Vision Australia's Children and Young
People programme, please head to Santa Fun run.
S2 (12:16):
There you go, Santa fun run. For all the details
about the event and much more. Myra. Michaela, thank you
so much for your time today. Great to catch up
with you and chat about the fun run.
S5 (12:34):
Thanks so much for having us, Sam.
S4 (12:36):
Thanks, Sam.
S2 (12:38):
I've been speaking today with community Fundraising Coordinator from Vision Australia,
Myra Woodley, and director of the Kaye and Burton Foundation,
Michaela Day, about the upcoming Santa Fun Run taking place
on the 22nd of November at the Botanical Gardens and
(13:02):
Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. I'm Sam Corley and
you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated
Stations of Disability Media Australia and the Community Radio Network.
(13:23):
I hope you enjoyed that chat there with Myra and Michaela.
If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd
love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on
the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision
Australia library. You can also find the program on the
(13:44):
Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio. That's radio all.
One word. A little while ago you may have heard
my chat with Joe Cabot. She's an indoor skydiver who
has low vision, and she mentioned a fellow skydiver of hers,
(14:05):
Tom Kennedy. And it's my great pleasure to be joined
by Tom now to have a chat a bit more
about iFly and his experience with indoor skydiving. Tom, welcome
to Talking Vision. Great to have you.
S3 (14:22):
Thank you for having me, Sam.
S2 (14:23):
Now, Tom, let's start at the beginning. How did you
get into indoor skydiving?
S3 (14:31):
Yeah. So it actually dates back to about 2019, when
I did it on my 11th birthday. And then I
kind of just fell in love with it ever since
and just wanted to keep going back.
S2 (14:40):
Okay. And have you always been sort of sporty? Had
you been into sort of extreme sports or is that
an interest of yours?
S3 (14:50):
Sporty person at all. But I like the kind of
extreme sports like, so I've done what have I done? Well,
obviously indoor skydiving, I've done a bit of skateboarding. So
all those kind of like adrenaline sports I like.
S2 (15:01):
Oh, fantastic. And for people out there who might not
be familiar, what are the accessibility measures for indoor skydiving?
For people who are blind or have low vision? How
would that differ to the sighted variety people might be
used to?
S3 (15:19):
Yeah. So usually. So there's an all abilities day on
the last Sunday of every month in Sydney. And I
think it's the last Thursday of every month on the
Gold Coast. So that's probably if there's anyone out there
who's interested in going, that's probably your best port of
call to start, because it's a much smaller group of people.
You've got more time to talk to the instructors and
(15:39):
just get a feel for it before you actually go
in there, and the actual accessibility for it. Usually you
have two instructors in there with you if you do
have some form of disability.
S2 (15:49):
Okay, let's have a bit of a chat about the
competitions that you've been involved with. How long have you
been doing indoor skydiving competitively now, and what got you
into the competition side of things rather than, you know,
just doing it as a bit of fun or a
bit of a hobby?
S3 (16:08):
Yeah. So I this was my first competition a couple
weeks ago.
S2 (16:12):
Oh, fantastic.
S3 (16:13):
So I got into it. I literally just went into
one of my normal sessions, and one of the instructors
there was like to my mom, would he be interested
in a competition? And she was like, yeah. And then
that's how he got connected with Adaptive Athlete Academy. Who's
the one who runs the competition?
S2 (16:29):
All right. Cool. And tell us a bit about, uh,
the handy fly competition, um, and how you went and
what was the experience like for you?
S3 (16:38):
Yeah. So it was actually a really incredible experience. I
met some of the most amazing people in the world,
I think. And so the way it works is there's
four electronic pads, two on either side of the tunnel,
and you have to fly and tap them in a
certain sequence, and you have to try to get the
fastest time. So you have to tap a fly over
to be do a 360, tap B again, fly over
(17:01):
to C, do A 360 D, and then A, and
then yeah. So that's how that works. But it's actually
been rebranded. The handy fly name is no longer. It's
now indoor skydiving. So I think that means that it's
kind of progressing in the world a bit to get
a bit more. Not competitive, but professional with it.
S2 (17:20):
And I understand you did quite well in the competition.
I was having a chat to, um, Joe, as people
may be familiar, a few weeks ago, and, um, she
was very impressed with how you went.
S3 (17:34):
No. So actually, I came fourth because I'm pretty close
on the last round. Oh, well, so.
S2 (17:39):
Not.
S3 (17:39):
Bad. That's how I landed fourth. But other than that,
I wasn't able to qualify in the international ranking because
of vision. Wasn't included in it. But very recently, it
has been opened up and vision has been added to
the list. So that's a very big thing that Joe
and I have been able to achieve and get across
the line.
S2 (17:58):
Well, that's a huge thing. I'd love to have a
bit more of a chat about the progress there. What
does that sort of mean for you and Joe as, um,
Some competitors in the blind and low vision para skydiving realm.
To have those sort of pathways opened up for you
in the future.
S3 (18:17):
Yeah. So it means that we're able to basically travel
with it if we want to, obviously, and which I do, obviously, um,
we're able to travel with it and hopefully one day
it's going to be included in the Paralympic Games. So
I'm hoping that if it does do that, I'm able
to compete in the Paralympics. But yeah.
S2 (18:34):
And um, what sort of timeline is that looking at
so far? Is there sort of a bit of an
idea of when the para skydiving could be a potential
addition to the Paralympics, or is it still a bit
too early to tell?
S3 (18:51):
It's a bit too early to tell, but vision will
be included in the international ranking as of next year,
so hopefully next year is going to be my year
with this.
S2 (18:58):
Oh, fantastic. And what does the future hold in terms
of competitions coming up for you? Tom what do you
have your heart set on? And, um, in terms of
which competitions you'd like to compete in that are currently available?
S3 (19:15):
My goal for me is to try to just do
as much as I can, basically and competing. Yeah.
S2 (19:21):
That's a pretty good answer. Okay, I like that.
S3 (19:23):
I truly love it. It's such a great sport with
amazing people like the iFly team is just such an
amazing group of people. Like, you walk in the door
and it's just like it's all happy and amazing, basically.
S2 (19:35):
Oh for sure. And how did you end up getting
in touch with Joe? I'm sure there's a story there.
How did you both cross paths?
S3 (19:43):
So I think when they found out that we needed
three people with blindness or low vision for it to
qualify for the international ranking at least, or I think
Chris from Adaptive Athlete Academy was like looking for other
vision impaired people. And Joe came across his radar. So
then Joe was obviously very keen to get into the
(20:04):
the sport. And so yeah, Joe and I were able
to meet in Sydney, and it was just such an
amazing person who has a heart set on so many goals.
So yeah.
S2 (20:13):
Understand Joe has gotten you and your mum involved with
a few of her events and things around the place,
and one of those is the dinner in the dark. And,
you know, really it's a fantastic initiative. What was that
like to see people, you know, experiencing what you experience
(20:36):
every day and really getting that greater understanding of your
lived experience?
S3 (20:42):
Yeah, it was such kind of a eye opening experience,
no pun intended. But like for everyone there. So all
the athletes did it for one of the breakfasts in
the morning, obviously. And then yeah, they were all just
so shocked. And my mum especially was just so shocked
about like what it's actually like and stuff. So it
was really like humbling I guess to like have everyone
(21:05):
have that understanding for me now and what I go
through on a daily basis.
S2 (21:09):
All right. And what sort of challenges have you faced
in terms of getting active and getting into things like
indoor skydiving with your vision? Has there been any sort
of obstacles that you've had to overcome in terms of that,
or has a lot of it been quite smooth and
(21:31):
rather seamless?
S3 (21:33):
Yeah, so a bit of both. So there's been a
few challenges. It is a fairly new sport, like it's
not been around for ages. I think over the past
ten years it's kind of it's growing and it's rapidly growing.
But like just the lack of awareness I guess, of
blindness in the sport. So Joe and I were the
first blind, low vision people, I think in Australia at least,
(21:54):
to compete in a competition like that. So that was
pretty cool. But also it's annoying that we always have
to be the trailblazer for stuff like this where it
feels like, yeah.
S2 (22:05):
And Tom, as always, these sort of things don't happen
without a bit of funding, a bit of sponsorship. So
what sort of arrangement are the iFly team and indoor
skydiving looking to collaborate with and get things off the
(22:26):
ground there?
S3 (22:27):
Yeah, so we're adaptive Athlete Academy is looking for sponsors
so that we can get the whole Australia team traveling
and more professional with this sport. So if there are
any sponsors out there, please get in contact with Chris
Estill at Adaptive Athlete Academy or just anyone there so
we can get this off the ground and representing the
world in Australia.
S2 (22:47):
Perfect. Okay.
S3 (22:48):
And if you are interested in coming to one of
the all abilities days, just contact the iFly team and
they'll point you in the right direction in iFly in
your state.
S2 (22:56):
Following on from that, what are some other contact details
for people out there? If they would like to get
in touch with iFly fly.
S3 (23:07):
I Fly Down Under is in Sydney and I fly.
Gold Coast is in Gold Coast, obviously, and they're the
two who do the all abilities days every month. So
if you just chuck them an email or give them
a ring, they'll point you in the right direction. All
the fly staff is super friendly and happy to help
you and ready to get your journey started basically. And
if you are wanting to learn more about it, I've
recently started up an Instagram for myself. It's called the
(23:28):
Blind Flyer, so if anyone would like to follow that
to watch my journey progress.
S2 (23:33):
Wonderful! Check out the blind flyer. Tom, thank you so
much for your time today. It was great to catch
up with you and have a chat about iFly and
all the best for future competitions, and fingers crossed we'll
see you in the Paralympics one day! Yes, see how
it goes. Thank you so much.
S3 (23:54):
Thank you so much for having me.
S2 (23:56):
That was Tom Kennedy there, young indoor para skydiver, one
of the fledgling bunch of indoor skydivers who are blind
or have low vision, looking to build their numbers over
the next few months and years. And we look forward
to seeing the numbers grow. So if you're interested in
(24:19):
indoor skydiving and you are a person with blindness or
low vision, get involved with the organizations Tom's mentioned today
and have a go. And now here's Frances Kalen with
a reader recommended.
S6 (24:40):
Thank you Sam. Today's reader recommended is about a city.
It's a love song to a city and a memoir.
It's called Perth and it's by David Whish-wilson. David Whish-wilson
Perth is a place of surprising beauty, of sand swept
peace and brilliant light, yet a place where the deeper
historical currents are never too far beneath the surface. Like
(25:01):
the Swan River that flows in two directions at once
at certain times with the fresh water flowing seawards above
the salty water flowing in beneath it, Perth strikes perfect
harmony with the city's contradictions and eccentricities. We look beyond
the shiny glass facades, the boosterish talk of mining booms
to the richness of the natural world and the trailblazers,
(25:22):
the rebels, the occasional ghost and the ordinary people that
bring Australia's remotest city to life. Let's hear a sample
of David Whish-wilson s book Perth.
S7 (25:33):
Twice a Day. The skin of the Swan River rises
in a small ripple as the tidal surge makes its
way from the river mouth at Fremantle, through Perth Water
and up into the higher reaches of the river near
the fast growing suburb of Ellenbrook. Just over 20km northeast
of Perth in winter, when a layer of brackish water
(25:54):
runs off the scarp towards the ocean, the river flows
in two directions, with the freshwater flowing seawards above the
saline water flowing in beneath it. Today, the diurnal bulge
of water that reveals the incoming tide is invisible. It's
a Sunday morning, and I'm out on the river in
an open kayak with my Uncle Scott. My father's youngest brother, Scott,
(26:20):
moved from Tasmania to Perth as a teenager in the 1970s.
Like so many others, he stayed for the climate and
the lifestyle and the opportunity to work.
S6 (26:31):
So that was Perth by David Whish-wilson. There was a
series of books by writers that wrote about the city
that they grew up in, and so there's ones for
all of the capital cities around Australia. If you would
like that book, or if you would like to find
out more about how the Vision Australia Library can work
for you. If you have a print disability, give the
(26:52):
library a call on 130654656. That's 130654656. Or you can
email library at Vision Australia. That's library at Vision Australia.
S2 (27:07):
And that's all the time we have for today. You've
been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision
Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the
show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you.
So please get in touch anytime on our email at
Talking at Vision Australia. That's talking vision all. One word
(27:32):
at Vision Australia dot. But until next week it's Sam
Corley saying bye for now.
S1 (27:42):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on one 384 746. That's one 384 746
or by visiting Vision Australia. That's Vision Australia.
From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's
your host, Sam Colley.
S2 (00:31):
Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And
for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness
and low vision.
S3 (00:39):
When they found out that we needed three people with
blindness or low vision for it to qualify for the
international ranking. Chris from Adaptive Athlete Academy was looking for
other vision impaired people, and Joe came across his radar.
So then Joe was obviously very keen to get into
the sport. And so yeah, Joe and I were able
to meet in Sydney and it was just such an
(00:59):
amazing person who has her heart set on so many goals.
S2 (01:03):
Welcome to the program. This week we feature Myra Woodley
from Vision Australia and Michaela Day from the Ken Burton Foundation.
They're here to chat to me about the upcoming Santa
Fun Run, taking place on the 22nd of November at
(01:23):
the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. Then after that, you'll hear
from Tom Kennedy. Now, Tom is a teammate of Joe Cabot,
who you heard from a couple of weeks ago, indoor
para skydiver Tom. He recently took part in his first competition,
(01:46):
and he caught up with me to chat all about it.
And then after that, you'll hear from Francis Kelland. She
drops in for a reader recommended to wrap up the show.
I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision.
Coming up in just under two months time, the Santa
(02:10):
Fun Run is taking place on the 22nd of November
at the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. And if you sign
up before the 13th of October, you'll benefit from the
early bird prices to grab a ticket to the event.
(02:31):
To tell us more about the Santa Fun Run, it's
my great pleasure to welcome Vision Australia's Community Fundraising Coordinator
Moira Woodley, alongside director of the Kaonde Burton Foundation, Michela
de Mora. Michaela, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very
(02:54):
much for your time.
S4 (02:55):
Thank you for having us.
S2 (02:57):
Now, Moira, I'll start with you. Could you tell us
a little bit about the Santa fun run for people
who may not be aware.
S5 (03:05):
Vision Australia. Santa Fun Run is a Christmas tradition which
you can run with. This is our third year with
this magical event, and we welcome everyone to join us
once again and invite your friends and family to take part.
It's a really fun opportunity to grab your favorite Christmas
clothes and join a sea of Santas for a run,
a stroll, or a walk around Melbourne's beautiful tan track.
(03:25):
It's a really festive day full of live entertainment, kids giveaways.
We've got our children's and Young People team there, we've
got raffles, Santa and of course our beautiful Seeing Eye
dog puppies.
S2 (03:38):
Oh, wonderful. Now, Michaela, I'll come to you and, um,
have a little bit of a chat about why Kay
and Burton got involved with the Santa Fun run.
S4 (03:50):
Sure. So I proudly sit on the board of the
Burton Foundation, and this is our second year partnering with
Vision Australia for the Santa Fun Run and Carols by Candlelight.
We really thought this would be an incredible partnership, and
after last year, we couldn't be more thrilled to be
coming back on board. We are coming on this year
(04:11):
as the major partner for Santa Fun Run. We had
so much fun last year. We had lots of our
team members attending, whether they were taking part in the
run itself or we had a few volunteers there on
the day. And then we also have a bit of
a signature Kay and Burton experience, um, which we're setting
up this year at the finish line. So we'll have
a relaxation station, which is styled by one of our
(04:34):
concierge partners, Navari Collective. So adding a little bit of
cayenne and flair to the day. And then this year
we're also levelling it up. We've got our friends at
domain coming along to serve coffee to everyone. Or a
hot chocolate maybe. So yeah, it was just a really
beautiful partnership last year and we're thrilled to be continuing
again this year.
S2 (04:54):
Fantastic. And Mara, let's get some key details for people
out there. Where and when will the Santa Fun Run
be taking place? Just to recap.
S5 (05:07):
Yep. So the Vision Australia Centre Fun Run is taking
place on Saturday, November 22nd. We have a new event
village this year, which will be located at gate one
on the lawns of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl at
Melbourne's iconic tan track. Participants can register and choose to
do one lap or two laps around the festive course,
(05:27):
and then join us in the event village for the festivities.
You can register online or on the day at the event.
S2 (05:36):
Excellent. Now, Michaela, let's get back into the story of
how Callum Burton and Vision Australia got together a couple
of years ago. Now it would be. And how did
that all come about?
S4 (05:51):
Oh, that's a really good question, Sam. I believe it
was just some personal connections. We both are nearby. Vision
Australia is based in Kooyong, and our head office for
Burton is in Toorak. And I think a few personal
connections suggested we reach out. And I think with the
Burton Foundation, our goal is to make an impact on
(06:12):
the lives of those in need and champion health and
wellness within the community across Victoria. And I think it
was just a really meaningful partnership where we felt we
could support Vision Australia with not just monetary contribution, but
also supporting getting exposure out of the Santa Fun Run
and Carols by Candlelight. We try and use our marketing
avenues as much as possible, and try and help with
(06:34):
a little bit of our expertise there and and our
fundraising efforts as well. So we just really wanted to
amplify the incredible work that Vision Australia does. And it
was really a meaningful partnership that is just going from
strength to strength.
S2 (06:48):
Perfect. Okay. And Myra, tell us a little bit about
why events such as the Santa Fun Run are so
vital for Vision Australia. I mean, you and I, we all,
all of us know how important they are. But just
for people out there to reiterate, what does this mean
(07:10):
for Vision Australia to have so many valuable donations coming
in to change the lives of people who are blind
or have low vision.
S5 (07:20):
Sure thing Sam. Well, most importantly, why we are having
this event is that all proceeds raised from the Santa
Fun Run will go back to supporting Vision Australia's Children
and Young People program. Our Children and Young People program
aims to deliver specialised services to children who are blind
or have low vision, so that they can lead independent
lives through education and meaningful employment outcomes. Our services range
(07:43):
from occupational therapy to orthoptics, speech pathology, psychology and orientation
and mobility training. So it's a really magical event. It's
a great way for our client families to get involved
and for the general public to come down and speak
to our children and young people's team, as well as
our vision store will be present at the event, so
(08:06):
gets a nice look into the services we provide and
also that first hand experience of the impact which everyone
provides to our client families.
S2 (08:16):
Awesome. Now, Michaela, I'm interested to hear about Kian Burton's
involvement with the blind and low vision community. And I mean,
following on from that, are there any personal connections or
staff with lived experience? And is that sort of something
(08:37):
that played a role in the relationship with Vision Australia?
What's Burton's involvement with them? The blind and low vision community,
including but not limited to, the relationship with Vision Australia.
S4 (08:51):
Thanks, Sam. So I don't know anyone personally that works
within Kian Burton at the moment who is blind or
has low vision. But we do know how many people
are in this space, and we just want to be
able to amplify the incredible work that Vision Australia does,
because it does touch the lives of so many. And
I think it's just really important that we can support
(09:14):
you on your mission as much as possible, and support
getting the word out there of how other people can
assist in this space. And I think the Santa Fun
Run is this really beautiful day where it's so much fun.
I could not wipe the smile off my face last
year when I was there. And it's just such a
fun day. But it's also raising such vital funds that
(09:35):
are required so you know, you can have a lot
of fun when it comes to fundraising. And I think
that's a reason why we love partnering with Vision Australia
so much, because it really blends the most, and so
many of our team can get involved and support.
S2 (09:48):
Certainly. Now, Myra, just finally, for people out there, if
they're interested in heading along to the Santa Fun Run
in November at the Tan Gardens in Melbourne, what's the
best way for them to register and sign up for
a ticket to head along to the event.
S5 (10:12):
Yeah. Sure thing. So registrations are open now. Um, we
have early bird pricing available until the 13th of October.
So please register early at Santa Fun Run for some
great early bird savings. Um, it's really exciting. This year
we have a new addition of being able to provide
finisher bags to every participant, and we have some great
(10:34):
gifts from our reward partners, Salt Lab and Mattel. So
it's a lovely event that gives back as well. And
there is also an opportunity to purchase a Santa Fun
Run t shirt, um, socks or a hat at the event,
which is proudly supported by Kane Burton Foundation. So please
join us for a sea of red and white. Um,
(10:54):
and you can also dress up in as much festive
gear as you like. Um, it's completely up to you.
S2 (11:01):
Wonderful. Definitely head along and any ticket you buy does
greatly benefit Vision Australia's work with children and young people
to help them live the life they choose, and there's
a variety of different ticket options. Whether you're on your own,
(11:23):
you're going with family or just a partner. Lots of
different options. Lots of different ways that you can sign
up and find an option that suits you. And as
Moira's mentioned, you sign up before the 13th of October,
and you can also benefit from the early bird prices
(11:45):
to head along in November to the Santa Fun Run.
But if you can't make it to the Botanical Gardens
on the 22nd of November, there's still a way you
can donate to the event. Moira. How can people donate
to the Santa Fun Run?
S5 (12:05):
Yep. If you can't attend the event or you'd simply
like to donate to support Vision Australia's Children and Young
People programme, please head to Santa Fun run.
S2 (12:16):
There you go, Santa fun run. For all the details
about the event and much more. Myra. Michaela, thank you
so much for your time today. Great to catch up
with you and chat about the fun run.
S5 (12:34):
Thanks so much for having us, Sam.
S4 (12:36):
Thanks, Sam.
S2 (12:38):
I've been speaking today with community Fundraising Coordinator from Vision Australia,
Myra Woodley, and director of the Kaye and Burton Foundation,
Michaela Day, about the upcoming Santa Fun Run taking place
on the 22nd of November at the Botanical Gardens and
(13:02):
Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. I'm Sam Corley and
you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio. Associated
Stations of Disability Media Australia and the Community Radio Network.
(13:23):
I hope you enjoyed that chat there with Myra and Michaela.
If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd
love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on
the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision
Australia library. You can also find the program on the
(13:44):
Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio. That's radio all.
One word. A little while ago you may have heard
my chat with Joe Cabot. She's an indoor skydiver who
has low vision, and she mentioned a fellow skydiver of hers,
(14:05):
Tom Kennedy. And it's my great pleasure to be joined
by Tom now to have a chat a bit more
about iFly and his experience with indoor skydiving. Tom, welcome
to Talking Vision. Great to have you.
S3 (14:22):
Thank you for having me, Sam.
S2 (14:23):
Now, Tom, let's start at the beginning. How did you
get into indoor skydiving?
S3 (14:31):
Yeah. So it actually dates back to about 2019, when
I did it on my 11th birthday. And then I
kind of just fell in love with it ever since
and just wanted to keep going back.
S2 (14:40):
Okay. And have you always been sort of sporty? Had
you been into sort of extreme sports or is that
an interest of yours?
S3 (14:50):
Sporty person at all. But I like the kind of
extreme sports like, so I've done what have I done? Well,
obviously indoor skydiving, I've done a bit of skateboarding. So
all those kind of like adrenaline sports I like.
S2 (15:01):
Oh, fantastic. And for people out there who might not
be familiar, what are the accessibility measures for indoor skydiving?
For people who are blind or have low vision? How
would that differ to the sighted variety people might be
used to?
S3 (15:19):
Yeah. So usually. So there's an all abilities day on
the last Sunday of every month in Sydney. And I
think it's the last Thursday of every month on the
Gold Coast. So that's probably if there's anyone out there
who's interested in going, that's probably your best port of
call to start, because it's a much smaller group of people.
You've got more time to talk to the instructors and
(15:39):
just get a feel for it before you actually go
in there, and the actual accessibility for it. Usually you
have two instructors in there with you if you do
have some form of disability.
S2 (15:49):
Okay, let's have a bit of a chat about the
competitions that you've been involved with. How long have you
been doing indoor skydiving competitively now, and what got you
into the competition side of things rather than, you know,
just doing it as a bit of fun or a
bit of a hobby?
S3 (16:08):
Yeah. So I this was my first competition a couple
weeks ago.
S2 (16:12):
Oh, fantastic.
S3 (16:13):
So I got into it. I literally just went into
one of my normal sessions, and one of the instructors
there was like to my mom, would he be interested
in a competition? And she was like, yeah. And then
that's how he got connected with Adaptive Athlete Academy. Who's
the one who runs the competition?
S2 (16:29):
All right. Cool. And tell us a bit about, uh,
the handy fly competition, um, and how you went and
what was the experience like for you?
S3 (16:38):
Yeah. So it was actually a really incredible experience. I
met some of the most amazing people in the world,
I think. And so the way it works is there's
four electronic pads, two on either side of the tunnel,
and you have to fly and tap them in a
certain sequence, and you have to try to get the
fastest time. So you have to tap a fly over
to be do a 360, tap B again, fly over
(17:01):
to C, do A 360 D, and then A, and
then yeah. So that's how that works. But it's actually
been rebranded. The handy fly name is no longer. It's
now indoor skydiving. So I think that means that it's
kind of progressing in the world a bit to get
a bit more. Not competitive, but professional with it.
S2 (17:20):
And I understand you did quite well in the competition.
I was having a chat to, um, Joe, as people
may be familiar, a few weeks ago, and, um, she
was very impressed with how you went.
S3 (17:34):
No. So actually, I came fourth because I'm pretty close
on the last round. Oh, well, so.
S2 (17:39):
Not.
S3 (17:39):
Bad. That's how I landed fourth. But other than that,
I wasn't able to qualify in the international ranking because
of vision. Wasn't included in it. But very recently, it
has been opened up and vision has been added to
the list. So that's a very big thing that Joe
and I have been able to achieve and get across
the line.
S2 (17:58):
Well, that's a huge thing. I'd love to have a
bit more of a chat about the progress there. What
does that sort of mean for you and Joe as, um,
Some competitors in the blind and low vision para skydiving realm.
To have those sort of pathways opened up for you
in the future.
S3 (18:17):
Yeah. So it means that we're able to basically travel
with it if we want to, obviously, and which I do, obviously, um,
we're able to travel with it and hopefully one day
it's going to be included in the Paralympic Games. So
I'm hoping that if it does do that, I'm able
to compete in the Paralympics. But yeah.
S2 (18:34):
And um, what sort of timeline is that looking at
so far? Is there sort of a bit of an
idea of when the para skydiving could be a potential
addition to the Paralympics, or is it still a bit
too early to tell?
S3 (18:51):
It's a bit too early to tell, but vision will
be included in the international ranking as of next year,
so hopefully next year is going to be my year
with this.
S2 (18:58):
Oh, fantastic. And what does the future hold in terms
of competitions coming up for you? Tom what do you
have your heart set on? And, um, in terms of
which competitions you'd like to compete in that are currently available?
S3 (19:15):
My goal for me is to try to just do
as much as I can, basically and competing. Yeah.
S2 (19:21):
That's a pretty good answer. Okay, I like that.
S3 (19:23):
I truly love it. It's such a great sport with
amazing people like the iFly team is just such an
amazing group of people. Like, you walk in the door
and it's just like it's all happy and amazing, basically.
S2 (19:35):
Oh for sure. And how did you end up getting
in touch with Joe? I'm sure there's a story there.
How did you both cross paths?
S3 (19:43):
So I think when they found out that we needed
three people with blindness or low vision for it to
qualify for the international ranking at least, or I think
Chris from Adaptive Athlete Academy was like looking for other
vision impaired people. And Joe came across his radar. So
then Joe was obviously very keen to get into the
(20:04):
the sport. And so yeah, Joe and I were able
to meet in Sydney, and it was just such an
amazing person who has a heart set on so many goals.
So yeah.
S2 (20:13):
Understand Joe has gotten you and your mum involved with
a few of her events and things around the place,
and one of those is the dinner in the dark. And,
you know, really it's a fantastic initiative. What was that
like to see people, you know, experiencing what you experience
(20:36):
every day and really getting that greater understanding of your
lived experience?
S3 (20:42):
Yeah, it was such kind of a eye opening experience,
no pun intended. But like for everyone there. So all
the athletes did it for one of the breakfasts in
the morning, obviously. And then yeah, they were all just
so shocked. And my mum especially was just so shocked
about like what it's actually like and stuff. So it
was really like humbling I guess to like have everyone
(21:05):
have that understanding for me now and what I go
through on a daily basis.
S2 (21:09):
All right. And what sort of challenges have you faced
in terms of getting active and getting into things like
indoor skydiving with your vision? Has there been any sort
of obstacles that you've had to overcome in terms of that,
or has a lot of it been quite smooth and
(21:31):
rather seamless?
S3 (21:33):
Yeah, so a bit of both. So there's been a
few challenges. It is a fairly new sport, like it's
not been around for ages. I think over the past
ten years it's kind of it's growing and it's rapidly growing.
But like just the lack of awareness I guess, of
blindness in the sport. So Joe and I were the
first blind, low vision people, I think in Australia at least,
(21:54):
to compete in a competition like that. So that was
pretty cool. But also it's annoying that we always have
to be the trailblazer for stuff like this where it
feels like, yeah.
S2 (22:05):
And Tom, as always, these sort of things don't happen
without a bit of funding, a bit of sponsorship. So
what sort of arrangement are the iFly team and indoor
skydiving looking to collaborate with and get things off the
(22:26):
ground there?
S3 (22:27):
Yeah, so we're adaptive Athlete Academy is looking for sponsors
so that we can get the whole Australia team traveling
and more professional with this sport. So if there are
any sponsors out there, please get in contact with Chris
Estill at Adaptive Athlete Academy or just anyone there so
we can get this off the ground and representing the
world in Australia.
S2 (22:47):
Perfect. Okay.
S3 (22:48):
And if you are interested in coming to one of
the all abilities days, just contact the iFly team and
they'll point you in the right direction in iFly in
your state.
S2 (22:56):
Following on from that, what are some other contact details
for people out there? If they would like to get
in touch with iFly fly.
S3 (23:07):
I Fly Down Under is in Sydney and I fly.
Gold Coast is in Gold Coast, obviously, and they're the
two who do the all abilities days every month. So
if you just chuck them an email or give them
a ring, they'll point you in the right direction. All
the fly staff is super friendly and happy to help
you and ready to get your journey started basically. And
if you are wanting to learn more about it, I've
recently started up an Instagram for myself. It's called the
(23:28):
Blind Flyer, so if anyone would like to follow that
to watch my journey progress.
S2 (23:33):
Wonderful! Check out the blind flyer. Tom, thank you so
much for your time today. It was great to catch
up with you and have a chat about iFly and
all the best for future competitions, and fingers crossed we'll
see you in the Paralympics one day! Yes, see how
it goes. Thank you so much.
S3 (23:54):
Thank you so much for having me.
S2 (23:56):
That was Tom Kennedy there, young indoor para skydiver, one
of the fledgling bunch of indoor skydivers who are blind
or have low vision, looking to build their numbers over
the next few months and years. And we look forward
to seeing the numbers grow. So if you're interested in
(24:19):
indoor skydiving and you are a person with blindness or
low vision, get involved with the organizations Tom's mentioned today
and have a go. And now here's Frances Kalen with
a reader recommended.
S6 (24:40):
Thank you Sam. Today's reader recommended is about a city.
It's a love song to a city and a memoir.
It's called Perth and it's by David Whish-wilson. David Whish-wilson
Perth is a place of surprising beauty, of sand swept
peace and brilliant light, yet a place where the deeper
historical currents are never too far beneath the surface. Like
(25:01):
the Swan River that flows in two directions at once
at certain times with the fresh water flowing seawards above
the salty water flowing in beneath it, Perth strikes perfect
harmony with the city's contradictions and eccentricities. We look beyond
the shiny glass facades, the boosterish talk of mining booms
to the richness of the natural world and the trailblazers,
(25:22):
the rebels, the occasional ghost and the ordinary people that
bring Australia's remotest city to life. Let's hear a sample
of David Whish-wilson s book Perth.
S7 (25:33):
Twice a Day. The skin of the Swan River rises
in a small ripple as the tidal surge makes its
way from the river mouth at Fremantle, through Perth Water
and up into the higher reaches of the river near
the fast growing suburb of Ellenbrook. Just over 20km northeast
of Perth in winter, when a layer of brackish water
(25:54):
runs off the scarp towards the ocean, the river flows
in two directions, with the freshwater flowing seawards above the
saline water flowing in beneath it. Today, the diurnal bulge
of water that reveals the incoming tide is invisible. It's
a Sunday morning, and I'm out on the river in
an open kayak with my Uncle Scott. My father's youngest brother, Scott,
(26:20):
moved from Tasmania to Perth as a teenager in the 1970s.
Like so many others, he stayed for the climate and
the lifestyle and the opportunity to work.
S6 (26:31):
So that was Perth by David Whish-wilson. There was a
series of books by writers that wrote about the city
that they grew up in, and so there's ones for
all of the capital cities around Australia. If you would
like that book, or if you would like to find
out more about how the Vision Australia Library can work
for you. If you have a print disability, give the
(26:52):
library a call on 130654656. That's 130654656. Or you can
email library at Vision Australia. That's library at Vision Australia.
S2 (27:07):
And that's all the time we have for today. You've
been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision
Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the
show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you.
So please get in touch anytime on our email at
Talking at Vision Australia. That's talking vision all. One word
(27:32):
at Vision Australia dot. But until next week it's Sam
Corley saying bye for now.
S1 (27:42):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on one 384 746. That's one 384 746
or by visiting Vision Australia. That's Vision Australia.
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