October 15, 2025 • 27 mins
This week we celebrate the 2025 Blind Australian of the Year Awards with a range of interviews and speeches featuring Vision Australia Radio's own Jason Gipps, and Blind Australian of the Year MC Karan Nagrani.
Jason and Karan take you through the night featuring conversations with Reggie Bird, Tash from Braille and Tactile Signs Australia, award winner announcements and more.
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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):
I think in society, blind people are shown. I wouldn't
say in a bad way, but we always sort of
shown miserable, unhappy week. We don't have careers, we don't
do much. And then you've got awards like this where
people are Paralympians, they're like doctors, and they're such phenomenal
athletes that I think it really lets people know that
(01:00):
you're really underestimating this demographic so much.
S2 (01:03):
Welcome to the program. This week we've got a really
fun show for you in store. As Jason hit the
ground to have a chat with a bunch of people
at the recent Blind Australian of the year awards, which
took place on the 11th of October in Brisbane. You'll
hear from people like Reggie Bird, Karan Nagrani and Terry
(01:26):
from Link Vision, the organisation in charge of the Blind
Australian of the year awards. But that's not all, of course.
Stay tuned for a few surprise vox pops as well
as the announcement of this year's winners. So without further ado,
I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision.
(01:52):
And now here's Jason Gibbs, our man on the ground,
to kick off proceedings.
S4 (01:58):
Hi there, Jason here for Vision Australia Radio, and I'm
honoured to be at the Blind Australian of the Year
Awards gala. Well, just a few hours before the gala
at the moment, and I'm in the middle of the
exhibition space where a few of the supporters of the
gala have gathered to share a little bit of what
they do and the services that are available to the
blind and low vision community. Support has been growing for
(02:19):
the gala over the years and this year is no exception.
Not only has it had fantastic corporate support, but there
have been an amazing amount of nominations made for the
three categories at the awards for a little bit of
the history, the Blind Australian of the Year Awards acknowledged
the contribution that people with blindness and low vision have
made to Australian society. These awards bring acknowledgement and prizes
(02:41):
for the recipients. I hope to be able to grab
the event organisers to share a little bit more about
that before things kick off at 7 p.m.. Vision Australia Radio,
actually exhibiting today alongside the vision store from the Subaru office,
got an array of assistive technology on display, including the
very popular Ray-Ban glasses with AI and sharing a little
(03:01):
bit about our alternative format production and ways to listen
to Vision Australia radio and audio, which you folks listening
are all too familiar with.
S2 (03:08):
Now, a couple of weeks ago. You may have heard
my interview with Kayla from the vision store in Queensland. Well,
Jason headed along to the Inclusive Design Expo as well
with the Vision Store team, and he caught up with
one of their members, Eliza. So let's hear from them
right now.
S4 (03:27):
Introduce yourself.
S5 (03:27):
Yeah, sure. I'm Eliza. I'm with the vision store from
Vision Australia. Very excited to be here at the Blind
Australian of the Year Awards with our display table full
of goodies. One of the most important things is to
show up for our blind and low vision community, and
also to let people know the massive range of equipment
and services that we have at Vision Australia. It's really
(03:48):
important for us to get the word out there and
make sure people know that they can just drop in
any time.
S4 (03:52):
Do you want to share for the people listening at
home what you've got on the table here today?
S5 (03:56):
We brought a really interesting array of canes, especially because
we know a lot of our equipment is targeted towards
people with low vision. We do have a lot of
blindness specific equipment as well. So canes is one of them.
We brought a glitter cane with us, which is a
display of lots of different color options that you can
bring along.
S4 (04:16):
You can you can never have too much glitter.
S5 (04:17):
That's right. Exactly. I'm a big believer in glitter and
of customizing your outfits and having a cane for every
outfit if you want to. But this is an example
of a few different color options that you're able to
custom order. We've also got canes that are good for
being out and about the outdoors, urban exploring ones that
are adjustable so they're really good for rough terrain and
(04:39):
also ones that are really compact and telescopic. We have
a Korean telescopic cane, which is lightweight and is able
to be extended and folded up however you want. It's
really discreet and it's got a really lovely metallic pink
end to it as well, which is nice. I think
they're just a very fashion forward kind of choice.
S4 (04:56):
I know some people are quite attached to their cane
and maybe have an upgraded for a little while. It
might be worth just popping by a vision store and
and seeing what's available.
S5 (05:04):
Yeah, that's exactly right. And there's so many new kinds
of canes for specific kinds of dramas you might have
with canes. We've got one, for example, that's flexible. So
if you find that you're someone that often gets your
cane stuck in cracks in the pavement or on, you know,
like a gutter or something like that, it's really handy
(05:24):
because it's got a bit of resistance in it, like
suspension in the cane. So if you do hit something,
you're not going to jab yourself.
S4 (05:30):
That's not like a rodecaster brand. I'm trying to.
S5 (05:33):
Remember called the no jab cane.
S4 (05:35):
Which is quite literal.
S5 (05:36):
But yeah. So you don't jab yourself with the cane. Okay. Good, good. Yeah, yeah.
And then we brought along all of our magnification and
some of our really latest technology, for example, the Ray-Ban
meta glasses. That's one of the newest things that we've
found has been so helpful for our community. They look
like a normal pair of glasses, but they've got little
(05:57):
cameras in the temples, which can take a photo or
a video and analyze what's going on in front of you,
and then can do things like read out a menu,
read out some text, or even describe the people that
are standing in front of you and its AI too.
So you can ask it the complex follow up questions.
S4 (06:14):
Can you use them like wayfinding? Like to sort of
walk from one space to another within a building? And yeah.
S5 (06:19):
Definitely.
S4 (06:19):
Yeah. Amazing.
S5 (06:20):
The use for navigation like orientation mobility is, is pretty
amazing because it's integrated with all sorts of other apps
on your phone, like Google Maps. You can use it
for wayfinding. You can use it to make phone calls
when you're on the go. It's hands free so you
can have your phone in your pocket, you know, cane
in the other hand and away you go. So that's
very exciting.
S4 (06:40):
Not technically assistive technology, but widely available of use to everyone, really,
for so many different things.
S5 (06:46):
Exactly. Yeah. And we found that even though it's a
it's a mainstream item, it's a mobile phone accessory, we
can still see the benefit for our community. So that's
why we've decided to promote them and have them in stock,
have them available for demonstration, and also have equipped professionals
like OTS and orientation mobility specialists who can show you
how to use them.
S4 (07:05):
Yeah, well, if anyone's got any questions about any of
the products available today or just, you know, trying to
find something that might assist them in their everyday living,
I assume they can just call through and ask for
vision store.
S5 (07:15):
They sure can. You can come in, drop in to
one of our stores, you can call us, you can
send us an email. There's no wrong door.
S2 (07:24):
And now we get into the awards night proper. Starting
off with a very quick chat Jason had with Chris
Corcoran from Reading Radio.
S4 (07:34):
With me now from Reading Radio, I've got Chris. What
are you expecting from the night?
S6 (07:38):
Jace That's a good question. We're expecting a really fantastic night.
It's been a great year and it's a celebration, I guess,
of those with who are blind and low vision. Some
good music, some good food, great company. Yeah. Just to
be able to share some of the wonderful stories is
always a highlight here. This is our fourth year I think, attending.
So yeah, reading radio just loves being a part of
(08:00):
the Blind Australian of the year awards.
S4 (08:02):
Why is it that you're a part of the awards
for the four years running?
S6 (08:05):
We're one of the major sponsors of it, as well
as the corporate partner. And obviously being a radio station
for those who are blind and low. Vision is our audience.
It's our family. You're always important that we get along
and support great events like this.
S2 (08:17):
And now here's Jason with emcee of the Blind Australian
of the year awards for the second year running, Karan Nagrani.
S4 (08:25):
Now I'm very excited to say I'm here with the
event MC Karan Nagrani. Hi Karen.
S6 (08:30):
Hey.
S3 (08:31):
Thank you for saying my name right. I was expecting
Karan or something else so thank you.
S4 (08:36):
I've had practice. I'm pleased to say this is your
second time emceeing the event. Is that right? Yes, yes.
S3 (08:42):
Second time. I was actually told last year that some
of my jokes offended people. And I need to apologize
because I'm going to do it even more this year,
so I hope they're ready.
S4 (08:52):
So it was a highly offensive. You have to come back.
S3 (08:55):
Yeah. Exactly. Yeah, yeah.
S4 (08:57):
What got people on the edge of the seat last year? Karan,
your attempt at humor.
S3 (09:01):
I think I said something like, because normally when I speak,
it's at events where mostly sighted people. So I just
started off asking who is blind and who he is sighted.
And surprisingly, it was not surprisingly, blind a strain of
the year awards. But most of the people were blind.
So I was like, oh damn, you're not going to
see my jokes coming. And the whole crowd just went, oh,
it actually started off with a laugh. And then it
(09:23):
turned into like almost booing. So I was like, oh,
but yeah.
S4 (09:27):
Can't win em all. Kara.
S3 (09:28):
Yeah, yeah.
S4 (09:29):
And if you can't laugh at you sometimes yourself. Sometimes.
When can you.
S3 (09:32):
Exactly.
S4 (09:33):
Uh, so why is it that you're involved? Why do
you make the effort to come all the way up
to Brisbane for this event each year?
S3 (09:38):
Um, if you were to ask me. Well, to be
honest with you, I didn't even know an award like
this existed until a couple of years ago. I got
nominated in 2022, and I was like, wow, something like
this exists. I got approached on social media by the
Link Vision team, and they asked me if I could
do some social media stuff for them, and that's how
(09:59):
it started. Actually, it started off with would you would
you be the emcee for the gala? And then from that,
it led to helping them with social media as well,
which I absolutely love because, well, my background is marketing
and I had to give it up as my sight
got worse. And then now I'm doing it again. But
for a blind organization, so it feels like a full
circle in a in a really nice way. So yeah,
(10:19):
that's why I'm here. Obviously people didn't hate me that
much last year, which is why I got asked to
be here again. So yeah, that's why I'm here. And,
you know, honestly, coming back to what I was saying
about not knowing something like this exists, I think as
a blind person, you often don't feel included. And when
you have, you know, an award that's just for people
like you, it's a really special, special feeling for you.
S4 (10:41):
Why do you think it is necessary for the Blind
Australian of the year awards? What does it mean to
the blind and low vision community?
S3 (10:46):
It shows that, you know, I think in society blind
people are shown. I wouldn't say in a bad way,
but we always sort of shown miserable, unhappy week. We
don't have careers, we don't do much. And then you've
got awards like this where people are Paralympians, they're like doctors,
and they're such phenomenal athletes that I think it really
(11:08):
lets people know that you're really underestimating this demographic so much.
So I think when you have winners that are so
accomplished out there and it makes the news, people read
about it and they're like, whoa, didn't didn't think a
blind person could do that.
S4 (11:21):
That sounds like a great reason to be here.
S3 (11:23):
Yeah.
S4 (11:24):
Thanks, Karen.
S3 (11:24):
My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Hope you have a
lovely night.
S2 (11:27):
Let's hear a bit more from Karen himself with some
opening remarks at the Blind Australian of the Year Awards.
S3 (11:34):
We are here to celebrate the contribution, excellence, self determination
of Australians living with blindness. We have some truly phenomenal
blind people in this room. I mean, just take a
look around. Oh, wait. But all jokes aside, please give
(11:54):
it up for incredible finalists. All of them. Can we
have a round of applause, please?
S2 (11:59):
And now Jason's back with Reggie Bird.
S4 (12:02):
Okay. Very excited. Now channelling my mum, who would be
very jealous cos I'm speaking to Reggie Bird. How you going, Reggie?
S7 (12:08):
Yeah, I'm really good. I'm very excited for tonight.
S4 (12:11):
Why are you excited?
S7 (12:13):
Oh, it's so great to see the community get together.
Especially like the blind and vision impaired community come out.
And I just love how they all get dressed up.
Like I just love it and it's so good.
S4 (12:25):
This is your second year involved or is it longer?
S7 (12:27):
Second year.
S4 (12:28):
So what got you involved, Reggie?
S7 (12:30):
I think Karen got in touch with me and he said, Reggie,
I'm going to this event. He goes, I think you
should come along to it and be involved in it.
That's how it started. Yeah.
S4 (12:39):
What do you think it means to the blind and
low vision community to have such an event?
S7 (12:43):
It means a lot. Like, it's so good and it's
so special to feel included.
S4 (12:49):
It's a moment to shine the spotlight on the community, right?
S7 (12:52):
Yes, definitely.
S4 (12:53):
Was there anything interesting that happened last year at the
event that you weren't expecting. Did you, you know, learn
anything along the way?
S7 (13:00):
Oh, look, I learned that I had a very good night,
that's for sure. After a few drinks. It was fun.
S4 (13:07):
That's nice. I always love your energy and your honesty. Reggie,
kind of things are you aspiring to do over the
next year? Like, is there anything on your radar?
S7 (13:16):
Gosh, I definitely need a job. That's my main goal.
S4 (13:19):
You heard it here first, folks. If you've got a
job for Reggie, she is willing and able. Very highly skilled.
S7 (13:24):
Very, extremely.
S4 (13:27):
What is your ideal job, Reggie?
S7 (13:29):
Oh, gosh. Look, I love talking to people. So anything
that's including being around people or interviewing people or just
I'm a people person. Yeah. Yes.
S4 (13:39):
And that's what you're doing tonight on the red carpet.
You're interviewing the attendees?
S7 (13:43):
Yep. So I'll meet and greet everyone that's coming along
tonight and have a photo and have a chat. Yeah.
It's lovely.
S4 (13:50):
You've had a bit of a media presence for a while.
Do you still get nervous?
S7 (13:54):
No.
S4 (13:54):
Did you ever get nervous?
S7 (13:56):
Last year when I. I got invited to go and
be a speaker. What is it, a speaker, a.
S4 (14:03):
Like a.
S7 (14:03):
Guest speaker, a.
S4 (14:04):
Keynote. Yeah. Oh, that's when you know you've made it.
S7 (14:07):
Yeah, a keynote speaking. See, that's what I would be
good at doing. Keynote speaking. I've got such a story
to tell. Yeah. So I did that.
S4 (14:16):
Ten part podcast series just to tell your story.
S7 (14:19):
God like. And that was, um, I got a bit
nervous for that. And then once I got into the
swing of it all, I was fine, but. But normally
I don't get nervous.
S4 (14:29):
You always pull it off. You do alright.
S7 (14:31):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm a natural.
S4 (14:33):
Well, good luck tonight. Hope you have a lot of fun.
And it's a pleasure to speak to you.
S7 (14:37):
Oh, thank you. And I hope you have a good
night too.
S2 (14:44):
I'm Sam Corley and you're listening to this special Blind
Australian of the year edition of Talking Vision. If you
missed any part of these interviews or you'd love to
hear them again, simply search for Vision Australia radio interview
highlights to access our podcast feed. You can also access
all of the interviews on the podcast app of your choice,
(15:08):
or through the Vision Australia library. In addition to the
Vision Australia Radio website at Radio.com, that's radio all one word.
We've got a special treat for you in store now,
as we hear from Rachael Leahcar with a clip of
her performance at the Blind Australian of the Year awards.
S3 (15:30):
Rachael first captured hearts in 2012 with over 4 million
Australians watching her unforgettable audition. And it was a blind audition, literally.
Since then, she's released three top ten Aria albums, toured
nationally to sold out crowds, and even performed with Andrea
Bocelli's orchestra in Italy in 2024, Rachel was honored with
(15:53):
the prestigious Danny Awards in New York City, celebrating excellence
among musicians with disabilities. A powerhouse performer and a true
inspiration and someone I call a pocket rocket. Please welcome
Rachel Leahcar.
S8 (16:07):
I'm just so honored to be here once again at
the Blind Australian of the Year Awards, and I'm going
to be singing some shades for you. Set the tone.
Got a bit of a mix of songs tonight. Um,
had a few song requests before this, so doing some
new ones that I hope will get you all to
sing along. Maybe have a little wriggle or dance around
if you want to get up. You're welcome to do
(16:29):
that too. But I'm going to start with one. Um,
that I absolutely love, that I actually performed in New
York last year by Kate Bush. It's called Running Up
That Hill. Oh, I just want to bring to you
with all my gear to swap our places. We're running
a road.
S2 (16:52):
It's time now for the first of the award announcements.
This time the Inclusive Employer of Choice award.
S3 (17:00):
Employment is more than just a paycheck. It's about purpose, belonging, inclusion,
and most importantly, being able to afford those wild spending sprees.
But for many, employment is not the barrier. It's the
lack of awareness. You know, people not wanting to give
people like us a chance. I mean, look at how
many blind people are here. Look how cool they are.
(17:22):
And people need to hire people like that. Am I right?
S9 (17:25):
Yes. Woo!
S3 (17:27):
This is why recognizing inclusive employers is not just important,
it's essential. We are so grateful to the Queensland State
Government for sponsoring the 2025 Blind Train of the Year
Employer of Choice award. And I would love to welcome
Max white, Deputy director general of the Queensland Department of Families,
Seniors Is disability services and child safety to present this.
S10 (17:55):
Thank you. Karen. You are on fire tonight, my friend.
Welcome to the football capital of the world, people. Blind
Australian of the year employer recipient is the Saint Kilda
Football Club.
S2 (18:16):
And from Khan we go back to Jason again catching
up with Tash from Braille and tactile signs Australia.
S4 (18:24):
With me now I have Tash from Braille. Tactile signs Australia. Tash,
how are you going?
S11 (18:29):
I'm really well, thank you.
S4 (18:31):
Do you want to share why you're at the event
today and why you're involved?
S11 (18:34):
Yeah, absolutely. So I'm here on behalf of Braille Tactile
Signs Australia. And I've come with the beautiful Claudia GATT,
who is one of the owners of the business. It's
an Australian business that has been in Braille tactile signs
for 25 years. So Claudia started the business with her father, Roland.
They are the gold standard in Braille. Tactile signs.
S4 (18:58):
I'm sure there's a lot of players out there, but
not necessarily doing it the right way.
S11 (19:01):
100% right. We have three unique technologies that enable our
signs to have longevity and to be used for a
long time. So there's a lot of signs out there
that you may know that are not of a great quality.
And unfortunately, what that means is for the end user,
(19:22):
they don't actually provide the service that they are there for,
which is to create an independence for them to find
what they need to find. So, for example, we've got
some new tactile floor mats for toilets. So amenity floor
plans and we're trialling the idea that someone can actually
(19:43):
feel their way around the floor flow map. If they
don't know Braille, they can still find their orientation within
the bathroom. So we think that, you know, is great.
There's a lot of rail users out there. We've been
speaking a lot about the future of Braille. Chris Edwards
spoke at our World Sight Day conference the other week,
a couple of weeks ago, and he spoke very highly
(20:05):
of the future of Braille and how there is still
a lot of people out there using it, and that
it's still quite relevant.
S4 (20:11):
Let's hope we get to a point where every public
space has these Braille signs. I mean, that's really what
should be happening, isn't it?
S11 (20:17):
Absolutely. Every public space and we talk about inclusivity, you know,
making it these these toilet signs and these signs that
we make are for everyone really to be able to
we find and to create a sense of dignity so
that you can find your way around. Yeah.
S4 (20:32):
If you're a business owner or you're a designer and architect,
I hope this is on your radar. I hope you're
thinking about it.
S11 (20:38):
100%, we're a friendly team and we'd love to speak
to you and Tash.
S4 (20:43):
Why is it that you guys are involved this year
and have been in previous years?
S11 (20:46):
Oh, that's such a good question. So we're very much
part of the community. We love to do a lot
of advocacy work, and Claudia and Roland have been involved
for a very long time in really sort of getting
in amongst the community and showing the community that they've
got a real interest in the blind and low vision
community and a real interest in providing quality products for
(21:08):
the end user. And they're really end user focus, I
find really, um, beautiful, like it's heart centered.
S4 (21:15):
Tash, thanks so much for the chat. Thanks for being
here and helping, uh, an event like this happen.
S2 (21:20):
Thank you. And now it's time to find out the
winner of the Young Blind Australian of the year award.
S3 (21:26):
This is such a special award because I know a
lot of blind people are diagnosed when they're quite young.
I was diagnosed at the age of 11, and I
remember how scary that felt. But now young blind Australians
are not just being embraced, but they're being recognised and
said right up.
S12 (21:43):
Drumroll, everyone. The Blind Australian of the year youth recipient
is Isaac McKinnon.
S3 (21:57):
I'm going to tell you a little bit about Isaac.
Isaac is an exceptional young Australian whose courage, perseverance and
compassion has inspired his school and community. Despite living with
significant sight loss, Isaac approaches every challenge for determination and positivity.
At school, he is known for his adaptability, academic excellence
(22:18):
and leadership. His passion for learning, particularly maths. Don't ask
me why, but maths is supported by his proactive use
of assistive technology. How can that make sense? Showcasing both
innovation and resilience beyond the classroom, Isaac is an accomplished
athlete competing in blind golf, tandem cycling, athletics and air
(22:40):
rifle shooting.
S2 (22:41):
How cool. And last, but certainly by no means least,
Jason catches up with Terry from Link Vision.
S4 (22:48):
With me now is Terry from Link Vision. Terry. What
does this event mean to you and the organization?
S10 (22:53):
It just means so much, Jason. I mean, it's all
about inclusion. It's all about recognizing achievements. The people who
are blind. It's something that we've been doing for now,
for nearly 60 years, and to be able to be
a part of this event is just phenomenal.
S4 (23:05):
Now, can you remind our listeners how long Link Vision
has been involved in the awards?
S10 (23:09):
We've had the awards now. Well, the awards are in
their eighth year and it's the 50th for Link Vision.
All right. We we took over the original founders of
the awards called Blind Alliance Australia about 5 or 6
years ago.
S4 (23:22):
And what do you think this annual event is doing
for the, uh, the community itself?
S10 (23:27):
We just want to celebrate, Jason. I mean, it's all
about the case. You hear the can't hear the noise.
It's all about celebration of the achievements of people who
are blind. And we keep saying to people, we've got
three award recipients tonight, but 100 nominations this year. So
what we'd like to say is we've got 100 winners
and three recipients tonight.
S4 (23:48):
So the nominations have grown for the event.
S10 (23:50):
Oh, massively. Massively. And, um, so as I said, we've
got close to 100 this year. I think we started
off with about 15, about eight years ago. So and importantly,
nominations from every state and territory. And of course this
year we've got a new award category called the Youth Award, which, uh, why.
S4 (24:07):
Did you why was that one introduced? Terry.
S10 (24:09):
Popular request by people that come here every year and
noting that kids are 15 to 21 years of age,
are already achieving phenomenal things, you know, and it's it's
not just about contribution to the blindness community, it's contribution
to the community. Full stop. That's the important part.
S4 (24:28):
So what encouraging words would you have for our audience
to think about who they might be able to nominate
for the awards next year?
S10 (24:34):
Look, I think I think the really important thing is
to be able to describe Scribe really well just how
important these people are. You know, I mean, it's a
little bit more than, hey, she's a great girl or
he's a great bloke. Let's actually describe the achievements and
their path and their journey through the whole thing.
S4 (24:51):
Anything on the radar for Link Vision for the next
12 months? Anything interesting coming up?
S10 (24:55):
Well, I think we're going to have a good sleep tonight. And, um,
it's a ten month effort to actually run this this, uh, function.
So we might have a rest for a few weeks
and then get ready for the next one.
S4 (25:06):
Well, Terry, thank you very much for involving Vision Australia
Radio for flying me up to cover the event as well.
S10 (25:11):
Thank you so much for being a part of it, Jason.
I hope you've had a good time.
S2 (25:20):
And to wrap up his Jason one last time with
a final announcement.
S4 (25:26):
Well, that's a wrap for our coverage of the Blind
Australian of the year 2025 awards. You'll notice that we
didn't get a chance to share the audio from the
evening for the winner of the individual award, who was,
of course, Maurice Gleeson O.a.m. And that's because we were
recording the video of the announcement for our Facebook page.
And unfortunately, I couldn't do both at the same time.
(25:47):
Big congratulations once again to Maurice, of course. Uh, Maurice
has dedicated over 30 years to transforming the lives of
Victorians who are blind or have vision impairment. Of course,
through his leadership of the Blind Sports Recreation Victoria organisation,
mostly in a volunteer capacity. Maurice has created more than
30 inclusive programs spanning tennis, AFL, soccer, swimming and more,
(26:11):
impacting over 25,000 people across the state. Congratulations, Maurice. Congratulations
to all the winners from the evening and to everyone
that was involved. And once again, big thanks to Lincoln
for having us at the event and covering it. And
in addition to that, being a sponsor of Vision Australia
Radio this year. Keep listening to Vision Australia Radio for
more updates on the event. And of course, we'll be
(26:33):
back again in 2026. I'm Jason Gibbs. Bye for now.
S2 (26:37):
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 Vision at Australia. That's talking vision all one word
(27:02):
at Vision Australia dot. But until next week it's Sam
Coley saying bye for now.
S1 (27:11):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on one 308 474 six. That's one 384
74 six 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):
I think in society, blind people are shown. I wouldn't
say in a bad way, but we always sort of
shown miserable, unhappy week. We don't have careers, we don't
do much. And then you've got awards like this where
people are Paralympians, they're like doctors, and they're such phenomenal
athletes that I think it really lets people know that
(01:00):
you're really underestimating this demographic so much.
S2 (01:03):
Welcome to the program. This week we've got a really
fun show for you in store. As Jason hit the
ground to have a chat with a bunch of people
at the recent Blind Australian of the year awards, which
took place on the 11th of October in Brisbane. You'll
hear from people like Reggie Bird, Karan Nagrani and Terry
(01:26):
from Link Vision, the organisation in charge of the Blind
Australian of the year awards. But that's not all, of course.
Stay tuned for a few surprise vox pops as well
as the announcement of this year's winners. So without further ado,
I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision.
(01:52):
And now here's Jason Gibbs, our man on the ground,
to kick off proceedings.
S4 (01:58):
Hi there, Jason here for Vision Australia Radio, and I'm
honoured to be at the Blind Australian of the Year
Awards gala. Well, just a few hours before the gala
at the moment, and I'm in the middle of the
exhibition space where a few of the supporters of the
gala have gathered to share a little bit of what
they do and the services that are available to the
blind and low vision community. Support has been growing for
(02:19):
the gala over the years and this year is no exception.
Not only has it had fantastic corporate support, but there
have been an amazing amount of nominations made for the
three categories at the awards for a little bit of
the history, the Blind Australian of the Year Awards acknowledged
the contribution that people with blindness and low vision have
made to Australian society. These awards bring acknowledgement and prizes
(02:41):
for the recipients. I hope to be able to grab
the event organisers to share a little bit more about
that before things kick off at 7 p.m.. Vision Australia Radio,
actually exhibiting today alongside the vision store from the Subaru office,
got an array of assistive technology on display, including the
very popular Ray-Ban glasses with AI and sharing a little
(03:01):
bit about our alternative format production and ways to listen
to Vision Australia radio and audio, which you folks listening
are all too familiar with.
S2 (03:08):
Now, a couple of weeks ago. You may have heard
my interview with Kayla from the vision store in Queensland. Well,
Jason headed along to the Inclusive Design Expo as well
with the Vision Store team, and he caught up with
one of their members, Eliza. So let's hear from them
right now.
S4 (03:27):
Introduce yourself.
S5 (03:27):
Yeah, sure. I'm Eliza. I'm with the vision store from
Vision Australia. Very excited to be here at the Blind
Australian of the Year Awards with our display table full
of goodies. One of the most important things is to
show up for our blind and low vision community, and
also to let people know the massive range of equipment
and services that we have at Vision Australia. It's really
(03:48):
important for us to get the word out there and
make sure people know that they can just drop in
any time.
S4 (03:52):
Do you want to share for the people listening at
home what you've got on the table here today?
S5 (03:56):
We brought a really interesting array of canes, especially because
we know a lot of our equipment is targeted towards
people with low vision. We do have a lot of
blindness specific equipment as well. So canes is one of them.
We brought a glitter cane with us, which is a
display of lots of different color options that you can
bring along.
S4 (04:16):
You can you can never have too much glitter.
S5 (04:17):
That's right. Exactly. I'm a big believer in glitter and
of customizing your outfits and having a cane for every
outfit if you want to. But this is an example
of a few different color options that you're able to
custom order. We've also got canes that are good for
being out and about the outdoors, urban exploring ones that
are adjustable so they're really good for rough terrain and
(04:39):
also ones that are really compact and telescopic. We have
a Korean telescopic cane, which is lightweight and is able
to be extended and folded up however you want. It's
really discreet and it's got a really lovely metallic pink
end to it as well, which is nice. I think
they're just a very fashion forward kind of choice.
S4 (04:56):
I know some people are quite attached to their cane
and maybe have an upgraded for a little while. It
might be worth just popping by a vision store and
and seeing what's available.
S5 (05:04):
Yeah, that's exactly right. And there's so many new kinds
of canes for specific kinds of dramas you might have
with canes. We've got one, for example, that's flexible. So
if you find that you're someone that often gets your
cane stuck in cracks in the pavement or on, you know,
like a gutter or something like that, it's really handy
(05:24):
because it's got a bit of resistance in it, like
suspension in the cane. So if you do hit something,
you're not going to jab yourself.
S4 (05:30):
That's not like a rodecaster brand. I'm trying to.
S5 (05:33):
Remember called the no jab cane.
S4 (05:35):
Which is quite literal.
S5 (05:36):
But yeah. So you don't jab yourself with the cane. Okay. Good, good. Yeah, yeah.
And then we brought along all of our magnification and
some of our really latest technology, for example, the Ray-Ban
meta glasses. That's one of the newest things that we've
found has been so helpful for our community. They look
like a normal pair of glasses, but they've got little
(05:57):
cameras in the temples, which can take a photo or
a video and analyze what's going on in front of you,
and then can do things like read out a menu,
read out some text, or even describe the people that
are standing in front of you and its AI too.
So you can ask it the complex follow up questions.
S4 (06:14):
Can you use them like wayfinding? Like to sort of
walk from one space to another within a building? And yeah.
S5 (06:19):
Definitely.
S4 (06:19):
Yeah. Amazing.
S5 (06:20):
The use for navigation like orientation mobility is, is pretty
amazing because it's integrated with all sorts of other apps
on your phone, like Google Maps. You can use it
for wayfinding. You can use it to make phone calls
when you're on the go. It's hands free so you
can have your phone in your pocket, you know, cane
in the other hand and away you go. So that's
very exciting.
S4 (06:40):
Not technically assistive technology, but widely available of use to everyone, really,
for so many different things.
S5 (06:46):
Exactly. Yeah. And we found that even though it's a
it's a mainstream item, it's a mobile phone accessory, we
can still see the benefit for our community. So that's
why we've decided to promote them and have them in stock,
have them available for demonstration, and also have equipped professionals
like OTS and orientation mobility specialists who can show you
how to use them.
S4 (07:05):
Yeah, well, if anyone's got any questions about any of
the products available today or just, you know, trying to
find something that might assist them in their everyday living,
I assume they can just call through and ask for
vision store.
S5 (07:15):
They sure can. You can come in, drop in to
one of our stores, you can call us, you can
send us an email. There's no wrong door.
S2 (07:24):
And now we get into the awards night proper. Starting
off with a very quick chat Jason had with Chris
Corcoran from Reading Radio.
S4 (07:34):
With me now from Reading Radio, I've got Chris. What
are you expecting from the night?
S6 (07:38):
Jace That's a good question. We're expecting a really fantastic night.
It's been a great year and it's a celebration, I guess,
of those with who are blind and low vision. Some
good music, some good food, great company. Yeah. Just to
be able to share some of the wonderful stories is
always a highlight here. This is our fourth year I think, attending.
So yeah, reading radio just loves being a part of
(08:00):
the Blind Australian of the year awards.
S4 (08:02):
Why is it that you're a part of the awards
for the four years running?
S6 (08:05):
We're one of the major sponsors of it, as well
as the corporate partner. And obviously being a radio station
for those who are blind and low. Vision is our audience.
It's our family. You're always important that we get along
and support great events like this.
S2 (08:17):
And now here's Jason with emcee of the Blind Australian
of the year awards for the second year running, Karan Nagrani.
S4 (08:25):
Now I'm very excited to say I'm here with the
event MC Karan Nagrani. Hi Karen.
S6 (08:30):
Hey.
S3 (08:31):
Thank you for saying my name right. I was expecting
Karan or something else so thank you.
S4 (08:36):
I've had practice. I'm pleased to say this is your
second time emceeing the event. Is that right? Yes, yes.
S3 (08:42):
Second time. I was actually told last year that some
of my jokes offended people. And I need to apologize
because I'm going to do it even more this year,
so I hope they're ready.
S4 (08:52):
So it was a highly offensive. You have to come back.
S3 (08:55):
Yeah. Exactly. Yeah, yeah.
S4 (08:57):
What got people on the edge of the seat last year? Karan,
your attempt at humor.
S3 (09:01):
I think I said something like, because normally when I speak,
it's at events where mostly sighted people. So I just
started off asking who is blind and who he is sighted.
And surprisingly, it was not surprisingly, blind a strain of
the year awards. But most of the people were blind.
So I was like, oh damn, you're not going to
see my jokes coming. And the whole crowd just went, oh,
it actually started off with a laugh. And then it
(09:23):
turned into like almost booing. So I was like, oh,
but yeah.
S4 (09:27):
Can't win em all. Kara.
S3 (09:28):
Yeah, yeah.
S4 (09:29):
And if you can't laugh at you sometimes yourself. Sometimes.
When can you.
S3 (09:32):
Exactly.
S4 (09:33):
Uh, so why is it that you're involved? Why do
you make the effort to come all the way up
to Brisbane for this event each year?
S3 (09:38):
Um, if you were to ask me. Well, to be
honest with you, I didn't even know an award like
this existed until a couple of years ago. I got
nominated in 2022, and I was like, wow, something like
this exists. I got approached on social media by the
Link Vision team, and they asked me if I could
do some social media stuff for them, and that's how
(09:59):
it started. Actually, it started off with would you would
you be the emcee for the gala? And then from that,
it led to helping them with social media as well,
which I absolutely love because, well, my background is marketing
and I had to give it up as my sight
got worse. And then now I'm doing it again. But
for a blind organization, so it feels like a full
circle in a in a really nice way. So yeah,
(10:19):
that's why I'm here. Obviously people didn't hate me that
much last year, which is why I got asked to
be here again. So yeah, that's why I'm here. And,
you know, honestly, coming back to what I was saying
about not knowing something like this exists, I think as
a blind person, you often don't feel included. And when
you have, you know, an award that's just for people
like you, it's a really special, special feeling for you.
S4 (10:41):
Why do you think it is necessary for the Blind
Australian of the year awards? What does it mean to
the blind and low vision community?
S3 (10:46):
It shows that, you know, I think in society blind
people are shown. I wouldn't say in a bad way,
but we always sort of shown miserable, unhappy week. We
don't have careers, we don't do much. And then you've
got awards like this where people are Paralympians, they're like doctors,
and they're such phenomenal athletes that I think it really
(11:08):
lets people know that you're really underestimating this demographic so much.
So I think when you have winners that are so
accomplished out there and it makes the news, people read
about it and they're like, whoa, didn't didn't think a
blind person could do that.
S4 (11:21):
That sounds like a great reason to be here.
S3 (11:23):
Yeah.
S4 (11:24):
Thanks, Karen.
S3 (11:24):
My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Hope you have a
lovely night.
S2 (11:27):
Let's hear a bit more from Karen himself with some
opening remarks at the Blind Australian of the Year Awards.
S3 (11:34):
We are here to celebrate the contribution, excellence, self determination
of Australians living with blindness. We have some truly phenomenal
blind people in this room. I mean, just take a
look around. Oh, wait. But all jokes aside, please give
(11:54):
it up for incredible finalists. All of them. Can we
have a round of applause, please?
S2 (11:59):
And now Jason's back with Reggie Bird.
S4 (12:02):
Okay. Very excited. Now channelling my mum, who would be
very jealous cos I'm speaking to Reggie Bird. How you going, Reggie?
S7 (12:08):
Yeah, I'm really good. I'm very excited for tonight.
S4 (12:11):
Why are you excited?
S7 (12:13):
Oh, it's so great to see the community get together.
Especially like the blind and vision impaired community come out.
And I just love how they all get dressed up.
Like I just love it and it's so good.
S4 (12:25):
This is your second year involved or is it longer?
S7 (12:27):
Second year.
S4 (12:28):
So what got you involved, Reggie?
S7 (12:30):
I think Karen got in touch with me and he said, Reggie,
I'm going to this event. He goes, I think you
should come along to it and be involved in it.
That's how it started. Yeah.
S4 (12:39):
What do you think it means to the blind and
low vision community to have such an event?
S7 (12:43):
It means a lot. Like, it's so good and it's
so special to feel included.
S4 (12:49):
It's a moment to shine the spotlight on the community, right?
S7 (12:52):
Yes, definitely.
S4 (12:53):
Was there anything interesting that happened last year at the
event that you weren't expecting. Did you, you know, learn
anything along the way?
S7 (13:00):
Oh, look, I learned that I had a very good night,
that's for sure. After a few drinks. It was fun.
S4 (13:07):
That's nice. I always love your energy and your honesty. Reggie,
kind of things are you aspiring to do over the
next year? Like, is there anything on your radar?
S7 (13:16):
Gosh, I definitely need a job. That's my main goal.
S4 (13:19):
You heard it here first, folks. If you've got a
job for Reggie, she is willing and able. Very highly skilled.
S7 (13:24):
Very, extremely.
S4 (13:27):
What is your ideal job, Reggie?
S7 (13:29):
Oh, gosh. Look, I love talking to people. So anything
that's including being around people or interviewing people or just
I'm a people person. Yeah. Yes.
S4 (13:39):
And that's what you're doing tonight on the red carpet.
You're interviewing the attendees?
S7 (13:43):
Yep. So I'll meet and greet everyone that's coming along
tonight and have a photo and have a chat. Yeah.
It's lovely.
S4 (13:50):
You've had a bit of a media presence for a while.
Do you still get nervous?
S7 (13:54):
No.
S4 (13:54):
Did you ever get nervous?
S7 (13:56):
Last year when I. I got invited to go and
be a speaker. What is it, a speaker, a.
S4 (14:03):
Like a.
S7 (14:03):
Guest speaker, a.
S4 (14:04):
Keynote. Yeah. Oh, that's when you know you've made it.
S7 (14:07):
Yeah, a keynote speaking. See, that's what I would be
good at doing. Keynote speaking. I've got such a story
to tell. Yeah. So I did that.
S4 (14:16):
Ten part podcast series just to tell your story.
S7 (14:19):
God like. And that was, um, I got a bit
nervous for that. And then once I got into the
swing of it all, I was fine, but. But normally
I don't get nervous.
S4 (14:29):
You always pull it off. You do alright.
S7 (14:31):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm a natural.
S4 (14:33):
Well, good luck tonight. Hope you have a lot of fun.
And it's a pleasure to speak to you.
S7 (14:37):
Oh, thank you. And I hope you have a good
night too.
S2 (14:44):
I'm Sam Corley and you're listening to this special Blind
Australian of the year edition of Talking Vision. If you
missed any part of these interviews or you'd love to
hear them again, simply search for Vision Australia radio interview
highlights to access our podcast feed. You can also access
all of the interviews on the podcast app of your choice,
(15:08):
or through the Vision Australia library. In addition to the
Vision Australia Radio website at Radio.com, that's radio all one word.
We've got a special treat for you in store now,
as we hear from Rachael Leahcar with a clip of
her performance at the Blind Australian of the Year awards.
S3 (15:30):
Rachael first captured hearts in 2012 with over 4 million
Australians watching her unforgettable audition. And it was a blind audition, literally.
Since then, she's released three top ten Aria albums, toured
nationally to sold out crowds, and even performed with Andrea
Bocelli's orchestra in Italy in 2024, Rachel was honored with
(15:53):
the prestigious Danny Awards in New York City, celebrating excellence
among musicians with disabilities. A powerhouse performer and a true
inspiration and someone I call a pocket rocket. Please welcome
Rachel Leahcar.
S8 (16:07):
I'm just so honored to be here once again at
the Blind Australian of the Year Awards, and I'm going
to be singing some shades for you. Set the tone.
Got a bit of a mix of songs tonight. Um,
had a few song requests before this, so doing some
new ones that I hope will get you all to
sing along. Maybe have a little wriggle or dance around
if you want to get up. You're welcome to do
(16:29):
that too. But I'm going to start with one. Um,
that I absolutely love, that I actually performed in New
York last year by Kate Bush. It's called Running Up
That Hill. Oh, I just want to bring to you
with all my gear to swap our places. We're running
a road.
S2 (16:52):
It's time now for the first of the award announcements.
This time the Inclusive Employer of Choice award.
S3 (17:00):
Employment is more than just a paycheck. It's about purpose, belonging, inclusion,
and most importantly, being able to afford those wild spending sprees.
But for many, employment is not the barrier. It's the
lack of awareness. You know, people not wanting to give
people like us a chance. I mean, look at how
many blind people are here. Look how cool they are.
(17:22):
And people need to hire people like that. Am I right?
S9 (17:25):
Yes. Woo!
S3 (17:27):
This is why recognizing inclusive employers is not just important,
it's essential. We are so grateful to the Queensland State
Government for sponsoring the 2025 Blind Train of the Year
Employer of Choice award. And I would love to welcome
Max white, Deputy director general of the Queensland Department of Families,
Seniors Is disability services and child safety to present this.
S10 (17:55):
Thank you. Karen. You are on fire tonight, my friend.
Welcome to the football capital of the world, people. Blind
Australian of the year employer recipient is the Saint Kilda
Football Club.
S2 (18:16):
And from Khan we go back to Jason again catching
up with Tash from Braille and tactile signs Australia.
S4 (18:24):
With me now I have Tash from Braille. Tactile signs Australia. Tash,
how are you going?
S11 (18:29):
I'm really well, thank you.
S4 (18:31):
Do you want to share why you're at the event
today and why you're involved?
S11 (18:34):
Yeah, absolutely. So I'm here on behalf of Braille Tactile
Signs Australia. And I've come with the beautiful Claudia GATT,
who is one of the owners of the business. It's
an Australian business that has been in Braille tactile signs
for 25 years. So Claudia started the business with her father, Roland.
They are the gold standard in Braille. Tactile signs.
S4 (18:58):
I'm sure there's a lot of players out there, but
not necessarily doing it the right way.
S11 (19:01):
100% right. We have three unique technologies that enable our
signs to have longevity and to be used for a
long time. So there's a lot of signs out there
that you may know that are not of a great quality.
And unfortunately, what that means is for the end user,
(19:22):
they don't actually provide the service that they are there for,
which is to create an independence for them to find
what they need to find. So, for example, we've got
some new tactile floor mats for toilets. So amenity floor
plans and we're trialling the idea that someone can actually
(19:43):
feel their way around the floor flow map. If they
don't know Braille, they can still find their orientation within
the bathroom. So we think that, you know, is great.
There's a lot of rail users out there. We've been
speaking a lot about the future of Braille. Chris Edwards
spoke at our World Sight Day conference the other week,
a couple of weeks ago, and he spoke very highly
(20:05):
of the future of Braille and how there is still
a lot of people out there using it, and that
it's still quite relevant.
S4 (20:11):
Let's hope we get to a point where every public
space has these Braille signs. I mean, that's really what
should be happening, isn't it?
S11 (20:17):
Absolutely. Every public space and we talk about inclusivity, you know,
making it these these toilet signs and these signs that
we make are for everyone really to be able to
we find and to create a sense of dignity so
that you can find your way around. Yeah.
S4 (20:32):
If you're a business owner or you're a designer and architect,
I hope this is on your radar. I hope you're
thinking about it.
S11 (20:38):
100%, we're a friendly team and we'd love to speak
to you and Tash.
S4 (20:43):
Why is it that you guys are involved this year
and have been in previous years?
S11 (20:46):
Oh, that's such a good question. So we're very much
part of the community. We love to do a lot
of advocacy work, and Claudia and Roland have been involved
for a very long time in really sort of getting
in amongst the community and showing the community that they've
got a real interest in the blind and low vision
community and a real interest in providing quality products for
(21:08):
the end user. And they're really end user focus, I
find really, um, beautiful, like it's heart centered.
S4 (21:15):
Tash, thanks so much for the chat. Thanks for being
here and helping, uh, an event like this happen.
S2 (21:20):
Thank you. And now it's time to find out the
winner of the Young Blind Australian of the year award.
S3 (21:26):
This is such a special award because I know a
lot of blind people are diagnosed when they're quite young.
I was diagnosed at the age of 11, and I
remember how scary that felt. But now young blind Australians
are not just being embraced, but they're being recognised and
said right up.
S12 (21:43):
Drumroll, everyone. The Blind Australian of the year youth recipient
is Isaac McKinnon.
S3 (21:57):
I'm going to tell you a little bit about Isaac.
Isaac is an exceptional young Australian whose courage, perseverance and
compassion has inspired his school and community. Despite living with
significant sight loss, Isaac approaches every challenge for determination and positivity.
At school, he is known for his adaptability, academic excellence
(22:18):
and leadership. His passion for learning, particularly maths. Don't ask
me why, but maths is supported by his proactive use
of assistive technology. How can that make sense? Showcasing both
innovation and resilience beyond the classroom, Isaac is an accomplished
athlete competing in blind golf, tandem cycling, athletics and air
(22:40):
rifle shooting.
S2 (22:41):
How cool. And last, but certainly by no means least,
Jason catches up with Terry from Link Vision.
S4 (22:48):
With me now is Terry from Link Vision. Terry. What
does this event mean to you and the organization?
S10 (22:53):
It just means so much, Jason. I mean, it's all
about inclusion. It's all about recognizing achievements. The people who
are blind. It's something that we've been doing for now,
for nearly 60 years, and to be able to be
a part of this event is just phenomenal.
S4 (23:05):
Now, can you remind our listeners how long Link Vision
has been involved in the awards?
S10 (23:09):
We've had the awards now. Well, the awards are in
their eighth year and it's the 50th for Link Vision.
All right. We we took over the original founders of
the awards called Blind Alliance Australia about 5 or 6
years ago.
S4 (23:22):
And what do you think this annual event is doing
for the, uh, the community itself?
S10 (23:27):
We just want to celebrate, Jason. I mean, it's all
about the case. You hear the can't hear the noise.
It's all about celebration of the achievements of people who
are blind. And we keep saying to people, we've got
three award recipients tonight, but 100 nominations this year. So
what we'd like to say is we've got 100 winners
and three recipients tonight.
S4 (23:48):
So the nominations have grown for the event.
S10 (23:50):
Oh, massively. Massively. And, um, so as I said, we've
got close to 100 this year. I think we started
off with about 15, about eight years ago. So and importantly,
nominations from every state and territory. And of course this
year we've got a new award category called the Youth Award, which, uh, why.
S4 (24:07):
Did you why was that one introduced? Terry.
S10 (24:09):
Popular request by people that come here every year and
noting that kids are 15 to 21 years of age,
are already achieving phenomenal things, you know, and it's it's
not just about contribution to the blindness community, it's contribution
to the community. Full stop. That's the important part.
S4 (24:28):
So what encouraging words would you have for our audience
to think about who they might be able to nominate
for the awards next year?
S10 (24:34):
Look, I think I think the really important thing is
to be able to describe Scribe really well just how
important these people are. You know, I mean, it's a
little bit more than, hey, she's a great girl or
he's a great bloke. Let's actually describe the achievements and
their path and their journey through the whole thing.
S4 (24:51):
Anything on the radar for Link Vision for the next
12 months? Anything interesting coming up?
S10 (24:55):
Well, I think we're going to have a good sleep tonight. And, um,
it's a ten month effort to actually run this this, uh, function.
So we might have a rest for a few weeks
and then get ready for the next one.
S4 (25:06):
Well, Terry, thank you very much for involving Vision Australia
Radio for flying me up to cover the event as well.
S10 (25:11):
Thank you so much for being a part of it, Jason.
I hope you've had a good time.
S2 (25:20):
And to wrap up his Jason one last time with
a final announcement.
S4 (25:26):
Well, that's a wrap for our coverage of the Blind
Australian of the year 2025 awards. You'll notice that we
didn't get a chance to share the audio from the
evening for the winner of the individual award, who was,
of course, Maurice Gleeson O.a.m. And that's because we were
recording the video of the announcement for our Facebook page.
And unfortunately, I couldn't do both at the same time.
(25:47):
Big congratulations once again to Maurice, of course. Uh, Maurice
has dedicated over 30 years to transforming the lives of
Victorians who are blind or have vision impairment. Of course,
through his leadership of the Blind Sports Recreation Victoria organisation,
mostly in a volunteer capacity. Maurice has created more than
30 inclusive programs spanning tennis, AFL, soccer, swimming and more,
(26:11):
impacting over 25,000 people across the state. Congratulations, Maurice. Congratulations
to all the winners from the evening and to everyone
that was involved. And once again, big thanks to Lincoln
for having us at the event and covering it. And
in addition to that, being a sponsor of Vision Australia
Radio this year. Keep listening to Vision Australia Radio for
more updates on the event. And of course, we'll be
(26:33):
back again in 2026. I'm Jason Gibbs. Bye for now.
S2 (26:37):
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 Vision at Australia. That's talking vision all one word
(27:02):
at Vision Australia dot. But until next week it's Sam
Coley saying bye for now.
S1 (27:11):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on one 308 474 six. That's one 384
74 six or by visiting Vision Australia. That's Vision Australia.
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