Over 100 people attended a very successful free event that was recently held at the Bairnsdale RSL for the blind and low vision community. Participants were from many locations across the East Gippsland Shire. Feedback obtained during the event will be used to advocate for improved accessibility.

The event was organised by The Visionaries Group which is composed of three volunteers, Brenda Murray (OAM), Debbie Carruthers and Jody Herbert, who are also long-term volunteers with Vision Australia.

Proceedings on the day commenced with an opening by Brenda. The Mayor, Mr John White, was the first speaker, followed by Kath Smith from the East Gippsland Shire Council, Grant Wilson from Vision Australia, Penny Cassidy from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health and Jody Herbert from U3A Bairnsdale. After each speaker, participants were able to ask questions.

During the long lunch break participants were able to network with each other and also visit exhibitor tables to obtain information and enquire about equipment that was on display, including the newly released Meta smart glasses available through OPSM in Bairnsdale. These glasses look like regular prescription glasses however they have a built-in camera that can take a photo of, for example, a menu and read it back to the person wearing the glasses.

After the lunch break participants were able to speak in a small group setting to talk about needs and suggest how those needs could be met, as well as completing a feedback questionnaire about the event.

Participants were also invited to sign up for a low vision support group called the VIPs which meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 11am at the Bairnsdale RSL. The meeting provides an opportunity to share information and network with others. It is followed by a lunch in the Bistro at 12pm, which is at the participant’s cost. New members and their support person are welcome to come along.

This event for the blind and low vision community was made possible through a Community Small Grant from the East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) under the auspice and support of Bairnsdale University of the Third Age (U3A). Feedback and actions proposed will be part of a report prepared for the EGSC and will be used to determine future support for the blind and low vision community including improved accessibility.

Further information is available by contacting Brenda Murray on 5152 9445.