Vision Australia Radio is proud to return as a media partner for the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival! And in 2026, the Vision Australia Library is stepping up its support—encouraging members to showcase their creativity through the festival’s microfiction competition. Together, we’re celebrating storytelling, writing, and reading across Melbourne’s west and beyond, reaching festival-goers, Vision Australia clients, and our radio listeners alike.

In this interview highlight, Brimbank Libraries’ Scott Steensma joins us in the studio to share what’s in store for this year’s festival, while Vi Nguyen from the Vision Australia Library unveils the exciting theme of the microfiction competition.

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Jane talks about the review into the Disability Discrimination Act and how to give your feedback.

You can find out more here: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law/review-disability-discrimination-act

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Supporting someone who is blind or has low vision is often a role that goes unnoticed. Many family members and friends see what they do as an act of love and responsibility. But in taking on this role, that person is also providing important support, and there are resources available for them, too.

In this special Vision Australia Radio presentation, host Sam Colley (Talking Vision) sits down with Adam Demirtel (Director Carers, Holstep Health), and Vision Australia’s wellbeing experts Debbie Loke (National Social Supports & Wellbeing Lead) and Megan Kohlhagen (Wellbeing Team Lead & Senior Practitioner). Together, they explore what it means to support someone who is blind or has low vision, the emotional journey from diagnosis to daily life, and the challenges of navigating complex systems like NDIS and My Aged Care.

The conversation highlights their hidden struggles and quiet strength, while shining a light on the culturally inclusive, practical, and emotional support available through Carer Gateway and Vision Australia.

Whether you’re supporting a parent, partner, child, or friend, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone, and help is here for you too.

To learn more, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au 
Connect with Vision Australia at www.visionaustralia.org 

Please note: Within the Vision Australian community, the term ‘carer’ is only used when referencing a paid carer. The term ‘family member and supporter’ is used to refer to someone supporting a loved one.

Listen to Vision Australia Radio for accessible news and information services 24/7. Visit www.varadio.org or ask your smart device to play Vision Australia Radio. You can find Vision Australia Radio podcasts on all major podcast platforms.

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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the world's first public Cochlear Implant Clinic, established at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in 1985. Dr Claire Iseli, chats with Peter Greco about its origins, successes and the difference it is making to people's lives and their families.

More info: Eye And Ear Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hopspital

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In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Scanlon, CEO and Chairman of Vision Australia Radio sponsor Hearth Australia, to better understand Supported Independent Living & the Hearth Home Solution.

Drawing on his extensive experience supporting the independence of people with disability, Justin provides a clear overview of Hearth Australia’s services, along with practical tips to help guide listeners through the funding process.

Want to learn more about Hearth Australia? Select the link below: 

 Hearth Australia | Disability Support Services Melbourne

 

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The 12th Annual Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal has launched. Janelle Miller X, award-winning CEO from the Petbarn Foundation, tells Peter Greco how to get involved. Seeing Eye Dogs provide vital support, constant companionship, independence and contribute to an all-round better quality of life for people in our community who are blind or have low vision.

More info:  Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal

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Vision Australia's winter webinar series, featuring some outstanding speakers and role-models is up and running. Maria Markou files Peter Greco in with all the details of how to register, tune in and listen on Mondays for the next 3 weeks.

More info: VA winter webinar series

or call: 1800 458 555

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Sam speaks to Vision Australia volunteer partnership coordinator Jordan Ashby about this month's Winter Webinar Series taking place through Telelink every Monday this July.

To find out about this month's speakers and to register, head to this link on the Vision Australia website.

You can also give Telelink a call on 1800 458 555 or email them at [email protected].

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Peter Greco chats with Tom Worsnop, Engagement Manager from Guardian Living, a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider. Guardian Living can help provide thoughtfully designed SDA homes and ongoing tenancy support, helping people with disabilities live well and feel truly at home.

More info: Guardian Living

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In this interview highlight, Jason Gipps speak with Grant Wilson from Vision Australia’s Client Services team ahead of his appearance at the In the Driver’s Seat event, copresented by Lions Australia and Vision Australia.

Grant shares how this annual event gets blind or low vision members of the community behind the wheel for laps of Sandown Raceway, boosting confidence and indepenance.

learn more about the event here: Home | In The Driver 1

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