Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio

In this Vision Australia Radio Interview Highlights episode, Emerging Writers host Kate Cooper speaks with Sharon Flindell, curator and producer of the 2026 Totally Lit: Adventures in the Port City Festival.

Now in its second year, the festival returns to Fremantle from 2 to 16 October with more than 60 events celebrating books, storytelling, poetry, history, crime writing and community connection. Sharon shares her remarkable journey through the arts, from international contemporary arts festivals and literary partnerships to creating one of Western Australia's most exciting literary events.

The conversation explores Fremantle's rich literary culture, the inspiration behind Totally Lit, and festival highlights including Crime Time, interactive storytelling adventures, author events and opportunities for readers of all ages.

Vision Australia Radio is proud to return as an Access and Inclusion Partner for the festival, helping connect audiences across Australia with writers, stories and literary conversations.

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With the 2026 Blind Australian of the Year Awards just days away, Jason Gipps speaks with Terry O'Neill from Link Vision and special guest Reggie Bird about the history, impact and future of the awards.

They reflect on how the awards have grown from a small community initiative into a nationally recognised celebration of excellence among Australians who are blind or have low vision. The conversation explores this year's finalists, the importance of disability awareness and inclusion, and what guests can expect from the Brisbane gala, including keynote speaker Julie Goodwin, comedy, live entertainment and plenty of inspiration.

Reggie also shares her personal reflections on resilience, living with vision loss, and why events like these bring the blind and low vision community together.

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International White Cane Day is celebrated around the world each year on 15 October, recognising the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence, confidence and safe travel for people who are blind or have low vision.

In this episode, Vision Australia's Regional Client Services Manager, Grant Wilson, joins Peter Greco to discuss why the white cane remains such an important mobility tool, the different types of canes available today, and how orientation and mobility specialists help people find the right solution for their needs.

Grant also shares details about Vision Australia's International White Cane Day celebration in Melbourne, including a community walk, barbecue lunch, guest speakers, quizzes and activities for all ages.

Whether you use a white cane, support someone who does, or simply want to learn more about independent travel, this conversation highlights the freedom, confidence and connection that mobility can provide.

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Former teacher Bev Walker spent decades inspiring students in regional Victoria before unexpected vision loss changed her life. In this heartfelt conversation, Bev shares the emotional impact of losing her independence, the challenges of living with low vision in a rural community, and how support from Vision Australia helped her reconnect with the things she loves most.

From accessible technology and talking devices to the joy of reading books again, Bev reflects on the practical tools, personal support and resilience that have helped her adapt. Along the way, she shares some entertaining stories about using Meta smart glasses, including a memorable encounter in the supermarket and a mysterious connection to Pennsylvania.

A warm, honest and inspiring conversation about independence, technology, and finding new ways to thrive with vision loss.

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Amazon has launched Alexa+ in Australia, marking a major step forward in conversational artificial intelligence and voice-first technology.

In this special Vision Australia Radio interview, Jason Gipps speaks with Amazon's Alexa Country Manager Australia, Kate Gooden, about how Alexa+ is making technology more natural, intuitive and accessible for everyone.

The discussion explores new features including conversational AI, SightWise object recognition, voice-created routines, document sharing and smart home automation. Kate also highlights Amazon's longstanding partnership with Vision Australia, including support for Vision Australia Radio, Alexa training programs, the Vision Australia Library and initiatives that help people who are blind or have low vision access information with greater independence.

Learn how inclusive design is shaping the future of voice technology and why Amazon believes accessibility should be built into products from the very beginning.

For information about Vision Australia's Alexa training programs and support services, visit our website: You could be eligible to receive an Amazon smart speaker at no cost! | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services

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How often do we stop and listen to the wisdom of our grandparents?

In this heartfelt conversation, Anushka Singh shares the profound influence her late grandfather, Mr. Sethi, had on her life and the values that continue to shape her today. From kindness, community service and respect, to hard work, gratitude and family, Anushka reflects on the lessons learned through years of conversations, walks and precious time spent together.

She discusses the importance of preserving family stories, valuing older generations, and making time for the people who helped build the foundations on which we stand. Anushka also shares her goal of writing a book about her grandfather's legacy and offers a powerful reminder that travel plans, busy schedules and life's distractions can wait, but time with loved ones cannot.

This inspiring episode is a celebration of grandparents, family connections and the lasting impact that wisdom, love and lived experience can have across generations.

Listen in for a moving reminder to pick up the phone, ask a question, and spend time with the people who helped shape your story.

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Ahead of Radiodays Asia 2026 in Jakarta, Vision Australia Radio's Jason Gipps speaks with Australian media executive, educator and broadcaster Steve Ahern OAM about the trends shaping the future of radio, podcasting and digital audio.

Drawing on decades of experience across broadcasting, journalism and media innovation, Steve reflects on radio's evolution from analogue transmission to today's connected world of streaming, DAB+, podcasts and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores audience trust, the role of AI in audio production, the future of live radio, accessibility and inclusion in media, and why human connection remains at the heart of great broadcasting.

Steve also shares his thoughts on the rapid pace of change across the Asia-Pacific media landscape, highlights the opportunities emerging for broadcasters and content creators, and previews what delegates can expect from Radiodays Asia 2026.

Whether you're a radio professional, podcaster, journalist or passionate audio consumer, this discussion offers valuable insights into where the industry is heading next and why radio's best days may still be ahead.

Special offer: use the code RDAJGAMB10 at the checkout when purchasing your ticket to Radio Days Asia 2026, and receive 10% off a 2-day or 3-day conference ticket.

Learn more about the conference and get your tickets now, at Radiodays Asia – The Meeting Point of Radio | Audio | Podcast

Get to know Vision Australia Radio via the following link: Vision Australia Radio and understand more about the blind, low vision and print disability community, and the supports and services availbable via Vision Australia: Vision Australia | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services

Connect with Jason: [email protected] 

#VisionAustraliaRadio #RadiodaysAsia #Accessibility #AudioForAll #Blindness #LowVision #PrintDisability #InclusiveMedia #Radio #Podcasting #Jakarta2026

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This interview highlight explores Melbourne Airport's proposed Noise Sharing Plan for the future third runway, due to open in 2031. Peter speaks with Romina Cavallo from GHD, the independent team leading community engagement on the project, about how aircraft noise could be distributed across Melbourne rather than concentrated over specific suburbs. They discuss the challenges of balancing fairness with safety, weather conditions, and airport operations, as well as the feedback received from more than 500 community members during earlier consultation rounds.

With a draft Noise Sharing Plan now open for public feedback, Romina explains how residents can review the proposals, attend webinars and community information sessions, and share their views before consultation closes in October. A fascinating insight into the planning behind Melbourne's aviation future and the role the community can play in shaping it.

More Info: Noise Sharing Plan | Major Projects Hub | Melbourne Airport

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Melbourne Airport is preparing for significant growth, with a third runway, terminal expansions, and major changes to passenger access planned over the coming years.

In this highlight, Peter Greco speaks with Rosie Offord, Head of Planning at Melbourne Airport, about the airport's future and the upcoming public exhibition of the Melbourne Airport Master Plan.

Rosie explains how a projected increase in passenger numbers is driving more than $10 billion in infrastructure investment, including the airport's third runway, expanded international facilities, and changes to pick-up and drop-off arrangements for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 from October.

The discussion also explores accessibility, community consultation, and how people with disability, including those who are blind or have low vision, can help shape the future of Melbourne Airport through the consultation process.

MORE INFO: 

Public consultation opens on 10 August and runs until early November, providing opportunities for individuals and organisations to have their say.

People will be able to find more information and make a submission at: melbourneairportprojectshub.com.au

They can also email [email protected], or send a letter to:

Head of Planning
Melbourne Airport
Locked Bag 16
TULLAMARINE VIC 3043

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