Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio

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What does assistive technology look like when it is designed around the realities of living in regional Victoria?

Vision Australia Radio’s Jason Gipps speaks with Ben Werner from Astec Services, a Ballarat-based assistive technology provider with more than 30 years of history supporting people with disability.

Ahead of the ATSA Expo Local in Bendigo, Ben discusses Astec's range of products and services, from powered wheelchairs, mobility equipment and vehicle modifications to everyday accessibility aids and home solutions. He also explains how Astec takes equipment directly to people across regional Victoria, allowing customers to trial products in their own homes and communities.

They also discuss the importance of choice, independence and having local access to the right technology and advice.

This discussion was initially recorded on Monday 19th October, 2026.

Learn more:

ASTEC - Mobility and Control Solutions - ASTEC

ATSA Expo - Local Edition - ATSA Independent Living Expo

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How can Victorians who are blind or have low vision vote independently and accessibly in the 2026 state election?

Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco speaks with Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel about the accessible voting options available this November, from telephone-assisted voting and Braille postal ballots to assistance at voting centres.

Sven also explains low-sensory voting, early voting, key election dates and where to find reliable information about the electoral process.

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Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia is bringing its inaugural ATSA Local event to Bendigo, giving people with disability, older Australians, families and allied health professionals a chance to discover assistive technology closer to home.

In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco speaks with ATSA CEO Serena Ovens about why the organisation is taking its popular Independent Living Expos into regional communities, what visitors can expect from the 32 exhibitors, and the difference the right technology can make to independence and everyday life.

Vision Australia Radio and Vision Store will also be on the ground at the event, connecting with visitors and exhibitors throughout the day.

ATSA Local Bendigo
Tuesday 20 October 2026
10:00am to 3:30pm
All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo
Free entry, with registrations encouraged but not essential.

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Crime fiction writer Ruth McIver joins Kate Cooper on Emerging Writers to explore a lifelong fascination with storytelling, crime and the complicated ethics of drawing inspiration from real events.

Ruth discusses her Irish-Australian identity, discovering writing at a young age, the long road to publication and the extraordinary experience of having her work recognised with major literary prizes.

She also delves into her PhD research into true crime-inspired fiction, including questions of responsibility, representation and the potential for storytelling to influence how we understand guilt, innocence and justice.

Ruth talks about her novels I Shot the Devil and The Sound, her Audible Australia original The Blackout, her approach to writing and editing, and the rewards of mentoring emerging writers.

Recorded in conjunction with Ruth’s appearance at the 2026 Totally Lit Adventures in the Port City Festival in Fremantle.

Listen to Emerging Writers from Vision Australia Radio wherever you get your podcasts.

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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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