Vision Australia

09/10/2025

After careful consideration, Vision Australia has agreed to the sale of its Kooyong location.

Vision Australia and the blind and low vision community have had a connection to the location for close to 100 years, making the decision to sell a bittersweet one.

A number of factors including changing workplace practices, economic conditions and the opportunity to enhance other Vision Australia facilities supported the decision to sell the location to the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

Vision Australia will continue to occupy the site as normal for the next two years and is in the process of identifying a new Melbourne location to headquarter its operations.

Read more: https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2025-10-09/vision-australia-enters-agreement-sell-kooyong-headquarters

[ID: The Vision Australia building as seen from across Glenferrie Road.]

08/10/2025

Today is World Sight Day, a global event held annually on the second Thursday of October, dedicated to raising awareness about blindness and eye conditions.

If an eye test is something that you’ve been putting off, there’s no better time than the present to book one in. While there are lots of unpreventable eye conditions, there are also a lot out there that are entirely preventable or manageable through early intervention.

[ID: A multicoloured heart next to text reading "Your Eyes"]

08/10/2025

Oh, no! Did anyone else lose an hour's sleep this weekend? Could it be the countdown to the Santa Fun Run that’s got you buzzing already? 🎅✨

The good news is there’s still plenty of time to join this year’s run and make a real difference for children who are blind or have low vision.

Every dollar you raise supports our Life Ready program, giving kids the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive now and into the future 💛

Don’t miss out – grab your tickets today and save 20% with early bird pricing until October 14 at www.santafunrun.org.au!

[ID: Four participants from last year smiling and cheering while wearing Santa Fun Run shirts and Santa hats.]

07/10/2025

Today, the Vision Australia Board announced David Williamson as the organisation’s new permanent CEO.

David brings extensive leadership experience across the disability, aged care, and health sectors, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Villa Maria Catholic Homes.

In a statement from Vision Australia Chair Bill Jolley, he shared:

“Like many organisations in the disability sector, Vision Australia is currently responding to a number of challenges, including economic conditions, increased competition and ongoing funding reform. The Vision Australia Board believes David’s experience in the sector and leading a large organisation will be pivotal in Vision Australia’s ongoing evolution to be a modern and sustainable organisation.”

For more information about the announcement, please visit https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2025-10-07/david-williamson-announced-new-vision-australia-ceo

[ID: David Williamson]

05/10/2025

They're here! Get ready for 2026 with the Vision Australia 2026 Calendars and Diary, on sale now! Brighten and plan your year ahead with our heartwarming Seeing Eye Dogs and vibrant artwork calendars, all designed to help you stay organised. Available in large-print, extra-large print, and braille, they are perfect for everyone.

Don’t miss out – Come in store, or shop the range online here: https://shop.visionaustralia.org/reading-writing-and-stationery/calendars-and-diaries.html?utm_campaign=2025-vs-calendars-fb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

#2026

04/10/2025

Dating can be complex, regardless of disability.

One of our current Career Start graduates share his experiences of dating in this article, and looks at why dating in 2025 is actually kind of awesome for people who are blind or with low vision.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2025-09-04/blind-dates-real-connections-love-world-without-sight

[ID: Two people holding hands.]

04/10/2025

Incredible news! For the first time the creators of the WeWALK smart cane are flying in all the way from Turkiye to join us at this year's White Cane Day Walk in Melbourne! This is a great chance to meet the team behind this revolutionary smart cane and learn firsthand how it can enhance independence.

They'll be joining the event for a meet and greet where you can try out the cane, ask all your questions, and hear directly from the cane's designers.

There will also be a raffle on the day where one lucky participant will go home with a brand new WeWALK Smart Cane 2!

Join us on Wednesday, October 15 in Melbourne to celebrate community, independence, and amazing technology!

Don't miss out! Register at the link below:

https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/staying-connected/events/2025-10-15/white-cane-day-walk-2025

[ID: A woman crossing at a crosswalk with a WeWALK cane.]

03/10/2025

“Without the right intervention people that should be at home will have no choice but to go up to a higher level of care, up to residential care that provides those supports.”- Chris Edwards.

With several key supports for people who are blind or have low vision no longer covered under the proposed changes to the Support at Home program coming on November 1, vital services to help people stay independent at home could be out of reach for elderly people who are blind or have low vision

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/revealed-major-cuts-to-elderly-vision-support-coming-in-november/news-story/fb4e598bcf36ae944a879c500da30569

[ID: Robyn, the client interviewed in the article, stands against a window outside of which a town extends into the distance.]

02/10/2025

Join us on Tuesday October 14 for a free online session discussing the supports and options available for carers. The panel presentation will highlight the services available to strengthen carer wellbeing and offer practical strategies to balance caring responsibilities with self-care, helping make the role of caring feel more manageable.

We are thrilled to be running this session in collaboration with MS Plus, Holstep Health and Carer Gateway

Join MS Plus, Carer Gateway, and Vision Australia for a special Carers Week webinar on Tuesday 14 October. This free online session, held via...

28/09/2025

🌟 Come and see us at the Link Vision Community Inclusion Expo! 🌟

Our Coorparoo Queensland team, along with a representative from Vision Australia Radio, will be at the Community Inclusion Expo on Saturday 11 October 2025, from 2pm–5pm.

This free event is all about celebrating diversity, accessibility, and the services that help people live the life they choose. Drop by our Vision Australia stand to learn more about blindness and low vision, and discover the support we provide through Vision Australia and Vision Australia Radio.

👋 Say hi to Ruby, Kayla, Jason and Eliza, who’ll be there to chat, answer questions, and share resources.
📍 Community Inclusion Expo, Brisbane
🕑 Saturday 11 October, 2pm–5pm
💛 Free entry, all welcome

Learn more:

Community Inclusion Expo Discover Gadgets, Resources & Services for Living Life Well with Vision Loss, Blindness & other DisabilitiesCreate Visibility – Invite Collaboration – Encourage Diversity 2pm - 5pm Saturday 11 October 2025 Amora Hotel 200 Creek Street, Brisbane CBD What’s in it for YOU...

27/09/2025

Loneliness is often the unspoken side effect of living with blindness or low vision.

In this article we outline the impacts that loneliness can have, as well as explore options and avenues that you can take to fight back.

Read the full article here: https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2025-09-05/loneliness-and-low-vision-understanding-emotional-impact

[ID: A Vision Australia client and his support worker look at a phone while sitting on a couch.]

22/09/2025

Last week, we were thrilled to witness the launch of the new Toniebox 2 in Sydney, which will be coming soon to Vision Store!

This new audio system encourages kids to listen, play, and grow, offering safe, screen-free stories and tunes, but with some exciting new features. Tonieplay can now be added to bring interactive games and puzzles to life, with a dynamic light ring that glows with helpful cues.

Plus, the new sleep and sunrise timers help to create healthy bedtime and morning routines for your little ones!

Be the first to know when it is available by subscribing to the Vision Store newsletter!
https://shop.visionaustralia.org/subscribe

[ID1:A child holds a Toniebox close to his face, examining it.]
[ID2: An illustrated Toniebox and accessories lined out on a child's play table.
[ID3: A display of various Tonies products and accessories.]