14/05/2025
From Blind Citizens Australia
Dear members,
We’re turning 50, and it’s all thanks to you.
Join us for the BCA National Convention 2025, from Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley Hotel, 285 Springvale Road, Victoria.
Get ready for engaging speakers, unforgettable moments and the joy of reconnecting with old friends - and making new ones too. Every detail has been planned with accessibility, comfort, and celebration in mind.
Read on for everything you need to know about this special event. Most importantly, don’t forget to register to attend the convention!
https://events.humanitix.com/blind-citizens-australia-national-convention-2025
Over three days, the Convention will feature:
· Keynote speakers and panels on inclusion, advocacy, employment, AI, and the future of independence
· Historical reflections on BCA’s journey and the stories that shaped us
· Interactive discussions including “You Can’t Ask That” and the 2050 Boardroom Hypothetical
· Special sessions on self-advocacy, support workers, communication, and lived experience
· Optional workshops and networking, including the Women’s Branch gathering and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gathering
· A festive Saturday night Convention Dinner featuring awards, music, and celebrations
THE DETAILS:
1. Full In-Person Registration: $350 – Includes all sessions, activities, the Saturday Convention Dinner, and Friday’s welcome function (canapés included; drinks at your own cost).
2. Day Registration (Saturday or Sunday): $140 per day – Ideal for those attending only one or both days. Does not include the Saturday dinner.
3. Saturday Convention Dinner Only: $70
4. Online Registration: Free – Join virtually either via Zoom or streaming for both days and the award section at the dinner at no cost.
• Zoom: Participate in real-time conversations, ask questions and unmute to join discussions.
• Streaming: Watch the event live but without the ability to interact or unmute.
We’re also excited to announce that a raffle will be held as part of the BCA 2025 National Convention celebrations! More information, including how to get involved, will be shared in the lead-up - so stay tuned for further announcements.
Don’t forget to regularly check the BCA website for the latest updates. We’ll be posting important details soon, including hotel information.
https://www.bca.org.au/bca-2025-convention-50th-anniversary-celebration/
REGISTER NOW:
https://events.humanitix.com/blind-citizens-australia-national-convention-2025
SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS
1. Vaughn Bennison – President of Blind Citizens Australia; CEO, cross-disability DPO Tasmania
2. Deb Deshayes – CEO, Blind Citizens Australia
3. Helen Freris – Vice President, Blind Citizens Australia; Advocacy Lead, Women with Disabilities Victoria
4. John Simpson AM – Former BCA President; Board roles across the blindness and disability sector
5. Martine Abel-Williamson QSM – President, World Blind Union
6. Dan Stubbs – Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner
7. Lynne Davis – Long-standing BCA member and former editor of Blind Citizens News
8. Dr Graeme Innes AM – Chancellor, Central Queensland University; NDIS Board Member; former Disability Discrimination Commissioner
9. Fiona Woods – Immediate Past President, Blind Citizens Australia
10. Martin Stewart – National Advocacy Officer, Blind Citizens Australia
11. Rachael Johinke – Project Coordinator, Eye to the Future; singer-songwriter (aka Rachael Leahcar)
12. Emma Bennison – Former BCA CEO and President; Chief Innovation Officer, Life Without Barriers
13. Michael Janes – Long-term BCA member and former Board Member
14. Dr Katie Butler – Academic and equity/diversity expert; Co-MC for the Convention Dinner
15. Joyce Jones – BCA QLD Branch Secretary; active in Women’s Branch and local disability advocacy
16. Katrina Taylor – Social Worker, Writer, Tactile Artist; graduate of BCA Executive Leadership Program
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED ACCOMMODATION
Discounted rates are offered for stays from Thursday, 12th June to Monday, 16th June 2025. Please note there’s a 7-day cancellation policy for these special rates. Book early to take advantage of these great deals.
· Customer Code: SCP4410021
· Access Code: BL633AU829
BOOK NOW
https://businesstravel.accor.com/en/booking/advanced-search.html?identification.reserverType=SC&identification.reserverId=SCP4410021&identification.reserverContract=BL633AU829
To book, select the destination and hotel name (Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley), enter your dates, and the special rates will be applied.
Alternatively, you can contact the reservations team at 03 8561 2345 or email keshia.congreve@accor.com
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED TRANSPORT
Blue Diamond Transfers, a premium accessible transport provider with a fleet across Australia, is offering BCA members an ongoing 10% discount for all BCA members on their services.
BCA Convention attendees receive a special one-time 15% discount on rides to and from the event – contact them for a custom quote. Please note this cannot be combined with the ongoing 10% discount.
Blue Diamond’s premium experience includes meet-and-greet services, luggage assistance, and drivers who are trained in disability awareness and dog guide etiquette.
You can download the accessible app from the Google Play store at RideMinder Passengery
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.rideminder.passenger&pli=1
or from the App Store at Rideminder Apps
https://apps.apple.com/in/developer/rideminder/id1645290863
To access these discounts, BCA members can register as a client on Blue Diamond Transfers or download the Rideminder passenger app from the app store (using the provider code BLUEDIAMOND if prompted). Once registered, simply make contact to have the discount applied to your account.
https://app.rideminder.com/dashboard/signup/BLUEDIAMOND
For more details, to book your ride and to secure the discount contact Blue Diamond Transfers via phone on 1300 258 847 or email bookings@bluediamondtransfers.com.au
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS / PARTNERS
· Vision Australia
· Guide Dogs NSW
· Guide Dogs Victoria
· Braille House
· Quantum
· Haigh’s Chocolates
· Treasury Wine Estates
· Victoria Hotel
· Blue Diamond Transfers
· L'Occitane en Provence
· Anonymous and Generous Members – for your kind donations
Blind Citizens Australia
Email: bca@bca.org.au
Website: www.bca.org.au
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