Explorers United (2025)

26/08/2025

Get ready for more school holiday fun with Explorers United. Registrations are now open for Foodie Quest, the Explorers United program for young people with low vision or blindness running on October 2nd and 3rd.
Image is of a flyer for the event with a photo of two smiling teenage girls at a bench with baking ingredients in front of them. The text reads;
Foodie Quest - October 2 & 3 2025
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 2 experienced, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us in the October school holidays to have fun with food!
Includes:
Research recipes, plan and budget for your ingredient shopping
Make delicious snacks and treats while you build confidence in the kitchen
Join a fun foodie tour of Melbourne CBD
Run in conjunction with an Occupational Therapist

The details:
Times: 9:30-4:30 on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October, 2025
Where: The program will start and finish at Flinders St Station. We can also meet participants at Southern Cross station.
Who: Anyone with low vision or blindness aged 14-23

Transport to and from the program may be able to be supported by either Marnie or Darren. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Limited places available. Please RSVP by September 12th. explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call
Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652
Cost is $980 per program. NDIS plans can be billed from Capacity Building funding.

26/08/2025

With less than 4 weeks of the school term left, we are excited to open registrations for the next Explorers United school holiday programs.

Image is of a flyer with a photo of a child decorating a cookie with the following text:
Little Foodies - September 29 & 30 2025
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 2 experienced, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us in the September school holidays to build skills and confidence with planning, preparing and enjoying food! This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
Including:
Learn basic kitchen skills, utensil safety, and simple recipes.
Plan, shop and then prepare delicious snacks and treats.
Foodie tour of Melbourne CBD incorporating lots of O&M
Run with an Occupational Therapist
The details:
Times: 9:30-4:30 on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September, 2025
Where: Starting at Hub Local, Carrington Road Box Hill. We also have a meeting spot in Deer Park (see form for more details)
Who: Anyone with low vision or blindness aged 7-14 years

Transport to and from the program may be able to be supported. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Limited places available. Please RSVP by September 12th. explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call
Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652
Cost is $980 per program. NDIS plans can be billed from Capacity Building funding.

25/06/2025

EXPLORERS UNITED KIDS: RAISE YOUR VOICE on Monday 14th July.

We are excited about the upcoming explorers United programs in the July school holidays. There has been a change to kids program for children age 7–14 years. This program will now be run over one day on Monday the 14th
July.

The program will be running from 830am-5pm with meeting points in the eastern and western suburbs to travel into the Melbourne CBD for activities.

The day will include an improv class to discuss self efficacy and communication skills. Afterwards children will participate in a self advocacy challenge in the Melbourne CBD.

If you would like any further information, please contact Darren on 0424 860 836 or Marnie on 0423 783 760.

25/06/2025

We are excited about our next Explorers United Adults program coming up on Friday 4th of July withh the topic NAVIGATIONN TECH.

This program will be based in the Melbourne CBD and we will be exploring and trialling the following technologies.
-Ray Ban Meta Glasses
-Google Maps and its advanced features such as Live View and the detailed voice guidance option.
-Navilenz to identify approaching trams.
-Voice Vista to hear more about your surroundings with spatial audio.

This session on Friday 4th of July runs from 10 am – 4 pm. After learning about these technologies, we will put them to the test to travel together out for lunch before finishing up at Flinders Street Station.

If you are interested in attending or want to find out more, please contact Darren on 0424860836 or Marnie on 0423783760.

Image description: a man with black hair wearing a pair of sunglasses using a GPS application on his phone.

08/06/2025

Registrations for the July school holiday programs are now open! If you have been to an Explorers United program before you will have an email with the link to register.

The Kids program (7-14 years) is July 14 & 15 and the Youth program (14-23 years) is July 17 & 18.

Our Adult program (18+ years) continues to run once a month all year round. Contact us if you would like to know more.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

05/06/2025

Registration is now open for the Explorers United July school holiday program.
Image description - flyer with the text
Mic Drop Moments July 17 & 18
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 2 experienced, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us in the July school holidays to build skills and confidence in expressing yourself in real world settings.
Including:
- Build confidence in speaking up, sharing your ideas, and working with others.
- Fun activities including an Improv class and podcast creation, focusing on building confidence in communication to express yourself clearly and advocate for your needs.
- Put your learning together to plan and organise going to see an audio described movie and go out for lunch
The details:
Times: 10-4 on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th July, 2025
Where: The program will start and finish at Ross House, Flinders Lane Melbourne. We can meet participants at Southern Cross station (9:30am) or Flinders st station (9:45am)
Who: Anyone with low vision or blindness aged 13-23 years

Transport to and from the program may be able to be supported. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Limited places available. Bookings close July 9th. explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call
Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652
Cost is $980 per program. NDIS plans can be billed from Core or Capacity Building funding.

05/06/2025

Register your interest now for the July school holiday Explorers United programs.

Image description - flyer with the following text
Raise Your Voice - July 14 & 15
Welcome to Explorers United - a collaboration of 2 experienced, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Come and join us in the July school holidays to build skills and confidence in expressing yourself in real world settings.
Including:
- Practice making choices, speaking up and navigating communication and travel in real world settings.
- Build confidence to express personal needs and request accommodations
- Fun activities including an Improv class and podcast creation, focusing on building confidence in communication to express yourself clearly and advocate for your needs
- Use your skills to plan, and travel to an audio described movie and lunch

The details:
Times: 9:30-4:30 on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th July, 2025
Where: The program will start and finish at Hub Local, Box Hill, corner Carrington Road and Thurston st, Box Hill.
Who: Anyone with low vision or blindness aged 7-14 years

Transport to and from the program may be able to be supported. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Limited places available. Bookings close July 9th. explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com or call
Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0414 083 652
Cost is $980 per program. NDIS plans can be billed from Core or Capacity Building funding.

01/04/2025

Explorers United: Risky Business – Registrations Now Open

Is your child ready to take on new challenges and expand their comfort zone? Explorers United: Risky Business is a two-day program designed for children aged 7-14 who are blind or have low vision.

When: April 14-15
Where: Meeting at Box Hill each day before setting off on exciting adventures

This orientation and mobility program helps children develop their risk literacy skills while exploring new experiences. Together, they will navigate public transport and take on fun challenges at Inflatable World and Gumbuya World. It is the perfect way to build confidence, independence, and a spirit of adventure in a supportive environment.

This this program is coordinated by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists.

Spots are limited.
To register, message Darren on 0424 860 836 or Marnie on 0423 783 760.

Image: Three children bouncing on their knees on a jumping castle.

01/04/2025

Explorers United: Fearless Factor – Registrations Now Open

Are you ready to push your limits and take on new challenges? Explorers United: Fearless Factor is a two-day adventure designed for young people aged 14-24 who are blind or have low vision.

When: April 16-17
Where: Meeting at Flinders Street Station before heading out for thrilling activities

This program is all about building risk literacy, stepping outside your comfort zone, and taking on exciting adventures like rock climbing and exploring Gumbuya World. It is also a great opportunity to connect with others and grow your confidence in a fun and supportive environment.

Don’t miss out. Spots are limited.
To register, message Darren on 0424 860 836 or Marnie on 0423 783 760

Image: Youth gazing up watching their friend climbing a high indoor rock face.

03/03/2025

We are excited to launch our group programs for 2025!
We hope to see you at an Explorers United event soon!

Image description:
Flyer with images of a theme park ride, a young woman with a microphone, young people cooking, and a group of people doing a high 5.
Text reads -

Youth 14-24 years 2025
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility Programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.

1. Fearless Factor
April 16 & 17
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities. Includes a trip to indoor rock climbing and Gumbuya theme park
2. Mic Drop Moments
July 17 & 18
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express yourself and communicate effectively with the general public. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an Improvisation class.
3. The Foodie Quest
October 2 & 3
Build confidence by making simple meals as a group. Research recipes, plan and budget for your shopping. Includes a delicious foodies tour of Melbourne. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 22 & 23, 2026
Just like the TV show we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race around Melbourne.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

02/03/2025

We are excited to launch our calendar for 2025 and January 2026.
Reach out if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to seeing you at an Explorers United event!

Image description:
Flyer with images of children having fun in different settings.
Text reads -
Come and join us in 2025 for group Orientation and Mobility programs! Our programs run over 2 days each school holidays.
Join Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to develop skills and confidence through these fun school holiday programs.
1. Risky Business
April 14 & 15
Learn how to assess and manage risks in various environments through fun, hands on activities.
Includes a trip to Inflatable world and Gumbuya world.
2. Raise your Voice
July 14 & 15
Develop self advocacy skills to confidently express your personal needs, request accommodations, and navigate new environments with independence. Enjoy a live show and have a go at an improvisation class!
3. Little Foodies
September 29 & 30
Learn basic kitchen skills, utensil safety, and simple recipes. Plan, shops and prepare delicious snacks and treats. This program is run with the support of an Occupational Therapist.
4. Amazing Race
January 19 & 20, 2026
Just like the TV show, we will use O&M skills including public transport, self advocacy, technology and more to complete challenges, overcome road blocks and win the Amazing Race.

Contact Marnie 0423 783 760 or Darren 0424 860 836 to find out more or email explorersunitedgroups@gmail.com

21/01/2025

The biannual SPEVI conference in Brisbane last week was a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and learn the latest news from other presenters working with young people with low vision or blindness.
We presented about our Explorers United programs and how they aligned with the conference theme of EmPOWERment through connection, inclusion and education.
Image shows Marnie and Darren standing in front of a screen with an image of the Explorers United, Confident Steps and Going Places logos. There’s also a photo of Marnie, Darren and Paula in front of Flinders st station.

Explorers United

26/08/2025

26/08/2025

25/06/2025

25/06/2025

08/06/2025

05/06/2025

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