Blind Citizens WA

03/10/2025

Blind Citizens WA Inc. Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Members are warmly invited to attend BCWA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in person or via Zoom. Details are as follows:

Date: Saturday 1 November 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Venue: Visibility, 61 Kitchener Ave, Victoria Park
RSVP: 27/10/202

This event is free of charge.
catering will be provided for in-person attendees

Or,

Join in via Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83078356632?pwd=a0ae2btWeb6czoU23YX65i4GSImOwn.1

Meeting ID: 830 7835 6632
Passcode: 338923

One tap mobile
+61861193900,,83078356632 #,,,,*338923 # Australia
+61871501149,,83078356632 #,,,,*338923 # Australia

If you’re using a landline, dial +61 8 6119 3900
Meeting ID: 830 7835 6632
Passcode: 338923

Please advise if you have dietary or access needs, and whether you will be joining in-person or online. Call Zel on 0413813885 if you wish to discuss anything about the Annual General Meeting or Nominating for a role on the Executive Committee.

Full BCWA members are invited to nominate for a position on the Executive Committee.

Please note: nominees must have regular access to their emails and to the internet. This is because most of the communication between Board members and Board meetings occur online.

The nomination form and duty statement for Board positions is below and attached.

Please email your completed Board nomination form to bcwa@bcwa.org.au or post it to Zel Iscel, Chair, Blind Citizens WA, Suite 3, 61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park 6100

For more information about nominating for a position on BCWA’s Executive Committee, please reply directly to this email or call Zel on 0413 813 885.

The minutes of the 2024 BCWA AGM are attached and also further in this email.

The agenda is below. Please reply to this email if there is anything you would like to be added to the agenda.

Please note: I am aware this notice is being circulated well after the legal minimum of 40 days. I apologise for this delay which was caused by time constraints and health issues.

I Look forward to seeing you in person or online.

Kind regards
Zel Iscel
Chair Blind Citizens WA



Agenda - Blind Citizens WA Inc. 2024 AGM

Opening, welcome and roll call


Apologies

Confirmation of the 2023 AGM Minutes and issues arising from them

Reports
4.1. Chair’s Report – Zel Iscel
4.2. Financial Report – Sean McLaughlin
4.3. Report from Albany Branch


BCWA Matters in 2026
5.1 Office space
5.2 BCWA projects
5.3 Fundraising ideas

Election of Executive Committee Members
6.1. Chair
6.2. Vice Chair
6.3. Treasurer
6.4. Secretary
6.5. Executive Committee Members (4)
(Nomination forms are available from Blind Cituzens WA - call Zel on 0413813885).

General Business - Have Your Say

Call Zel on 0413813885 if you wish to discuss anything about the Annual General Meeting or Nominating for a role on the Executive Committee.

13/08/2025

Blind Citizens WA — Call for volunteers for BCWA's sausage sizzle on 24/08/2025

Hello members,

We will be having our second sausage sizzle for the year on 24 August 2025 from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Please come along to help us out either by volunteering on the day or buying some hotdogs … or both. 😊

Ideally we need about 8 people at any given time during the day:

One person to cook the sausages,
1 person to help the cook,
1 person to put napkins around the buns,
1 person to fetch the drink orders
1 person to take cash payments,
1 person to take payments on the Square terminal,
1 person to take payments on the Square app on the phone, and
1 person to check that everything is running smoothly.

Please respond to this email or call me on 0413813885 if you can help out.

If so, please also let me know what time you would be available.

I may not be able to answer your call but I’ll call you back.

These sausage sizzles are a great way to raise money whilst raising awareness of the skills and abilities of people who are blind and vision impaired.

I’d like to also take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at our sausage sizzle on 26/07/2025:

Helen Harris (who organised all the stock and was there on the day from 7 am right to the end – I think about 5 pm;
John Truslove and Rob Parks who were also there all day;
Emily (friend of Helen), Bianca Peterek, Neville Greenwood, Arthur Pirika and Nicky Muir.

I hope you all stay well and warm.

Best regards
Zel


Zel Iscel
Chair
Blind Citizens WA
image001.png
Email: bcwa@bcwa.org.au
Website: www.bcwa.org.au
Phone: 08 6180 8938
Postal address: PO Box 101, Victoria Park WA 6979
Address: Suite 3, 61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park WA 6100
page: https://www.facebook.com/BlindCitizensWA/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlindCitizensWA/?ref=bookmarks
ABN: 82 028 402 762

25/07/2025

Fundraiser Sausage Sizzle - Blind Citizens WA

Saturday 26 July and 24 August 2025

Blind Citizens WA is holding 2 Sausage Sizzles to raise funds.

This coming Saturday 26 July 2025
8am-4pm.
Bunnings Belmont, Corner Abernethy & Alexander Roads, Belmont

Volunteers are welcome, especially in the afternoon.

Contact Zel Iscel on 0413813885

Come along with your family and friends to Bunnings Belmont to enjoy a sausage sizzle and support Blind Citizens WA.

Support Blind Citizens WA

We are having another sausage sizzle on Sunday 24 August 2025.
If you are available to help out on that day, please let us know.

Or email us, about how to Donate directly to us.

Zel Iscel 0413813885
Email: bcwa@bcwa.org.au
Website: www.bcwa.org.au

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

Home

19/11/2024

THIS YEARS BCWA XMAS PARTY DECEMBER 7TH
“LETS MINGLE AND JINGLE"
AT THE BLIND EDITION EVENT

Dear All,

With the support of Department of Communities and Funds raised by Events held throughout the year we warmly invite you to this years Christmas Party.

VENUE: THE HUB – VISABILITY, PERRON PLACE – IN DOOR / OUTDOOR SPACE
AT 61 KITCHENER AVENUE
VICTORIA PARK
DATE: 7TH DECEMBER 2024
TIME: 10.00 AM UNTIL 2.30PM

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: LOC AND LES HAVE GOT THE MICS SO BRING YOUR SINGING VOICE AND JOIN IN OR NOT.

DOOR PRIZE: WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS HAMPER TO GIVE AWAY

FOOD: A DELICIOUS LIGHT BRUNCH AND CHRISTMAS TREAT WILL BE SERVED, ALONG WITH NONALCOHOLIC DRINKS.

SAVE THE DATE, THROW ON YOUR CRAZY CHRISTMAS, T SHIRT, HATS OR JUMPER AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THEN.

PLEASE RSVP: TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS:

BY 4TH DECEMBER
OR TEXT 0447558025

23/10/2024

Blind Citizens WA Inc. Notice of 2024 Annual General Meeting

Members are warmly invited to attend BCWA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in person or via Zoom.

Details are as follows:

Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Venue: Visibility, 61 Kitchener Ave, Victoria Park
RSVP: 23/10/2024
This event is free of charge.

catering will be provided for in-person attendees
Or,
Join us via Zoom

For the Zoom details contact Helen at the Blind Citizens WA office via phone on 0447 558 025 or via email at support@bcwa.org.au

Please advise Helen if you have dietary or access needs, and whether you will be joining in-person or online. Helen can be contacted via phone on 0447 558 025 or via email at support@bcwa.org.au

Full members are invited to nominate for a position on the Executive Committee.

Please note: nominees must have regular access to their emails and to the internet.

This is because most of the communication between Board members and Board meetings occur online.

The nomination form and duty statement for Board positions is below.

Please email your completed Board nomination form to support@bcwa.org.au or post it to Zel Iscel, Chair, Blind Citizens WA, Suite 3, 61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park 6100

For more information about nominating for a position on BCWA’s Executive Committee, please reply directly to this email or call Zel on 0413 813 885.

The minutes of the 2023 BCWA are further in this newsletter.

We Look forward to seeing you in person or online.


Agenda - Blind Citizens WA Inc. 2024 AGM

Opening, welcome and roll call
Apologies

Confirmation of the 2023 AGM Minutes and issues arising from them

Reports
4.1. Chair’s Report – Zel Iscel
4.2. Financial Report – Sean McLaughlin
4.3. BEACON project– Zel Iscel
BCWA Focus and Activities in 2025
Election of Executive Committee Members
6.1. Chair
6.2. Vice Chair
6.3. Treasurer
6.4. Secretary
6.5. Executive Committee Members (4)
General Business - Have Your Say

27/09/2024

Blind Citizens WA Sausage Sizzle Sunday 29 September

Sausage Sizzle to raise funds for Blind Citizens WA

Sunday September 29, 2024
8am-4pm.

Bunnings Belmont, Corner Abernethy & Alexander Roads, Belmont

Volunteer help is welcome, call John Truslove on 0405 119 806

Members of Blind Citizens WA this is our organisation so please come along with your family and friends to Bunnings Belmont to enjoy a sausage sizzle and support Blind Citizens WA [http://bcwa.org.au]

24/09/2024

Sausage Sizzle to raise funds for Blind Citizens WA
Sunday September 29, 2024
8am-4pm.
Bunnings Belmont, Corner Abernethy & Alexander Roads, Belmont
Volunteer help is welcome, call John Truslove on 0405 119 806

Members of Blind Citizens WA this is our organisation so please come along with your family and friends to Bunnings Belmont to enjoy a sausage sizzle and support Blind Citizens WA.

07/09/2024

Blind Citizens sausage sizzle happenig now at Bunmings Belmont. Come among and saya hi and enjoy a sausage sixxle to support Blind Citizens WA.