WEBVTT - Talking Vision 740 Week Beginning 5th of August 2024 0:00:13.158 --> 0:00:18.948 From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's 0:00:18.948 --> 0:00:20.928 your host, Sam Coley. 0:00:23.388 --> 0:00:26.628 Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And 0:00:26.628 --> 0:00:29.568 for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness 0:00:29.568 --> 0:00:30.678 and low vision. 0:00:30.708 --> 0:00:34.098 I just really enjoy giving back to the community and 0:00:34.108 --> 0:00:37.138 helping with different initiatives that make a difference. And other 0:00:37.138 --> 0:00:39.358 than my day job, I'm also a City of Greater 0:00:39.358 --> 0:00:42.598 Geelong councillor. And so it's those types of community initiatives 0:00:42.598 --> 0:00:45.508 that always spark my interest. So I didn't necessarily have 0:00:45.508 --> 0:00:48.988 any exposure to people that have challenges with vision. It 0:00:48.988 --> 0:00:51.628 was just that I saw this initiative, my love for running, 0:00:51.628 --> 0:00:53.878 and I thought, if I can help those that are 0:00:53.878 --> 0:00:55.558 not able to get out and about and have a 0:00:55.558 --> 0:00:58.198 run without some assistance, why wouldn't I do that? And 0:00:58.198 --> 0:01:00.488 so that's really been my my incentive. 0:01:00.548 --> 0:01:03.938 Welcome to the program. This week we've got a bit 0:01:03.938 --> 0:01:07.838 of a regional flavor on talking vision, as we feature 0:01:07.838 --> 0:01:12.428 a voice familiar to a lot of people in Bendigo. 0:01:12.428 --> 0:01:16.748 It's Bruce Lee's as he catches up with Graham Knight. 0:01:16.778 --> 0:01:21.368 Now they're both part of the Bendigo Amateur Radio and 0:01:21.368 --> 0:01:26.648 Electronics Club or Barak, and they're always looking for new members, 0:01:26.648 --> 0:01:31.568 including amateur radio enthusiasts who are blind or have low vision. 0:01:31.568 --> 0:01:35.198 So if that sounds like you, stay tuned as that 0:01:35.198 --> 0:01:39.248 interviews not very far away at all. Then after we 0:01:39.248 --> 0:01:43.388 hear from Bruce and Graham, I catch up with Eddie 0:01:43.388 --> 0:01:48.978 Connell from Geelong. Achilles, the new branch of Achilles. Australia, 0:01:48.978 --> 0:01:53.608 which is setting up their first event on the 8th 0:01:53.608 --> 0:01:58.158 of September at the Geelong Botanical Gardens. And then finally 0:01:58.158 --> 0:02:01.488 to wrap up the show this week, I'm joined by 0:02:01.488 --> 0:02:07.068 Liz Dalakouras, the editor of Foyer Information, for an FYI update. 0:02:07.188 --> 0:02:11.298 I hope you'll enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. 0:02:15.718 --> 0:02:21.628 And now here's Vision Australia Radio bendigo's very own Bruce Lee's. 0:02:21.658 --> 0:02:24.988 Now with me in the studio, I have Graham Knight 0:02:24.988 --> 0:02:27.868 who is a radio amateur operator. 0:02:27.868 --> 0:02:30.598 Vk3 Grk. 0:02:30.748 --> 0:02:34.588 Just for the record, now before we get talking about 0:02:34.588 --> 0:02:38.528 radio fests and all these things, what is the difference 0:02:38.528 --> 0:02:42.608 between amateur radio and ham radio? 0:02:42.638 --> 0:02:46.478 Well, okay, Bruce, thanks for having me in, by the way. Um, 0:02:46.478 --> 0:02:49.418 amateur radio and ham radio are basically the same thing. 0:02:49.418 --> 0:02:53.138 The term ham radio goes back quite a long way. Uh, 0:02:53.138 --> 0:02:56.318 and there's probably a little bit of, um, I guess, um, 0:02:56.318 --> 0:03:00.348 controversy about how the word ham came about. But, um, 0:03:00.348 --> 0:03:03.258 one theory is that it's all about hamming it up 0:03:03.258 --> 0:03:06.318 and actors and that sort of thing. And also, um, 0:03:06.318 --> 0:03:09.918 ham radio operators, uh, used Morse code as well. Well, 0:03:09.918 --> 0:03:12.828 some do, if they like Morse code. And going back 0:03:12.828 --> 0:03:15.858 in the day, there was a terminology called ham fisted. 0:03:15.858 --> 0:03:18.978 And so when you use your Morse code key with your, 0:03:18.978 --> 0:03:21.018 your hand on the Morse code key, it's a little 0:03:21.018 --> 0:03:24.868 bit like a ham fist, ham fisted. So there's probably 0:03:24.868 --> 0:03:28.378 a couple of reasons why the term ham radio came about, 0:03:28.378 --> 0:03:30.058 but it's actually amateur radio. 0:03:30.358 --> 0:03:32.848 Much the same thing. In other words, interchanging. 0:03:32.848 --> 0:03:33.418 Yes. Yeah. 0:03:33.418 --> 0:03:37.048 All right. So now amateur radio, what do amateur radio 0:03:37.048 --> 0:03:39.328 operators do and how do they do it. You've already 0:03:39.328 --> 0:03:40.948 mentioned Morse code. Yeah. 0:03:41.038 --> 0:03:45.808 Well amateur radio is all about experimenting in the science 0:03:45.808 --> 0:03:51.508 of radio, whether that be electronics transmitters, receivers, antennas. It's 0:03:51.508 --> 0:03:54.598 different to broadcast radio. What the listeners are listening to 0:03:54.598 --> 0:03:58.768 now is broadcast radio. Some amateurs are involved in broadcast 0:03:58.768 --> 0:04:01.228 radio as well, but it's all about the technical aspects 0:04:01.228 --> 0:04:07.918 of amateur radio and communications communicating overseas, um, and experimenting 0:04:07.918 --> 0:04:11.398 with electronics. There's all sorts of modes you can experiment 0:04:11.398 --> 0:04:17.618 with Am, FM, sideband, digital modes, digital amateur television, satellites 0:04:17.618 --> 0:04:22.328 so amateur radio operators can use from the very oldest technology, 0:04:22.328 --> 0:04:25.148 from Morse code and valve radios, right up to the 0:04:25.148 --> 0:04:29.288 latest cutting edge technology, and even use satellites and speak 0:04:29.288 --> 0:04:31.658 to astronauts on the International Space Station. 0:04:31.688 --> 0:04:34.388 Now, this is a self-interested question. I'm going to ask 0:04:34.388 --> 0:04:36.668 how how smart do you have to be to be 0:04:36.668 --> 0:04:38.058 an amateur radio operator? 0:04:38.088 --> 0:04:43.038 Okay, Bruce. Well, there's actually three levels of licensing. Um, 0:04:43.158 --> 0:04:46.248 many years ago, it was a lot harder to get 0:04:46.248 --> 0:04:49.518 involved with. You needed to have a greater depth of 0:04:49.518 --> 0:04:53.778 knowledge as far as electronics these days. There's the foundation license, 0:04:53.778 --> 0:04:57.138 which is the basic license. There's the standard license, and 0:04:57.138 --> 0:05:00.588 there's the advanced license. Now, the foundation license is the 0:05:00.588 --> 0:05:04.498 most basic license and requires a very basic knowledge of 0:05:04.498 --> 0:05:10.078 electronics and antenna theory and safety. Safety, of course, is 0:05:10.078 --> 0:05:13.558 very important. And radio regulations. So there's not a lot 0:05:13.558 --> 0:05:17.338 of maths involved. And there's a book that you can 0:05:17.338 --> 0:05:20.788 purchase that makes it a lot easier to study with. 0:05:20.788 --> 0:05:23.368 And then you have to go for your assessment, which 0:05:23.368 --> 0:05:29.188 is a 25 multiple choice question exam and a practical assessment. 0:05:29.218 --> 0:05:32.248 Now, I understand you are indeed an assessor. 0:05:32.248 --> 0:05:33.508 Yes, I am an assessor. Bruce. 0:05:33.508 --> 0:05:36.628 Yes. What is, uh, what age do we go down to? 0:05:36.628 --> 0:05:39.628 For instance, are we talking about high school students? 0:05:39.628 --> 0:05:45.298 Uh, there's no, um, minimum age. Uh, so I've actually 0:05:45.298 --> 0:05:47.968 put through, taught and assessed, uh, a couple of ten 0:05:47.968 --> 0:05:50.488 year olds, uh, a couple of years ago. And they did. 0:05:50.498 --> 0:05:53.618 They did very well. So you can be as young 0:05:53.618 --> 0:05:56.018 as you like, or you can be as old as 0:05:56.018 --> 0:05:58.718 you like. Mhm. Um, so we have a lot of 0:05:58.718 --> 0:06:02.738 amateurs that are um, quite young and uh, quite old. 0:06:02.738 --> 0:06:04.988 So quite a big spread and not to be put off. 0:06:05.018 --> 0:06:08.378 You did give it a very technical description but, but 0:06:08.528 --> 0:06:11.468 you can get in on the, the foundation level you 0:06:11.468 --> 0:06:14.588 caught it and make, make a start from there. Now 0:06:14.588 --> 0:06:18.468 of course, we're on Vision Australia radio here, right through Australia. 0:06:18.498 --> 0:06:23.718 People that are visually impaired, I understand, are not only 0:06:23.718 --> 0:06:28.128 welcome but assisted in getting amateur radio licenses. 0:06:28.128 --> 0:06:31.548 Yes. Well, as far as the assessment goes, Bruce, we 0:06:31.548 --> 0:06:36.708 have special assessors that are qualified to provide special assessments for, 0:06:36.708 --> 0:06:41.278 for example, uh, visually impaired people. Mhm. Uh, and that 0:06:41.278 --> 0:06:45.268 may involve for example, I did one assessment where I 0:06:45.268 --> 0:06:49.348 enlarged the assessment paper up to A3 and that was 0:06:49.348 --> 0:06:53.608 suitable for this particular person. And she found that quite 0:06:53.608 --> 0:06:57.298 quite good. Mhm. Um or it might require the assessor 0:06:57.298 --> 0:07:00.838 to read the questions so the, the assessor can adapt 0:07:00.838 --> 0:07:04.538 the assessment um in accordance with the requirements. 0:07:04.568 --> 0:07:09.038 How does one, assuming that one's studied and passed that 0:07:09.038 --> 0:07:13.298 test that way? How does one then operate the equipment? 0:07:13.298 --> 0:07:16.568 These these devices can be quite technical can't they. 0:07:16.688 --> 0:07:20.768 Well, most radios today a lot of modern radios have is. 0:07:20.768 --> 0:07:21.548 The two way radio. 0:07:21.548 --> 0:07:25.358 Yes. The amateur radio equipment, the transceiver. We'll have a 0:07:25.358 --> 0:07:28.218 particular button that you can press that will verbally announce 0:07:28.218 --> 0:07:30.438 the frequency and the mode and tell you all sorts 0:07:30.438 --> 0:07:32.118 of things about what the radio is doing, so you 0:07:32.118 --> 0:07:34.698 know what frequency you're on. You know where to turn 0:07:34.698 --> 0:07:38.328 the dial to. Uh, so the radios are actually equipped 0:07:38.328 --> 0:07:42.048 to make it easier for various people. 0:07:42.048 --> 0:07:45.228 I've heard that there is a gentleman, certainly one in 0:07:45.228 --> 0:07:48.198 South Australia, that is in an aged care home, and 0:07:48.198 --> 0:07:51.858 he's probably in his 80s, and he's got a little 0:07:51.858 --> 0:07:55.008 walkie talkie that he could talk all over the world with, 0:07:55.008 --> 0:07:57.348 and he finds it. Just push the button and go. 0:07:57.348 --> 0:08:00.588 Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Um, so that technology is all 0:08:00.588 --> 0:08:04.968 about internet linking. So there's certain repeaters or nodes, as 0:08:04.968 --> 0:08:07.758 they call it, um, uh, that you can access with 0:08:07.758 --> 0:08:12.468 your radio via radio waves to that particular node or repeater. 0:08:12.468 --> 0:08:15.918 And in turn, that repeater or node is connected into 0:08:15.918 --> 0:08:19.018 an amateur radio network that allows you to connect up 0:08:19.018 --> 0:08:22.648 to different repeaters or nodes worldwide. So you can effectively 0:08:22.648 --> 0:08:26.008 be there with a small handheld walkie talkie type radio 0:08:26.488 --> 0:08:29.278 talking all over the world. So that type of thing 0:08:29.278 --> 0:08:32.818 is very good for people in, uh, homes and things like. 0:08:32.818 --> 0:08:36.178 That, or requiring a device that's simple to use. 0:08:36.178 --> 0:08:39.838 Yes, and it's fairly simple to use and without too 0:08:39.838 --> 0:08:41.798 much technical knowledge required. 0:08:41.828 --> 0:08:45.578 Now, talking about technical knowledge and interest, let's give the 0:08:45.578 --> 0:08:50.258 plug to in. In your case, particularly in Bendigo, the 0:08:50.258 --> 0:08:53.948 Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club, of which you and 0:08:54.338 --> 0:09:00.338 I are a member, is holding a radio fest. Yes, 0:09:00.338 --> 0:09:01.928 on Radio Fest. 0:09:02.438 --> 0:09:05.388 So it's called a radio fest and not just a 0:09:05.388 --> 0:09:09.228 ham fest. Uh, because, um, we're wanting to attract people 0:09:09.228 --> 0:09:13.608 interested in multiple facets of communication. So a lot of 0:09:13.608 --> 0:09:16.338 ham fests are called just that ham fests or amateur 0:09:16.338 --> 0:09:19.908 radio fests. Uh, some are called radio fests. And, um, 0:09:20.418 --> 0:09:23.148 we're calling it a radio fest to attract people not 0:09:23.148 --> 0:09:26.358 only just into amateur radio, but maybe CB radio as well. 0:09:26.358 --> 0:09:29.298 And CB radio is also a fun and practical thing 0:09:29.328 --> 0:09:30.118 to get into as well. 0:09:30.148 --> 0:09:31.618 You don't have to pass a license for that. 0:09:31.618 --> 0:09:34.588 You don't need an individual license for CB radio and 0:09:34.588 --> 0:09:38.488 CB can also be very practical for communications. And one 0:09:38.488 --> 0:09:41.338 thing I like to promote and ask people about is 0:09:41.338 --> 0:09:45.778 their communications plan. Because these days we're reliant on mobile 0:09:45.778 --> 0:09:48.928 phones and internet and networks and things like that. When 0:09:48.928 --> 0:09:52.528 they fail. What can you use? Amateur radio or CB 0:09:52.528 --> 0:09:55.498 radio as well can possibly be a practical alternative form 0:09:55.498 --> 0:09:56.938 of communications. 0:09:56.938 --> 0:10:00.418 So this radio fest is going to be when and where. 0:10:00.418 --> 0:10:04.658 So it's going to be on Sunday the 18th of 0:10:04.658 --> 0:10:10.108 August at the Bendigo East Hall, 35 Lansell Street at 0:10:10.108 --> 0:10:10.978 10 a.m.. 0:10:11.338 --> 0:10:14.458 Okay. And I understand it is going to be a 0:10:14.458 --> 0:10:16.588 glorified swap meet. Well, yes. 0:10:16.588 --> 0:10:19.758 Yes. Also you can call it a swap meet as well. Yeah. Uh, 0:10:19.758 --> 0:10:22.608 and some say, you know, some people get rid of 0:10:22.608 --> 0:10:25.608 their junk and pass it on to others. But, uh, 0:10:25.608 --> 0:10:28.788 it's a swap meet. And also, uh, there'll be a 0:10:28.788 --> 0:10:32.358 company called Elite Communications, which will be joining us. They're 0:10:32.358 --> 0:10:37.098 relatively new company from Queensland, and they'll actually have quite 0:10:37.098 --> 0:10:41.538 a number of tables. And they specialise in amateur radio 0:10:41.538 --> 0:10:46.248 and CB radio as well, including. 27MHz and UHF CB radio. 0:10:46.278 --> 0:10:49.008 Well, going back to the aspiring amateur, this is a 0:10:49.008 --> 0:10:51.798 good way to get into the the hobby, dare I 0:10:51.798 --> 0:10:54.738 call it that or interest because you can obtain second 0:10:54.738 --> 0:10:56.238 hand gear at things like this very easily. 0:10:56.448 --> 0:11:01.158 Yes, that's very popular for obtaining second hand equipment at 0:11:01.158 --> 0:11:03.138 these radio fests as well. 0:11:03.168 --> 0:11:06.888 Okay. Radio Fest 18th of August, which is a Sunday. Mhm. 0:11:07.078 --> 0:11:09.178 All right. That's great. So Graham what would be the 0:11:09.178 --> 0:11:13.948 best way maybe online to find out more information about 0:11:13.948 --> 0:11:18.448 amateur radio and indeed Bendigo Amateur Radio Club and the 0:11:18.448 --> 0:11:19.378 Radio Fest. 0:11:19.408 --> 0:11:22.348 Well they could start by looking up our website at 0:11:22.348 --> 0:11:27.928 Barrick Neto and Barrick is Barrick. And they could also 0:11:27.928 --> 0:11:30.808 Google Wireless Institute of Australia as well. There's a whole 0:11:30.808 --> 0:11:32.918 lot of information on their website too. 0:11:32.918 --> 0:11:34.988 And that represents all of Australia. Exactly. 0:11:34.988 --> 0:11:35.438 Yes. 0:11:35.438 --> 0:11:39.128 Graham Vk3 Grk, thank you very much for coming in 0:11:39.128 --> 0:11:42.608 and telling us about amateur ham radio and the radio fest, 0:11:42.608 --> 0:11:45.818 and indeed how it can be something that people with 0:11:45.818 --> 0:11:48.398 visual impairment can be very much involved. 0:11:48.398 --> 0:11:51.188 That's okay. Thanks for having me. Bruce Vk3, triple F, 0:11:51.308 --> 0:11:52.268 I'll sign off. 0:11:59.138 --> 0:12:02.978 On Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on 0:12:02.978 --> 0:12:08.768 Vision Australia Radio, associated Stations of Reading Radio and the 0:12:08.768 --> 0:12:14.258 Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there 0:12:14.258 --> 0:12:20.148 between Bruce and Graham about Barak and the upcoming Radio 0:12:20.148 --> 0:12:25.098 Fest taking place on the 18th of August. If you 0:12:25.098 --> 0:12:28.608 missed any part of that conversation with Bruce and Graham 0:12:28.608 --> 0:12:32.148 and you'd love to hear it again, Talking vision is 0:12:32.148 --> 0:12:36.468 available on the podcast app of your choice or through 0:12:36.468 --> 0:12:40.938 the Vision Australia library. You can also find the latest 0:12:40.938 --> 0:12:45.238 episode of Talking Vision as well as past episodes on 0:12:45.238 --> 0:12:53.938 the Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio.org that's VA radio.org. 0:12:54.418 --> 0:12:58.858 In some exciting news, Achilles Australia will be setting up 0:12:58.858 --> 0:13:03.928 its first regional branch in Geelong, where people with disabilities 0:13:03.928 --> 0:13:08.158 can enjoy the social, recreational and health benefits of an 0:13:08.158 --> 0:13:12.938 active lifestyle. To tell us more about Achilles Geelong and 0:13:12.938 --> 0:13:16.838 fill us in with all the details about their first event, 0:13:16.838 --> 0:13:20.618 which will be taking place in just a few weeks time, 0:13:20.618 --> 0:13:23.768 I'm joined by one of the people who made it 0:13:23.768 --> 0:13:28.958 all happen, Eddie Contel. Eddie, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks 0:13:28.958 --> 0:13:30.368 so much for your time. 0:13:30.488 --> 0:13:33.768 Thank you Sam. I'm really looking forward to chatting to you. 0:13:34.038 --> 0:13:38.178 Now, Eddie, before we jump in for people out there 0:13:38.178 --> 0:13:41.838 who may or may not be familiar, what is Achilles? 0:13:41.868 --> 0:13:46.368 So Achilles is an organization that commenced in New York 0:13:46.368 --> 0:13:50.778 quite some time ago, and it really was established to 0:13:50.778 --> 0:13:54.678 assist athletes that have, um, some challenges, whether it be 0:13:54.678 --> 0:13:58.128 physical or with vision or other. And it was then 0:13:58.128 --> 0:14:02.118 taken up here in Australia and, uh, started um, I 0:14:02.118 --> 0:14:04.998 think one of the first ones was Achilles in Melbourne. 0:14:04.998 --> 0:14:07.938 And so what that group is doing, and they're doing 0:14:07.938 --> 0:14:10.518 a very good job down there, is people that have 0:14:10.518 --> 0:14:14.928 challenges with vision but would like to participate in running 0:14:14.928 --> 0:14:20.538 or walking in a safe environment. Achilles offers trained, sighted 0:14:20.538 --> 0:14:25.198 guides that are able to guide people with those activities, 0:14:25.198 --> 0:14:28.408 and they do that in and around the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, 0:14:28.408 --> 0:14:33.658 or running tracks that are in proximity to there. So 0:14:33.658 --> 0:14:36.088 that's what Achilles does. It really just helps people to 0:14:36.088 --> 0:14:39.538 be able to participate in activities where they may need 0:14:39.538 --> 0:14:43.378 to have an aid, but predominantly people that have challenges 0:14:43.378 --> 0:14:44.218 with vision. 0:14:44.218 --> 0:14:48.758 But in some exciting news, Eddie Achilles is also coming 0:14:48.788 --> 0:14:52.238 to Geelong. So tell us a bit about that and 0:14:52.238 --> 0:14:53.978 how that's all going. 0:14:53.978 --> 0:14:57.998 It is exciting. You're hearing it first here, Sam. So yes, 0:14:57.998 --> 0:15:01.748 we've been talking about this and working on the concept 0:15:01.748 --> 0:15:06.398 of introducing Achilles chapter in Geelong for quite some time, 0:15:06.398 --> 0:15:09.518 but got really active about six months ago and through 0:15:09.518 --> 0:15:12.558 the good help and support of Achilles Melbourne, we're now 0:15:12.558 --> 0:15:16.308 commencing a chapter in Geelong and we're starting with our 0:15:16.308 --> 0:15:21.498 first guided walk and running activity on the 8th of September. 0:15:21.528 --> 0:15:25.668 Oh wow. That's fantastic. And how did you get involved 0:15:25.668 --> 0:15:26.838 with Achilles? 0:15:26.868 --> 0:15:32.268 Well, on a really enthusiastic runner. And so any opportunity 0:15:32.268 --> 0:15:34.518 that I get to go for a run, I take it. 0:15:34.528 --> 0:15:37.348 And because I work in Melbourne, I quite often stay 0:15:37.348 --> 0:15:40.798 in Melbourne. And when running around the botanical gardens there, 0:15:40.798 --> 0:15:43.438 I couldn't help but notice all of the great Achilles 0:15:43.438 --> 0:15:46.528 folk with their bright yellow t shirts, helping people run 0:15:46.528 --> 0:15:49.498 around the botanical gardens. So it really, I suppose, attracted 0:15:49.498 --> 0:15:51.778 my interest. And so when I found out more about 0:15:51.778 --> 0:15:53.728 what they do, I just thought, this is just such 0:15:53.728 --> 0:15:56.998 a fantastic initiative because I know just how much I 0:15:56.998 --> 0:15:59.398 enjoy running. And if I wasn't able to do that, 0:15:59.398 --> 0:16:01.498 how disappointed I would be. And so I imagine there's 0:16:01.498 --> 0:16:04.228 many people in the same place as myself, and the 0:16:04.228 --> 0:16:06.688 fact that I actually live in Geelong and we're such 0:16:06.688 --> 0:16:08.848 a growing community. In fact, as long as one of 0:16:08.848 --> 0:16:12.178 the fastest growing regional cities in Australia, I thought there's 0:16:12.178 --> 0:16:15.148 a real opportunity for us to introduce something in Geelong. 0:16:15.148 --> 0:16:17.878 And so when I introduced myself to the vice president 0:16:17.878 --> 0:16:21.028 at Achilles Melbourne, a beautiful lady by the name of 0:16:21.028 --> 0:16:24.338 Amanda Kwong, she certainly was very supportive as the whole 0:16:24.338 --> 0:16:26.828 team has been there at Achilles Melbourne, and they certainly 0:16:26.828 --> 0:16:28.838 encouraged me to to see if we could get something 0:16:28.838 --> 0:16:31.028 to happen in Geelong. And that's how it's come about. 0:16:31.238 --> 0:16:35.108 We'll get back to that event on the 8th of 0:16:35.108 --> 0:16:39.458 September in a little bit, Eddie. But before we do that, 0:16:39.458 --> 0:16:42.068 I just want to find out a little bit more 0:16:42.068 --> 0:16:46.808 about you. Had you had much exposure to the world 0:16:46.808 --> 0:16:50.148 of blindness or low vision before you jumped in and 0:16:50.148 --> 0:16:51.888 got involved with Achilles? 0:16:51.918 --> 0:16:55.908 No, to be honest, I didn't. I suppose my background is, 0:16:55.908 --> 0:16:58.488 is that I just really enjoy giving back to the 0:16:58.488 --> 0:17:02.058 community and helping with different initiatives that make a difference. 0:17:02.058 --> 0:17:04.488 And other than my day job, I'm also a City 0:17:04.488 --> 0:17:07.218 of Greater Geelong councillor. And so it's those types of 0:17:07.218 --> 0:17:10.068 community initiatives that always sparked my interest. So I didn't 0:17:10.068 --> 0:17:14.398 necessarily have any exposure to people that have challenges with vision. 0:17:14.398 --> 0:17:16.648 It was just that I saw this initiative, my love 0:17:16.648 --> 0:17:19.078 for running, and I thought, if I can help those 0:17:19.078 --> 0:17:20.848 that are not able to get out and about and 0:17:20.848 --> 0:17:23.638 have a run without some assistance, why wouldn't I do that? 0:17:23.638 --> 0:17:26.098 And so that's really been my my incentive. 0:17:26.398 --> 0:17:29.648 Let's, um, get back on to that event on the 0:17:29.648 --> 0:17:32.428 8th of September that's coming up. Tell us a bit 0:17:32.428 --> 0:17:33.568 more about that. 0:17:33.568 --> 0:17:35.488 Yes. So at this stage we've still got a little 0:17:35.488 --> 0:17:38.048 bit more to organise. But at this stage we're looking 0:17:38.048 --> 0:17:43.388 to kick off at 9:30 a.m. in the Geelong Botanical Garden. 0:17:43.388 --> 0:17:46.718 There's a very well known circuit there that's called the 0:17:46.718 --> 0:17:49.688 Eastern Park Circuit, and it really starts at the main 0:17:49.688 --> 0:17:53.948 barbecue rotunda area there in the gardens. And so we're 0:17:53.948 --> 0:17:57.908 going to have people from Achilles Melbourne down supporting us, 0:17:57.908 --> 0:18:01.208 and we're just encouraging as many people as we possibly 0:18:01.208 --> 0:18:04.328 can to come down and try and learn more about 0:18:04.328 --> 0:18:06.548 what we're doing, and if they need help to do that, 0:18:06.548 --> 0:18:08.138 they should reach out to us to see if we 0:18:08.138 --> 0:18:10.448 can help them get there. And we'd just love to 0:18:10.448 --> 0:18:13.028 be able to share the joys of running and walking 0:18:13.028 --> 0:18:16.238 around the beautiful environment of the Geelong Botanical Gardens with 0:18:16.238 --> 0:18:17.618 as many people as we can. 0:18:17.648 --> 0:18:21.458 What are some future plans for Achilles? What are you 0:18:21.458 --> 0:18:24.938 looking forward to and what would you love to see 0:18:24.948 --> 0:18:29.118 happen in the future in terms of ideas you might have, 0:18:29.118 --> 0:18:32.328 or places you'd like to go or things like that? 0:18:32.568 --> 0:18:35.868 That's a great question. Yes. Well, first and foremost, I 0:18:35.868 --> 0:18:39.468 really hope we can get enough people interested to participate 0:18:39.468 --> 0:18:41.508 in the joys of running and walking so that we 0:18:41.508 --> 0:18:44.718 can at least hold regular sessions throughout the month, and 0:18:44.718 --> 0:18:47.538 whether that be once a month to start with or 0:18:47.538 --> 0:18:50.038 every weekend, depending on what the demand is. That would 0:18:50.038 --> 0:18:52.648 be first and foremost. But going forward, some of the 0:18:52.648 --> 0:18:55.258 things I'd like to see is for us to participate 0:18:55.258 --> 0:18:58.348 in different fund runs. And, you know, we have the 0:18:58.348 --> 0:19:02.188 21 kilometer half marathon here in Geelong. I know that 0:19:02.188 --> 0:19:05.878 people from Achilles in different areas of Australia have participated 0:19:05.878 --> 0:19:07.528 in that before, and we'd love to be able to 0:19:07.528 --> 0:19:10.828 help people out to participate in different fund runs and 0:19:10.828 --> 0:19:13.408 whether it be marathons or other. And the other thing 0:19:13.408 --> 0:19:15.678 that I'd like to also hope that we might be 0:19:15.678 --> 0:19:18.198 able to do is maybe some outings to places like 0:19:18.318 --> 0:19:20.388 the You Yangs, where we could do a little bit 0:19:20.388 --> 0:19:23.058 of hiking as well. So it's things of that nature 0:19:23.058 --> 0:19:25.548 that I think we'll be able to expand into a. 0:19:25.548 --> 0:19:28.998 Lot of exciting options there. So let's see how that 0:19:28.998 --> 0:19:31.608 all pans out. So we've got our fingers crossed that 0:19:31.608 --> 0:19:35.118 there is quite a significant uptake in things just go 0:19:35.118 --> 0:19:38.458 from strength to strength. But of course in order for 0:19:38.488 --> 0:19:42.568 that to happen, we need people to join up. So 0:19:42.568 --> 0:19:46.468 what is the best way for people to sign up 0:19:46.468 --> 0:19:49.348 to Achilles to come and have a walk or a 0:19:49.348 --> 0:19:51.748 run or a hike with the Geelong crew? 0:19:51.838 --> 0:19:54.118 I think at the moment, the best way of going 0:19:54.118 --> 0:19:58.108 about that would be either to phone the Achilles number, 0:19:58.108 --> 0:20:01.888 which I will give you, or to email us, and 0:20:01.888 --> 0:20:06.168 we can certainly provide more information or simply just turn 0:20:06.168 --> 0:20:10.488 up at 9:30 a.m. or thereabouts to the Geelong Botanical 0:20:10.488 --> 0:20:15.078 Gardens at the big barbecue rotunda area, and you'll be 0:20:15.078 --> 0:20:18.048 greeted warmly by all of the support crew that are there, 0:20:18.048 --> 0:20:20.358 and we can just kick it off from there. 0:20:20.358 --> 0:20:24.138 Let's, um, get those contact details now in case people 0:20:24.138 --> 0:20:27.538 would like to sign up or perhaps find out more, 0:20:27.538 --> 0:20:30.298 or pass it on to some family or friends they 0:20:30.298 --> 0:20:31.738 think would be perfect. 0:20:31.768 --> 0:20:48.148 That's fantastic. Well, our phone number is 0474 243 179. So that's 0474 243 179. 0:20:48.268 --> 0:20:51.368 And the email address it's a little bit tricky but 0:20:51.368 --> 0:20:58.298 it's basically one word and it's Geelong Achilles, which is 0:20:58.298 --> 0:21:07.298 ach I double l e s Australia at gmail.com. 0:21:08.288 --> 0:21:13.088 Okay. And do you have perhaps some websites or social 0:21:13.088 --> 0:21:14.918 media that people could head to? 0:21:15.018 --> 0:21:17.718 Yes, we are going to be commencing in the next 0:21:17.718 --> 0:21:21.468 week or so. A Facebook page, but also an Achilles 0:21:21.468 --> 0:21:23.958 Melbourne has a Facebook page. And so if you go 0:21:23.958 --> 0:21:28.728 onto the Achilles Melbourne Facebook page, our information will be 0:21:28.728 --> 0:21:29.808 there as well. 0:21:29.958 --> 0:21:34.578 Well that all sounds fantastic. Really looking forward to hearing 0:21:34.578 --> 0:21:38.538 how that all goes. I've been speaking today with Eddie 0:21:38.538 --> 0:21:43.948 Connell from Geelong Achilles, which is just kicking off, so 0:21:43.948 --> 0:21:47.308 we wish them all the very best for the future 0:21:47.308 --> 0:21:51.778 and all the best for the event on September 8th. Eddie, 0:21:51.778 --> 0:21:54.388 thanks so much for your time today. It's great to 0:21:54.388 --> 0:21:57.478 catch up with you and hear all about Geelong Achilles. 0:21:57.898 --> 0:22:00.118 Thank you Sam. Really look forward to meeting you in 0:22:00.118 --> 0:22:01.048 person one day. 0:22:04.898 --> 0:22:09.518 August is upon us, so what better time than to 0:22:09.548 --> 0:22:14.018 catch up with the editor of Foyer Information, otherwise known 0:22:14.018 --> 0:22:19.538 as FYI Liz Dalakouras to get the latest update on 0:22:19.538 --> 0:22:22.688 a couple of issues. Yep, that's right, we're covering not 0:22:22.688 --> 0:22:28.178 one but two issues of foyer information today. So without 0:22:28.178 --> 0:22:32.438 further ado, here's Liz right now. Liz, welcome back to 0:22:32.438 --> 0:22:35.078 Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time. 0:22:35.408 --> 0:22:37.568 Thank you for having me, Sam. It's nice to be there. 0:22:37.628 --> 0:22:42.248 Now we're covering a couple of issues of FYI this 0:22:42.248 --> 0:22:46.088 week there's an issue that recently came out. So what 0:22:46.088 --> 0:22:48.908 were the highlights from that one that you'd love to 0:22:48.908 --> 0:22:50.468 let our listeners know about? 0:22:51.068 --> 0:22:53.568 Um, some really big news that's actually happening in South 0:22:53.568 --> 0:22:57.228 Australia is that there's been new changes to e-scooters, and 0:22:57.228 --> 0:23:01.728 their footpath regulations, and e-scooters are now allowed to go 0:23:01.728 --> 0:23:04.908 on the footpath along with with pedestrians, which is actually 0:23:04.908 --> 0:23:08.238 quite dangerous for the blind and low vision community certainly is. 0:23:08.268 --> 0:23:11.508 What else can people expect from that issue? 0:23:11.598 --> 0:23:15.528 So something else to share is Sister Helen Clifton Marin 0:23:15.528 --> 0:23:18.518 has been awarded the medal of the Order of Australia 0:23:18.518 --> 0:23:21.908 in the General Division for outstanding contributions to special needs 0:23:21.908 --> 0:23:26.198 education and the Catholic Church in Australia. She became blind 0:23:26.198 --> 0:23:30.758 as an adult and has championed special needs education, has 0:23:30.758 --> 0:23:33.668 been a devoted religious leader and advocate, and is an 0:23:33.668 --> 0:23:37.538 overall amazing woman, so the award was very well deserved. 0:23:37.868 --> 0:23:41.228 That certainly sounds pretty well deserved. That's a great story 0:23:41.228 --> 0:23:44.898 to follow up on. So yeah, that's really cool. Now 0:23:44.898 --> 0:23:48.018 what else can people expect from that one? 0:23:48.108 --> 0:23:51.168 There's also been an announcement on an update on the 0:23:51.168 --> 0:23:54.948 delay of the New Aged Care Act. The Albanese government 0:23:54.948 --> 0:23:58.968 has expressed its gratitude to the people involved, who gave 0:23:58.968 --> 0:24:02.988 them input into the proposed New Aged Care Act. They 0:24:02.988 --> 0:24:05.418 are taking it all into consideration and the bill will 0:24:05.418 --> 0:24:10.308 not be introduced until 2025. But there is updates coming soon. 0:24:10.338 --> 0:24:15.378 Okay, fantastic news there. And that is those three from 0:24:15.378 --> 0:24:20.058 the previous issue of FYI, which just came out to 0:24:20.058 --> 0:24:26.058 people's inboxes last week. But there's also an issue coming up, Liz. 0:24:26.058 --> 0:24:28.938 So give us a bit of a highlight package of 0:24:28.938 --> 0:24:30.138 that one as well. 0:24:30.138 --> 0:24:34.278 So the highlights would be something very, very cool. Vision 0:24:34.308 --> 0:24:37.728 Australia has worked with Mattel and we have developed Blind 0:24:37.728 --> 0:24:40.038 Barbie now available in Australia. 0:24:40.368 --> 0:24:40.728 Oh my. 0:24:40.728 --> 0:24:44.778 God. Other. Yeah. Some other exciting news is we have 0:24:44.778 --> 0:24:47.988 partnered with Telstra. They are going to close their 3G 0:24:47.988 --> 0:24:52.188 networks come August 31st. But we do sell the Blind 0:24:52.188 --> 0:24:56.068 Shell Classic which works with 4G. Your mobile phone most 0:24:56.068 --> 0:24:59.398 likely already supports 4G, but if you are still using 0:24:59.398 --> 0:25:02.008 a 3G phone, you will need to upgrade. You can 0:25:02.008 --> 0:25:04.048 visit us online for more information. 0:25:04.048 --> 0:25:08.068 And finally, Liz, what else is there in store for people? 0:25:08.068 --> 0:25:11.008 So it's exciting for us to announce that our Home 0:25:11.008 --> 0:25:14.428 Care Packages program is now available in New South Wales. 0:25:14.428 --> 0:25:18.448 Wow, that's really cool. Okay. Yeah. And if people would 0:25:18.448 --> 0:25:23.498 like to find out more about FII, or perhaps sign 0:25:23.498 --> 0:25:27.338 up to get on to the mailing list, that new 0:25:27.338 --> 0:25:31.418 sign up process is still in the pipeline. But in 0:25:31.418 --> 0:25:36.368 the meantime, you can head to Vision Australia's website at 0:25:36.368 --> 0:25:42.758 Vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org to find out all the 0:25:42.768 --> 0:25:48.768 latest about fire information, otherwise known as FYI. But for 0:25:48.768 --> 0:25:54.138 all those stories and more, check out for your information 0:25:54.138 --> 0:25:59.538 Vision Australia's fortnightly newsletter with all the latest news and 0:25:59.538 --> 0:26:04.998 information of interest to the blind and low vision community. Liz, 0:26:05.028 --> 0:26:07.708 thanks so much for your time today. Great to catch 0:26:07.708 --> 0:26:10.618 up with you again and hear all about the latest 0:26:10.618 --> 0:26:12.268 issues of FYI. 0:26:12.478 --> 0:26:14.938 Not a problem. Thank you for having me, Sam. A 0:26:14.938 --> 0:26:15.988 pleasure as always. 0:26:23.068 --> 0:26:26.158 And that's all the time we have for today. You've 0:26:26.158 --> 0:26:30.418 been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision 0:26:30.418 --> 0:26:34.588 Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the 0:26:34.588 --> 0:26:38.788 show together every week. And remember we love hearing from you. 0:26:38.788 --> 0:26:42.298 So please get in touch anytime on our email at 0:26:42.298 --> 0:26:47.668 Talking Vision at Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all. One 0:26:47.668 --> 0:26:52.468 word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam 0:26:52.468 --> 0:26:54.448 Kerley saying bye for now. 0:26:58.088 --> 0:27:02.228 You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during 0:27:02.228 --> 0:27:12.128 business hours on 1300 847 406. That's one (300) 847-4106 or by visiting 0:27:12.128 --> 0:27:16.478 Vision australia.org. That's Vision australia.org.