On FOCAL POINT: Carlie Towns is just back from making it to the Everest base camp - a physical, emotional and spiritual experience, connecting with her late father Ched. Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, alerted us to their current campaign,  'Illegal Firewood, The Cost is Wild' encouraging all to check that their firewood has beenlegally sourced and report suspicious activity.  Jacky Hudson has been selected for Australia to go to Glasgow playing lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games.  Ben Harrington (Training officer from Traveller's Aid) and Ethan Ward (industrial Design Student at Monash University) sharing their partnership, making travel even more accessible, and enjoyable with innovative and imaginative ideas and initiatives.  Resources: Carlie's Fundraising page: https://chuffed.org/project/carliedoeseverest  Crimestoppers Vic: http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: David Dinte AM was recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours for his work in the not-for-profit sector, including over two decades with a variety of roles on the board of Next Sense, and other contributions to education. Stacie Ashlet "Hyper the Clown" invited all to Club Krok, and other events during the Darwin Fringe Festival in July.  Betty McGuire OAM's work for over 70 years in softball and over four decades of work in blind bowls administration and team management was deservedly recognised in the King's Birthday Awards.  Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, paid tribute to the 1197AM on the radio band; the old Radio for the Print Handicapped 5RPH closing on Monday.  Phil was involved from the very beginning of the Movement over 45 years ago.  Phil also shared some observations from Pauline Hanson's address at the National Press Club Resources:  Next Sense School: https://www.nextsenseschool.edu.au Club Krock: https://clubkrock.org/  Darwin Fringe: https://darwinfringe.org.au/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Elizabeth Beales, President of the Albinism Fellowship of Australia, reflecting on International Albinism Awareness Day 13th June. The theme was "Proud In  My Skin".  Elizabeth also previewed their National Conference coming up in September in Adelaide. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, chatted about a number of upcoming events, including changes in the northern suburbs; introduced us to "pocket" groups starting at Glenelg; groups that are a little more tailor-made depending on demographics and geographics. Tony Scott, Coach and Promoter of lawn bowls in Australia for people who are blind or have low vision, wrapping up recent national training camp for Australian representation; naming athletes chosen for the Commonwealth Games; and a free come n try day 21st June at the Playford bowling Club - Goodman Road Elizabeth, next door to the Central Districts Football Club and a day in Hobart in July. Ben Tullipan, from Empower golf, invited all to a free come n try Golf Clinic Friday19th June  Geelong Curlews; and a number of free days this month in Victoria.  people of all abilities are most welcome.  Resources:  International Albinism Awareness Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/albinism-day  Albinism Fellowship of Australia: http://www.albinismaustralia.org Access 2 Arts: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au Blind Bowls Australia: Enquiries email: [email protected]  Web:  https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au/ Empower Golf: http://www.empowergolf.com.aSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Rachael Leahcar, Advocate and singer/song-writer, is inviting all to the Workability Expo in Adelaide - Wayville Showgrounds 26th and 27th June 26th and 27th.  Jude Gaffney, Audio Description Coordinator at Access 2 Arts, with audio described opportunities; live shows; Illuminate and a chance to experience AD at home. Linni Oliver, from Deafblind WA: an exciting Awareness week coming up at  Perth City Farm - 1 City Farm Place, WA, 24th June; and celebrating Helen Keller's birthday on the 27th by playing lawn bowls.  RSVP: [email protected] David Woodbridge, Braille products Specialist at Humanware, is very excited about the Braille Note Evolve; had news on Apple's WWDC.  David will be at Tech Fest with all the Humanware products 17th June at U City, 43 Franklin Street Adelaide.  Resources: Adelaide Disability Expo: https://adelaidedisabilityexpo.com.au/ Impact Institute Disability Expos: https://www.impactinstitute.com.au/disability-expos/ No Strings Attached: Hamlet the Loneliest:https://nostrings.org.au/listing/hamlet-the-lonelies Illuminate Access Tours and Sessions: https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/access-events-2026/ Cabaret Festival: Rags to Riches Exhibition: https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/rags-to-riches-exhibition State Theatre - Uncle Vanya: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/uncle-vanya/ Humanware: http://www.humanware.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Anne-Marie Banfield, First Nations Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia,  wrapped up The Vision 2020/Guide Dogs Victoria,  National Reconciliation Week "All In as Allies, From Good Intentions to Meaningful Action" Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about retail crime - the impact on those working in the industry; owners; those people shopping, and how taking notice of some happenings may provide vital clues Debra Simons, President of the National Women's Branch of Blind Citizens Australia, updated us on events,  activities, peer support, and Launched their Facebook group. Dr Anna Wright, former Founder and CEO of Bindimaps - now Director Australia/APAC for  Mappen Inc, a way finding solution provider and digital mapping, invited all to come and try out their technology at Tech Fest, June 17th, U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide made possible thanks to See Differently, Blind Citizens Australia Women's Branch Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/959469346984250/ (Any questions or concerns are to be directed to Facebook administrators, Debra: [email protected] or Erica:  [email protected]  Mappen: http://www.mappedin.ca   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Annette Sutherland is this year's very worthy recipient of the Tammy Axelsen's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Round Table on information Access for People with a Print Disability.  Annette's vast array of contributions include guidelines for producing accessible graphics and being part of the Sydney Braille Forum - enabling students who are blind or have low vision access to information in braille, Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, with information on the Melbourne Writers Festival, accessible tools for writing workshop and audio described shows at the Sydney Film Festival. Chenturan Aran, playwright, inviting all to a season of "The Supposed To Be" at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Phil Vandepeer, co-founder and co-presenter for Focal Point, paying tribute to Neile Daniher. Phil shared his thoughts about the Federal Budget and the Budget in Reply - and a suggestion to use the accessible Community Radio Plus app when Vision Australia Radio ceases to broadcast on 1197am in Adelaide 1st July., Resources:  Vision Australia Library: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library The Supposed to Be: https://2026.rising.melbourne/program/the-supposed-to-be (use the code, TSTB20 for 20% off when you book through the Footscray Community Arts Centre's website) https://footscrayarts.com/event/the-supposed-to-be/     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know what they will be featuring at Tech Fest 17th June U City, 43 Franklin Street in Adelaide Hayley Percy, from Rising Melbourne, invites all to a number of inclusive, accessible shows and activations, including some free events.  Resources: Blind Citizens Australia: http://www.bca.org.au Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au Visitech Magnifiers: http://www.visitechmagnifiers.com.au Tech Fest: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/  Rising Melbourne: https://2026.rising.melbourneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.  Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with thePilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle. Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2 Arts, had news on audio-described events at the South Australian Museum; ILLUMINATE Adelaide having audio description; and the State Theatre Company putting on "The Importance of Being Earnest" Christo Sarantakis has  mild hearing loss and is using hearing aids which have made an enormously positive difference to his quality of life.  Christo encouraged others to explore such an opportunity, Peter Rickards is the inventor of the Sensaball - a unique tip for mobility canes.  Brent Franklin has been involved with testing the product for over 5 years.  Peter and Brent will be at Tech Fest 17th June 17th at U-City, 43 Franklin Street. Resources: Pilgari: http://www.pilgarisystems.com.au/ Pilgari Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6ydtYcIwJw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7HfkXcARzM  Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au  Sensaball: https://www.sensaball.com.au/  Techfest 2026: https://seedifferently.org.au/support-us-and-donate/events/techfest2026/     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -  attended by campers from all around Australia. Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse. Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day. Emma Lawrence, Operations Director for Kids Alive, launched free CPR training to equip parents for life-or-death emergencies in and out of the water.  Free training is available throughout May in Australia.  Resources: Able Australia: http://www.ableaustralia.org.au Crimestoppers Australia: https://crimestoppers.com.au/  Online Psychologists: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/  Phobias Online Quiz: https://www.onlinepsychologist.com.au/post/phobia-quiz  Kids Alive: https://kidsalive.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS.  Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.  Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensington Gardens, from 10am. , all welcome,  Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, chatted about the Library being an access and inclusion Partner with the Melbourne Writers Festival and a number of opportunities to attend In Conversations with some highly regarded and respected authors.  Phil Vandepeer, Co-Founder and Co-Presenter for Focal Point, responding with some frank and forthright thoughts about the NDIS proposed cuts.  Resources: People with Disability Australia: http://www.pwd.org.au Blind Bowles Australia: Email: [email protected] Internet: https://blindbowls.bowls.com.au Vision Australia Library: http://www.visionaustralia.org/library See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.