Retina Australia’s Community Billboard is a collaboration with other community organisations around the country. This calendar of activities and events aims to provide opportunities that promote learning, wellbeing, participation, and social engagement and connection.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Devonshire tea and tour of Black Rock House hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria
14 May 2025, 10:00am-12:00pm
Black Rock VIC
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria invite adults who are blind or vision impaired to enjoy Devonshire tea and a tour of Black Rock House this May! With a trained volunteer costumed guide, you will learn about the intriguing history of this house, including its stables, servant quarters and gardens, built by Charles Ebden, Victoria’s first Auditor-General.
May Bush Walk hosted by Friends of Retina Australia (Perth)
18 May 2025, 8:00am
Pickering Brook WA
It’s finally bushwalking season! The Perth Bushwalkers Club have once again generously volunteered to guide you through our beautiful bushland.
This month’s walk will bring you down the Kattamordo trail. This pleasant ~10km “out and back” walk on gravel goes through mostly shady Jarrah forest with some historical sites. While it’s a bit early for flowers, there should be some birds to see and hear.
The walk will commence at 8:00am from the Pickering Brook General Store (cnr. Canning Road and Pickering Brook Road, Pickering Brook). This location will also be booked in for brunch after the walk.
Please advise if you need a sighted guide, or if you would like a lift to the walk start. Please RSVP by Wednesday, 14 May.
Aging Well Information Session hosted by Communities At Work ACT
21 May 2025, 9:30am-1:00pm
Greenway ACT
Come into Tuggeranong Community Centre (245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway ACT) for morning tea and a friendly chat with Safe Home, COTA, Eyes for Life and Communities at Work about the services they provide.
Rare, Genetic and Undiagnosed Conditions Sector Development Program – May Networking Session hosted by Alike WA
22 May 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Coolbellup WA
This networking session is an opportunity for those living with or caring for someone with a Rare, Genetic or Undiagnosed condition to come together and create a safe space to chat with other people going through the same or similar circumstances. Along with spending time getting to know one another and networking we will continue moving forward with the advocacy plan created by the group.
The Abilities Program hosted by Swimming Victoria
1 June / 8 June / 15 June / 22 June 2025, 4:00pm
Waurn Ponds VIC
Swimming Victoria has launched The Abilities Program to provide more opportunities for people with disability living in Geelong and surrounds to connect with the Victorian swimming community and to progress through their multiclass pathways. Whilst this is not a learn to swim experience, those with basic swimming ability who are blind or vision impaired are encouraged to come along and experience the joy of swimming with four fun and relaxed sessions supported by an experienced swim squad coach.
The Abilities Program commences in June 2025 on Sunday afternoons and is free to attend. The age range is 10 year olds and up.
USHthis: UsherKids Youth Camp & Family Retreat 2025 hosted by UsherKids Australia
9-14 July 2025
Magnetic Island QLD
A life-changing retreat for children and teens with Usher syndrome and their families. The program includes an immersive youth camp and a concurrent parent retreat focused on connection, empowerment and support. Run by UsherKids Australia with trained mentors and allied health-led sessions.
REGULAR EVENTS
Trivia Night hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Weekly each Saturday at 8:00pm-9:00pm AEDT
Location: Online event
Are you interested in expanding your general knowledge in an easy going and fun atmosphere? If so, join this week’s trivia for an enjoyable night of team competition.
Please be aware that, to ensure the smooth operation of the game, Trivia will be limited to 25 players. To give everyone an opportunity, the Zoom waiting room will open to admit people who sign in from 7:45pm Sydney time and closes at 8.00pm.
Zoom Fitness Program hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria
Monday to Friday, dial in 9:20am, class starts at 9:30am – 10:15am ADST
Location: Online Zoom platform
BSRV offers a range of FREE online fitness sessions for blind and vision impaired people to get fit at home. All fitness levels are welcome and no equipment is necessary
Monday – yoga
Tuesday – gentle stretches & meditation
Wednesday/Friday YouTube Walking Session
Thursday – gentle pilates
Weekly Vision Impaired Exercise Classes hosted by Canberra Blind Society
Every Thursday from February 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm ADST
Location: The Griffin Centre, 6 / 20 Genge Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Canberra Blind Society (CBS) is commencing weekly exercise classes. These sessions are aimed to provide clients who have a vision impairment a chance to engage in regular exercise within a safe and supportive environment, promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging them to continue these activities within the broader community. This service is run by a qualified exercise physiologist from Citrus Rehabilitation and has been modified for persons with a vision impairment.
Book Club hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Wednesday at 7:00pm AEDT
Location: Online Zoom platform – link here
Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 816 6512 0720
· Passcode: 927195
This group is open to all readers, whether you’ve just embarked on your reading journey or have been immersed in books for many years you are welcome to come along. You will have the chance to discuss books, exchange ideas, and broaden your horizons through the magic of storytelling.
Travel Guides hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Tuesday at 1:00pm AEDT
Location: Join via weblink
· Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 865 7059 9837
· Passcode: 720093
If you’re eager to gain invaluable insights into traveling confidently, whether it’s exploring your local surroundings or journeying to far-flung destinations both nationally and internationally, this group is your perfect travel companion. With a wealth of lived experience in traveling join Adrian Watson in discussions that will be both informative and enjoyable, arming you with the essential knowledge and tools necessary to embark on thrilling adventures. ·
Music Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Wednesday at 7:30pm AEDT
Location: Online via weblink
Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 828 0072 5037
Passcode: 014935
Are you passionate about music? Look no further and join the Music Group! Hosted by Jennifer Parry and open to musicians who are blind or vision impaired, of all skill levels, the group provides a welcoming space to discuss tunes, share your experiences and collaborate on creative pieces. Whether you’re an experienced performer, singer or have just recently picked up an instrument, you’re welcome to join this supportive and inspiring group.
Guitar Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Saturday at 2:00pm AEDT
Location: Online via weblink
Join with one tap mobile
Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 859 1306 9334
Passcode: 505533
The guitar group offers a welcoming space for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to come together to share tips and techniques. This group is an open platform for guitar enthusiasts where you can find support and share resources to help you along your musical journey.
Assistive Technology Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Monday at 8:00pm AEDT
Location: Online via weblink
· Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 867 4417 4647
· Passcode: 581563
Assistive Technology is useful and increasingly necessary in our daily lives. However, not everything is easy to navigate, and new technologies develop every day. Join Adam and others to learn more about assistive technology and how to get the best from it.
Gardening Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Wednesday at 7:30pm AEDT
Location: Online via weblink
· Join by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 876 2151 0314
· Passcode: 242903
Gardening can be therapeutic and bring joy when plants are growing and thriving. Join Silvana and other gardening enthusiasts and share your knowledge, tips, and techniques for a flourishing home garden. All are welcome!
Acquired Sight Loss Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia
Every Monday at 7:30pm AEDT
· Location – Via by phone by dialling 03 7018 2005 using Meeting ID: 830 3001 8448
· Passcode: 391396
Hosted by BCA’s National Advocacy Officer, Martin Stewart, this welcoming and friendly group is a forum for members to meet and talk with others with acquired sight loss. · Join via weblink · Join with one tap mobile
Wangaratta Support Group hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria
First Wednesday of each month at 10:30am
Wangaratta VIC
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria’s Wangaratta Peer Support Group has a coffee and cake catch up, for people who are blind or have low vision, each month.
Come along to have a chat, meet new people and discuss how to support each other and the kinds of activities you’d like to do together…. while enjoying great coffee and delicious food.
Where: Where is My Coffee (Cafe), 1/103 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC
RSVP is essential by the last Wednesday of the month.
Please provide your name, contact number, email address and if you will be bringing a support or have any support needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this Community Billboard is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any activities, events, or external organisations mentioned. Please exercise your own judgment and discretion when participating in any activities or events listed here.