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
Children’s Book Week Bedtime Storytime hosted by Vision Australia
20 August – 6:30pm to 7:00pm
Online
Children’s Book Week is a week of celebrations, dress-ups, parades and storytimes. A dedicated week to celebrate books, stimulate imaginations and cultivate a love of reading.
Feelix Library invite our youngest readers to join us online for a very special Book Week birthday celebration. This year, we’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of Children’s Book Week. That’s right, Children’s Book Week is an octogenarian! (That’s like an octopus, but without the tentacles!)
Kyleigh, our Children’s Librarian, is donning her favourite pyjamas and reading the Australian Picture Book of the Year. Our unique storytime will be enhanced with audio descriptions of the beautiful illustrations throughout our Bedtime Storybook.
No Bedtime Storytime would be complete without a serenade of lullabies to lull our little ones off to sleep. So, join us as we snuggle up in our pyjamas, sing our favourite lullabies, and enjoy an accessible Bedtime Storytime.
Origami Folding Workshop hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria and Guide Dogs Victoria
20 & 27 August / 3, 10, 17 & 24 September / 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October – 11:00am to 1:00pm
Kooyong VIC
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV) and Guide Dogs Victoria invite you to join our origami Christmas decoration project.
This collaborative project between BSRV and Guide Dogs Victoria offers a fun and creative way to connect with others who are blind or vision impaired, supported by friendly and dedicated volunteers. Whether you’re new to origami or have some experience, everyone is welcome—and no prior skills are needed. Step-by-step guidance will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout.
Over the course of the workshops, you’ll:
- Learn basic paper folding techniques
- Progress to using decorative paper
- Create a range of festive decorations including cranes, stars, boxes and hearts
Your final creations will be gifted to a local not-for-profit organisation to help decorate a Christmas tree and spread joy to others.
In Conversation with Robbie Arnott hosted by Vision Australia
22 August – 11:30am
Online
Vision Australia Library are thrilled to announce their upcoming In Conversation will feature award winning author Robbie Arnott. They are going to take Robbie back to where it all began…. his debut novel Flames. Flames is described as a “mesmerising, beautiful & enchanting novel”, one that explores themes of death, grief and family. Set against the dramatic Tasmanian landscape, the power and beauty of nature forms the backdrop to the impact of colonisation. Flames is featured on the Year 12 VCE English text list for 2025. Vision Australia warmly welcomes VCE students to join them online, and hear Robbie discuss his award-winning novel with our Library Manager, Sarah Bloedorn.
Developmental Disability and Deafblindness Melbourne Workshop hosted by Deafblind Information Australia
26-27 August – 9:30am to 4:30pm each day
Melbourne VIC
This practical workshop is suitable for anyone with a connection to combined deafness and blindness, sensory disability, meaning one or more of the senses are affected and/or complex disability. This two-day workshop will cover:
- how to recognise deafblindness
- understanding access needs
- where to find help to support the person’s senses
- hand-under-hand teaching methods
- creating shared experiences
- developing shared meaning
- learning and practicing deafblind communication methods
- resources and tools to support your learning
Morning Tea and Incinerator Gallery Tour hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria
27 August – 10:00am to 1:00pm
Moonee Ponds VIC
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria invite adults who are blind or vision impaired to visit the Incinerator Gallery for a guided tour of The Playground Project Melbourne, a trailblazing tactile exhibition that charts the history of children’s playgrounds and the forces that shape them.
Beforehand, we will visit the Moonee Ponds Boathouse restaurant for morning tea and take a walk along the Maribyrnong River.
For transportation, there is the option to meet at Travellers Aid, Flinders Street Train Station and travel to venue together.
Places are limited, so get in early.
PULSE 2025 Exhibition Tour hosted by Friends of Retina Australia Perth
28 August – 10:00am
Perth WA
Join us for an exclusive, personalised tour of the PULSE 2025 exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA, led by one of our members who works as a volunteer guide at the gallery.
We will meet in the main foyer at the Art Gallery of WA at 10:00am and start the tour at 10:15am.
After the tour, we will meet for a coffee and chat at Ground & Co (on the ground floor at the State Library).
Please RSVP by Monday, 25 August.
Developmental Disability and Deafblindness Adelaide Workshop hosted by Deafblind Information Australia
23-24 September – 9:30am to 4:30pm each day
Adelaide SA
This practical workshop is suitable for anyone with a connection to combined deafness and blindness, sensory disability, meaning one or more of the senses are affected and/or complex disability. This two-day workshop will cover:
- how to recognise deafblindness
- understanding access needs
- where to find help to support the person’s senses
- hand-under-hand teaching methods
- creating shared experiences
- developing shared meaning
- learning and practicing deafblind communication methods
- resources and tools to support your learning
Blind and Low Vision Tennis in Lara hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria
12 October – 10:00am to 1:00pm
Lara VIC
A perfect opportunity to play blind tennis, learn new skills, get active and socialise! All equipment will be provided. All welcome.
Blind Tennis is played with a yellow or black audible foam ball, using junior tennis racquets and on a court marked out with tactile lines. The standard rules of tennis apply with a few modifications.
This event is open to children and adults with vision loss, their families and support workers.
Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
BBQ lunch and tea and coffee provided.
REGULAR EVENTS
Monthly Bushwalks hosted by Friends of Retina Australia Perth
Hosted monthly
Various locations in and around Perth WA
Join Friends of Retina Australia Perth for their monthly local bushwalks. The group will take you on accessible hikes at stunning locations in and around Perth WA. Bushwalks usually occur first thing in the morning, followed by brunch at a local cafe.
To join the mailing list and be among the first to find out about upcoming bushwalks, please RSVP below.
Please also advise if you need a sighted guide, or if you would like a lift to the walk start so the group can assist you.
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.