Skip to main menu Skip to footer
Retina Australia logo
Retina Australia logo
  • About Us
    • What we do
    • Our team
    • Retina Australia celebrates 40 years
    • Membership
    • Supporters and alliances
    • News
    • Reports
    • Contact us
  • Research
    • Research into inherited retinal disease
    • Research impact reports
    • Strategy and governance
    • Apply for grant funding
  • Inherited retinal disease
    • About inherited retinal disease
    • Types of inherited retinal diseases
    • Other retinal dystrophies
    • Genetic testing
    • Clinical trials
    • IRD Research Project and Clinical Trial Register
    • Emerging treatments
    • From Lab to Life
    • Frequently asked questions
  • Support
    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • Webinars and events
    • Guide for the newly diagnosed
    • Other guides for support
    • Community Billboard
    • Eye care professionals
    • Looking after your eyes
    • Vision loss aids
  • Help Us
    • Donate
    • Do It In The Dark
    • Leave a gift in your will
    • Get Active for Retina Australia
    • Host a fundraiser
    • Become a member
    • Volunteer with us
DONATE
DONATE

Follow us

Visit our Youtube account Visit our Twitter account Visit our Facebook page Visit our Instagram account Visit our Linkedin page

Community Billboard

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

Accessible Reading and Writing Tools Q&A hosted by Vision Australia

 31 July – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Online

Do you struggle to read instruction manuals or the dreaded bills in your letter box? Is compiling a shopping list or writing birthday cards to family becoming increasingly difficult? There’s an ever-evolving range of adaptive tools and technology you can use; the challenge is understanding what’s out there!

Vision Australia is offering an opportunity to learn how you can keep doing the all-important tasks of reading and writing. After the success of our webinar last year, they will welcome back Jim Pipczak and Kent Walsdorf, to answer all your questions on the wide range of adaptive tools and technology on offer today.

Register here about Accessible Reading and Writing Tools Q&A hosted by Vision Australia

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.

Register here about Children’s Book Week Bedtime Storytime hosted by Vision Australia

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.

Register here about In Conversation with Robbie Arnott hosted by Vision Australia

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
Register here about Developmental Disability and Deafblindness Melbourne Workshop hosted by Deafblind Information Australia

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.

Find out more about Monthly Bushwalks hosted by Friends of Retina Australia Perth

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.

Find out more about Trivia Night hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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

Find out more here about Zoom Fitness Program hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria

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.

Find out more here about Weekly Vision Impaired Exercise Classes hosted by Canberra Blind Society

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.

Find out more about Book Club hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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. ·

Find out more here about Travel Guides hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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. 

Find out more about Music Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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.  

Find out more about Guitar Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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.

Find out more about Assistive Technology Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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!

Find out more about Gardening Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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

Find out more about Acquired Sight Loss Group hosted by Blind Citizens Australia

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.

RSVP Now about Wangaratta Support Group hosted by Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria

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.

RA Australia logo Retina Australia is an ACNC registered charity - Visit ACNC
Follow us:
Visit our Youtube account Visit our Twitter account Visit our Facebook page Visit our Instagram account Visit our Linkedin page
  • 1800 999 870
  • info@retinaaustralia.com.au
  • Level 3 Ross House 247-251 Flinders Lane
    Melbourne VICTORIA 3000
  • About Us
  • Research
  • Inherited retinal disease
  • Contact Us
  • Support
  • Help Us
  • Donate
  • Subscribe

Retina Australia acknowledges the Traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

© 2025 Retina Australia ABN 26 059 846 829

  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Security
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
This website was verified to the level of AA conformance against WCAG 2.1 achieved on 17/9/2021
RA Australia logo
Retina Australia is an ACNC registered charity - Visit ACNC
  • 1800 999 870
  • info@retinaaustralia.com.au
  • Level 3 Ross House 247-251 Flinders Lane
    Melbourne VICTORIA 3000
  • About Us
  • Research
  • Inherited retinal disease
  • Contact Us
  • Support
  • Help Us
  • Donate
  • Subscribe
Follow us:
Visit our Youtube account Visit our Twitter account Visit our Facebook page Visit our Instagram account Visit our Linkedin page

© 2025 Retina Australia ABN 26 059 846 829

  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Security
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
Subscribe

Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to keep up with the latest news related to inherited retinal diseases, including research updates and clinical trials.