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 been
  legally 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:

• Emily Walter, National Spokesperson for the 2026 Census - 11th August, had all the relevant news on the census including it being available in large print, braille, just request it, you can do the census in braille,
• Hen Vaughan has just taken the role of audio description coordinator at Access 2 Arts. Hen invited all to the free audio-described City Lights Tour 14th July.
• Amelia Aberasturi and Eloy Mason are excited about The Open Curtain Presents - part of the Darwin Fringe Festival - an inclusive; accessible and amazing community project that was just an idea in November. 24th and 25th July at the Browns Mart Studio,
• Nicholas Gleeson, author, adventurer, athlete has just Launched a podcast, with some creative friends, Nick is just back from reconnecting with nature, Humaning with a Difference, inspiring and heartfelt, focusing on living life with a vision impairment while exploring the broader message that "difference" is a strength,

Resources:

Census: http://www.census.gov.au

Illuminate Adelaide: https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/

Access 2 Arts: http://www.access2arts.org.au

The Open Curtain: https://darwinfringe.org.au/organiser/the-open-curtain

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT:

• Angela Sosnowski, Low Vision Consultant (SA/WA/NT) for Quantum RLV, introduced the - just released - MirrorPad Pro. This is anew addition to the range of desktop magnifiers, combining powerful magnification with the ability to mirror your phone and control your Android smartphone, directly onscreen.
• Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, updated events; activities - including walking groups; pub lunches; tandem cycling; and a social group at Glenelg; as well as an invitation for young people studying music or art to apply for the Trevor Frost Award, with a $3,000 reward,
• Maureen O'Reilly, from the Vision Australia Library, spoke about hearing highly acclaimed playwright Jane Harrison, who has written "Rainbow's End" great for those year 12 students in Vic. NSW, and Qld studying the play. Maureen also invited all to come along to "Meet the Librarian" and access to some excellent guests from Melbourne Writers Week.
• Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services and from the University of Qld, has concerns that many older people in particular may be underestimating the seriousness of RSV, Respiratory syncytial virus.

Resources:

Quantum RLV: http://www.quantumrlv.com.au

Beyond Blindness: http://www.beyondblindness.org.au

Vision Australia Library: https://visionaustralia.org/services/library

RSV Wise: http://www.rsvwise.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.