Hi, I'm Simon.

Hi, I'm Simon.

And I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a program where we talk to people making a positive impact in the community and disability sector, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden in plain sight.

And I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a program where we talk to people making a positive impact in the community and disability sector, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden in plain sight.

And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision Australia Radio.

And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision Australia Radio.

Hello and welcome everyone to our show In Plain Sight. My name is Abby Green and I'm here with Simon Chong. Hey, Simon, how are you going?

Hello and welcome everyone to our show In Plain Sight. My name is Abby Green and I'm here with Simon Chong. Hey, Simon, how are you going?

Hey, Abby. I'm going. Well. And. Hello, everyone out there.

Hey, Abby. I'm going. Well. And. Hello, everyone out there.

So today our topic that we're looking at is we're going to be speaking to someone from Blind Sports WA. But on the topic of sports, I thought I would ask you, Simon, what are your experiences with sports?

So today our topic that we're looking at is we're going to be speaking to someone from Blind Sports WA. But on the topic of sports, I thought I would ask you, Simon, what are your experiences with sports?

I've lived three different kinds of lives. one life before I became vision impaired, and my ability at sport when I was a young person in high school and so forth was pretty poor. I did try my hand at most sports, but I wasn't very good at any of them really. One of my favorite sports when I was a little young kid was little athletics, which did actually transfer into sport at a higher level when I became vision impaired because I spent several years in the West Australian Blind Sports team, which I competed in three national championships for the blind nearly a lifetime ago.

I've lived three different kinds of lives. one life before I became vision impaired, and my ability at sport when I was a young person in high school and so forth was pretty poor. I did try my hand at most sports, but I wasn't very good at any of them really. One of my favorite sports when I was a little young kid was little athletics, which did actually transfer into sport at a higher level when I became vision impaired because I spent several years in the West Australian Blind Sports team, which I competed in three national championships for the blind nearly a lifetime ago.

Wow. What does what does little athletics?

Wow. What does what does little athletics?

Little athletics is a junior version of track and field held in your local suburban area. It's an Australian wide competition and yeah, I competed for my local suburb on a on a Saturday morning and we spent the day running, jumping and throwing things. It was it was good fun, which gave me a good grounding. And it's part of what we talk about in the interview later on. Is that a good grounding, not only in the sport, but being a community member? Like every community sports group, you need raise funds, you need to have raffles, you learn about teamwork and you learn about the community in which you live. So it was a good grounding for that. These days, my involvement with sport is based around watching and being vision impaired. I listen to a lot of sport on the radio.

Little athletics is a junior version of track and field held in your local suburban area. It's an Australian wide competition and yeah, I competed for my local suburb on a on a Saturday morning and we spent the day running, jumping and throwing things. It was it was good fun, which gave me a good grounding. And it's part of what we talk about in the interview later on. Is that a good grounding, not only in the sport, but being a community member? Like every community sports group, you need raise funds, you need to have raffles, you learn about teamwork and you learn about the community in which you live. So it was a good grounding for that. These days, my involvement with sport is based around watching and being vision impaired. I listen to a lot of sport on the radio.

Awesome.

Awesome.

Like my spine. People can't live without a radio.

Like my spine. People can't live without a radio.

I love the radio too. I have a bit of experience with sport too. My dad used to coach my soccer team when I when I was about nine. I think we were called the Dolphins. I was absolutely terrible because I used to just stand on the field and talk to the other players, and the ball would go flying past me, and I would just be too busy chatting away. Because I love to talk, as I'm sure you're aware.

I love the radio too. I have a bit of experience with sport too. My dad used to coach my soccer team when I when I was about nine. I think we were called the Dolphins. I was absolutely terrible because I used to just stand on the field and talk to the other players, and the ball would go flying past me, and I would just be too busy chatting away. Because I love to talk, as I'm sure you're aware.

That's why you're doing this job.

That's why you're doing this job.

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Um, when I was a bit older, probably when I was, like 15, I got into floorball. If anyone knows what that is.

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Um, when I was a bit older, probably when I was, like 15, I got into floorball. If anyone knows what that is.

No, I've never heard of it.

No, I've never heard of it.

It's kind of like hockey, except the stick. It's plastic and it's, like, flat on both sides. It's kind of like soccer, but with, like, a hockey stick. Yeah, yeah, it was a lot of fun. I was pretty good at it. I think I could have gone on if I stuck to it to maybe the national team.

It's kind of like hockey, except the stick. It's plastic and it's, like, flat on both sides. It's kind of like soccer, but with, like, a hockey stick. Yeah, yeah, it was a lot of fun. I was pretty good at it. I think I could have gone on if I stuck to it to maybe the national team.

There's a national team?

There's a national team?

Yeah, yeah, there's a national floorball team. It's pretty cool. Unfortunately, it didn't end up sticking to it. But, um, I also love Wii Sport too. I feel like I'm pretty good at that.

Yeah, yeah, there's a national floorball team. It's pretty cool. Unfortunately, it didn't end up sticking to it. But, um, I also love Wii Sport too. I feel like I'm pretty good at that.

Haha.

Haha.

Okay.

Okay.

Virtual sport.

Virtual sport.

Yeah. Wii sport tennis. Have you ever played that?

Yeah. Wii sport tennis. Have you ever played that?

No.

No.

Oh, Simon, you're missing out.

Oh, Simon, you're missing out.

I am, but it's good to play sport and it's good to participate in different things. And this week we're focusing on sport. But whatever it is that you might be interested in, it's like a theme of our program. It's getting involved with things, be it sport, be it dancing, be it singing or whatever it might be, become part of your community. And if the community is revolves around your disability, in this case, it's blindness and low vision, then it helps you feel a sense of not only commitment and community, but a sense of belonging and all these sports that we'll talk about later in the interview. That's what people get from these sports as well as the physical benefit. It's the psychological mental health benefits as well. And we've talked about that previously in other programs. Initiatives like Act, belong, commit. It's so good to be part of something and participate.

I am, but it's good to play sport and it's good to participate in different things. And this week we're focusing on sport. But whatever it is that you might be interested in, it's like a theme of our program. It's getting involved with things, be it sport, be it dancing, be it singing or whatever it might be, become part of your community. And if the community is revolves around your disability, in this case, it's blindness and low vision, then it helps you feel a sense of not only commitment and community, but a sense of belonging and all these sports that we'll talk about later in the interview. That's what people get from these sports as well as the physical benefit. It's the psychological mental health benefits as well. And we've talked about that previously in other programs. Initiatives like Act, belong, commit. It's so good to be part of something and participate.

Yeah. Exactly Simon. And today we're going to be speaking with Julie Carvalho. Julie is the development officer with Blind Sports WA. So Blind Sports spots. WA is part of Blind Sports Australia, which is a national sporting organisation for blind and vision impaired sports. Blind sports WA facilitates and supports several sports in WA that have either been specifically designed for the blind and vision impaired, or have been modified so that these sports are accessible, and it's about building confidence and a sense of freedom for blind and vision impaired people. It creates a sense of belonging and improves mental health. And it's there's almost any sport you can think of, including sailing and hockey. So very, very cool initiative.

Yeah. Exactly Simon. And today we're going to be speaking with Julie Carvalho. Julie is the development officer with Blind Sports WA. So Blind Sports spots. WA is part of Blind Sports Australia, which is a national sporting organisation for blind and vision impaired sports. Blind sports WA facilitates and supports several sports in WA that have either been specifically designed for the blind and vision impaired, or have been modified so that these sports are accessible, and it's about building confidence and a sense of freedom for blind and vision impaired people. It creates a sense of belonging and improves mental health. And it's there's almost any sport you can think of, including sailing and hockey. So very, very cool initiative.

And as I just mentioned, it's a space where people can participate on an equal level and feel included and have no barriers. And if we're thinking about rough and tumble sports like soccer and Aussie Rules AFL, it's also a space where people can feel safe, where they might not be able to in their school environment or their uni unique environment where they are in an integrated space. So it's a really great initiative. A lot of these things that these kinds of organizations have got going on.

And as I just mentioned, it's a space where people can participate on an equal level and feel included and have no barriers. And if we're thinking about rough and tumble sports like soccer and Aussie Rules AFL, it's also a space where people can feel safe, where they might not be able to in their school environment or their uni unique environment where they are in an integrated space. So it's a really great initiative. A lot of these things that these kinds of organizations have got going on.

Yeah. Yeah, exactly. And without further ado, we'll hear from Julie now.

Yeah. Yeah, exactly. And without further ado, we'll hear from Julie now.

Hi, Julie.

Hi, Julie.

Hi, Simon. How are you?

Hi, Simon. How are you?

I'm great. Thanks. It's good to be here. And it's good to see you today. Thanks for joining us.

I'm great. Thanks. It's good to be here. And it's good to see you today. Thanks for joining us.

And thank you for having me.

And thank you for having me.

Now we'll start by firstly, just a brief introduction of what blind spots West Australia is. We've talked to Ben Rowe in the past. So we have a little bit of an idea. But just give us a general short pitch on what blind spots West Australia is and some of the things that they do.

Now we'll start by firstly, just a brief introduction of what blind spots West Australia is. We've talked to Ben Rowe in the past. So we have a little bit of an idea. But just give us a general short pitch on what blind spots West Australia is and some of the things that they do.

Sure. So blind spots WA is set up to facilitate blind and vision impaired people to play sport and get involved in recreation, and we facilitate it. We run some programs ourselves, and we basically are on a mission to encourage as many people as we can to get out of their armchair and come and play some sport with us, and we're passionate about finding a sport that suits somebody, because we do believe there's a sport out there for everyone. And we're also passionate about creating new opportunities and developing sports. And so if there's a sport that you want to play, come and tell us about it and we'll do our best to make it happen for you.

Sure. So blind spots WA is set up to facilitate blind and vision impaired people to play sport and get involved in recreation, and we facilitate it. We run some programs ourselves, and we basically are on a mission to encourage as many people as we can to get out of their armchair and come and play some sport with us, and we're passionate about finding a sport that suits somebody, because we do believe there's a sport out there for everyone. And we're also passionate about creating new opportunities and developing sports. And so if there's a sport that you want to play, come and tell us about it and we'll do our best to make it happen for you.

That's excellent. And one of the running themes we have on this program is advocacy in different forms. Now, what I like about yourself and blind sports, Western Australia in particular, is that in fact they are an advocacy organisation. You are advocating for people who are blind and vision impaired to be part of the community in realms of sport. Now looking at the website yesterday, I noticed there were a lot of mainstream so-called mainstream sports that are adaptive for blind and vision impaired people like Australian rules football, AFL, soccer, tennis and other things. But they're also specialised sports like goalball and swish. There's a two pronged things that blind Sports Western Australia do. You're an umbrella organisation that looks after major sporting groups, and you also look into community participation for just recreation as well. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

That's excellent. And one of the running themes we have on this program is advocacy in different forms. Now, what I like about yourself and blind sports, Western Australia in particular, is that in fact they are an advocacy organisation. You are advocating for people who are blind and vision impaired to be part of the community in realms of sport. Now looking at the website yesterday, I noticed there were a lot of mainstream so-called mainstream sports that are adaptive for blind and vision impaired people like Australian rules football, AFL, soccer, tennis and other things. But they're also specialised sports like goalball and swish. There's a two pronged things that blind Sports Western Australia do. You're an umbrella organisation that looks after major sporting groups, and you also look into community participation for just recreation as well. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Yeah, absolutely. We we do see sport as a bit of a vehicle. It's not the be all and end all. Often sport leads to social gatherings. A lot of our sports, there's quite a big social aspect to it. And I think being part of a team and being with a bunch of people that really get you, you know, I've heard people make comments like, I've really found my tribe here, I feel I belong. This is giving me, you know, something to get out of the house for. And it just becomes a meaningful interaction. And we all know the benefits of sport. You know, I could bang on about that for ages. About health benefits, you know, physical, mental health, all of that. But when push comes to shove, I think getting involved in something, um, blind spots recently became part of the act Belong commit program because we just feel it aligns perfectly with our values. And those those three words act, belong, commit. It's what we're about as well. So we want people to kind of give it a go. I know you might not have tried something before, but you just never know. We'll talk about it in a little while, but we've got some opportunities coming up for just that, that if you've ever thought about trying out something, we're going to be providing a day where you will get to do just that.

Yeah, absolutely. We we do see sport as a bit of a vehicle. It's not the be all and end all. Often sport leads to social gatherings. A lot of our sports, there's quite a big social aspect to it. And I think being part of a team and being with a bunch of people that really get you, you know, I've heard people make comments like, I've really found my tribe here, I feel I belong. This is giving me, you know, something to get out of the house for. And it just becomes a meaningful interaction. And we all know the benefits of sport. You know, I could bang on about that for ages. About health benefits, you know, physical, mental health, all of that. But when push comes to shove, I think getting involved in something, um, blind spots recently became part of the act Belong commit program because we just feel it aligns perfectly with our values. And those those three words act, belong, commit. It's what we're about as well. So we want people to kind of give it a go. I know you might not have tried something before, but you just never know. We'll talk about it in a little while, but we've got some opportunities coming up for just that, that if you've ever thought about trying out something, we're going to be providing a day where you will get to do just that.

I want to just pick up on that point about the Act, Belong and commit. We did a program on that some time ago when we were talking about the all abilities power of dance, because that was part of their program as well, just to be participate. And it's the mental health benefits just being part of something. And like you say, the belonging.

I want to just pick up on that point about the Act, Belong and commit. We did a program on that some time ago when we were talking about the all abilities power of dance, because that was part of their program as well, just to be participate. And it's the mental health benefits just being part of something. And like you say, the belonging.

Yeah, absolutely. I think it kind of becomes a little bit of an extended family for people. And I've just seen the benefits and the improvement in people's lives from from actually being part of something. I've seen people come from quite a depressed state sitting at home, not much to look forward to, to really transforming their lives by. They've got something, you know, weekly to go to and they've got something to look forward to. They've got people who greet them enthusiastically, hug them, you know, and they they go home feeling like their cup's been filled. Yep. And it's such an it's a beautiful thing. I think more and more people should give it a go.

Yeah, absolutely. I think it kind of becomes a little bit of an extended family for people. And I've just seen the benefits and the improvement in people's lives from from actually being part of something. I've seen people come from quite a depressed state sitting at home, not much to look forward to, to really transforming their lives by. They've got something, you know, weekly to go to and they've got something to look forward to. They've got people who greet them enthusiastically, hug them, you know, and they they go home feeling like their cup's been filled. Yep. And it's such an it's a beautiful thing. I think more and more people should give it a go.

Definitely. Now I know blind spots West Australia are not managed but oversee some of the elite sports sort of linked to what we see on the Paralympics and so forth. But there's a lot of community sports as well. Can you give us sort of some of the examples quickly about some of the more of the elite stuff and some of the more community based stuff that you might do at Blind Sports West Australia?

Definitely. Now I know blind spots West Australia are not managed but oversee some of the elite sports sort of linked to what we see on the Paralympics and so forth. But there's a lot of community sports as well. Can you give us sort of some of the examples quickly about some of the more of the elite stuff and some of the more community based stuff that you might do at Blind Sports West Australia?

Yeah, of course. Um, well, blind sports doesn't actually run a lot of the sports. They're run by individual organizations. And we do have some programs that we do run. We have organizations like goalball WA. They're amazing. They have a pathway directly through to the Paralympics and to, you know, international games. So you can go and join gold goalball WA and you can just play for fun if you want to. It's quite a social, active community, but if you're interested in pursuing a pathway that's there for you as well, um, there's also cricket. So the Venetians Cricket club here in Western Australia, they're an amazing club. They're now housed out of Applecross Cricket club and that's an amazing partnership. Applecross Cricket club have now kind of adopted the Venetians as one of their own. It comes under the same banner as the Applecross Cricket club, but there's also a pathway there. So recently I just last month the WA W.A. blind Cricket club actually played in the National Cricket Inclusion Championships over in Brisbane. Yep. And so they sent like 14 players across to Brisbane to represent WA. They pulled on the black and gold. Played hard for WA. Didn't quite get the results they wanted but had an amazing time. And there's a bond that's formed amongst those players. You know when you travel together, you live together for a week. There's definitely lots of laughs, lots of fun and still getting to play on, you know, on on a competitive level.

Yeah, of course. Um, well, blind sports doesn't actually run a lot of the sports. They're run by individual organizations. And we do have some programs that we do run. We have organizations like goalball WA. They're amazing. They have a pathway directly through to the Paralympics and to, you know, international games. So you can go and join gold goalball WA and you can just play for fun if you want to. It's quite a social, active community, but if you're interested in pursuing a pathway that's there for you as well, um, there's also cricket. So the Venetians Cricket club here in Western Australia, they're an amazing club. They're now housed out of Applecross Cricket club and that's an amazing partnership. Applecross Cricket club have now kind of adopted the Venetians as one of their own. It comes under the same banner as the Applecross Cricket club, but there's also a pathway there. So recently I just last month the WA W.A. blind Cricket club actually played in the National Cricket Inclusion Championships over in Brisbane. Yep. And so they sent like 14 players across to Brisbane to represent WA. They pulled on the black and gold. Played hard for WA. Didn't quite get the results they wanted but had an amazing time. And there's a bond that's formed amongst those players. You know when you travel together, you live together for a week. There's definitely lots of laughs, lots of fun and still getting to play on, you know, on on a competitive level.

Now that leads you nicely to talk about yourself a little bit. Julie, I know you're a bit reluctant to talk about your own personal story, but your vision impaired yourself with retinitis pigmentosa, and you actually participated yourself at blind Cricket Carnival in Brisbane. You were just mentioning. I did.

Now that leads you nicely to talk about yourself a little bit. Julie, I know you're a bit reluctant to talk about your own personal story, but your vision impaired yourself with retinitis pigmentosa, and you actually participated yourself at blind Cricket Carnival in Brisbane. You were just mentioning. I did.

Yeah. So this is the second year that I've been selected to play in the WA team, which is a huge honour and a privilege, but also the women in Australia are so blind and vision impaired women are also taking to cricket in droves. There's been a big push to to get a women's comp going, and last year there was one exhibition match that was played and this year it's extended to. It was a whole week of cricket for the women. I played in one of the games, one was washed out, but the other games I played in my mixed team. But this women's competition is something amazing. They're going to be having a women's training camp coming up, and a bunch of us have been selected, and from that group, they will select the Australian Women's Blind cricket team at the end of April, they'll be playing against Pakistan. And there's an opportunity there to represent Australia, which for most people I think would be a dream come true.

Yeah. So this is the second year that I've been selected to play in the WA team, which is a huge honour and a privilege, but also the women in Australia are so blind and vision impaired women are also taking to cricket in droves. There's been a big push to to get a women's comp going, and last year there was one exhibition match that was played and this year it's extended to. It was a whole week of cricket for the women. I played in one of the games, one was washed out, but the other games I played in my mixed team. But this women's competition is something amazing. They're going to be having a women's training camp coming up, and a bunch of us have been selected, and from that group, they will select the Australian Women's Blind cricket team at the end of April, they'll be playing against Pakistan. And there's an opportunity there to represent Australia, which for most people I think would be a dream come true.

Yes, indeed.

Yes, indeed.

So you're right, Simon, I'm going all shy here. I really don't like talking about myself. Good on you, Julie. I got selected to go and participate in this training camp. So basically I'm up for selection for the Australian team and I'm still pinching myself. I still can't believe that this is happening.

So you're right, Simon, I'm going all shy here. I really don't like talking about myself. Good on you, Julie. I got selected to go and participate in this training camp. So basically I'm up for selection for the Australian team and I'm still pinching myself. I still can't believe that this is happening.

And I think a lot of credit must go to Blind Sports, West Australia and the blind cricket team here in Perth, Western Australia, because we've always struggled with numbers in Perth, because we have a small population in general. And to get that those participation levels up. But it's really great that West Australia has got that representation now.

And I think a lot of credit must go to Blind Sports, West Australia and the blind cricket team here in Perth, Western Australia, because we've always struggled with numbers in Perth, because we have a small population in general. And to get that those participation levels up. But it's really great that West Australia has got that representation now.

Yeah, it is great. And there's more and more people joining and we always welcome new players. Whether you've never touched a cricket bat or ball in your life, it doesn't matter. We have an amazing coach, Vince Stackpole. He's brilliant. He's a very kind, generous and patient coach with a lovely coaching style. He makes everyone feel welcome in our club and he's he has developed some really cool ways of of training us so that he can get the best out of us. and the thing he encourages the most for all of us is that we we play with good sportsmanship, so we encourage each other in the field. We always got each other's back. And it doesn't matter if you think you might have, you know, done something wrong. You've missed a ball that's flying past you. It doesn't matter. We just pat each other on the back and you'll get the next one kind of attitude towards it.

Yeah, it is great. And there's more and more people joining and we always welcome new players. Whether you've never touched a cricket bat or ball in your life, it doesn't matter. We have an amazing coach, Vince Stackpole. He's brilliant. He's a very kind, generous and patient coach with a lovely coaching style. He makes everyone feel welcome in our club and he's he has developed some really cool ways of of training us so that he can get the best out of us. and the thing he encourages the most for all of us is that we we play with good sportsmanship, so we encourage each other in the field. We always got each other's back. And it doesn't matter if you think you might have, you know, done something wrong. You've missed a ball that's flying past you. It doesn't matter. We just pat each other on the back and you'll get the next one kind of attitude towards it.

You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia Radio with Simon and Abby. This week we are speaking to Julie Carvalho, Development Officer with Blind Sports WA.

You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia Radio with Simon and Abby. This week we are speaking to Julie Carvalho, Development Officer with Blind Sports WA.

Cricket is at the elite level aligned with Cricket Australia and do they have the same similar association here in Western Australia with the Waca?

Cricket is at the elite level aligned with Cricket Australia and do they have the same similar association here in Western Australia with the Waca?

Yes we do. Which, if I may, it leads me on to something else to talk about. So we're about to launch our term one program for Let's Get Visible. So Also, if you weren't already aware, it's a Let's Get Visible is a program for school aged children who are blind and vision impaired. We cater for ages 5 to 15. We run across three centres across Perth, so we're in Mandurah, Cockburn and Joondalup and for the last nearly running for two years thanks to the generous help of telethon, we've now got a bunch of kids who are actually ready to start playing a little more formalized sport. So for the last two years they've been gaining so much ability in their skills, their balance, their strength, and we've been playing lots of games that involve like throwing, striking, kicking. So they're ready to really embrace the sport. So with the help of Waca and the support of Waca, we're we're introducing a modified version of the Star Blast program.

Yes we do. Which, if I may, it leads me on to something else to talk about. So we're about to launch our term one program for Let's Get Visible. So Also, if you weren't already aware, it's a Let's Get Visible is a program for school aged children who are blind and vision impaired. We cater for ages 5 to 15. We run across three centres across Perth, so we're in Mandurah, Cockburn and Joondalup and for the last nearly running for two years thanks to the generous help of telethon, we've now got a bunch of kids who are actually ready to start playing a little more formalized sport. So for the last two years they've been gaining so much ability in their skills, their balance, their strength, and we've been playing lots of games that involve like throwing, striking, kicking. So they're ready to really embrace the sport. So with the help of Waca and the support of Waca, we're we're introducing a modified version of the Star Blast program.

What is Star.

What is Star.

Blast? So Star Blast is something it's set up. I think Woolworths are behind it, but it's a program for young children. It's like a grassroots level to get kids involved in cricket, and it's done in a fun, gamified way and a bit similar to what we do with our with our Let's Get Visible program. But the Weka have come on board with us. They have got a couple of specialist coaches, which will be amazing. They're going to come along to the sessions and help our kids get into cricket, and I think our kids are just going to love it.

Blast? So Star Blast is something it's set up. I think Woolworths are behind it, but it's a program for young children. It's like a grassroots level to get kids involved in cricket, and it's done in a fun, gamified way and a bit similar to what we do with our with our Let's Get Visible program. But the Weka have come on board with us. They have got a couple of specialist coaches, which will be amazing. They're going to come along to the sessions and help our kids get into cricket, and I think our kids are just going to love it.

I'm really impressed with Blind Sports West Australia. Now that you have those kinds of community based programs, what's the after school program that you have running as well? What's that.

I'm really impressed with Blind Sports West Australia. Now that you have those kinds of community based programs, what's the after school program that you have running as well? What's that.

One? That's our let's get visible. Visible. Let's get visible. Yeah. Catchy title. It's a it's a play on the let's get physical, which is a lot of fun.

One? That's our let's get visible. Visible. Let's get visible. Yeah. Catchy title. It's a it's a play on the let's get physical, which is a lot of fun.

What are the community based programs the Blind sports Western Australia have?

What are the community based programs the Blind sports Western Australia have?

We're pushing into the south west of WA. So that's with the help of the DXC. It's Department of Local Government, Sports and Community. It's allowed us to start to take some sports and recreation down into the South West. So obviously the south west is growing. The population down there has kind of exploded in the last few years, especially post-pandemic. A lot of people seem to have moved out of the city wanting kind of more of a country lifestyle. But as a result of that, there is basically no sports down there or there was no sports down there. So this grant has allowed us to spend time and get involved in local clubs down there. So we do now have a tennis program that runs down south that runs out of Busselton. So the Busselton Tennis Club have a coach and have a weekly session and that's now available for people to join. There's also golf has started, so the Bunbury Golf Club at the end of last year were very keen to get blind golf happening in their golf club. So we're working with them to get that established and we'll be working this year to provide more come and try days because we just find a come and try day is really easy for people. They can turn up, they can try a few different sports. There's no pressure on them. So if you try a sport, it's not really for you. You can just move to the next station and try something else. So it's kind of non-threatening. Whereas when you turn up to try a specific sport and you really decide you don't like it, it could be awkward.

We're pushing into the south west of WA. So that's with the help of the DXC. It's Department of Local Government, Sports and Community. It's allowed us to start to take some sports and recreation down into the South West. So obviously the south west is growing. The population down there has kind of exploded in the last few years, especially post-pandemic. A lot of people seem to have moved out of the city wanting kind of more of a country lifestyle. But as a result of that, there is basically no sports down there or there was no sports down there. So this grant has allowed us to spend time and get involved in local clubs down there. So we do now have a tennis program that runs down south that runs out of Busselton. So the Busselton Tennis Club have a coach and have a weekly session and that's now available for people to join. There's also golf has started, so the Bunbury Golf Club at the end of last year were very keen to get blind golf happening in their golf club. So we're working with them to get that established and we'll be working this year to provide more come and try days because we just find a come and try day is really easy for people. They can turn up, they can try a few different sports. There's no pressure on them. So if you try a sport, it's not really for you. You can just move to the next station and try something else. So it's kind of non-threatening. Whereas when you turn up to try a specific sport and you really decide you don't like it, it could be awkward.

So the whole day and nothing.

So the whole day and nothing.

Much to you? Kind of. We recognize that that could be an issue for people. So we just think a non-threatening environment. It's fun, it's friendly, just come and have a go. And then we can provide details of how to get involved. We're also mindful that for some people, transport can be such a big barrier to coming to sports as well. So this 12 months we're really working at whatever we're providing. We're also going to provide some support in regards to getting people to these events if they're struggling to get there.

Much to you? Kind of. We recognize that that could be an issue for people. So we just think a non-threatening environment. It's fun, it's friendly, just come and have a go. And then we can provide details of how to get involved. We're also mindful that for some people, transport can be such a big barrier to coming to sports as well. So this 12 months we're really working at whatever we're providing. We're also going to provide some support in regards to getting people to these events if they're struggling to get there.

Great, great. You also have tennis program here in metropolitan Perth.

Great, great. You also have tennis program here in metropolitan Perth.

We do. Last year it was running at the Belmont Tennis Club. It's run by Tennis West and the tennis Pro with their coaching staff, and it was running on Tuesday night, so I haven't yet got the details for that, but I'm sure that will be starting up again soon. The other program that's starting up soon, it's on the 30th of March is soccer. So the 30th of March out of Perth Soccer Club because they're the host for the blind soccer team and they're doing a brilliant job. So the 30th of March will be open of the season. We'll have all the event details on our website soon.

We do. Last year it was running at the Belmont Tennis Club. It's run by Tennis West and the tennis Pro with their coaching staff, and it was running on Tuesday night, so I haven't yet got the details for that, but I'm sure that will be starting up again soon. The other program that's starting up soon, it's on the 30th of March is soccer. So the 30th of March out of Perth Soccer Club because they're the host for the blind soccer team and they're doing a brilliant job. So the 30th of March will be open of the season. We'll have all the event details on our website soon.

So just you mentioned the website. Give us the details of your website. Sure.

So just you mentioned the website. Give us the details of your website. Sure.

It's blind Sportswatch. Com.au and on that on our home page we just have a we have a bunch of the current things that are happening. But if you look through the menu, you'll also find events. And on the events page we list everything. The other way of getting involved and finding out what we're doing is through Facebook. You can follow us on Facebook. It's just Blind Sports WA and we post all of our events up there. There's also a WhatsApp community group for Blind sports WA, and you can ask to be made a member of that group. And basically it's a live feed. Through all the sports, you can join different channels for the different sports and get the information firsthand. And you know, it's a really handy way to keep in touch with what's going on around Perth and the South West for sports.

It's blind Sportswatch. Com.au and on that on our home page we just have a we have a bunch of the current things that are happening. But if you look through the menu, you'll also find events. And on the events page we list everything. The other way of getting involved and finding out what we're doing is through Facebook. You can follow us on Facebook. It's just Blind Sports WA and we post all of our events up there. There's also a WhatsApp community group for Blind sports WA, and you can ask to be made a member of that group. And basically it's a live feed. Through all the sports, you can join different channels for the different sports and get the information firsthand. And you know, it's a really handy way to keep in touch with what's going on around Perth and the South West for sports.

Now, Julie, how long have you been in your particular role here at Blind Sports Australia?

Now, Julie, how long have you been in your particular role here at Blind Sports Australia?

I'm coming up for two years, two years, and it's been a roller coaster ride in a good way, and I've just been loving every minute of it. I've said this so many times, if I could put a dream job description together, this job would tick all the boxes.

I'm coming up for two years, two years, and it's been a roller coaster ride in a good way, and I've just been loving every minute of it. I've said this so many times, if I could put a dream job description together, this job would tick all the boxes.

I love the way most of the people that I've met through Blind Sports Western Australia, they're so keen on it and so passionate, and they're actually not only doing their particular role like in your case, development role, but you're also usually participating in some of the sports as well. So what? Tell us about some of the other sports that you participate in yourself. Julie. It's true.

I love the way most of the people that I've met through Blind Sports Western Australia, they're so keen on it and so passionate, and they're actually not only doing their particular role like in your case, development role, but you're also usually participating in some of the sports as well. So what? Tell us about some of the other sports that you participate in yourself. Julie. It's true.

Simon. Um, if you ask my partner, he would say that I participate in too many sports, but that's another conversation. Um, so so yes, I do, I, I do like to give everything a go. So I play golf at Lake Claremont Golf Course as part of the Westerners Blind Golf Club. Tennis is another game I've been playing on a regular basis, and I entered a comp last year and proud to say I've got medals. Who would have thought that? Wow.

Simon. Um, if you ask my partner, he would say that I participate in too many sports, but that's another conversation. Um, so so yes, I do, I, I do like to give everything a go. So I play golf at Lake Claremont Golf Course as part of the Westerners Blind Golf Club. Tennis is another game I've been playing on a regular basis, and I entered a comp last year and proud to say I've got medals. Who would have thought that? Wow.

So I'm Vision Australia radio. We were, um, participating in helping to broadcast the Australian Open that was recently played in Melbourne in January, and they have an all inclusive aspect to that as well. The other wonderful thing I love about blind sports, especially here in Western Australia, is that it is all inclusive and it's inclusive to young people, older people, men and women equally across the board, and that's a great leveller. And that's one of the great things about blind sports and any community event that involves, particularly in this case, blind people and vision impaired people, people with low vision, because there is that common element that we can all associate with.

So I'm Vision Australia radio. We were, um, participating in helping to broadcast the Australian Open that was recently played in Melbourne in January, and they have an all inclusive aspect to that as well. The other wonderful thing I love about blind sports, especially here in Western Australia, is that it is all inclusive and it's inclusive to young people, older people, men and women equally across the board, and that's a great leveller. And that's one of the great things about blind sports and any community event that involves, particularly in this case, blind people and vision impaired people, people with low vision, because there is that common element that we can all associate with.

Yeah, I absolutely agree. So we have participants playing blind sport everywhere from kind of like I said, the 5 to 15 year olds for our Let's Get Visible program. I think we've got a new we've got a newbie this year and I think our newbie could be five years old. So we're very excited. And we have a really lovely, wonderful lady who I play golf with. And she's 94. I think she turns 95 this year. Wow.

Yeah, I absolutely agree. So we have participants playing blind sport everywhere from kind of like I said, the 5 to 15 year olds for our Let's Get Visible program. I think we've got a new we've got a newbie this year and I think our newbie could be five years old. So we're very excited. And we have a really lovely, wonderful lady who I play golf with. And she's 94. I think she turns 95 this year. Wow.

That's impressive.

That's impressive.

That's hugely impressive. She's amazing and she's kind of someone I look up to because I hope I'm still playing golf at that age. And yeah, I just love her to bits. Um, so if you're listening, Beryl, I love you.

That's hugely impressive. She's amazing and she's kind of someone I look up to because I hope I'm still playing golf at that age. And yeah, I just love her to bits. Um, so if you're listening, Beryl, I love you.

Well done. Beryl. Shout out to.

Well done. Beryl. Shout out to.

Beryl. Shout out to Beryl. And, um, we have this great guy coming along to a lot of our sports called Curtis, and Curtis is recently lost his sight, and he's just dove headfirst into so many of our sports. And he also plays golf. And he was getting very frustrated. And I said to him, Curtis, did you play golf before you lost your sight? He went, no, no, not not really. And I said, so are you expecting to be so good at it now?

Beryl. Shout out to Beryl. And, um, we have this great guy coming along to a lot of our sports called Curtis, and Curtis is recently lost his sight, and he's just dove headfirst into so many of our sports. And he also plays golf. And he was getting very frustrated. And I said to him, Curtis, did you play golf before you lost your sight? He went, no, no, not not really. And I said, so are you expecting to be so good at it now?

Not exactly.

Not exactly.

But he's he has a term where he said he's just treating life. He's going through life. And if something gets tough, he's just going to barrel it. I'm going to barrel it.

But he's he has a term where he said he's just treating life. He's going through life. And if something gets tough, he's just going to barrel it. I'm going to barrel it.

Oh very good.

Oh very good.

I kind of like that term.

I kind of like that term.

And definitely now we've quickly run out of time. Julia, it's been a delight to talk to you. Is there anything you'd like to finish on before we have to wind up this conversation?

And definitely now we've quickly run out of time. Julia, it's been a delight to talk to you. Is there anything you'd like to finish on before we have to wind up this conversation?

I will quickly just mention that on the 22nd of March that we're looking to have our come and try day, the one I was speaking about earlier that has a multiple sports. We're hoping to get as many of our sports involved as we can. So so far we'll have soccer, cricket, tennis, goalball, and we're hoping to have more sports, but we've got potentially a new one for everyone, which a lot of people may not have tried. And a lot of people are going to go, oh, how does that work? We potentially have archery.

I will quickly just mention that on the 22nd of March that we're looking to have our come and try day, the one I was speaking about earlier that has a multiple sports. We're hoping to get as many of our sports involved as we can. So so far we'll have soccer, cricket, tennis, goalball, and we're hoping to have more sports, but we've got potentially a new one for everyone, which a lot of people may not have tried. And a lot of people are going to go, oh, how does that work? We potentially have archery.

Yes, I've tried archery. We tried.

Yes, I've tried archery. We tried.

Archery.

Archery.

Interesting.

Interesting.

Yeah. Very interesting. So we'll be working with archery WA and they're looking at providing a come and try experience.

Yeah. Very interesting. So we'll be working with archery WA and they're looking at providing a come and try experience.

Is that where the beeping target board.

Is that where the beeping target board.

Well to be honest Simon I haven't tried it myself yet. It could be another sport that I'm adding to my long list. Yep. Um, but I'm excited for it. I'm excited to see how it works. And we're working with a lovely lady from archery WA called Jade, and she's assured us it's one of the safest sports that we can play. So for anyone who has concerns, it is one of the safest Sports that we can play. So we can't we can't wait to show people that.

Well to be honest Simon I haven't tried it myself yet. It could be another sport that I'm adding to my long list. Yep. Um, but I'm excited for it. I'm excited to see how it works. And we're working with a lovely lady from archery WA called Jade, and she's assured us it's one of the safest sports that we can play. So for anyone who has concerns, it is one of the safest Sports that we can play. So we can't we can't wait to show people that.

So where's that coming Friday.

So where's that coming Friday.

So that'll be at Coburn. It's Jandakot Hall. Okay.

So that'll be at Coburn. It's Jandakot Hall. Okay.

And tell us again how how would people find out about that particular event.

And tell us again how how would people find out about that particular event.

We will be posting it all over Facebook. It'll be on our website on our events page. And also like I said, if you're a member of the WhatsApp community, it'll be posted all over there as well.

We will be posting it all over Facebook. It'll be on our website on our events page. And also like I said, if you're a member of the WhatsApp community, it'll be posted all over there as well.

That's excellent. Now, I'd really like to thank you for joining us. We have to finish our conversation now. Julie, such a passionate conversation and I really was enthused and enjoyed our conversation. And it's great that you could come in and be part of our program today. Thanks for coming in. Me too.

That's excellent. Now, I'd really like to thank you for joining us. We have to finish our conversation now. Julie, such a passionate conversation and I really was enthused and enjoyed our conversation. And it's great that you could come in and be part of our program today. Thanks for coming in. Me too.

Simon, thank you so much for inviting me in and hopefully I'll see people out in the court, the field, the course very soon.

Simon, thank you so much for inviting me in and hopefully I'll see people out in the court, the field, the course very soon.

Thanks so much for listening. You're on Vision Australia Radio and this is In Plain Sight with Simon and Abby. Really hope you enjoyed that interview. And just to recap Blind Sports, we are having a come and try day on the 22nd of March at Jandakot Hall, so please, if you're interested, get involved. You can look up their website as well or their Facebook page for any more information on local events. So their website was WW Dot Blind Sports Iacomo and we'll include those links in the podcast description as well. And just a reminder that you can listen to us live on Vision Australia radio.org, and you can listen any time on any of the major streaming platform services. Just search up in plain sight. Thank you so much and we'll see you next week. Bye for now.

Thanks so much for listening. You're on Vision Australia Radio and this is In Plain Sight with Simon and Abby. Really hope you enjoyed that interview. And just to recap Blind Sports, we are having a come and try day on the 22nd of March at Jandakot Hall, so please, if you're interested, get involved. You can look up their website as well or their Facebook page for any more information on local events. So their website was WW Dot Blind Sports Iacomo and we'll include those links in the podcast description as well. And just a reminder that you can listen to us live on Vision Australia radio.org, and you can listen any time on any of the major streaming platform services. Just search up in plain sight. Thank you so much and we'll see you next week. Bye for now.