From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

We're really kind of hands on helping them along the way. And that also includes the external placements of a workplace. Assessment would be done with that organisation as well. And we'd ensure that they were set up at that organisation as much the best equipment that they need and that kind of thing. And we're always still in contact with them and here for them because, as I said, they're still an employee of ours. And yeah, we want to make sure that they have the best experience both here and at that external placement.

We're really kind of hands on helping them along the way. And that also includes the external placements of a workplace. Assessment would be done with that organisation as well. And we'd ensure that they were set up at that organisation as much the best equipment that they need and that kind of thing. And we're always still in contact with them and here for them because, as I said, they're still an employee of ours. And yeah, we want to make sure that they have the best experience both here and at that external placement.

Welcome to the program. This week, the Vision Australia graduate program has just opened up for applications to start mid-year to have a chat with us, we're going to be hearing from Rachel Ramsdale, who gives us the lowdown on the details. And that interview is coming up very shortly, so make sure to stick around. And then after you hear from Rachel, we get a library update with manager of the Vision Australia Library, Sarah Bladon, to give us a bit of an overview of the events and some new releases coming to the library, and we finish up with a little bit of news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Each year, Vision Australia searches nationwide for talented graduates who are blind or have low vision, offering an opportunity for them to step confidently into their chosen field. An exciting news! Applications are now open for this year's program, which will be kicking off mid-year, and to have a chat with me all about the program. It's my great pleasure to welcome Vision Australia equity and inclusion advisor Rachel Ramsdale. Rachel, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very much for joining me today.

Welcome to the program. This week, the Vision Australia graduate program has just opened up for applications to start mid-year to have a chat with us, we're going to be hearing from Rachel Ramsdale, who gives us the lowdown on the details. And that interview is coming up very shortly, so make sure to stick around. And then after you hear from Rachel, we get a library update with manager of the Vision Australia Library, Sarah Bladon, to give us a bit of an overview of the events and some new releases coming to the library, and we finish up with a little bit of news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Each year, Vision Australia searches nationwide for talented graduates who are blind or have low vision, offering an opportunity for them to step confidently into their chosen field. An exciting news! Applications are now open for this year's program, which will be kicking off mid-year, and to have a chat with me all about the program. It's my great pleasure to welcome Vision Australia equity and inclusion advisor Rachel Ramsdale. Rachel, welcome to Talking Vision. Thank you very much for joining me today.

Thanks for having me.

Thanks for having me.

Now, Rachel, we're here to chat a bit about the Vision Australia graduate program today. So what is the program for people out there?

Now, Rachel, we're here to chat a bit about the Vision Australia graduate program today. So what is the program for people out there?

Yeah, so the Career Start program, which we've now actually changed it to be called Vision Australia graduate program. Just so people don't get confused seeing the different titles lying around. So yeah, it's really just it's a really supportive, empowering pathway, I guess, to develop skills and launch your career. So it's a 12 month paid program for For graduates. And in that 12 months, we do try and find a 13 week external placement at another organisation just to get a bit more, you know, skills and contacts and that kind of thing. It's a great program in the program that the graduates will have a senior mentor and a buddy that will be a part of the program that they can contact. And those both those people will be also be blind and low vision, you know, and that will be in addition to obviously, their team manager, their colleagues that they work with every day, and us in the graduate program team that kind of oversee the program. So that's the basic idea.

Yeah, so the Career Start program, which we've now actually changed it to be called Vision Australia graduate program. Just so people don't get confused seeing the different titles lying around. So yeah, it's really just it's a really supportive, empowering pathway, I guess, to develop skills and launch your career. So it's a 12 month paid program for For graduates. And in that 12 months, we do try and find a 13 week external placement at another organisation just to get a bit more, you know, skills and contacts and that kind of thing. It's a great program in the program that the graduates will have a senior mentor and a buddy that will be a part of the program that they can contact. And those both those people will be also be blind and low vision, you know, and that will be in addition to obviously, their team manager, their colleagues that they work with every day, and us in the graduate program team that kind of oversee the program. So that's the basic idea.

And I can speak to the effectiveness of the graduate program I went through. When it was called Career Start back in 2019. It was a lot of fun, got a lot out of it. So I do highly recommend it to anyone out there who is thinking about it. Definitely have a go. It's a lot of fun. I was involved in Now I'm the communications and radio sides of things that vision Australia. But what other departments can people get involved with at Vision Australia across? Well, the whole country really. It's not just Kooyong, it's, you know, Parramatta corporate centres all around the country. What sort of centres is it offered at every centre and every department?

And I can speak to the effectiveness of the graduate program I went through. When it was called Career Start back in 2019. It was a lot of fun, got a lot out of it. So I do highly recommend it to anyone out there who is thinking about it. Definitely have a go. It's a lot of fun. I was involved in Now I'm the communications and radio sides of things that vision Australia. But what other departments can people get involved with at Vision Australia across? Well, the whole country really. It's not just Kooyong, it's, you know, Parramatta corporate centres all around the country. What sort of centres is it offered at every centre and every department?

Yeah. So we're very kind of flexible I guess at vision. So we have a lot of office locations. So we just um we do also work hybrid as well. So there is office work but also working from home. So we just need someone to be just in a commutable distance to a Vision Australia office location somewhere, so that they can have some days in the office where they connect in with a team, you know, they're not always on their own. So yeah. So that's pretty you know, there's kind of a lot of options out there. We have had some grubs in Queensland, some in New South Wales, some in Victoria. We've even had one up in the Northern Territory before. So yeah. And look, it's just really what kind of fits well and where that grad career path is. So, you know, we've got lots of different areas like marketing, communications, fundraising, as you said, radio, the volunteering people and culture, human resources kind of area information technology. So there's a lot of different areas that we can delve into in that space.

Yeah. So we're very kind of flexible I guess at vision. So we have a lot of office locations. So we just um we do also work hybrid as well. So there is office work but also working from home. So we just need someone to be just in a commutable distance to a Vision Australia office location somewhere, so that they can have some days in the office where they connect in with a team, you know, they're not always on their own. So yeah. So that's pretty you know, there's kind of a lot of options out there. We have had some grubs in Queensland, some in New South Wales, some in Victoria. We've even had one up in the Northern Territory before. So yeah. And look, it's just really what kind of fits well and where that grad career path is. So, you know, we've got lots of different areas like marketing, communications, fundraising, as you said, radio, the volunteering people and culture, human resources kind of area information technology. So there's a lot of different areas that we can delve into in that space.

So many different areas for sure. So it's um, you know, a lot of options out there for people now, um, in terms of who is eligible to take part in the program, what are the criteria there?

So many different areas for sure. So it's um, you know, a lot of options out there for people now, um, in terms of who is eligible to take part in the program, what are the criteria there?

Yeah. So obviously it's for blind and low vision candidates. And you would need to have done some studies. So you would need to have a qualification and completed a qualification at a diploma level or higher within the last four years and be available to work 12 months, which would be at this stage from this July to the following June, and you'd need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. And I think they're probably the main, main ones. Yeah.

Yeah. So obviously it's for blind and low vision candidates. And you would need to have done some studies. So you would need to have a qualification and completed a qualification at a diploma level or higher within the last four years and be available to work 12 months, which would be at this stage from this July to the following June, and you'd need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. And I think they're probably the main, main ones. Yeah.

Now, Ray, it's interesting that the timeline has changed slightly. People may be familiar with the program starting a bit earlier in the year around March April. What was the thought process behind pushing it back a little bit to July?

Now, Ray, it's interesting that the timeline has changed slightly. People may be familiar with the program starting a bit earlier in the year around March April. What was the thought process behind pushing it back a little bit to July?

That's a good question. I've only just come on board in the program in the last 12 or so months. I'm not sure why they pushed it out. It might have been, I don't know, financial year sort of thing. I'm not totally sure. Um, but yeah, at the moment, yeah, yeah.

That's a good question. I've only just come on board in the program in the last 12 or so months. I'm not sure why they pushed it out. It might have been, I don't know, financial year sort of thing. I'm not totally sure. Um, but yeah, at the moment, yeah, yeah.

I think one of the things is that I think it does line up better with the placement, because with the program starting in March, you'd start in December when things are kind of winding down a bit for the for the year and people are heading off to the Christmas. Summer break and I think you do get a bit more out of things if you. Move that to March or March April and you're sort of in the swing of things. And you get a bit of a continuous kind of thing. So I think there's a bit of a thought process there. I think that might have something to do with it as well. I think that's a really good idea in that sense. So on that topic, what sort of placements and what sort of areas and organisations have people in the past headed along to? Is there a certain group of things? What's the process like for people out there in case they're wondering?

I think one of the things is that I think it does line up better with the placement, because with the program starting in March, you'd start in December when things are kind of winding down a bit for the for the year and people are heading off to the Christmas. Summer break and I think you do get a bit more out of things if you. Move that to March or March April and you're sort of in the swing of things. And you get a bit of a continuous kind of thing. So I think there's a bit of a thought process there. I think that might have something to do with it as well. I think that's a really good idea in that sense. So on that topic, what sort of placements and what sort of areas and organisations have people in the past headed along to? Is there a certain group of things? What's the process like for people out there in case they're wondering?

Yeah. So we the team that sort of look after the program, we do all that contacting and you know, we speak to the graduate and we kind of get an idea of what it is they're looking for and what they're wanting and what their thoughts are on it as well. So we keep them updated, the whole sort of process. and we just sort of contact organizations and explain the program and just try and get some interest. And the good thing is, is that The Graduate is still a Vision Australia employee through that time. So it's still paid by Vision Australia. The other organization doesn't have to pay for anything. And we've had some really good organizations that have taken on grads. Um, we've had we've had, um, Ernst and Young, uh.

Yeah. So we the team that sort of look after the program, we do all that contacting and you know, we speak to the graduate and we kind of get an idea of what it is they're looking for and what they're wanting and what their thoughts are on it as well. So we keep them updated, the whole sort of process. and we just sort of contact organizations and explain the program and just try and get some interest. And the good thing is, is that The Graduate is still a Vision Australia employee through that time. So it's still paid by Vision Australia. The other organization doesn't have to pay for anything. And we've had some really good organizations that have taken on grads. Um, we've had we've had, um, Ernst and Young, uh.

Employment.

Employment.

Yeah. Wise employment.

Yeah. Wise employment.

Yeah. That's where I had it a long time for a few little while.

Yeah. That's where I had it a long time for a few little while.

Yeah. At the moment we've got the Endeavour Foundation that some of our grads currently that are in the program at the moment are going off to shortly. So yeah, it's been really good actually. And we've had some really good organisations come on board and take on grads and um, and it's great that external placement because it really gives them added skills, a different environment that I guess that's different to the Vision Australia, who might know a bit more about blind and low vision people and other organisations that might not. It's getting them out there into that environment, giving them more connections, meeting more people. And sometimes we've had grads that actually really excel in those environments, and the organizations actually keep them on after the program in employment. So that's been really great.

Yeah. At the moment we've got the Endeavour Foundation that some of our grads currently that are in the program at the moment are going off to shortly. So yeah, it's been really good actually. And we've had some really good organisations come on board and take on grads and um, and it's great that external placement because it really gives them added skills, a different environment that I guess that's different to the Vision Australia, who might know a bit more about blind and low vision people and other organisations that might not. It's getting them out there into that environment, giving them more connections, meeting more people. And sometimes we've had grads that actually really excel in those environments, and the organizations actually keep them on after the program in employment. So that's been really great.

Certainly has been. And it's really interesting, that point you make about giving that exposure to other organizations, meeting up with people who are blind or have low vision, who previously may not have employed somebody who is blind or has low vision. And, you know, there's been really interesting discussions and, you know, little meetings and seminars and things that Vision Australia has been really good at running, where they come out and explain things to these new employers and, you know, go through it isn't expensive to hire somebody who is blind or has low vision. There's a lot of misconceptions out there that this is really helping to dispel, which is also a fantastic byproduct of it. Now, in terms of helping people settle in and helping them acclimatize and get their head around work full time, this might be their first full time job ever and have a bit of trepidation about the sort of technology they might have access to. The great thing with this program is they get a workplace assessment, don't they, when they come in. And Vision Australia sort of helps them in that way.

Certainly has been. And it's really interesting, that point you make about giving that exposure to other organizations, meeting up with people who are blind or have low vision, who previously may not have employed somebody who is blind or has low vision. And, you know, there's been really interesting discussions and, you know, little meetings and seminars and things that Vision Australia has been really good at running, where they come out and explain things to these new employers and, you know, go through it isn't expensive to hire somebody who is blind or has low vision. There's a lot of misconceptions out there that this is really helping to dispel, which is also a fantastic byproduct of it. Now, in terms of helping people settle in and helping them acclimatize and get their head around work full time, this might be their first full time job ever and have a bit of trepidation about the sort of technology they might have access to. The great thing with this program is they get a workplace assessment, don't they, when they come in. And Vision Australia sort of helps them in that way.

Yeah, absolutely. Yep. When they come on board, we ensure a workplace assessment is done and any equipment that will benefit them and help them is ordered and that gets all set up with them. You know, we're always in contact with them along the way. There's a lot of people involved and we ensure that's all running great. And even after that workplace assessment, you know, we always are quite clear with the graduates that we're here for them no matter what. To contact us if they're having any issues with that equipment or training, anything that they need. We're really kind of hands on helping them along the way. And that also includes the external placement. So a workplace assessment would be done with that organization as well. Um, and we'd ensure that they were set up at that organization as much the best equipment that they need and that kind of thing. And we're always still in contact with them and here for them, because as I said, they're still an employee of ours. And yeah, we want to make sure that they have the best experience both here and at that external placement.

Yeah, absolutely. Yep. When they come on board, we ensure a workplace assessment is done and any equipment that will benefit them and help them is ordered and that gets all set up with them. You know, we're always in contact with them along the way. There's a lot of people involved and we ensure that's all running great. And even after that workplace assessment, you know, we always are quite clear with the graduates that we're here for them no matter what. To contact us if they're having any issues with that equipment or training, anything that they need. We're really kind of hands on helping them along the way. And that also includes the external placement. So a workplace assessment would be done with that organization as well. Um, and we'd ensure that they were set up at that organization as much the best equipment that they need and that kind of thing. And we're always still in contact with them and here for them, because as I said, they're still an employee of ours. And yeah, we want to make sure that they have the best experience both here and at that external placement.

Certainly. And in terms of, you know, some of the technology and assistive bits and pieces that people have access to, sometimes this is not only me, but other people I've spoken to. They come in and they think, oh, wow, you know, there's this new thing that I didn't know about. There's this software and it makes my life so much easier. I wish I knew about it earlier, and I guess there's raising awareness of the software and the technologies that are out there, not only for them, but other employers who were talking about before, who don't have as many people from the blind and low vision community employed there. And, you know, they always are quite surprised and think, oh, wow, that's that's really cool. I didn't know about that. So that's also a really interesting aspect of that side of things. But in terms of how to get involved and how to apply for a spot in the Vision Australia graduate program, what is the best way for people to do that?

Certainly. And in terms of, you know, some of the technology and assistive bits and pieces that people have access to, sometimes this is not only me, but other people I've spoken to. They come in and they think, oh, wow, you know, there's this new thing that I didn't know about. There's this software and it makes my life so much easier. I wish I knew about it earlier, and I guess there's raising awareness of the software and the technologies that are out there, not only for them, but other employers who were talking about before, who don't have as many people from the blind and low vision community employed there. And, you know, they always are quite surprised and think, oh, wow, that's that's really cool. I didn't know about that. So that's also a really interesting aspect of that side of things. But in terms of how to get involved and how to apply for a spot in the Vision Australia graduate program, what is the best way for people to do that?

Yeah. So on our website there's information about the graduate program, if anyone wanted some more information. So it's great to look there. The job ad we usually roughly around February go out with the job ad which we currently have. One next intake is live now. So you know, look on your CV ethical jobs, on our careers page, on our website, with our job listings. It's there. So you just sort of go to the job ad and you go through the application process there. So it will tell you what to do on the job application. If there's any questions, queries, clarification needed or you just simply can't find the job ad, you can email careers. Org and someone will get back to you, or they'll forward it on to myself and I will get back to you. So yeah.

Yeah. So on our website there's information about the graduate program, if anyone wanted some more information. So it's great to look there. The job ad we usually roughly around February go out with the job ad which we currently have. One next intake is live now. So you know, look on your CV ethical jobs, on our careers page, on our website, with our job listings. It's there. So you just sort of go to the job ad and you go through the application process there. So it will tell you what to do on the job application. If there's any questions, queries, clarification needed or you just simply can't find the job ad, you can email careers. Org and someone will get back to you, or they'll forward it on to myself and I will get back to you. So yeah.

Perfect. That's Careers at Vision Australia. For all your questions regarding the Vision Australia graduate program. I've been speaking today with Rachel Ramsdell, Equity and inclusion advisor from Vision Australia, about the upcoming Vision Australia graduate program kicking off mid-year. Rachel, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up and chat all about the graduate program.

Perfect. That's Careers at Vision Australia. For all your questions regarding the Vision Australia graduate program. I've been speaking today with Rachel Ramsdell, Equity and inclusion advisor from Vision Australia, about the upcoming Vision Australia graduate program kicking off mid-year. Rachel, thank you so much for your time today. It was great to catch up and chat all about the graduate program.

Yeah, thank you for having me. It was great chatting.

Yeah, thank you for having me. It was great chatting.

I'm Sam Kelly and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation with Rach there. If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website at. That's VA radio, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. A few weeks ago, you heard from Maureen from the library, telling us a little bit about the upcoming events at the Vision Australia Library in 2025. Well, the time has come again for another library update, this time with the manager of the Vision Australia library, Sarah Bloedorn, who I'm very pleased to be joined by right now. Sarah, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you.

I'm Sam Kelly and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation with Rach there. If you missed any part of that conversation or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website at. That's VA radio, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. A few weeks ago, you heard from Maureen from the library, telling us a little bit about the upcoming events at the Vision Australia Library in 2025. Well, the time has come again for another library update, this time with the manager of the Vision Australia library, Sarah Bloedorn, who I'm very pleased to be joined by right now. Sarah, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you.

Thanks for having me.

Thanks for having me.

Now today we're here as always to have a bit of a chat about the library. So let's start off with some exciting events that are coming up.

Now today we're here as always to have a bit of a chat about the library. So let's start off with some exciting events that are coming up.

Yeah, absolutely. I feel like every year we have more events and we've got lots of new things happening this year. So really excited about what the year will hold. And we certainly we have events for people who just love to read. And we also have events for those that might want to have a little try at writing something themselves. So kind of hope that everybody will find something they'd like to do with the library in 2025. Our first one is a new program for this year. It's called Book Chat with the Vision Australia Library. So each quarter, we're going to hear our talented librarians provide a review of newly released books. I think I'm doing the February 1st, so I don't know how talented I will be. So it's an hour long session which will feature, um, recommendations from our librarians. I don't know about you, Sam, when you read, I love if somebody loved a book and they tell me to read it, I'm so grateful because.

Yeah, absolutely. I feel like every year we have more events and we've got lots of new things happening this year. So really excited about what the year will hold. And we certainly we have events for people who just love to read. And we also have events for those that might want to have a little try at writing something themselves. So kind of hope that everybody will find something they'd like to do with the library in 2025. Our first one is a new program for this year. It's called Book Chat with the Vision Australia Library. So each quarter, we're going to hear our talented librarians provide a review of newly released books. I think I'm doing the February 1st, so I don't know how talented I will be. So it's an hour long session which will feature, um, recommendations from our librarians. I don't know about you, Sam, when you read, I love if somebody loved a book and they tell me to read it, I'm so grateful because.

Oh, absolutely.

Oh, absolutely.

Yeah. If it's someone you know and you know that you like what they read, it's always going to be a good pick. So that's what we hope to do for everyone to be able to share those. But also we love to open it up and make it interactive. So at the second part of the event or of the hour, you'll have an opportunity to talk about what you've been reading. Um, so whatever that might be, you don't have to stick to a genre or talk about a popular book. It can just be what what you've picked up. Maybe you're reading it for the 10th time. Maybe it's something you've just enjoyed. We also love to hear about the books you haven't enjoyed because that's always interesting too. And the great thing about a book chat is that we often will disagree on whether we like a book or not. So this is a free online event. So wherever you are in are in Australia, please feel free to join. It's at 1 p.m. our first one is this Thursday, the 20th of February. But don't worry if that's too soon, because you can catch us every quarter and join in for our book chat. And then we have another great program for readers. So this is where you get to get a bit up close and personal with one of your favourite authors. So each quarter again we're going to invite one of our amazing authors might be an Australian or an international author. Our first one is on the 24th of March, 1230 to 130, and it's with New Zealand author Jacqueline Bublitz. So she's quite an incredible author. I don't know if you've heard of her, Sam. Um, she her debut novel, which is a crime thriller, Before You Knew My Name, has gone on to be one of the best selling books of the last few years. She's an absolute firecracker, and she's recently released her second novel. So Jacqueline will be coming along, and she'll talk a little bit about how she writes and her and her processes, etc. but the really exciting bit about this is that Jacqueline is going to do a reading from her newest release novel, which is called Leave the Girl Behind. For about 20 minutes. And I don't know about you, Sam, but I love being read to. There's something.

Yeah. If it's someone you know and you know that you like what they read, it's always going to be a good pick. So that's what we hope to do for everyone to be able to share those. But also we love to open it up and make it interactive. So at the second part of the event or of the hour, you'll have an opportunity to talk about what you've been reading. Um, so whatever that might be, you don't have to stick to a genre or talk about a popular book. It can just be what what you've picked up. Maybe you're reading it for the 10th time. Maybe it's something you've just enjoyed. We also love to hear about the books you haven't enjoyed because that's always interesting too. And the great thing about a book chat is that we often will disagree on whether we like a book or not. So this is a free online event. So wherever you are in are in Australia, please feel free to join. It's at 1 p.m. our first one is this Thursday, the 20th of February. But don't worry if that's too soon, because you can catch us every quarter and join in for our book chat. And then we have another great program for readers. So this is where you get to get a bit up close and personal with one of your favourite authors. So each quarter again we're going to invite one of our amazing authors might be an Australian or an international author. Our first one is on the 24th of March, 1230 to 130, and it's with New Zealand author Jacqueline Bublitz. So she's quite an incredible author. I don't know if you've heard of her, Sam. Um, she her debut novel, which is a crime thriller, Before You Knew My Name, has gone on to be one of the best selling books of the last few years. She's an absolute firecracker, and she's recently released her second novel. So Jacqueline will be coming along, and she'll talk a little bit about how she writes and her and her processes, etc. but the really exciting bit about this is that Jacqueline is going to do a reading from her newest release novel, which is called Leave the Girl Behind. For about 20 minutes. And I don't know about you, Sam, but I love being read to. There's something.

So. Oh, absolutely.

So. Oh, absolutely.

About it?

About it?

Yeah. For sure.

Yeah. For sure.

Absolutely. And, you know, to hear it from the author is so special. And then there's also an opportunity to ask Jacqueline questions. So if you want to know about her books, if you want to get some plot points, or maybe you want to know about what it's like to write a novel, she will be available to answer questions. So we're really excited about that one. And then the third one I wanted to mention is a course for our writers or hoping to be writers. Um, so it's called Let's Get Creative with Writing Fiction. Now it's just a short course, but I'll just note that throughout the year we have so many writing courses. So if you come along to this one and you're completely inspired, please sign up for another one. There's no limit on how many you do. And of course, with all things with the library, there's no cost at all to you. So please feel free to join up. They're also all online, and the reason we do that, it means that if you're in Perth or if you're in South Australia or Tasmania, you can join in and not miss out on all the amazing programs. So this program is with Andrea Rowe, who is an amazing author. So we invite our budding writers to join us on a journey of creating fiction. In this course, you will learn how to develop your own personal writer's toolbox, and it's a fantastic opportunity to equip yourself with the tools to embark on your own creative writing journey. So it's actually a four week program. It kicks off in March, but it will go over four weeks, an hour and a half each time. So lovely to take that time out of your day, if you can, to commit to doing something. Maybe that's on your 2025 New Year's resolutions.

Absolutely. And, you know, to hear it from the author is so special. And then there's also an opportunity to ask Jacqueline questions. So if you want to know about her books, if you want to get some plot points, or maybe you want to know about what it's like to write a novel, she will be available to answer questions. So we're really excited about that one. And then the third one I wanted to mention is a course for our writers or hoping to be writers. Um, so it's called Let's Get Creative with Writing Fiction. Now it's just a short course, but I'll just note that throughout the year we have so many writing courses. So if you come along to this one and you're completely inspired, please sign up for another one. There's no limit on how many you do. And of course, with all things with the library, there's no cost at all to you. So please feel free to join up. They're also all online, and the reason we do that, it means that if you're in Perth or if you're in South Australia or Tasmania, you can join in and not miss out on all the amazing programs. So this program is with Andrea Rowe, who is an amazing author. So we invite our budding writers to join us on a journey of creating fiction. In this course, you will learn how to develop your own personal writer's toolbox, and it's a fantastic opportunity to equip yourself with the tools to embark on your own creative writing journey. So it's actually a four week program. It kicks off in March, but it will go over four weeks, an hour and a half each time. So lovely to take that time out of your day, if you can, to commit to doing something. Maybe that's on your 2025 New Year's resolutions.

Well, there's a lot of fantastic events there, and as Sarah has mentioned, they're all free, and that's an amazing aspect of them as always. But also, you know, that flexibility. You can head along to the library or you can join online. So lots of options out there for people. And Sarah, we were talking about crime thrillers before. And that's a sure thing really in the library. It's an absolute winner. There's a lot of very popular crime, thriller and mystery novels that people out there love to access through the Vision Australia library. Let's have a bit of a chat about some new releases that have come through, not only in, you know, those mystery genres, but a couple of other things as well.

Well, there's a lot of fantastic events there, and as Sarah has mentioned, they're all free, and that's an amazing aspect of them as always. But also, you know, that flexibility. You can head along to the library or you can join online. So lots of options out there for people. And Sarah, we were talking about crime thrillers before. And that's a sure thing really in the library. It's an absolute winner. There's a lot of very popular crime, thriller and mystery novels that people out there love to access through the Vision Australia library. Let's have a bit of a chat about some new releases that have come through, not only in, you know, those mystery genres, but a couple of other things as well.

Absolutely. Yeah, it's exciting to think about what the writing world will look like this year. As you've noted, crime is always popular, so we're looking forward to new releases from kind of our popular American crime authors like James Patterson and Lee Childs. And we're also continuing to see an absolute rise and celebration of Australian crime writers, which I think is super exciting. So we have writers like Jane Harper who writes like a rural noir. We also have Chris Hammer, who's now become a real feature of that genre in Australia, and Benjamin Stevenson, who is a bit more of a funny, I guess. Yeah, a funny writer, but again, very clever and great Australian stories. But there's another genre that's really come to the fore, and I would love to know if you've heard of this genre. Sam. It's called romantic.

Absolutely. Yeah, it's exciting to think about what the writing world will look like this year. As you've noted, crime is always popular, so we're looking forward to new releases from kind of our popular American crime authors like James Patterson and Lee Childs. And we're also continuing to see an absolute rise and celebration of Australian crime writers, which I think is super exciting. So we have writers like Jane Harper who writes like a rural noir. We also have Chris Hammer, who's now become a real feature of that genre in Australia, and Benjamin Stevenson, who is a bit more of a funny, I guess. Yeah, a funny writer, but again, very clever and great Australian stories. But there's another genre that's really come to the fore, and I would love to know if you've heard of this genre. Sam. It's called romantic.

I have heard of that. Yeah. Yeah, it's sort of taking off. It's quite a bit of a new kind of thing, which people are really enjoying. It's fantasy with a bit of a romantic flavour, a bit of a love interest, a bit of a, you know, couples going on adventures and the relationship blossoming and or, you know, things going rocky and it's yeah, it's really cool, really interesting.

I have heard of that. Yeah. Yeah, it's sort of taking off. It's quite a bit of a new kind of thing, which people are really enjoying. It's fantasy with a bit of a romantic flavour, a bit of a love interest, a bit of a, you know, couples going on adventures and the relationship blossoming and or, you know, things going rocky and it's yeah, it's really cool, really interesting.

And it's just taken off. It's taken the world by storm. So I thought I should talk about it and you've nailed it. It's exactly that. So it's your romance story set in a fantasy world. So it's kind of kind of a bit of both. All the best of both worlds, and it's one of those genres I think that really appeals to both men and women, because the fantasy aspect can be a little bit kind of Lord of the rings, and people love the adventure, but it's lovely to have a bit of romance too. So a couple of the really big authors in that space, if you're interested in reading this, Sarah J. Maas. So she has a series which is just blown up. I believe there's quite a number of them. I think it's over ten in her series now. So if you want to start from the beginning, that will keep you going for a while. And another one is Laura Thalassa. So we've recently got her series in. And again, it's kind of quite a large series. Um, it should come with a warning that they can get a little bit saucy. So that's, you know, up to you if you enjoy that. But certainly it's kind of what everybody's talking about and a lot of fun, ultimate escapism. So that's another thing I think we'll see featuring heavily this year.

And it's just taken off. It's taken the world by storm. So I thought I should talk about it and you've nailed it. It's exactly that. So it's your romance story set in a fantasy world. So it's kind of kind of a bit of both. All the best of both worlds, and it's one of those genres I think that really appeals to both men and women, because the fantasy aspect can be a little bit kind of Lord of the rings, and people love the adventure, but it's lovely to have a bit of romance too. So a couple of the really big authors in that space, if you're interested in reading this, Sarah J. Maas. So she has a series which is just blown up. I believe there's quite a number of them. I think it's over ten in her series now. So if you want to start from the beginning, that will keep you going for a while. And another one is Laura Thalassa. So we've recently got her series in. And again, it's kind of quite a large series. Um, it should come with a warning that they can get a little bit saucy. So that's, you know, up to you if you enjoy that. But certainly it's kind of what everybody's talking about and a lot of fun, ultimate escapism. So that's another thing I think we'll see featuring heavily this year.

Now, Sarah, just finally, let's get some details about how people can get in touch with the library if they have any questions, recommendations, requests, anything like that?

Now, Sarah, just finally, let's get some details about how people can get in touch with the library if they have any questions, recommendations, requests, anything like that?

Yeah, absolutely. So I would send you to our website first. That's where you're going to find all the information about the events we have. As I mentioned, they're all free, but they do require registration. So I would encourage you to jump on to Vision Australia. You can see everything upcoming things that I haven't mentioned that are kind of further along in the year. Please register if any of those have interested you. If you'd like to call and speak to someone, please do. We open kind of business hours Monday to Friday and the number to call is 1300 654 656. I'll just say that one again. 1300 654 656. And the last kind of best way to get in touch is through our email. So that's Vision Australia at Vision Australia. So please feel free to send us an email on any topic. If you'd rather email about a book request or just to have a chat with a librarian, we can also organise a call back if you'd like to have it. A more in depth chat about what you might like to like to read next.

Yeah, absolutely. So I would send you to our website first. That's where you're going to find all the information about the events we have. As I mentioned, they're all free, but they do require registration. So I would encourage you to jump on to Vision Australia. You can see everything upcoming things that I haven't mentioned that are kind of further along in the year. Please register if any of those have interested you. If you'd like to call and speak to someone, please do. We open kind of business hours Monday to Friday and the number to call is 1300 654 656. I'll just say that one again. 1300 654 656. And the last kind of best way to get in touch is through our email. So that's Vision Australia at Vision Australia. So please feel free to send us an email on any topic. If you'd rather email about a book request or just to have a chat with a librarian, we can also organise a call back if you'd like to have it. A more in depth chat about what you might like to like to read next.

And that email. Vision Australia. At Vision Australia, I've been speaking today with Sarah Bloedorn, manager of the Vision Australia Library. Here to chat with me about some upcoming events and the latest releases from the library for people to look forward to. Sarah, thank you so much as always for catching up with me. It's been great to chat with you.

And that email. Vision Australia. At Vision Australia, I've been speaking today with Sarah Bloedorn, manager of the Vision Australia Library. Here to chat with me about some upcoming events and the latest releases from the library for people to look forward to. Sarah, thank you so much as always for catching up with me. It's been great to chat with you.

Lovely. Thank you.

Lovely. Thank you.

This April joined Paralympians Katja Dedekind and Jess Gallagher for 100 K away. Walk, run, ride, roll or swim 100 your way your pace to support people of all ages who are blind or have low vision. Every kilometre helps raise vital funds for Vision Australia, empowering people to live life on their own terms. Plus, you can win fun rewards from books made by Fresco and Mary people. So get moving and make a difference. Register now at 100 your way.org. That's 100 K your way.org. You can also register your workplace 100 K. Your way is a fantastic way to motivate staff, boost teamwork, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, all while raising vital funds for an important cause. 100 K away invites individuals and teams to move 100 KS over the month of April. Run, jog, walk, ride, roll or swim your way and make every kilometer count by raising vital funds for Vision Australia. Activity is tracked online, so it's perfect for hybrid workplaces and offers a fun, accessible fitness challenge that benefits a great cause. Every dollar raised will help empower Australians who are blind or have low vision to move more freely in the community by funding services such as occupational therapy and support. So register your team today. Because last year, more than 900 generous supporters across the country moved 116,000km and raised over $120,000 for Vision Australia. An incredible effort. So will you join us in our fourth year to make this our biggest event ever? If you sign up before the 31st of March, you have the chance to win some fantastic rewards. And there's also great team incentives and custom merchandise for our top fundraisers. So you can move in style. If you'd like to register today. Build your workplace team and get set to join us in April for our best 100 cool way yet! And finally, you can also register your school this April. Vision Australia is inviting schools to team up and get active to join us for our fastest growing national fundraising challenge 100 by challenging students, families and faculty to move 100km in a month. Schools can keep students active and off screens this April while promoting leadership, teamwork and inclusion in the community. Every dollar raised will support Australians of all ages who are blind or have low vision to stay active and independent. This includes vital student programs to support children and teens who are learning to navigate life with low vision. So register your school today at 100 your way. away.org. And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision at. That's all. One word at Vision Australia. But until next week it's Sam Corley saying bye for now.

This April joined Paralympians Katja Dedekind and Jess Gallagher for 100 K away. Walk, run, ride, roll or swim 100 your way your pace to support people of all ages who are blind or have low vision. Every kilometre helps raise vital funds for Vision Australia, empowering people to live life on their own terms. Plus, you can win fun rewards from books made by Fresco and Mary people. So get moving and make a difference. Register now at 100 your way.org. That's 100 K your way.org. You can also register your workplace 100 K. Your way is a fantastic way to motivate staff, boost teamwork, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, all while raising vital funds for an important cause. 100 K away invites individuals and teams to move 100 KS over the month of April. Run, jog, walk, ride, roll or swim your way and make every kilometer count by raising vital funds for Vision Australia. Activity is tracked online, so it's perfect for hybrid workplaces and offers a fun, accessible fitness challenge that benefits a great cause. Every dollar raised will help empower Australians who are blind or have low vision to move more freely in the community by funding services such as occupational therapy and support. So register your team today. Because last year, more than 900 generous supporters across the country moved 116,000km and raised over $120,000 for Vision Australia. An incredible effort. So will you join us in our fourth year to make this our biggest event ever? If you sign up before the 31st of March, you have the chance to win some fantastic rewards. And there's also great team incentives and custom merchandise for our top fundraisers. So you can move in style. If you'd like to register today. Build your workplace team and get set to join us in April for our best 100 cool way yet! And finally, you can also register your school this April. Vision Australia is inviting schools to team up and get active to join us for our fastest growing national fundraising challenge 100 by challenging students, families and faculty to move 100km in a month. Schools can keep students active and off screens this April while promoting leadership, teamwork and inclusion in the community. Every dollar raised will support Australians of all ages who are blind or have low vision to stay active and independent. This includes vital student programs to support children and teens who are learning to navigate life with low vision. So register your school today at 100 your way. away.org. And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision at. That's all. One word at Vision Australia. But until next week it's Sam Corley saying bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 384 746. That's one 384 746. Or by visiting Vision Australia. That's Vision Australia.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 384 746. That's one 384 746. Or by visiting Vision Australia. That's Vision Australia.