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.

When it comes to human rights. Firstly, I my personal beliefs are that we need to put human rights front and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community. When it comes to the disability, I do have my own disability, not just because I have my own disability. I don't want to be biased, but without. Human rights are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue.

When it comes to human rights. Firstly, I my personal beliefs are that we need to put human rights front and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community. When it comes to the disability, I do have my own disability, not just because I have my own disability. I don't want to be biased, but without. Human rights are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue.

Welcome to the program. This week we speak with Cameron Albanese from Goulburn Valley Health, one of the organizers of a Harmony day event in Shepparton to highlight the need for greater mental health services and awareness in the Australian community, especially for those with disabilities and the mental health challenges they face every day. That conversation is coming up very shortly, so make sure to stick around to hear more from Cameron. Then, after we chat with Cameron, I'm joined by Liz Dalakouras, the editor of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI, and we finish up with a reader recommended from Frances. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. On the 21st of March, voices for Harmony Shepparton will be celebrating Australia's diversity by coming together for an event to mark Harmony day, where they believe change will only be possible when. Australians from every walk of life, from every corner of the continent, come together to insist on better mental health for everyone, including members of the blind and low vision community or people with disabilities more broadly. And to speak with me further about the event. It's my great pleasure to welcome one of the organisers, Cameron Albinoi, from Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton. Cameron, welcome back to Talking Vision. Always great to have you.

Welcome to the program. This week we speak with Cameron Albanese from Goulburn Valley Health, one of the organizers of a Harmony day event in Shepparton to highlight the need for greater mental health services and awareness in the Australian community, especially for those with disabilities and the mental health challenges they face every day. That conversation is coming up very shortly, so make sure to stick around to hear more from Cameron. Then, after we chat with Cameron, I'm joined by Liz Dalakouras, the editor of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI, and we finish up with a reader recommended from Frances. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. On the 21st of March, voices for Harmony Shepparton will be celebrating Australia's diversity by coming together for an event to mark Harmony day, where they believe change will only be possible when. Australians from every walk of life, from every corner of the continent, come together to insist on better mental health for everyone, including members of the blind and low vision community or people with disabilities more broadly. And to speak with me further about the event. It's my great pleasure to welcome one of the organisers, Cameron Albinoi, from Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton. Cameron, welcome back to Talking Vision. Always great to have you.

Great to be on the radio again. Same. I'm absolutely delighted to be again on Vision Australia Radio.

Great to be on the radio again. Same. I'm absolutely delighted to be again on Vision Australia Radio.

Let's start off with Harmony day. Cameron tell us about that.

Let's start off with Harmony day. Cameron tell us about that.

Yeah. On a Harmony day since 1990 nine inches Australia is celebrated on 21st of March, we come together to celebrate Australia's rich cultural diversity and the benefits and strengths it brings to the nation. However, the background of Harmony day is in fact the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which through UN resolution 20142, session 21, it was decided to be observed 21st of March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. And the history tells us that on the day on 21st of March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 students at a peaceful demonstration in the Sharpeville in South Africa against the apartheid pass laws adopted by the South African government, a brutal regime that applied the theory of inequality between the races, regardless of humanity's moral and ethical advances. Proclaiming the International Day, the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 called upon the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Same in Australia since 1999. As I mentioned before, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is referred to as Harmony day, and it symbolizes by the orange awareness ribbon worn or displayed by those associating with the day, ideals and morals. Now the living in harmony everyone Belongs initiative, which is every year, is designed to highlight the cultural issues and celebrate our cultural diversity. It's about inclusiveness, respect and sense of belonging for everyone. As Australians, we all have collective goals such as help build a peaceful, cohesive and productive future for our children by setting an example of how to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural, social and religious diversity, and to put into practice the best of traditional values, which is massive fairness, justice and equality. At the same time, same celebrate Australia's many successes as diverse, inclusive and harmonious multicultural society and to recommit to our common values of respect and goodwill towards our fellow Australians of all backgrounds. Now this is very interesting. At the end, I'm saying that it's about the goodwill towards our fellow Australians, same as you may know. United Nations Universal Declaration article one. It goes to say all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience, and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood that enforces that statement. In Australia with U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.

Yeah. On a Harmony day since 1990 nine inches Australia is celebrated on 21st of March, we come together to celebrate Australia's rich cultural diversity and the benefits and strengths it brings to the nation. However, the background of Harmony day is in fact the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which through UN resolution 20142, session 21, it was decided to be observed 21st of March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. And the history tells us that on the day on 21st of March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 students at a peaceful demonstration in the Sharpeville in South Africa against the apartheid pass laws adopted by the South African government, a brutal regime that applied the theory of inequality between the races, regardless of humanity's moral and ethical advances. Proclaiming the International Day, the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 called upon the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Same in Australia since 1999. As I mentioned before, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is referred to as Harmony day, and it symbolizes by the orange awareness ribbon worn or displayed by those associating with the day, ideals and morals. Now the living in harmony everyone Belongs initiative, which is every year, is designed to highlight the cultural issues and celebrate our cultural diversity. It's about inclusiveness, respect and sense of belonging for everyone. As Australians, we all have collective goals such as help build a peaceful, cohesive and productive future for our children by setting an example of how to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural, social and religious diversity, and to put into practice the best of traditional values, which is massive fairness, justice and equality. At the same time, same celebrate Australia's many successes as diverse, inclusive and harmonious multicultural society and to recommit to our common values of respect and goodwill towards our fellow Australians of all backgrounds. Now this is very interesting. At the end, I'm saying that it's about the goodwill towards our fellow Australians, same as you may know. United Nations Universal Declaration article one. It goes to say all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience, and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood that enforces that statement. In Australia with U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.

And I think this can go quite a bit further than just talking about people of different races and different cultures. We're talking about diversity and inclusion. We're talking about dignity and human rights. And those are super core values that people with disabilities also have the right to exist within. And it's interesting that Harmony day has extended beyond being a day of fighting against racial discrimination. It's gone towards, you know, the whole community, as you've mentioned. And I'd love to get your perspective on where this comes in and where this is applicable in your perspective to the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities living in Australia.

And I think this can go quite a bit further than just talking about people of different races and different cultures. We're talking about diversity and inclusion. We're talking about dignity and human rights. And those are super core values that people with disabilities also have the right to exist within. And it's interesting that Harmony day has extended beyond being a day of fighting against racial discrimination. It's gone towards, you know, the whole community, as you've mentioned. And I'd love to get your perspective on where this comes in and where this is applicable in your perspective to the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities living in Australia.

Thank you very much. That's a very powerful statement you made, and I agree with all of them. When it comes to human rights, firstly, I my personal beliefs are that we need to put human rights front and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community. When it comes to the disability, I do have my own disability. Not just because I have my own disability. I don't want to be a bias, but without human rights are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue. And by lodging the foundation of human rights on 10th of December 1948, it was decided that the international community was the signators most of the countries of signatories, among them Australia, to they envisage a world universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination of respect for race, ethnicity, cultural diversity, ability or disability, and giving equal opportunities to people to full realization of human potential and contributing to shared prosperity. The issue with Harmony Day and human rights is attached to this one when it comes by shared sense of belonging, all of which are essential to positive mental and physical well-being of the person. I may say that Australia is one of few countries who doesn't have National Human Rights Act. So politicians, when they make decision, if we had that perspective, then they need by law every decision they made or they will make in the future. They have to go by respecting the human rights to fellow Australians. Now same also. I would like briefly to respond. You mentioned that about. It's about the diversity, equity and inclusion. These are the three closely linked values held by many. I'm referring in organization settings, by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, disabilities or disabilities, religious genders, and sexual orientation. Diversity, equity and inclusion brings. I think it's so important. More we embrace it, more we will progress. It brings unique experiences. In my opinion, perspectives and knowledge brings innovative ideas to the table same. They are often grouped together because they are interconnected and it is only in combination that are The true impact emerges. So this is my modest response, but please feel free to ask me further in regard of.

Thank you very much. That's a very powerful statement you made, and I agree with all of them. When it comes to human rights, firstly, I my personal beliefs are that we need to put human rights front and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community. When it comes to the disability, I do have my own disability. Not just because I have my own disability. I don't want to be a bias, but without human rights are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue. And by lodging the foundation of human rights on 10th of December 1948, it was decided that the international community was the signators most of the countries of signatories, among them Australia, to they envisage a world universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination of respect for race, ethnicity, cultural diversity, ability or disability, and giving equal opportunities to people to full realization of human potential and contributing to shared prosperity. The issue with Harmony Day and human rights is attached to this one when it comes by shared sense of belonging, all of which are essential to positive mental and physical well-being of the person. I may say that Australia is one of few countries who doesn't have National Human Rights Act. So politicians, when they make decision, if we had that perspective, then they need by law every decision they made or they will make in the future. They have to go by respecting the human rights to fellow Australians. Now same also. I would like briefly to respond. You mentioned that about. It's about the diversity, equity and inclusion. These are the three closely linked values held by many. I'm referring in organization settings, by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, disabilities or disabilities, religious genders, and sexual orientation. Diversity, equity and inclusion brings. I think it's so important. More we embrace it, more we will progress. It brings unique experiences. In my opinion, perspectives and knowledge brings innovative ideas to the table same. They are often grouped together because they are interconnected and it is only in combination that are The true impact emerges. So this is my modest response, but please feel free to ask me further in regard of.

I think I'd be quite interested to hear about the Harmony day celebrations that you'll be involved with coming up on the 21st of March in Shepparton.

I think I'd be quite interested to hear about the Harmony day celebrations that you'll be involved with coming up on the 21st of March in Shepparton.

Thank you very much. And firstly, absolutely, I'm excited that we are having a guest speaker from Sydney, but in a moment I will talk about it. But I'm also excited that we are not only in Australia worldwide. This day 21st of March is celebrated and it's a great feeling. It's a great feeling that we are joining the international community. After all, we share each other regardless of our differences. We share each other's humanity and human dignity anyway. Voices for Harmony Shepparton. In partnership with Australians for Mental Health, we are celebrating Harmony day On 21st of March, which is Friday this year, 25 at the Quality Hotel Parkway in Shepparton. The doors are open 1:00. Same for 130 to start and it will go till 330. It's a every single event we have been organising for the last 18 years. They've been three public events. The speakers will include Kim O'Keefe. She's our local member of Parliament and at the same time shadow assistant minister for Regional multicultural Affairs. She will be speaking for 15 minutes on diversity and acceptance. Then our special keynote speaker from Sydney, Executive Director of Australians for Mental Health, Chris Gambian. He will be presenting between 45 to 1 hour on the theme of mental health in Australia as it is. You might like to know Sam and the listeners to that. Chris Gambian is a prominent national mental health leader with over 25 years experience as a community organizer and public interest advocate, as well as a deep passion for fair government and social justice. If you'd like to know the same about. Australians for Mental Health is an advocacy organisation entirely philanthropically funded, focused on mental health reform. Founded by Professor Patrick McGorry. As you remember Sam, he was Australian of the year in 2010.

Thank you very much. And firstly, absolutely, I'm excited that we are having a guest speaker from Sydney, but in a moment I will talk about it. But I'm also excited that we are not only in Australia worldwide. This day 21st of March is celebrated and it's a great feeling. It's a great feeling that we are joining the international community. After all, we share each other regardless of our differences. We share each other's humanity and human dignity anyway. Voices for Harmony Shepparton. In partnership with Australians for Mental Health, we are celebrating Harmony day On 21st of March, which is Friday this year, 25 at the Quality Hotel Parkway in Shepparton. The doors are open 1:00. Same for 130 to start and it will go till 330. It's a every single event we have been organising for the last 18 years. They've been three public events. The speakers will include Kim O'Keefe. She's our local member of Parliament and at the same time shadow assistant minister for Regional multicultural Affairs. She will be speaking for 15 minutes on diversity and acceptance. Then our special keynote speaker from Sydney, Executive Director of Australians for Mental Health, Chris Gambian. He will be presenting between 45 to 1 hour on the theme of mental health in Australia as it is. You might like to know Sam and the listeners to that. Chris Gambian is a prominent national mental health leader with over 25 years experience as a community organizer and public interest advocate, as well as a deep passion for fair government and social justice. If you'd like to know the same about. Australians for Mental Health is an advocacy organisation entirely philanthropically funded, focused on mental health reform. Founded by Professor Patrick McGorry. As you remember Sam, he was Australian of the year in 2010.

Yeah. Yes. Name does ring a bell. That does sound familiar?

Yeah. Yes. Name does ring a bell. That does sound familiar?

Yes. They are in the same group. Their goal is this is. That's what resonates with me. The goal and the vision and mission. But their goal is to build grassroots support for mental health reforms. Bring together an alliance of organisations who share the goals of transforming the way Australia thinks on this issue, and to influence decision makers to make it a national priority. That's in a nutshell. If you'd like me to talk about that vision, I can say that it's a system where anyone with mental illness gets the care they need when they need it. And our mission is to campaign for a future where every mind matters. It's a collective of prominent Australians and experts who believe that change will only be possible when all Australians, from every walk of life, from every corner of the continent, come together to insist on better mental health for everyone.

Yes. They are in the same group. Their goal is this is. That's what resonates with me. The goal and the vision and mission. But their goal is to build grassroots support for mental health reforms. Bring together an alliance of organisations who share the goals of transforming the way Australia thinks on this issue, and to influence decision makers to make it a national priority. That's in a nutshell. If you'd like me to talk about that vision, I can say that it's a system where anyone with mental illness gets the care they need when they need it. And our mission is to campaign for a future where every mind matters. It's a collective of prominent Australians and experts who believe that change will only be possible when all Australians, from every walk of life, from every corner of the continent, come together to insist on better mental health for everyone.

Sam, I'm sure that's a sentiment that a lot of people can agree with. And if people are around in the Shepparton area and they would like to head along Cameron, how can they register to head along to the event? What's the process there?

Sam, I'm sure that's a sentiment that a lot of people can agree with. And if people are around in the Shepparton area and they would like to head along Cameron, how can they register to head along to the event? What's the process there?

The process some people they prefer by email, which we've got the email address and phone number, mobile phone number. But I say if anyone who is listening to the program or their friends they want to bring along, they are most welcome on the day. I would appreciate if they can call me. I can give you the mobile number which is for the event. It's all 421743699. Or if they can make that phone call, that's fine. They can come on the day. I can assure you, saying that they won't be disappointed. I will welcome special. And I made sure a week ago I took the invitation to Vision Australia Radio in Nixon Street, in Pryor Street in Shepparton, and I left the invitation there. So people are most welcome to come. It is a respectful and inclusive environment. What we do. Yeah. And what we do for the last 18 years. Same voices for harmony. We share information. We share knowledge and nurture relationships in a spirit of Australian mateship. This is what we do. Sam.

The process some people they prefer by email, which we've got the email address and phone number, mobile phone number. But I say if anyone who is listening to the program or their friends they want to bring along, they are most welcome on the day. I would appreciate if they can call me. I can give you the mobile number which is for the event. It's all 421743699. Or if they can make that phone call, that's fine. They can come on the day. I can assure you, saying that they won't be disappointed. I will welcome special. And I made sure a week ago I took the invitation to Vision Australia Radio in Nixon Street, in Pryor Street in Shepparton, and I left the invitation there. So people are most welcome to come. It is a respectful and inclusive environment. What we do. Yeah. And what we do for the last 18 years. Same voices for harmony. We share information. We share knowledge and nurture relationships in a spirit of Australian mateship. This is what we do. Sam.

And before we jump off Cameron, I'll just get that email from you as well. If that is the way that people would like to get in touch. If they'd like to send an email.

And before we jump off Cameron, I'll just get that email from you as well. If that is the way that people would like to get in touch. If they'd like to send an email.

Sure, sure. The email goes V for Victor, F for Fred, H for Harry Shepparton. One word at gmail.com.

Sure, sure. The email goes V for Victor, F for Fred, H for Harry Shepparton. One word at gmail.com.

Perfect. So that's v f h Shepparton at gmail.com. If you'd like to get in touch and express your interest in heading along to the Harmony day celebrations on the 21st of March. I've been speaking today with Cameron Albinoi, Team Leader High priority discharge program at Adult Community Mental Health at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, but he's also one of the organisers for the Harmony day celebrations to be held at Quality Hotel, Park Lake on the 21st of March 2025, in Shepparton. Cameron, thank you very much for your time as always. It's been great to chat to you and hear about Harmony day.

Perfect. So that's v f h Shepparton at gmail.com. If you'd like to get in touch and express your interest in heading along to the Harmony day celebrations on the 21st of March. I've been speaking today with Cameron Albinoi, Team Leader High priority discharge program at Adult Community Mental Health at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, but he's also one of the organisers for the Harmony day celebrations to be held at Quality Hotel, Park Lake on the 21st of March 2025, in Shepparton. Cameron, thank you very much for your time as always. It's been great to chat to you and hear about Harmony day.

Likewise. Thank you very much. And my I may say I'm so grateful that I do listen to regional Australia radio. It has changed my life, my views, my opinions. I see things differently mentally. I see things that it's the way, how I haven't been seeing like seven years ago since I started listening to the radio. It's absolutely jam radio program. Thank you Sam for this.

Likewise. Thank you very much. And my I may say I'm so grateful that I do listen to regional Australia radio. It has changed my life, my views, my opinions. I see things differently mentally. I see things that it's the way, how I haven't been seeing like seven years ago since I started listening to the radio. It's absolutely jam radio program. Thank you Sam for this.

I'm Sam Coley, and you're listening to a talking vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Cameron Albinoi. If you missed any part of that chat with Cameron or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. You can also find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website VA radio.org. That's VA radio all one word.org. And now it's time to have a chat with the editor of For Your Information, otherwise known as FYI Liz Dalakouras, who joins me for our monthly FYI chat. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you as always.

I'm Sam Coley, and you're listening to a talking vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Cameron Albinoi. If you missed any part of that chat with Cameron or you'd love to hear it again. Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. You can also find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website VA radio.org. That's VA radio all one word.org. And now it's time to have a chat with the editor of For Your Information, otherwise known as FYI Liz Dalakouras, who joins me for our monthly FYI chat. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision. Great to have you as always.

As always, it's great to be here. Thanks, Sam.

As always, it's great to be here. Thanks, Sam.

Now to start off with this week, we've got a bit of an exciting record to have a chat about a speed record that's just been set.

Now to start off with this week, we've got a bit of an exciting record to have a chat about a speed record that's just been set.

It is very, very exciting. We have a Vision Australia client. His name is Jamie who absolutely loves cars and has done since he was a little kid. He holds the title for the world's fastest blind person on a quarter mile drag strip. Incredibly exciting for him.

It is very, very exciting. We have a Vision Australia client. His name is Jamie who absolutely loves cars and has done since he was a little kid. He holds the title for the world's fastest blind person on a quarter mile drag strip. Incredibly exciting for him.

Yeah. Super exciting. Great to hear that. So many people out there are doing really cool things, and that's just one of them. But some other cool stuff that's happening in the research space is a disability Centre of excellence that's being set up through Swinburne.

Yeah. Super exciting. Great to hear that. So many people out there are doing really cool things, and that's just one of them. But some other cool stuff that's happening in the research space is a disability Centre of excellence that's being set up through Swinburne.

Yeah, exactly. Sam Swinburne University of Technology is set to host Australia's very first disability employment centre of Excellence. It's being funded by the Commonwealth Government, and the centre will aim to improve economic participation and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and it will offer online resources focused on lived experiences. So that's a really, really cool initiative that's coming our way, certainly.

Yeah, exactly. Sam Swinburne University of Technology is set to host Australia's very first disability employment centre of Excellence. It's being funded by the Commonwealth Government, and the centre will aim to improve economic participation and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and it will offer online resources focused on lived experiences. So that's a really, really cool initiative that's coming our way, certainly.

And well, watch this space because there's a lot more to come from there. It's just kicking off, but they've got a lot of really exciting projects and research to get stuck into. So we are going to follow that with great interest and hopefully have a chat with a few of them down the track. But staying in the realm of research, Liz, the centre for Eye Research Australia, is also gotten involved with Vision Australia recently and a collaboration to launch a series of resources.

And well, watch this space because there's a lot more to come from there. It's just kicking off, but they've got a lot of really exciting projects and research to get stuck into. So we are going to follow that with great interest and hopefully have a chat with a few of them down the track. But staying in the realm of research, Liz, the centre for Eye Research Australia, is also gotten involved with Vision Australia recently and a collaboration to launch a series of resources.

Yeah, you've absolutely said it, Sam. In this edition of FYI, we announced that we have teamed up with the centre for Eye Research Australia in a digital collaboration to help better support the blind and low vision community. So together in each other's client newsletters will be sharing important news, resources and research that can help people better understand their vision loss and learn new ways to remain confident and independent. So we all know here at Vision Australia, we're here to offer you the service and support that you need to thrive. And Sierra are dedicated to developing innovative resources and conducting research to improve your diagnosis and overall wellbeing. So we are just the 18 combined.

Yeah, you've absolutely said it, Sam. In this edition of FYI, we announced that we have teamed up with the centre for Eye Research Australia in a digital collaboration to help better support the blind and low vision community. So together in each other's client newsletters will be sharing important news, resources and research that can help people better understand their vision loss and learn new ways to remain confident and independent. So we all know here at Vision Australia, we're here to offer you the service and support that you need to thrive. And Sierra are dedicated to developing innovative resources and conducting research to improve your diagnosis and overall wellbeing. So we are just the 18 combined.

We certainly.

We certainly.

Are. For more updates.

Are. For more updates.

Yes, absolutely. Do know it's a lot of exciting resources for people to check out. Now in terms of audio description, we love our ad offerings at Vision Australia. So Michael Ward's been quite busy with quite a few exciting new plays and things like that. So one of those is La Traviata. For people who can head along to the opera house and check that one out.

Yes, absolutely. Do know it's a lot of exciting resources for people to check out. Now in terms of audio description, we love our ad offerings at Vision Australia. So Michael Ward's been quite busy with quite a few exciting new plays and things like that. So one of those is La Traviata. For people who can head along to the opera house and check that one out.

Absolutely. So on the 15th of March, at 1230, just after lunch, head on down to the Sydney Opera House. If you're local and you can see a sparkling encore of La Traviata. It will be audio described for you on that date, and it's just such a classic show. It is not one to be missed.

Absolutely. So on the 15th of March, at 1230, just after lunch, head on down to the Sydney Opera House. If you're local and you can see a sparkling encore of La Traviata. It will be audio described for you on that date, and it's just such a classic show. It is not one to be missed.

And Liz, just finally 100 K's coming up. 100 K your way. The challenge over the month of April, and as people may have heard earlier in the program, I had the great pleasure of catching up with one of our 100 K ambassadors, Jess Gallagher, to talk all about it. But, you know, let's have a little bit of a chat about 100 K and all the details that people can find in this month's issue of FYI.

And Liz, just finally 100 K's coming up. 100 K your way. The challenge over the month of April, and as people may have heard earlier in the program, I had the great pleasure of catching up with one of our 100 K ambassadors, Jess Gallagher, to talk all about it. But, you know, let's have a little bit of a chat about 100 K and all the details that people can find in this month's issue of FYI.

Yeah, absolutely. Jess is amazing, isn't she?

Yeah, absolutely. Jess is amazing, isn't she?

Oh she's wonderful.

Oh she's wonderful.

So, yeah, this April, join us and just have some fun, stay active and in the process, raised some money for Vision Australia. So you just need to take on the challenge to move 100km in the month however you want to move. You can run, you can jog, you can walk, ride, swim, roll whatever you like to make every kilometre count. That's right, every dollar you raise will help Vision Australia support the blind low vision community.

So, yeah, this April, join us and just have some fun, stay active and in the process, raised some money for Vision Australia. So you just need to take on the challenge to move 100km in the month however you want to move. You can run, you can jog, you can walk, ride, swim, roll whatever you like to make every kilometre count. That's right, every dollar you raise will help Vision Australia support the blind low vision community.

You can even row or ski or snowboard if you find any snow up in the mountains. Or there's somebody who danced their way to 100 K, you can get super creative and do it any way you like. It's very, really cool. A lot of different ways to do it. So yeah, 100 K your way. Oh that's amazing. Now before we jump off, Liz, let's get some details for people in case they'd love to sign up to receive their issue of FYI. They're thinking, oh wow, this sounds amazing. I'd love to join the mailing list. What's the best way for them to do that?

You can even row or ski or snowboard if you find any snow up in the mountains. Or there's somebody who danced their way to 100 K, you can get super creative and do it any way you like. It's very, really cool. A lot of different ways to do it. So yeah, 100 K your way. Oh that's amazing. Now before we jump off, Liz, let's get some details for people in case they'd love to sign up to receive their issue of FYI. They're thinking, oh wow, this sounds amazing. I'd love to join the mailing list. What's the best way for them to do that?

Just visit our website. Vision Australia. Org slash. FYI pop in your details and every Thursday fortnight you will get the straight to your inbox.

Just visit our website. Vision Australia. Org slash. FYI pop in your details and every Thursday fortnight you will get the straight to your inbox.

That's Vision Australia. Dot org slash FYI. Liz thank you so much as always, it's been great to catch up with you and chat about the latest issue of FYI.

That's Vision Australia. Dot org slash FYI. Liz thank you so much as always, it's been great to catch up with you and chat about the latest issue of FYI.

Thanks, Sam. Agreed. Pleasure as always.

Thanks, Sam. Agreed. Pleasure as always.

That was Liz Dalakouras, their editor of for your Information. Otherwise known as FYI. And now here's Frances Kelland with her radar recommended.

That was Liz Dalakouras, their editor of for your Information. Otherwise known as FYI. And now here's Frances Kelland with her radar recommended.

Thank you Sam. The book today was the first book in an incredibly successful series, the Outlander series, which went on to become a successful television series as well. The first book in the series is called Cross Stitch, and for those of you who like a good historical fiction, read with a little bit of a time slip happening. You'll enjoy this series and Scottish history as well. Cross stitch is by Diana Gabaldon. In 1945, a Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their blissful reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone ruins, and is instantly transported to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in 1743. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever linked with Clan Mackenzie and the gallant James Fraser? Let's hear a sample of Cross Stitch. Part one in the Diana Gabaldon Outlander series. It's narrated by Denise Kirby.

Thank you Sam. The book today was the first book in an incredibly successful series, the Outlander series, which went on to become a successful television series as well. The first book in the series is called Cross Stitch, and for those of you who like a good historical fiction, read with a little bit of a time slip happening. You'll enjoy this series and Scottish history as well. Cross stitch is by Diana Gabaldon. In 1945, a Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their blissful reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone ruins, and is instantly transported to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in 1743. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever linked with Clan Mackenzie and the gallant James Fraser? Let's hear a sample of Cross Stitch. Part one in the Diana Gabaldon Outlander series. It's narrated by Denise Kirby.

It wasn't a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance. Mrs. Baird's was like a thousand other Highland bed and breakfast establishments in 1946. Clean and quiet with fading floral wallpaper, gleaming floors and a coin operated water heater in the bathroom. Mrs. bed herself was squat and easygoing, and made no objection to Frank lining her tiny Rose Sprigged parlor with the dozens of books and papers with which he always travelled. I met Mrs. Baird in the front hall. On my way out. She stopped me with a pudgy hand on my arm and patted at my hair. Dear me, Mrs. Randall, you cannot go out like that. Here, just let me tuck that bit in for you. There. That's better. You know, my cousin was telling me about a new perm. She tried, comes out beautiful and holds like a dream. Perhaps you should try that kind next time. I hadn't the heart to tell her that the waywardness of my light brown curls was strictly the fault of nature, and not due to any dereliction on the part of the permanent wave manufacturers. Her own tightly marcelled waves suffered from no such perversity. Yes, I'll do that, Mrs. Baird, I lied. I'm just going down to meet Frank. We'll be back for tea.

It wasn't a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance. Mrs. Baird's was like a thousand other Highland bed and breakfast establishments in 1946. Clean and quiet with fading floral wallpaper, gleaming floors and a coin operated water heater in the bathroom. Mrs. bed herself was squat and easygoing, and made no objection to Frank lining her tiny Rose Sprigged parlor with the dozens of books and papers with which he always travelled. I met Mrs. Baird in the front hall. On my way out. She stopped me with a pudgy hand on my arm and patted at my hair. Dear me, Mrs. Randall, you cannot go out like that. Here, just let me tuck that bit in for you. There. That's better. You know, my cousin was telling me about a new perm. She tried, comes out beautiful and holds like a dream. Perhaps you should try that kind next time. I hadn't the heart to tell her that the waywardness of my light brown curls was strictly the fault of nature, and not due to any dereliction on the part of the permanent wave manufacturers. Her own tightly marcelled waves suffered from no such perversity. Yes, I'll do that, Mrs. Baird, I lied. I'm just going down to meet Frank. We'll be back for tea.

And that was Cross-stitch, part one in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. And there are all of the books in the series in the collection. It's quite a long series and it has so many fans. So if you would like to get that book or any other of the wonderfully long series that we have in the collection, or short books, short stories, anything you're after, give the library a call on 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656. Or you can email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at Vision australia.org.

And that was Cross-stitch, part one in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. And there are all of the books in the series in the collection. It's quite a long series and it has so many fans. So if you would like to get that book or any other of the wonderfully long series that we have in the collection, or short books, short stories, anything you're after, give the library a call on 1300 654 656. That's 1300 654 656. Or you can email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at Vision australia.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 any time on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Coley saying bye for now.

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 any time on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Coley saying bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406. Or by visiting Vision australia.org that's Vision australia.org.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 1300 847 406. That's 1300 847 406. Or by visiting Vision australia.org that's Vision australia.org.