From Western Australia, this is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam, calling.

From Western Australia, this is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam, calling.

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

for them to be able to be shown in mainstream media and across TV and radio and other other mediums across the world. I think that's I think that's what we're trying to achieve.

for them to be able to be shown in mainstream media and across TV and radio and other other mediums across the world. I think that's I think that's what we're trying to achieve.

That voice you just heard there was founder of Platten creative and legally blind musician Duncan Stewart talking about the motivation behind his role as the organizer of White Stick Fest, a two hour online concert which features performing artists from Australia and around the world who are blind or have low vision. That interview with Duncan is coming up later in the show. So make sure you stick around to find out all the details. But first, I catch up with Rita Packer from Uber to talk about an accessible COVID vaccine transport voucher program that they're running, which looks to subsidise riders with mobility needs to get to and from their local COVID vaccination hubs. And then we wrap up the show this week with some news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Depending on your location, if you're someone you know, has extra mobility needs, they may be able to access vouchers for subsidized Uber trips to and from a COVID vaccine hub to access their COVID vaccination and to chat with me a bit more about this. I have Rita Pekar from Uber who joins me now. Rita, welcome to talk condition.

That voice you just heard there was founder of Platten creative and legally blind musician Duncan Stewart talking about the motivation behind his role as the organizer of White Stick Fest, a two hour online concert which features performing artists from Australia and around the world who are blind or have low vision. That interview with Duncan is coming up later in the show. So make sure you stick around to find out all the details. But first, I catch up with Rita Packer from Uber to talk about an accessible COVID vaccine transport voucher program that they're running, which looks to subsidise riders with mobility needs to get to and from their local COVID vaccination hubs. And then we wrap up the show this week with some news and information. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Depending on your location, if you're someone you know, has extra mobility needs, they may be able to access vouchers for subsidized Uber trips to and from a COVID vaccine hub to access their COVID vaccination and to chat with me a bit more about this. I have Rita Pekar from Uber who joins me now. Rita, welcome to talk condition.

Great to be here, thank you for having me, Sam.

Great to be here, thank you for having me, Sam.

Now firstly, Rita, could you tell us a bit more about the COVID vaccine voucher program that Uber's running at the moment?

Now firstly, Rita, could you tell us a bit more about the COVID vaccine voucher program that Uber's running at the moment?

Thanks, Sam. I love talking about this partnership, so definitely happy to provide more info. Uber has partnered with 12 Australian disability service providers, including Abel Australia, Vision Australia, of course, Genu Uniting and a host of others. And we're offering free rides to get vaccinated for people who are clients of the disability service providers or actually also to their carers and some support staff that work with these organisations.

Thanks, Sam. I love talking about this partnership, so definitely happy to provide more info. Uber has partnered with 12 Australian disability service providers, including Abel Australia, Vision Australia, of course, Genu Uniting and a host of others. And we're offering free rides to get vaccinated for people who are clients of the disability service providers or actually also to their carers and some support staff that work with these organisations.

And what is some other key info about the vouchers that people should know about, for instance, may be how much of the trip does it cover and what time of day and where they're available?

And what is some other key info about the vouchers that people should know about, for instance, may be how much of the trip does it cover and what time of day and where they're available?

Yeah, of course. So to access these vouchers, clients are advised just to get in contact with the administration of their service provider, and then they offered full vouchers, which actually a very flexible so each trip is up to $20. Of course, if someone has a clinic that is perhaps a little bit further away and the difference will just be left behind, but they actually work to anywhere, so it's not restricted to specific government vaccination centres. You can take a trip to your local chemist or GP or anyone offering a vaccination, and you can get four trips per person. So that is for trips for every person with a disability needs, as well as for trips for their care and for trips for this service assistance at these centers. They're valid anywhere in Australia. And actually any day or time as long as it's six when the vaccination appointment can be held.

Yeah, of course. So to access these vouchers, clients are advised just to get in contact with the administration of their service provider, and then they offered full vouchers, which actually a very flexible so each trip is up to $20. Of course, if someone has a clinic that is perhaps a little bit further away and the difference will just be left behind, but they actually work to anywhere, so it's not restricted to specific government vaccination centres. You can take a trip to your local chemist or GP or anyone offering a vaccination, and you can get four trips per person. So that is for trips for every person with a disability needs, as well as for trips for their care and for trips for this service assistance at these centers. They're valid anywhere in Australia. And actually any day or time as long as it's six when the vaccination appointment can be held.

Okay. And also, obviously, they do need an Uber account to access the vouchers, don't they?

Okay. And also, obviously, they do need an Uber account to access the vouchers, don't they?

Very true. Very good point. You'll need to download the Uber app if you haven't already. And I should say we're offering four free trips assuming that you want to get to and from both of your vaccination appointments. I do understand many people in our community have already had perhaps one appointment, but you can still access these that just your second appointment.

Very true. Very good point. You'll need to download the Uber app if you haven't already. And I should say we're offering four free trips assuming that you want to get to and from both of your vaccination appointments. I do understand many people in our community have already had perhaps one appointment, but you can still access these that just your second appointment.

Okay, fantastic. And where can people go if they would like to find out more?

Okay, fantastic. And where can people go if they would like to find out more?

The best way is actually just to contact the administration of your service provider. Alternatively, able Australia has some more information. If you go to Abel Australia dot org dot AEW well with Uber and I believe Vision Australia can be contacted directly as well.

The best way is actually just to contact the administration of your service provider. Alternatively, able Australia has some more information. If you go to Abel Australia dot org dot AEW well with Uber and I believe Vision Australia can be contacted directly as well.

That's absolutely right. If you're out there and you're a listener who is blind or has low vision to find out more about accessing a voucher, please also feel free to give our Vision Australia's National Contact Centre a call on one 300 eight four seven four double six. That number again is one 300 eight four seven four double six. Now rates are unfortunately, sometimes it's a bit unavoidable, but there are some situations where people who are blind or have low vision with seeing eye dogs may or may not get denied service from their IRB. So if that some unfortunate situation does arise, what's the best course of action for people to take their?

That's absolutely right. If you're out there and you're a listener who is blind or has low vision to find out more about accessing a voucher, please also feel free to give our Vision Australia's National Contact Centre a call on one 300 eight four seven four double six. That number again is one 300 eight four seven four double six. Now rates are unfortunately, sometimes it's a bit unavoidable, but there are some situations where people who are blind or have low vision with seeing eye dogs may or may not get denied service from their IRB. So if that some unfortunate situation does arise, what's the best course of action for people to take their?

Yes, ma'am. I often speak to people in the community and hear about this issue, and it hurts my heart because it happens everywhere, but and I hate that ridesharing is not immune, it does happen on our platform. Fortunately, we actually do have really strong policies in place if people tell us when it happens. So if you are denied service when you tried to request an Uber or if you believe a driver partner has canceled on you after they've seen your dog, there are two ways to report this. Firstly, you can go into your app and look for cancelled a trip in your trip history. And there's a little note which says Report a safety issue and you can report the incident through the app. A second alternative is if you can't say that trip. If you navigate to the Accessibility tab in the help menu, there is another note there specifically for reporting service denials. So one reason that we really encourage reporting and please anyone listening, I I really sympathize and empathize with how often this happens, and I've heard from many of our riders that, in fact, that it reported every time that I need. What happens if it's if it's a really bad refusal? But my my advice is to please report it as often as possible because we have very specific procedures. So the first time you report this against a driver partner, we actually deactivate that driver temporarily and we give them further education. Of course, when that driver upon actually signed up to drive with Uber at all, they already went through an education module, which we had created with the community. But we'd give them a refresher if they caused a service denial. And after this further education, they're asked to complete a test when they succeed at this test, they receive a score of 90 percent or higher. We do reactivate them on the platform. But if that same driver partner were to have a second service refusal complaint against them from any rider, they will permanently lose access to the app. Because we take this so seriously and after several rounds of education and testing, we need to know that driver partners are compliant with our policies and respectful of all of the riders that use our platform. So, of course, this Tuesday policy only works if people report to us. So I really encourage all listeners to let us know if they experience this. It's something that we're looking to improve on over time. These policies are always getting updated and improved and definitely aiming to have less refusals on the platform.

Yes, ma'am. I often speak to people in the community and hear about this issue, and it hurts my heart because it happens everywhere, but and I hate that ridesharing is not immune, it does happen on our platform. Fortunately, we actually do have really strong policies in place if people tell us when it happens. So if you are denied service when you tried to request an Uber or if you believe a driver partner has canceled on you after they've seen your dog, there are two ways to report this. Firstly, you can go into your app and look for cancelled a trip in your trip history. And there's a little note which says Report a safety issue and you can report the incident through the app. A second alternative is if you can't say that trip. If you navigate to the Accessibility tab in the help menu, there is another note there specifically for reporting service denials. So one reason that we really encourage reporting and please anyone listening, I I really sympathize and empathize with how often this happens, and I've heard from many of our riders that, in fact, that it reported every time that I need. What happens if it's if it's a really bad refusal? But my my advice is to please report it as often as possible because we have very specific procedures. So the first time you report this against a driver partner, we actually deactivate that driver temporarily and we give them further education. Of course, when that driver upon actually signed up to drive with Uber at all, they already went through an education module, which we had created with the community. But we'd give them a refresher if they caused a service denial. And after this further education, they're asked to complete a test when they succeed at this test, they receive a score of 90 percent or higher. We do reactivate them on the platform. But if that same driver partner were to have a second service refusal complaint against them from any rider, they will permanently lose access to the app. Because we take this so seriously and after several rounds of education and testing, we need to know that driver partners are compliant with our policies and respectful of all of the riders that use our platform. So, of course, this Tuesday policy only works if people report to us. So I really encourage all listeners to let us know if they experience this. It's something that we're looking to improve on over time. These policies are always getting updated and improved and definitely aiming to have less refusals on the platform.

Say, OK, now that's a very, very serious issue, but really good to hear that Uber does take it on board and really take it so seriously. That is fantastic to hear. But on a lighter note, now, Rita, there is some more exciting news from over. I believe you'll be partnering with a Vision Australia radio for our coverage of White Cane Day next month. Tell us a bit more about your involvement there.

Say, OK, now that's a very, very serious issue, but really good to hear that Uber does take it on board and really take it so seriously. That is fantastic to hear. But on a lighter note, now, Rita, there is some more exciting news from over. I believe you'll be partnering with a Vision Australia radio for our coverage of White Cane Day next month. Tell us a bit more about your involvement there.

Yes, I'm excited about this one, Sam. Love a bit of good news, so just for a bit of context, if folks aren't aware. One of our missions at Uber is to provide accessible transport choices for everyone, no matter their age or their ability. Because what we know for a fact is that there is a direct link between transport access and economic opportunities, as well as social well-being. So what can do? We love the celebration around positively engaging the community and driving awareness for how people with blindness and location can live and work independently? So to support that day helps us hopefully spread our mission and get there sooner.

Yes, I'm excited about this one, Sam. Love a bit of good news, so just for a bit of context, if folks aren't aware. One of our missions at Uber is to provide accessible transport choices for everyone, no matter their age or their ability. Because what we know for a fact is that there is a direct link between transport access and economic opportunities, as well as social well-being. So what can do? We love the celebration around positively engaging the community and driving awareness for how people with blindness and location can live and work independently? So to support that day helps us hopefully spread our mission and get there sooner.

Okay, wonderful. So that was Rita Pekar there from Hobart chatting about the COVID vaccine voucher program, as well as Uber's safety measures and a little bit about what came they there. So thank you so much rater for your time today. It was a pleasure chatting with you.

Okay, wonderful. So that was Rita Pekar there from Hobart chatting about the COVID vaccine voucher program, as well as Uber's safety measures and a little bit about what came they there. So thank you so much rater for your time today. It was a pleasure chatting with you.

Great to chat with you as well and see you back on the line in a couple of weeks.

Great to chat with you as well and see you back on the line in a couple of weeks.

I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on Vision Australia, radio associated stations of our pitch and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, like where to find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs, you can find all this info and more on the Talking Vision web page. Just stop talking vision to your search engine, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library. And now back to the show if you like music or you just like to be entertained. Our next guest has been working hard behind the scenes to put together something exciting to celebrate White Cane Day on October the 15th. It's white stick fest and to tell us more about what stick fest we have. Duncan Stewart with us from Platinum Creative. Duncan, thanks so much for being here today. Welcome to the program.

I'm Sam Kelly, and you're listening to talking vision on Vision Australia, radio associated stations of our pitch and the community radio network. If you'd like to find out more about the program, like where to find your local radio frequency or listen to past programs, you can find all this info and more on the Talking Vision web page. Just stop talking vision to your search engine, or you can find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia Library. And now back to the show if you like music or you just like to be entertained. Our next guest has been working hard behind the scenes to put together something exciting to celebrate White Cane Day on October the 15th. It's white stick fest and to tell us more about what stick fest we have. Duncan Stewart with us from Platinum Creative. Duncan, thanks so much for being here today. Welcome to the program.

Hi, Sam. Thanks so much for having me on the program. It's wonderful

Hi, Sam. Thanks so much for having me on the program. It's wonderful

now. Firstly, Duncan, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your involvement with platinum creative?

now. Firstly, Duncan, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your involvement with platinum creative?

Thanks, Sam. So my my background, actually, I've been involved in business and corporate organisations for 25 years, and back in 2015 I was sort of at a crossroads. I thought I had a passion for music. I am a pianist myself and I've listened to music and played music since about the age of six. So music was always been a big passion of mine, and in 2015 I went back to You need you to get a degree in entertainment management, and I wanted to use my skills and experience to help other people in the music industry because it's tough enough to try and break in the music industry and get your music out there. So that's how it started, and I found myself. Obviously, I have. I have lived experience. I was actually born blind with about half about a dozen eye operations by the time I was a teenager. Thankfully, I have some sight now, so I'm legally blind. But I saw that there were lots of artists out there with disabilities that may perhaps find it more difficult than others to find their way in the music industry and as a natural progression. I started working with a couple of artists that had visual impairment and basically progressed from there, whereby platinum creative. We look after artists, we do publicity, but we have a focus on those with a disability because I obviously have a natural connection with them and feel that I can actually help and make a difference.

Thanks, Sam. So my my background, actually, I've been involved in business and corporate organisations for 25 years, and back in 2015 I was sort of at a crossroads. I thought I had a passion for music. I am a pianist myself and I've listened to music and played music since about the age of six. So music was always been a big passion of mine, and in 2015 I went back to You need you to get a degree in entertainment management, and I wanted to use my skills and experience to help other people in the music industry because it's tough enough to try and break in the music industry and get your music out there. So that's how it started, and I found myself. Obviously, I have. I have lived experience. I was actually born blind with about half about a dozen eye operations by the time I was a teenager. Thankfully, I have some sight now, so I'm legally blind. But I saw that there were lots of artists out there with disabilities that may perhaps find it more difficult than others to find their way in the music industry and as a natural progression. I started working with a couple of artists that had visual impairment and basically progressed from there, whereby platinum creative. We look after artists, we do publicity, but we have a focus on those with a disability because I obviously have a natural connection with them and feel that I can actually help and make a difference.

OK, that is a really interesting story and really amazing to hear how you got involved with with what stick fest and on that topic. Can you tell us a little bit more about what stick fest? What's the event all about?

OK, that is a really interesting story and really amazing to hear how you got involved with with what stick fest and on that topic. Can you tell us a little bit more about what stick fest? What's the event all about?

So what's the fest? It was a natural progression from an event we held last year, which was we did a in conjunction with Vision Australia radio. We did a broadcast with music artists who were low vision and blind from actually from around the world, and we had some sighted artists as well. And I thought it was a good idea to perhaps take that a bit wider and see what what we could actually do with it in terms of taking it to a bigger audience, wider audience, national and international audience. Obviously, our focus there is people with low vision and who are blind, but the audience out there want to see what these amazing artists can do. So by taking it from just an audio experience across to a video now. VIDEO Experience, which is what White Stick Fest is all about. It's a video to our two and a half hour concert that we will be broadcasting from. What Stick Fest dot org? It will showcase the abilities of people with it with a lot of vision and that a blind, their amazing voices, their amazing talent on instruments and take that to an international audience that then will allow them to be the front and centre and to be to be seen how how good they are and across the world. So that's where it's naturally progressed to.

So what's the fest? It was a natural progression from an event we held last year, which was we did a in conjunction with Vision Australia radio. We did a broadcast with music artists who were low vision and blind from actually from around the world, and we had some sighted artists as well. And I thought it was a good idea to perhaps take that a bit wider and see what what we could actually do with it in terms of taking it to a bigger audience, wider audience, national and international audience. Obviously, our focus there is people with low vision and who are blind, but the audience out there want to see what these amazing artists can do. So by taking it from just an audio experience across to a video now. VIDEO Experience, which is what White Stick Fest is all about. It's a video to our two and a half hour concert that we will be broadcasting from. What Stick Fest dot org? It will showcase the abilities of people with it with a lot of vision and that a blind, their amazing voices, their amazing talent on instruments and take that to an international audience that then will allow them to be the front and centre and to be to be seen how how good they are and across the world. So that's where it's naturally progressed to.

Mm-Hmm. Okay. And in your work with platinum creative and the involvement that you have had with musicians who are blind or have low vision, do you believe they have been fairly represented in the media and the entertainment industry so far?

Mm-Hmm. Okay. And in your work with platinum creative and the involvement that you have had with musicians who are blind or have low vision, do you believe they have been fairly represented in the media and the entertainment industry so far?

Look hard question. Yeah, look, I'll say, look, I think at the end of the day, people with a disability. Really represented well across most industries at the end of the day, it's improving, of course, as they they. And I'll just digress. I worked part time with another organization called AFTO, which represents people with disabilities across Australia, and our organization has people with disabilities at a staff and a board level quite considerably to that to the 80 per cent mark. And that, I think, is important in that that kind of reflection, if that can be not only reflected across music and entertainment industries, but also the wider industry. So I think it's a good move in the long term. So of course, I'd like to see it improve. There are obviously organizations out there in in music and entertainment like Texas, Australia that has the same kind of philosophy and that it has people with with a disability as part of its its board and as part of its its staff. And it's one of their focuses as well. It would like to have that scenario across mainstream media and organizations in music. Would would be, would be would be great.

Look hard question. Yeah, look, I'll say, look, I think at the end of the day, people with a disability. Really represented well across most industries at the end of the day, it's improving, of course, as they they. And I'll just digress. I worked part time with another organization called AFTO, which represents people with disabilities across Australia, and our organization has people with disabilities at a staff and a board level quite considerably to that to the 80 per cent mark. And that, I think, is important in that that kind of reflection, if that can be not only reflected across music and entertainment industries, but also the wider industry. So I think it's a good move in the long term. So of course, I'd like to see it improve. There are obviously organizations out there in in music and entertainment like Texas, Australia that has the same kind of philosophy and that it has people with with a disability as part of its its board and as part of its its staff. And it's one of their focuses as well. It would like to have that scenario across mainstream media and organizations in music. Would would be, would be would be great.

Mhm. And I guess touching upon that going forward. Duncan, what else would you like to see change in the entertainment industry that you believe blind and low vision musicians would benefit most from?

Mhm. And I guess touching upon that going forward. Duncan, what else would you like to see change in the entertainment industry that you believe blind and low vision musicians would benefit most from?

Well, I think I think they they have a lot of a lot of skills and experience that they can bring that they can bring to the industry. They're no different to anyone else, but they have this ability to be able to connect with others. Certainly with the artists that I work with, they they have a natural connection with people. They're able to tell a story. They're able to bring their skills and experience to a performance. So for them to be able to be shown in mainstream media and across. Across TV and radio and other other mediums across the world, I think that's I think that's what we're trying to achieve.

Well, I think I think they they have a lot of a lot of skills and experience that they can bring that they can bring to the industry. They're no different to anyone else, but they have this ability to be able to connect with others. Certainly with the artists that I work with, they they have a natural connection with people. They're able to tell a story. They're able to bring their skills and experience to a performance. So for them to be able to be shown in mainstream media and across. Across TV and radio and other other mediums across the world, I think that's I think that's what we're trying to achieve.

Mm-Hmm. Absolutely. Now touching back on the event now and now, people may have heard last year's White Cane Day concert that we were referencing just a bit earlier. But how does White Stick Fest differ from that? What else can you tell the listeners about?

Mm-Hmm. Absolutely. Now touching back on the event now and now, people may have heard last year's White Cane Day concert that we were referencing just a bit earlier. But how does White Stick Fest differ from that? What else can you tell the listeners about?

Well, I think the way it's different is that it. You get, as I said, both a visual and a an experience from an audio perspective. But it's going throughout the world. We are lucky that we are having some partners on board, not only Vision Australia but other other people across in America that will be helping us promote the the event, not only obviously as a local Australian event, but as an international event, as as can be seen, obviously by the the the list of people we have involved, which I'll digress to later. But I think it's it's great that we can get this out there, that there's nothing there's been nothing like this in that I know that's going to air certainly in Australia. And I mean, at the end of the day, I'd like to see it. We had obviously during lockdown, it's been really tough to Typekit to go out and do gigs and to be able to have this stuff online is great because then you get to see and the the the artists get the opportunity to to be able to sing to an audience that they that they can't do now because they obviously can't do any gigs. But in, you know, last year we had music from the home front, which was put together. And obviously, this has the same opportunity down the track to to to reach a similar audience. So we hope that it grows and grows. So I guess this is the first time we've gone to a video concert. So that's let's see where that goes.

Well, I think the way it's different is that it. You get, as I said, both a visual and a an experience from an audio perspective. But it's going throughout the world. We are lucky that we are having some partners on board, not only Vision Australia but other other people across in America that will be helping us promote the the event, not only obviously as a local Australian event, but as an international event, as as can be seen, obviously by the the the list of people we have involved, which I'll digress to later. But I think it's it's great that we can get this out there, that there's nothing there's been nothing like this in that I know that's going to air certainly in Australia. And I mean, at the end of the day, I'd like to see it. We had obviously during lockdown, it's been really tough to Typekit to go out and do gigs and to be able to have this stuff online is great because then you get to see and the the the artists get the opportunity to to be able to sing to an audience that they that they can't do now because they obviously can't do any gigs. But in, you know, last year we had music from the home front, which was put together. And obviously, this has the same opportunity down the track to to to reach a similar audience. So we hope that it grows and grows. So I guess this is the first time we've gone to a video concert. So that's let's see where that goes.

Yeah, sounds very exciting indeed. Now, in regards to those artists that you just referenced, what sort of acts can people look forward to if they tune in to the White Stick Fest concert on October 15? Sure.

Yeah, sounds very exciting indeed. Now, in regards to those artists that you just referenced, what sort of acts can people look forward to if they tune in to the White Stick Fest concert on October 15? Sure.

Well, we have got artists from Australia and we have also have artists from around the world. So as part of the artists in Australia, we have five low vision and blind artists. We have Rachel Ikaw, who you may know from the boys back in 2012, we have a lower net. Kelly, who is on the 2017 series, got kind of wink from Newcastle. We have Robert Sydney, who's also is up in North Queensland, and Kirsten Busby, who is also from Newcastle. And as part of that, we also have some sort of artists in Australia, including The Wiggles, Tate Sheridan and Rick Price. So and then of course, we've got an international cast who is actually really rather amazing, headlined by the X ambassadors. We have Magic Giant, we have Dianne Show, Kendra Begley and many others. So we've got a cast of around about at the moment, around about twenty nine. So it's going to be a fool to link to two hour length concert, if not a few minutes more.

Well, we have got artists from Australia and we have also have artists from around the world. So as part of the artists in Australia, we have five low vision and blind artists. We have Rachel Ikaw, who you may know from the boys back in 2012, we have a lower net. Kelly, who is on the 2017 series, got kind of wink from Newcastle. We have Robert Sydney, who's also is up in North Queensland, and Kirsten Busby, who is also from Newcastle. And as part of that, we also have some sort of artists in Australia, including The Wiggles, Tate Sheridan and Rick Price. So and then of course, we've got an international cast who is actually really rather amazing, headlined by the X ambassadors. We have Magic Giant, we have Dianne Show, Kendra Begley and many others. So we've got a cast of around about at the moment, around about twenty nine. So it's going to be a fool to link to two hour length concert, if not a few minutes more.

Wow, now that's fantastic. Now what is the best way for our listeners to tune in to the virtual concert if they're listening to this and thinking, Oh wow, that sounds amazing. What day and time should they put in the calendar to make sure that they don't miss a moment?

Wow, now that's fantastic. Now what is the best way for our listeners to tune in to the virtual concert if they're listening to this and thinking, Oh wow, that sounds amazing. What day and time should they put in the calendar to make sure that they don't miss a moment?

So it goes lives on the 15th of October, which is international? What day? Yep, at midday, 12:00 noon in Australia, they have to go to W W W Dot, what stick fest dot org so they can tune in there. It will be at the very top of their website. The website is accessible, friendly and it will allow you to listen to the concert in whole life. Basically, you will just need to click on the link there that says that it's the concert and I can start watching it. Slash listening to it straight away.

So it goes lives on the 15th of October, which is international? What day? Yep, at midday, 12:00 noon in Australia, they have to go to W W W Dot, what stick fest dot org so they can tune in there. It will be at the very top of their website. The website is accessible, friendly and it will allow you to listen to the concert in whole life. Basically, you will just need to click on the link there that says that it's the concert and I can start watching it. Slash listening to it straight away.

Wonderful. Now finally, Duncan, what more can listeners find if they go to WW Dot White Stick Fest or what else can they find out about? What Stick Fest?

Wonderful. Now finally, Duncan, what more can listeners find if they go to WW Dot White Stick Fest or what else can they find out about? What Stick Fest?

So we've got lots of information up there at the moment. We actually we've been in the last few days or the last few weeks, actually each day releasing a new artist that is being it is confirmed as part of the lineup. We have a blog that runs there and they can click on the blog and look at the blog within the News tab that is also being set out through our social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And people are more than welcome to follow us on those three platforms as well. Make comments and follow us. See who's being being who, who is new for the day? And then, of course, into next month, we will have some, some highlights and things like that. We may even have a couple of little videos and promotions from a couple of our artists that are in the wind. So certainly it would be great to have everyone involved follow our socials, make sure that you're logged into our website and you can see. Changes as they happen.

So we've got lots of information up there at the moment. We actually we've been in the last few days or the last few weeks, actually each day releasing a new artist that is being it is confirmed as part of the lineup. We have a blog that runs there and they can click on the blog and look at the blog within the News tab that is also being set out through our social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And people are more than welcome to follow us on those three platforms as well. Make comments and follow us. See who's being being who, who is new for the day? And then, of course, into next month, we will have some, some highlights and things like that. We may even have a couple of little videos and promotions from a couple of our artists that are in the wind. So certainly it would be great to have everyone involved follow our socials, make sure that you're logged into our website and you can see. Changes as they happen.

Okay, now that sounds like it's all happening, it's very exciting now. That was Duncan Stuart of Platinum Creative there, organizer of this year's White Stick Fest. Duncan, thanks so much for your time today.

Okay, now that sounds like it's all happening, it's very exciting now. That was Duncan Stuart of Platinum Creative there, organizer of this year's White Stick Fest. Duncan, thanks so much for your time today.

Thank you so much for having me. It's a wonderful event and look forward to seeing you all.

Thank you so much for having me. It's a wonderful event and look forward to seeing you all.

And now, before we go, a bit of news and information to finish up the program, this article is entitled Optometrist Latest Move for Expanded Scope. It was written by Rhiannon Bowman from Insight News.com to a year on the 27th of September 2021. In a new push for expanded scope of practice. Optometry Australia is calling for change in six areas, including oral medications and intravitreal injections, so the nation's underutilized optometric workforce can get to work tackling urgent eye health issues. Insight unpacks the organisation's care proposals. The peak professional body for optometrists has seized on the timing of an imminent federal election and the Aged Care Royal Commission's damning report to demand concerted action to address the nation's eHealth challenges. In July, Optometry Australia Olay released a new policy platform working together for better eye care, offering a stark reality check on Australian eHealth and practical methods to tackle some of the biggest issues. The organisation's national president, Mr Darrell Baker, says the skills of Australian optometrists continue to be quote seriously underutilized and quote compared to their counterparts in similarly developed nations. This view underpins the organisation's six key recommendations that will require a substantial and potentially controversial expansion of the current optometry scope to implement. He says there are many reasons for change. For example, public ophthalmology wait times in areas like cataract surgery are disappointingly long. Collaborative eye care remains in its infancy, and only about 50 percent of patients with diagnosed diabetes get access to the eye examinations they need. Whilst significant progress has been made, we have not closed the gap in indigenous health, with First Nations people three times more likely to be blind or visually impaired, and a tsunami of age related macular disease is rapidly approaching, he explains. The only way we can get on top of Australia's looming eye health crisis is for optometrists to be supported to practice to their full scope to enhance patient access and increase the efficiency of Australia's e-health system, he says, citing an overall lack of focus. But government, industry and health professionals on the fundamental importance of eye health as a public and population health issue. Ola is calling for urgent action. Australia has a clear choice as a nation. Either we give eHealth the priority it deserves or face a future, with increasing numbers of Australians unnecessarily having to live with the personal, social and economic impacts of blindness and vision loss. The organisations working together report says it concludes that timely implementation will remove bottlenecks, reduce wait times, prevent unnecessary blindness and vision impairment, and enhance the overall efficiency of the eHealth system. At the same time, there must be an inquest commitment to investing in public ophthalmology and public optometry and in closing the gap in indigenous eye health. That was optometrist latest move for expanded scope. Written by Rhiannon Bowman from Insight News.com Dot IQ on the 27th of September 2021. And that's all we have time for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision Talking Vision is a production of Vision Australia radio, thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And remember, we love your feedback and comments. You can contact us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

And now, before we go, a bit of news and information to finish up the program, this article is entitled Optometrist Latest Move for Expanded Scope. It was written by Rhiannon Bowman from Insight News.com to a year on the 27th of September 2021. In a new push for expanded scope of practice. Optometry Australia is calling for change in six areas, including oral medications and intravitreal injections, so the nation's underutilized optometric workforce can get to work tackling urgent eye health issues. Insight unpacks the organisation's care proposals. The peak professional body for optometrists has seized on the timing of an imminent federal election and the Aged Care Royal Commission's damning report to demand concerted action to address the nation's eHealth challenges. In July, Optometry Australia Olay released a new policy platform working together for better eye care, offering a stark reality check on Australian eHealth and practical methods to tackle some of the biggest issues. The organisation's national president, Mr Darrell Baker, says the skills of Australian optometrists continue to be quote seriously underutilized and quote compared to their counterparts in similarly developed nations. This view underpins the organisation's six key recommendations that will require a substantial and potentially controversial expansion of the current optometry scope to implement. He says there are many reasons for change. For example, public ophthalmology wait times in areas like cataract surgery are disappointingly long. Collaborative eye care remains in its infancy, and only about 50 percent of patients with diagnosed diabetes get access to the eye examinations they need. Whilst significant progress has been made, we have not closed the gap in indigenous health, with First Nations people three times more likely to be blind or visually impaired, and a tsunami of age related macular disease is rapidly approaching, he explains. The only way we can get on top of Australia's looming eye health crisis is for optometrists to be supported to practice to their full scope to enhance patient access and increase the efficiency of Australia's e-health system, he says, citing an overall lack of focus. But government, industry and health professionals on the fundamental importance of eye health as a public and population health issue. Ola is calling for urgent action. Australia has a clear choice as a nation. Either we give eHealth the priority it deserves or face a future, with increasing numbers of Australians unnecessarily having to live with the personal, social and economic impacts of blindness and vision loss. The organisations working together report says it concludes that timely implementation will remove bottlenecks, reduce wait times, prevent unnecessary blindness and vision impairment, and enhance the overall efficiency of the eHealth system. At the same time, there must be an inquest commitment to investing in public ophthalmology and public optometry and in closing the gap in indigenous eye health. That was optometrist latest move for expanded scope. Written by Rhiannon Bowman from Insight News.com Dot IQ on the 27th of September 2021. And that's all we have time for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision Talking Vision is a production of Vision Australia radio, thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And remember, we love your feedback and comments. You can contact us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org that's talking vision or one word at Vision Australia dot org. But until next week, it's bye for now.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six. That's one three eight four seven four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.

You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on 103000 eight four seven four six. That's one three eight four seven four double six or by visiting Vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia dot all.