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Event Information

We are thrilled to share that Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) will be hosting its 50th Anniversary Convention in Melbourne, Victoria from Friday, 13th June to Sunday, 15th June 2025. This momentous event marks five decades of BCA’s unwavering commitment to supporting Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

The convention will take place at the Novotel Glen Waverley, chosen for its accessible facilities, prime location and dedication to ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees. We are confident that this venue will offer the ideal setting for reflection, celebration and forward-thinking discussions about the future of the blind and vision impaired community.

This special anniversary convention will feature a dynamic program, including engaging speakers, informative sessions and ample opportunities for networking and celebration. Key moments will include the presentation of BCA’s ongoing advocacy achievements, discussions on future initiatives and reflections on the progress made over the past 50 years.

Below are the details regarding the costs for attending the convention, both in-person and online:

Full Convention (In-Person): $350
This fee covers access to all sessions, events and activities for the entire convention. It also includes the Saturday Convention Dinner. The Friday welcome function will include a selection of canapés. Drinks will be available at your own cost.
Day Registration (Saturday & Sunday): $140 per day
If you can only attend on specific days, day registration will be available for $140 per day, with a total of $280 for both Saturday and Sunday. Please note this does not include the Saturday Convention dinner.
Online Registration: $120
For those who are unable to attend in person, you can join us virtually for both days and the Convention dinner for $120.
Saturday Convention Dinner: $70

Register now

Note: We will once again be offering a “Buddy Program” to assist first-time attendees and more recent members in feeling more at home during the Convention. If you would like the benefit of a more seasoned buddy over the Convention weekend, please complete the relevant section of the registration form. Also, if you would like to act as a buddy during the Convention, please complete your details on the registration form.

BCA National Convention 2025 Program

Day One: Friday, 13 June 2025

6:00pm – 8:00pm Welcome Function (Foyer)

Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO, to open.

Day Two: Saturday, 14 June 2025

Master of ceremonies: Robyn McKenzie

Session One

Session Chair Vaughn Bennison, BCA President

9:25am – Convention Housekeeping

9:30am – Welcome

Vaughn Bennison, BCA President, welcomes us to the Convention and our 50^th anniversary celebration. We will hear from Martine Able-Williamson, President of the World Blind Union, about the role that organisations of People With Disability (OPD’s) such as BCA have played in improving the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired. Martine will acknowledge the considerable contribution of BCA members, David Blyth and Maryanne Diamond, in their respective roles as former World Blind Union Presidents. We will also be joined by other invited guests and dignitaries to join us in our celebrations.

9:35am – Welcome to Country and National Anthem

9:40am – Government official

10:00am – Martine Abel-Williamson (WBU President)

10:25am – Remarks from Vaughn Bennison, BCA President

10:40am – Roll call

10.55am – Nab, Blab & Audio Grab

11:00am – Morning Tea

11:30am – 1:00pm Session Two: The BCA origin story

Session Chair: Lynne Davis

This will include interviews and presentations from founding BCA members and leaders.

1:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch

2:00pm – 2:40pm Session Three: Blind Citizen’s Australian Eye to the Future Employment Project.

Together for change: Building inclusive workplaces for People who are blind or vision impaired. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring a range of speakers on creating inclusive workplaces. Hear practical insights, success stories, and strategies to build pathways to meaningful and inclusive employment, as well as hear about the recent work of the Eye to the Future employment project.

2:40pm – Nab, Blab & Audio Grab

2:50pm – 3:30pm Session Four: Self-Advocacy Success Stories

Martin Stewart will lead a panel discussion on the many ways members have advocated for themselves. We will explore some of the skills that lead to successful outcomes.

3:30pm – Afternoon Tea

4:00pm – 5:00pm Session Five: You Can’t Ask That – Panel question and answer session.

Based on the TV show of the same name, a diverse group of BCA members will be asked a set of probing questions about blindness, BCA and disability in general.

7:00pm – Convention Dinner

The Convention Dinner will provide a great opportunity to catch up with friends both old and new. The David Blyth award, BCA certificates of appreciation and Aspirations award presentations will once again be a highlight of the evening. We will also hear performances from some of BCA’s talented musicians and maybe there will be a few surprises along the way.

Day Three: Sunday 15 June 2025

9:00am – 9:45am Session Six: This is how we do it: What women do best, supporting, encouraging and connecting with each other.

The National Women’s Branch invites all women attending the convention to join this workshop to reflect upon and explore ways to encourage each other to embrace our unique abilities; support in building confidence and independence, as well as fostering meaningful connections within a supportive community.

9:50am – Housekeeping announcements

9:55am – Nab, Blab & Audio Grab

10:05am – 10:45am Session Seven: Support Workers and Us – The Changing Face of Independence

The National Disabilities Insurance Scheme and My Aged Care have enhanced our access to the community. Has this improved our independence, or has it added a layer of dependence? Join Emma Bennison in a conversation about the many ways we use support workers at home, at learning institutions, at work and in the community.

10:45am – Roll Call

11:00am – Morning Tea

11:30am – 12:10pm Session Eight: Life Hacks: What’s your secret?

Join in the group discussion as members share the tips or tricks they’ve found which make their lives that bit easier. High tech, low tech or no tech, we want to know what it is.

12:10pm – Nab, Blab & Audio Grab

12:20pm – 1:00pm Session Nine: Artificial Intelligence – the future of independence?

This session will explore the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Could AI fulfil its promise as the future of independence for people who are blind or vision impaired? How might we use it in the workplace, at home and out and about? What are its potentials – and what is the fine print? When might we use it and when should we exercise caution?

1:00pm – Lunch

2:00 – 2:50pm – Session Ten: Where are we now and how far have we come?

Many aspects of our lives as people who are blind or vision impaired are different now from what was experienced in 1975. Many of these changes are the result of BCA’s advocacy and campaigns, including some that were not immediately successful. What should we celebrate and what have we learned?

2:50pm – Nab, Blab & Audio Grab

3:00pm – Afternoon Tea

3:30pm – 4:30pm – Session Eleven: The Hypothetical

In this hypothetical we’ll transport ourselves to a BCA Board meeting in 2050, dealing with pending challenges, and testing the ability of the organisation to be stronger than ever. The session will be led by Graeme Innes who will pose some questions and scenarios to the expert panel who will take on the role of BCA Board members sitting at the table twenty-five years into the future.

4:30pm – 5:00pm – Session Twelve: Closing and Convention summary

Vaughn Bennison, BCA President and Deb Deshayes, BCA CEO, will close Convention.

5:00pm: Close

Register now

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance if provided will cover convention registration only. Full registration is priced at $350 and covers all sessions, daily catering and Saturday night dinner. Travel and accommodation are to be covered by the attendee.

Please call us on 1800 033 660 if you require assistance to complete this form. Support Applications are due by Monday, 31st March 2025.

Access the financial assistance form

Special Discounted Accommodation Rates Available

Discounted rates are offered for stays from Thursday, 12th June to Monday, 16th June 2025. Please note there’s a 7-day cancellation policy for these special rates. Book early to take advantage of these great deals.

Customer Code: SCP4410021

Access Code: BL633AU829

BOOK NOW

To book, select the destination and hotel name (Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley), enter your dates, and the special rates will be applied.

Alternatively, you can contact the reservations team at 03 8561 2345 or email keshia.congreve@accor.com.