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Paul Hedley’s incredible passion and efforts to support people who are blind or have low vision have seen him awarded with a 2025 Vision Australia Award.

Paul’s contributions to the blind and low vision community come in many forms. Most notably is his prominent involvement in our Client Reference Group (CRG) from 2017 until 2024, and ongoing support of our Quality Living Program, which is often the starting point for a many Vision Australia clients on their vision loss journey.

For Paul, the Award came as a surprise despite his years of support for Vision Australia.

“I was surprised; it came from nowhere. I was very humbled and honestly nothing like that was on my radar. It’s not something I did for the award. My passion pushed me into doing the things I did,” Paul said.

Paul, middle, accepts his Vision Australia Award from Vision Australia CEO David Williamson, left, and outgoing Chair Bill Jolley, right.
Paul, middle, accepts his Vision Australia Award from Vision Australia CEO David Williamson, left, and outgoing Chair Bill Jolley, right.

Reflecting on his involvement in the CRG and support of the Quality Living Program, Paul is proud to have been able to make such a difference, both in the lives of individual clients, but also as a representative of the blind and low vision community.

“When I joined the CRG in 2017, the way that it was utilised was very different to how it is today. I, along with some of the other senior CRG members, I suppose were encouraging Vision Australia to use the CRG in a more productive way.

“We got to show through actions, such as getting the charter changed, that the CRG can make a difference.”

The support offered through the Quality Living Groups is something that has always been near and dear to Paul, as it helped him immensely when he began his own vision loss journey.

“Through my notoriety of being in the CRG, I helped raise awareness and improvement for the Quality Living Program.

“For me, that emotional support when losing my vision 10 years ago was a life changer and helped me move forward in life. It was close to my heart, and I wanted to make sure the services offered succeeded and exceeded people’s expectations.”

Now retired, Paul has recently moved to a smaller coastal town and spends his time working in his garage on restoring cars, a longtime passion of his, while also still devoting time to volunteering in other capacities.

The Vision Australia awards were first handed out in 2006 to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who contribute their time and resources to support the work of Vision Australia and the wider blind and low vision community.