Every month more than 700,000 people all across Australia tune into Vision Australia Radio. Whether it be to hear what’s making headlines across the globe from the morning newspaper round up or to tuning in to relax and listen to the reading of a classic novel.
For many who are blind or low vision, our radio station is one of the only outlets for them to receive accessible, up-to-date and critical information for their day-to-day lives. For many with a print-disability reading the daily news is not an option and radio is the only accessible news source for them. But what would come as a surprise to many is only 36 percent of our listeners actually identify as living with disability.
We learnt more than ever over COVID-19 how truly important this service was too so many. Navigating a pandemic was not easy for anyone, but it was particularly scary for people in the blind and low vision community who did not have easy access access to information that was so vital at the time.
Caption: Volunteers are responsible for bringing much of Vision Australia Radio's content to air
To finding out the latest information about when and where to get tested, to simply staying connected with their local community, Vision Australia Radio has highlighted the importance and accessibility of free-to-air radio.
But it is no secret that the cost to provide ongoing segments on airwaves across the country is not a cheap operation. Each year it costs more than $2 million to keep Vision Australia Radio broadcasting.
Even with a significant amount of programming produced and presented by volunteers and existing government and commercial support, meeting those broadcast costs is challenging.
The dedication so many of our radio volunteers show is truly commendable. They pour thousands and thousands of hours into making our shows possible to improve the lives of so many people around the country.
One of our dedicated volunteers is Peter Greco, who is legally blind himself and has been with us and on your airwaves for 29 years.
Caption: From producing to presenting, volunteers do it all at Vision Australia Radio.
He started out as the weekly reporter for blind cricket but now produces and presents three programs that cover current affairs in the disability sector, advocacy campaigns, events, social justice. He even conducts a blindness-related interview each week with an interesting person within our blind and low vision community.
He is an example of one of our people who strive to make the lives of those in our blind and low vision community better every single day.
Every June we run our annual Radiothon event that aims to drive donations to keep this essential service rolling and keep people like Peter on air. Until June 30, all donations of more than $2 will be tax deductible.
This event is huge for us and we ask that you, your friends and your family support us if you can. Any donation, no matter how big or small, can make a massive difference.