Following on from the success of the Aboriginal Blind Persons Gathering in June 2017, Blind Citizens Australia in conjunction with the First Peoples Disability Network are proud to announce the second forum to be held on 4 December 2019, this time online or on the phone.

The historic gathering in 2017 was the first of its kind in Australia and discussions commenced regarding the formation of an Aboriginal Blind Persons Network. Aboriginal blind people came together to share their experiences and highlight the issues that place unnecessary burdens on their daily lives. In sharing their personal stories, the Aboriginal blind people’s gathering raised a broad range of issues.

It was identified that opportunities are limited for those living in regional and remote areas, and so the chance to find out about what is available and what is possible are scarce.

Taking this into consideration and allowing more people to attend, the 2019 forum will be held online or you can dial in. Attendees, even those who live remotely, will be able to use a computer to click on a link or dial in on their phone, and listen to speakers and to tell us their story. Attendees can also arrange to gather in a group where a group leader will log in online or dial in so everybody can listen and speak.

The forum will last approximately 2 ½ hours and will incorporate three speakers who will speak through the life stages of blind Aboriginal people: children accessing early intervention and education; a young adult moving into further study or the work force; and an older adult who has experienced changes in their vision or is engaging with the NDIS or MAC Systems.

The forum will be held on 4 December 2019 starting at 12.30pm NSW time  (12:00pm NT time).  Attendees will need to register for the event.  Please ring Blind Citizens Australia on 1800 033 660 or email [email protected] to register and receive the link and the phone number, or if you would like to set up a group.  Alternatively please email [email protected] for more information.

Disability Advocacy Service had its Annual General Meeting at the Andy McNeil Room, Alice Springs on 15 November 2019.

Thanks to Nicole Reedman who flew in from Brisbane and Coral Franklin who drove down from Tennant Creek.

Also thank you to our guest speaker Emma Williams

Community Kids Event

Join Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT) and Headspace Alice Springs in the school holidays as we celebrate and promote positive mental health in Alice Springs.

Wednesday 9th October 2019
11:30am – 1:00pm
Alice Plaza, next to the playground
Cost: FREE

See you all there!
For information ph: 8953 1467 or email: [email protected]

Jamal Ben Haddou – Centralian Advocate 2/8/2019

Appalling conditions in a public housing property have become so unbearable for an elderly Alice Springs woman that she would rather spend her day sitting out in the front yard.

Barbara Davis is a 76 year old lifelong resident of Alice Springs and has been living in her current home for 16 years.

She said the house has deteriorated overtime with wiring damaged by mice, cracks exposing the walls, mould, leakage from the ceiling and power blackouts during heavy rain.

Ms Davis, who is wheelchair bound, also suffers from kidney disease and said she is desperate to get out.

“The electricity isn’t safe. There was one time I got an electrical shock, it threw me backwards and I hit the wall behind me, “ she said.

Ms Davis receives some assistance from her partially blind grandson who carries her into the house because there is no wheelchair ramp.

“We can’t cook on the stove, it doesn’t work. But I get sandwiches after renal treatment,” she said. “I don’t like living here. I’ve wanted to leave for years.” Ms Davies said she has been waiting to be moved this year and has difficulty in making applications to the housing department on her own.

A spokesperson from the Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development said works were carried out on the property over the last year however they have determined a full refurbishment is needed instead.

“The Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development has determined a full refurbishment is an appropriate course of action, rather than ongoing maintenance, “ they said.

“This will require for the tenant to transfer to appropriate accommodation as it becomes available, to allow for full access to this site.”

Natasha Craigie-Braun is a relative of Ms Davies and said she broke down in tears when she saw the deteriorated house which she would instead expect to see in an impoverished remote community rather than Alice Springs.