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Category: Deaf Australia News
Announcement: Save the AGM 2024
Transcript
Hello, I'm Debra Swann, Chair of Deaf Australia.
This video is to announce ... SAVE THE DATE!. Deaf Australia will be having its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 3rd December 2024. It'll start at 7.30pm in Victoria and NSW; 7pm in South Australia; 6.30pm Queensland; 4.30pm in Western Australia.
Please put the date in your calendar. More information will be coming soon.
Interim CEO Update (17 October 2024)
Transcript
Transcript:
Hello, I’m *gives name sign* Shirley. My role here is that of a temporary CEO here at Deaf Australia. I wanted to create a quick video to share with you all, the deaf community, to thank you, members and the deaf community, for your support over the last few months and your patience too, knowing that Deaf Australia is experiencing a challenging period with the reduction in staffing and funding cuts (as previously reported). Thank you for your patience while we try to keep going. Now that I’m back, meaning that I will make sure that Deaf Australia continues to function and continue with our work in systemic advocacy.
We are aware of changes to the NDIS and with the paucity of information released. There were also gaps in information released about the response to the recommendations in the Disability Royal Commission reports, as well as the Disability Strategy Plan. While we are much reduced in staffing, we are determined to continue to release information so keep an eye out for that. Also, make sure you watch our postings about upcoming events; we will also have alternative opportunities to join Deaf Australia. I am excited about collaborating with you all again. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns relating to systemic advocacy, regardless of whether it’s national or state based. We will work to support however we can. I’m looking forward to sharing more information soon; keep watch on us! Thank you and bye!
VD: Shirley has black hair tied up and she is wearing a maroon cable jumper. She is standing in front of a creamy background and is communicating the above in Auslan.
DA Awards 2024 – Nomination Opens Now
Transcript
Hello. I’m Debra Swann, Chair of Deaf Australia
This is an announcement for nominations for 2024 Deaf Australian and Deaf Youth of the Year Awards which is now now open!
You can nominate a person who:
- Works tirelessly
- Passionate
- Actively engages with the community
- and supports the Deaf community.
The person can be either volunteer or employed. What’s important is that we nominate someone who is genuinely involved, passionate and supportive.
For more information including criteria is available on our website.
A range of achievements we can look at as well:
- Wonderful advocate for the Deaf community.
- Supports effective language development.
- Involved with events, creating social opportunities.
- Introduces new technology to make access easier.
- Development of program to enhance the skills of Deaf people.
There are examples to help you to think of someone to nominate.
Remember, there are two categories open for nominations!
- Deaf Australian of the Year
- Deaf Youth of the Year
Nominations close on 11th November 2024. Once when nominations have been received, we have received the nomination, the panel will assess them. Winners will be announced at our AGM on 3rd December 2024.
Get your nominations in!
CJA Lecture 2024 Announcement
Transcript
Hello everyone!
I'm Debra Swann, Chair of Deaf Australia.
First, I'd like to apologise for the error in my last video, where I incorrectly stated the date. My apologies.
We'd like to announce that this year's Colin Allen AM Lecture will be on Thursday 31st October 2024 at 7pm Melbourne time.
Who is this year's presenter?
Ashton Jean-Pierre will be presenting on his topic on this night.
More information including topic will come soon.
Save this date and keep your eye out for tickets!
Thank you!
Jen Blyth’s Update – 30 July 2024
Transcript
Hello, I’m Jen Blyth, CEO of Deaf Australia. I wanted to provide with you an update.
I’ve worked at Deaf Australia for the past 3 years. It has truly been an amazing experience to work with the Australian Deaf community across the country. This includes the Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing and Deaf and Disabled communities all over Australia. Building relationships with you all, including the First Nations Mob in Far North Queensland, with young Deaf people, the older Deaf community and everyone in between across the country. Also the many collaborations with various organisations, businesses, small businesses and a range of people and groups over the last 3 years.
In that time, we have achieved many things, including being a witness at the Disability Royal Commission, the Deaf Census, which is now available, E-learning training packages, multiple policies and submissions made, and partnering with organisations such as Deaf Connect for the Parliament Breakfast. There have been many achievements in the last 3 years, a long list, and that was all possible because of the wonderful team I’ve had with me here at Deaf Australia. I couldn’t have done my job without them. They are incredible. Also, Thank you to the Deaf community of Australia. Your feedback, both positive and negative has helped guide me and Deaf Australia to achieve many things. So thank you so much.
So earlier this year, in January I was presented with an opportunity to go overseas to the Solomon Islands to work with another Disability organisation there, and with the Solomon Island Deaf Community. I consulted with the Board, as I have the skills and experience that I can contribute as well as the desire to share with our Pacific neighbours. As the Solomon Islands are part of the WFD Oceania region. The Board approved my request, and I went to the Solomon Islands. I was away from February until June. I returned to Melbourne where the Board and I agreed that it was time to go our separate ways.
The Board will be looking ahead at things they can look to achieve with a new CEO. And I am going to follow my own path and do my own thing. I’m still around, I still welcome you all to contact me at any time. Also, you can still contact Deaf Australia too. As you know from the recent update, the team at Deaf Australia has reduced in size. For now, please understand that Deaf Australia and the board will be considering its future plans and how it will continue to achieve its outcomes for Deaf Community going forward.
I’m not going anywhere, I’m still living here in Melbourne, please reach out to me anytime.
Thank you and Goodbye.
Special General Meeting Notice
Attachments
Letter from Chairperson
Dear Members,
We are writing to inform you of a Special General Meeting that has been called by the Board of Deaf Australia. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on several important matters that will shape the future of our organisation.
Date: Thursday, 15th August
Time: 7:00 PM AEST
Location: Zoom
Agenda:
1. Vote on a special resolution to update the constitution of Deaf Australia
2. Consider a name change for the organization
3. Amendment to the 37th Annual General Meeting
4. Appointment of Prolegis Lawyers to oversee the process of applying on behalf of Deaf Australia
Please see the attached letter for detailed information regarding the Special General Meeting and the proposed updates to the constitution.
Your participation and input are crucial to the decision-making process, and we encourage all members to attend this meeting. Please mark your calendars and make every effort to register and join us on the specified date and time.
You can register and join the meeting by Zoom by using this link.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Deaf Australia.
Sincerely,
Debra Swann
Chairperson
Deaf Australia
Strategic Planning Update from Board – Filmed 9 June 2024
Transcript and visual descriptions
Debra
Visual description: A woman with dark coloured shoulder length hair, in a blue three-quarter sleeve blouse, with a tattoo on her right hand, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
Deaf Australia has had a productive two days. On Friday we had the Board and staff come together to reflect and celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the future of Deaf Australia. On Saturday the Board gathered to talk through the vision, goals and purpose of Deaf Australia. Here are some thoughts from Board members about our strategic planning weekend.
Sherrie
Visual description: A person with short dark coloured hair, wearing circle shaped glasses, in a green t-shirt with a printed image of their sign name, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
The last two days have been exciting. Plenty of seeds that will be spread throughout our community and as a result we will see individuals in our community thrive.
Susan
Visual description: A woman with short curly light-black coloured hair, wearing rectangle shaped glasses, in a navy woollen jumper, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
Over the weekend what stood out for me was the growth of Deaf Australia from just advocacy into other initiatives. Incredible.
Joanna
Visual description: A woman with long curly light coloured hair, wearing circle shaped glasses, in a black top, with large yellow and red shaped earings, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
Over the two days what I witnessed was the different changes being made. I am so excited to see Deaf Australia and the deaf community working together, for future success and growth. I am so excited.
Julie
Visual description: A woman with dark coloured hair tied behind her head, wearing rectangle shaped glasses, in a dark coloured t-shirt, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
Our strategic planning session was full of detailed conversation where we developed new goals within three areas. Are you wanting to know more details? Well, we will be sharing more information with you all soon.
Debra
Visual description: A woman with dark coloured shoulder length hair, in a blue three-quarter sleeve blouse, with a tattoo on her right hand, is standing against a light charcoal coloured wall, facing the camera, communicating in Auslan.
What an amazing weekend. The Deaf Australia Board now will be working hard to prepare and present, with feedback from you the deaf community, a plan that meets the needs of our community.
After 1 July Board Update
Transcript
Hello. Deaf Australia’s Board would like to give you an update about the changes happening from the 1st of July 2024.
You may be aware from Shirley’s recent update, that Deaf Australia’s funding has been reduced. This means that Deaf Australia’s workforce and operations will be significantly impacted.
Shirley will be finishing on the 28th of June, and Jen will be returning to work part-time on the 1st week of July. This means our capacity will be limited.
The board will look for new options forward by reviewing the funding and exploring additional income streams to keep Deaf Australia operating.
On Behalf of the board, I want to thank Shirley and the staff for all the wonderful hard work they have done at Deaf Australia. Thank you.
Visual description
Debra is wearing a long-sleeve grey shirt and standing in front of a plain grey background. She is signing towards the camera in a professional manner.
Funding Situation Update from 19 June
Transcript
Hello I’m Shirley, the acting CEO of Deaf Australia. Thank you all for your support and engagement with our video updates on the funding situation Deaf Australia is dealing with. We have been keeping track of your comments and questions on what will be happening as a result of these funding cuts. This video will provide you with an update.
As you would be aware, Deaf Australia is a member of the consortium with AFDO, Australian Federation of Disability Representative Organisations, there is a total of 7 member organisations as part of this consortium. Where we work together to lobby the government on disability specific issues, currently we are working together lobbying government on the reduction of funding, making government aware of the impacts this creates on our organisations, particularly our staff and operations. This reduction in funding severely restricts our capacity.
Deaf Australia applied for a core grant which we were not successful in receiving. But AFDO was successful in receiving a grant. This grant will be disbursed to all members of AFDO, this means Deaf Australia will receive $143,000 funding for one year. This funding will allow Deaf Australia to continue to employ some of our staff.
Deaf Blind Australia received no funding, they have now joined AFDO, and it has gone from 6 members to 7. Which means AFDO needs to negotiate with the government to increase the funding. We are hopeful Deaf Australia will receive $220,000 for one year, not $143,000. We are grateful for any increase.
AFDO are working hard on a campaign to increase awareness about this funding issue. AFDO are doing media interviews and meetings with the Government. Some organisations have been writing directly to Government Ministers, like Minister Rishworth and Minister Shorton, their Government departments look after various disability grants. Our focus is on the grants for DROs, Disability Representative Organisations, who do systemic advocacy.
Deaf Australia was not successful for ILC grants, which is a separate issue for us to respond to.
Our funding issue is time critical, as we are fast approaching the end of financial year. Deaf Australia is developing advocacy letters, and we would greatly appreciate your support. By downloading this advocacy letter, adding your details and sending to the Government Ministers. This will add pressure and highlight to the Government the important role of Deaf Australia and the work we do as a key advocate for our community. Such as advocate on issues related to our culture, language, and the important need for access. We appreciate your support. A link to our website will be made available this week for you to access and get more information.
Our team are currently very busy, wrapping up different projects as we approach the end of the financial year. The Board of Deaf Australia will be sharing more video updates in the coming weeks.
I would like to again thank you for your support while Deaf Australia responds to this funding issue. We appreciate your support as we do our best.
Thank you.
Visual description
A woman with black hair tied behind her head, in a blue long sleeve sweater, is standing against a cream-coloured wall, facing the camera and smiling. The content in the video is presented in Auslan, in a warm friendly and informative tone.
AIDE Toolkit Now Available online!
Transcript
Hello. Deaf Australia is excited to launch a new toolkit called AIDE toolkit. AIDE meaning Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. This toolkit can be used for deaf people, their friends/family, organisations, anyone that may benefit from, e.g., deaf advocacy, deaf awareness, improving accessibility in workplace, and other relevant areas. There are three areas the toolkit focuses on- legal, education, and health. That includes covering important issues relating to the three areas. For example, key issues relating to deaf educations are covered, including accessibility issues at school. There is both an AIDE Education Checklist and Guideline provided to ensure needs are being met.
Important to note that there are still some videos yet to be finished: the Literature Review, and the Deaf Census Report, including the infographic, visual representation of census data. Those videos are coming very soon. Still, at the moment, we would like to ask you to give it a try, have a look, and give us feedback on how we can do better with the toolkit. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us for potential future projects. Thank you!
Visual description
Josh is standing against a plain beige background and wearing a black shirt. He is signing in a professional and information manner towards the camera.
