April marks the start of a significant program of military commemorations in Australia and overseas, with 2018 culminating in the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Vision Australia has long delivered support and care to the veterans community and, as Australia's leading Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provider of blind and low vision services, we offer our thanks and recognition to all those who have served our country.
Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton expressed the deepest appreciation of the historic ties between Vision Australia and the support offered to Australia's veterans through our 150 years of history.
"We have always been there for those veterans and their families who lost their sight through service to their country and today offer our thanks through a series of special veteran services," Mr Hooton said.
To commemorate Anzac Day this year, Vision Australia Radio (VAR) and Library services will present special Anzac Day commemorative programs in the week preceding 25 April 2018. This includes a special edition of Cover to Cover (VAR Melbourne): Poems from 'Soldier Songs from ANZAC' by Signaller Tom Skeyhill who was blinded at Gallipoli in May 1915. The poems will be read by Mike Cannon and Tim McQueen in a special Anzac Day edition on Friday 20 April at 8pm, repeated Sunday 22 April at 1:30pm.
The Vision Australia Library will be listing additional books relating to the First World War on the Library news page and are taking the opportunity to highlight that the rental of the DAISY audio players is free for DVA Gold Card holders.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester encourages all Australians to attend the domestic and overseas commemorations throughout 2018 to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have fought to defend our country in all wars and peacekeeping operations.
"It is always a moving experience to attend a commemorative service in Australia and a truly memorable experience attending a service overseas where Australians actually fought," Mr Chester said.
"As the last year of the Anzac Centenary, 2018 is an important year for Australians to commemorate those who have served our country and to learn about Australia's military history so that it is remembered for generations to come."
Other VAR shows focusing on Anzac Day include:
- Talking Tech (VAR Melbourne) - exploring how technology is assisting DVA customers – Tuesday 24 April at 4.30pm.
- Talking Vision (VAR Melbourne) - featuring interviews and segments highlighting Anzac Day for programs on Wednesday 18 April and Wednesday 25 April.
- Hear This (VAR Melbourne) – featuring an interview with Barry Heard author of ‘Well Done Those Men' about his experiences during and after the Vietnam War. Barry explains how he came to research the Light Horse Brigade and what these horses endured on the battle fields and a sample of The Great Adventure : New Zealand Soldiers Describe the First World War – Friday 20 April at 3pm.
- Leisure Link (VAR Adelaide): looking at interviews and segments focusing on recreational and leisure activities for former and current blind and low vision soldiers that has a positive effect on quality of life and mental health - Saturday 21 April 5pm.
- Focal Point (VAR Adelaide) - speaking to a former soldier with low vision, sharing their story - Wednesday 25 April 7.15pm.
- The Remarkables (VAR Geelong) - interviewed Kirby Stocks, a former Australian army corporal who kayaked across Bass Strait in aid of raising funds for support dogs for army PTSD sufferers. Podcast here.
For more information about Anzac Day commemorations visit here.
For more information about Vision Australia Radio please visit and for information on Vision Australia Library services visit here.