Today we say adieu to the ‘queen of audio description’ Marjorie West.
‘Marj’, as she was affectionately known, had a long association with Vision Australia Radio, was a staunch supporter of Vision Australia’s fundraising efforts and was instrumental in developing the Audio Description program that provides access to the arts world for people who are blind or have low vision. She was awarded an Order of Australia for her volunteer work with Vision Australia and the Girl Guides in January 1984.
Marj was recruited as a volunteer by the Association for the Blind to assist in the very early days of Radio 3RPH (now Vision Australia Radio). Here she remained for some 30 years.
Former Vision Australia Radio station manager Stephen Jolley describes Marj as being supportive, wise, and helpful as an advocate for, and leader amongst, our hundreds of volunteers: “On Marj’s initiative I had the privilege of meeting many prominent Australians including: Sir Zelman Cowen, Tony Charlton, Kate Fisher, Bryce Courtenay and the unforgettable Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. I treasure the memories of these occasions, mindful of the benefits of such life experiences.”
Through her drive and passion Marj meticulously recruited and trained a workforce of audio describers, developed long lasting relationships with theatres in Melbourne earning great respect within the organisation and our external partners.
Marj was there for the very first audio described play, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, on 12 June 1991.
Clearly, Marj appreciated the importance of access to information in everyone’s life. She was mindful of the communications impact that accompanied loss of sight and strove to enhance independence and inclusion for all people with a print disability.
Marj has made an incalculable contribution to enriching the lives of countless Australians who are blind or have low vision.
May she rest in peace.