A $174,000 WA Government grant to provide new equipment for the Vision Australia Radio studios in Perth will strengthen the vital service and give people who are blind or have low vision the opportunity to learn valuable skills to build a career, Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton said.
The Lotterywest grant will assist Vision Australia Radio (VAR) in their move from temporary studios at Edith Cowan University to purpose-built studios at Vision Australia’s Perth’s headquarters in West Leederville.
“This will mean more Perth VAR programming and helps Vision Australia become an employment hub for WA people who are blind or have low vision," Mr Hooton said.
"We’re grateful to Lotterywest, Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson and the WA Government for this generous grant.
“VAR provides an incredibly important service to people who are blind, have low vision or have a print disability, with a range of specialist programs and readings of the day’s news from local, metropolitan and national newspapers.
“Our VAR staff and our many dedicated volunteers will have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to produce more local programs and VAR will be located together with Vision Australia’s rapidly growing team of specialists.”
Mr Hooton said this includes Vision Australia’s Disability Employment Service team, which may be an advantage for job seekers from the blindness and low vision community.
”The expansion of local programming will give more people who are blind or have low vision the chance to get essential workplace skills as volunteers with VAR in office and other roles that will support them to build a fulfilling career.”
Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services Manager Conrad Browne said the grant would help VAR to buy and install much needed new broadcasting equipment.
“Once we re-locate, our new studios give us the capacity for us to expand Perth-based programming to 45 hours a week. That’s more Perth news, programs and information for our growing listenership here in the West. We’re thrilled about the possibilities.” Mr Browne said
Lotterywest CEO Susan Hunt PSM said: “Lotterywest is committed to investing in causes that support an inclusive and thriving community for all Western Australians.
“The new facilities will enable Vision Australia Radio Perth to deliver its audience more locally based programs, and valuable opportunities through broadcasting, including career building skills.”