2016Issue 59

Winter Edition

Inside Page 4-5: Important information about the 2016 CensusPage 6-7: News from Vicdeaf Page 8-9: News and stories from the community

CommunicateA newsletter for the Victorian Deaf and hard of hearing community

Telstra is listening!Vicdeaf has been talking to Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications provider, about providing better services for deaf and hard of hearing people.

The message is Telstra is listening! In support of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday 19 May, Vicdeaf and Telstra teamed up to provide Auslan interpreters at Telstra Discovery Stores in Melbourne and Sydney. In addition, Auslan teachers taught Telstra staff some basic Auslan so they were able to interact with deaf people.

R-L: Vicdeaf at a Telstra Discovery store in Melbourne; Auslan Teacher, Paula Thornton teaches a Telstra staff member some Auslan; two Auslan interpreters Jacinta Hossack and Mark Quinn with a Telstra staff member at the Sydney Telstra store. All photo sources: Vicdeaf.

Feedback from a Deaf customer via Facebook:

“We both were at Telstra with interpreters and it was fantastic. Got the best service we want. Thanks to Vicdeaf for providing interpreters. Without them we would be lost. Once again thanks to Vicdeaf, interpreters and Telstra too.”

Staff members at Telstra stores were very excited to be part of this and we received great feedback from over 40 customers who accessed Telstra services on the day.

Vicdeaf will continue working in partnership with Telstra to ensure the needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing people are better understood.

Vicdeaf is committed in ensuring telecommunication services is made accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

We welcome your input. If you would like to share your experiences and stories, please email Toni Rowe at tonir@vicdeaf.com.au

• TONI ROWE, PARTNERSHIPS AND

GROWTH MANAGER

Report from the CEO

Welcome to this edition of Communicate.

As we head into the final month of the 2016 financial year (and the first month of what looks to be a chilly winter!), Vicdeaf is continuing to prepare for the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the North Eastern Melbourne Area commencing on 1 July 2016. We are hosting various NDIS information sessions with the next session on Tuesday 21 June in South Morang. If you haven’t already, make sure you contact us for more information and assistance in understanding the NDIS and the services

Christine Mathieson

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we could provide to you.

We also recently shared more information with the community regarding co-location with Deaf Children Australia (DCA). You can see this update on the Vicdeaf website and Facebook page. Further updates will be provided following community consultations in early June where we have asked for your input on what programs, activities and services you would like in a Deaf Centre.

Update on Vicdeaf and Tasdeaf

Thursday 26 May 2016 marked an important date for the Tasmanian Deaf community and Vicdeaf. The members of Tasdeaf passed four special resolutions that effectively allowed Vicdeaf to govern Tasdeaf. Vicdeaf was approached by Tasdeaf late last year with their concerns about changes to government funding and the need to adapt for the NDIS. Vicdeaf feels strongly that our commitment to Deaf identity, participation and inclusion meant that working with Tasdeaf naturally aligned to our organisation values. It is a significant commitment to support the Tasmanian Deaf community, and with our larger infrastructure and services we believe Vicdeaf can support and potentially grow services in Tasmania.

Already our involvement has meant two Auslan teachers from Hobart are participating in the TAE training at Melbourne Polytechnic. It is a part of our commitment to increase training and

capacity for the community. An increase in qualified Auslan teachers will lead to more Auslan learning opportunities for the wider community. In addition, during a number of visits to Tasmania in the last few months, we have identified that the community would like to strengthen services for families and for youth.

At the recent General Meeting where the resolutions where passed, Brendon Cornelius (Tasdeaf Board Director) was recognised as a life member. The Tasdeaf Board have worked consistently and with great commitment to secure a future for Tasdeaf, and we thank them for their tireless work and passion for the community.

Tasdeaf services and operations remain the same, with one exception that the role of CEO has ceased. A local team leader will be appointed and overall management will occur from Melbourne, with our staff visiting and the Tasdeaf staff coming to Melbourne where necessary.

Vicdeaf is thrilled to be accepted by the Tasmanian Deaf community and we look forward to working together and servicing the needs of the local people.

With all of this exciting change in the air, I look forward to updating you in our spring edition.

Until next time.

• CHRISTINE MATHIESON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Above: Members of the Hobart Deaf community met with representatives from Vicdeaf. Photo source: Vicdeaf.

Sophie Li

Editorial PolicyCommunicate is published four times a year. Reader contributions are greatly welcomed. Articles must relate to Deaf and hard of hearing issues.

All contributions, once submitted, become the property of Communicate.

The editor reserves the right not to publish or to edit any article submitted for publication. All editing shall strive to remain true to the spirit of the original article.

Opinions expressed (except in articles that are signed in an official capacity) are those of the author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the editor or by Vicdeaf.

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Submission deadlines for 2016 Wednesday 14 September Tuesday 8 November SUBMISSIONS WELCOME Email info@vicdeaf.com.au

www.facebook.com/Vicdeaf

www.twitter.com/Vicdeaf

www.youtube.com/InfoVicdeaf

www.linkedin.com/company/vicdeaf

www.instagram.com/vicdeaf_goes_visual

From the EditorThe past two months has been action packed with lots of events and celebrations for many Deaf, hard of hearing and interpreters in Victoria. I am delighted to have captured a small ‘snapshot’ of these events and celebrations to share with you all in this newsletter.

July is an exciting time for me. I will be travelling to the United States of America with two friends for five weeks. The main

highlight of our trip will be to visit the 2016 DeafNation World Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can find out more about the expo here: http://deafnation.com/dnexpo

I hope to update you all upon my return about my experience at this world expo. I have also heard that there will be a few Aussies going to this expo as well!

Change to email and save a tree!As always, if you are as keen as I am on reducing paper, you can email me a request to receive Communicate via email at info@vicdeaf.com.au.

Another reason to switch: you will be the first to receive Communicate, as printing and mailing takes time once it is completed.

If you want to keep up to date more regularly, you can follow us on any of the social media platforms, see the right column on this page.

• SOPHIE LI EDITOR

Communicate is going quarterly

Starting now, Communicate will be released every 3 months (quarterly). If you wish to receive more regular updates from Vicdeaf, please sign up to our monthly e-news, Under the Gaslight, here: http://bit.ly/1SMd7Ny

Communicate is going quarterly. Be sure to subscribe to receive your copy.

Deaf History videosNew deaf history videos are now released on the Vicdeaf YouTube Channel. We are delighted to have released more historical film footages made in the Victorian deaf community from 1900s to 1980s. We now have 17 videos available, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers.

We aim to release more in the coming months, so if you are interested in deaf history, ensure to check our YouTube Channel regularly. You can watch them here: http://bit.ly/1UeK71g.

Above: a still image of the interstate Redman Shield Football Match in 1969 played between Victoria and South Australia. Photo source: Vicdeaf.

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2016 Census – Our moment to pause and make a difference

On the night of August 9, everyone in Australia has the opportunity to pause and make a difference to the nation’s future.

Every five years the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) counts every person and household in Australia. In 2016, the Census will count close to 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people, the largest number counted to date.

This year, the ABS is changing the way Australians do the Census – making it quicker, easier and cheaper for everyone to be involved. More than 65 per cent of Australia’s population is expected to complete the Census online.

From 1 August, most households will receive a letter in the mail with an unique login code and instructions on how to complete the Census online.

If you are unable to complete the Census online or would prefer to complete a paper form, you can contact the Census Inquiry Service and ask for a Census paper form to be posted to you.

So we get a clearer picture of your needs, it is important for deaf and hard of hearing people to identify Auslan as your language on the Census form and to complete the questions on needing help with communication activities if relevant.

The data collected from the Census helps community o r g a n i s a t i o n s , governments and businesses to plan for services and facilities, such as housing, healthcare and special assistance programs. The information people provide is crucial in making a difference to our future. It is important that questions on the Census form are completed accurately and in full.

Support is available for anyone who needs help completing the Census. Deaf or hard of hearing people can contact the Census Inquiry Service through the National Relay Service.

The Census Inquiry Service will be open from 22 July until 30 September 2016 from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm AEDT.

For more information, go to www.census.abs.gov.au or call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 214 531.

Important Information about the 2016 Census

For deaf and hard of hearing people, if you see the question on your Census form, “Does the person speak a language other than English at home?”, mark “Yes” then under the “Other (please specify)” field, write or type ‘Auslan’.

Also, if you need help with communication activities, please make sure you complete those questions accurately.

Videos of each question in Auslan will be available on the Census website, go to www.census.abs.gov.au

There is also information available in Auslan about the Census and how to fill in your Census form.

An example of the letter you will receive in the mail from August 1. Inside the letter will be instructions on how to complete the Census online. All photo sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics

More people will be completing their Census form online this year.

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Hearservice now offers support to Pensioners

Hearservice is now registered to provide services under the Office of Hearing Services Voucher Scheme. This means that we can now help you if you are on a pension or from an NDIS-eligible region. We are excited that we are now able to extend our offer of excellent services to more people.

Are you eligible? You are eligible for the government voucher scheme if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, are 21 years or older, and have a:

• Pensioner Concession Card

• DVA Gold Card

• DVA White Card - includes Specific to Hearing Loss

• Health Care Card - Sickness Allowance only

You are also eligible if you are:

• a dependant of one of the above card holders

• a current member of the Australian Defence Force (including Reserves in continuous full-time service)

• referred by Disability Employment Services (DES)

• referred by National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

For more information or to make an appointment, contact hearservice on 1300 30 20 31 or visit www.hearservice.com.au

(includes Specific to Hearing Loss) (Sickness Allowance only)

Thelma Spicer celebrates her 100th birthdayThelma Spicer (formerly Miss Thelma Ward) reached her amazing milestone turning 100 on Monday 30 May. She was a headmistress (Principal) at the Princess Elizabeth Junior School, PEJS (formerly Princess Elizabeth Kindergarten, PEK) in Burwood from 1950 to 1976. She had been working with the VSDC, (Victorian School for Deaf Children) for 42 years. She loved her job teaching many Deaf children. She has a great reputation that was recognised by hearing and Deaf communities throughout not only Australia but also the entire world. She did receive a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen in 1953.

On Sunday 29 May, an afternoon tea was held to celebrate Thelma’s 100th birthday at her nursing home in Brighton. Those who attended included a small group of old friends including two old teachers and 10 Deaf ex-pupils. Thelma was so delighted to see her old ex-pupils! When my Deaf sister, Julie approached her, she asked “where is your brother, Chris?” She still remembers me so well. She can vividly remember each and every one of us when we were pupils many years ago at PEK. Also she told funny stories about us, both good and naughty! Also when she met the two Deaf twins, Ron & Rod, she gave them a kiss on their cheeks which left red lipstick marks. That reminded me that she was so famous for her red lipstick marks on many Deaf children’s cheeks over those many years. She had no children of her own but always said, “All Deaf children are my children”. She looks amazing and beautiful at 100 years of age; she has a very sharp mind and shared some witty jokes that brought a smile to our faces.

On behalf of the Deaf community, I want to say “thanks a million” to Thelma for her wonderful attitude, respect and love of many Deaf children. A very happy 100th birthday to you, Thelma!

Also I would like to say thanks very much to Auslan Connections who provided Auslan interpreters to facilitate communication on the day.

• CHRISTOPHER DUNN

Above: Ten Deaf ex-pupils attended Thelma’s 100th birthday. Below: Thelma with her sister. All photo sources: Christopher Dunn

Organisation of the Year: Vicdeaf

At the Deaf Community Awards Night, Vicdeaf was presented with the Organisation of the Year award in recognition for launching the Deaf Emergency Information project. The project was funded by the State Government’s Regional Development Victoria. Led by Dr Gabrielle Hodge, this project saw the creation of 27 Auslan videos aimed at equipping Deaf and hard of hearing people to prepare, act and respond to different types of emergency situations. These videos were uploaded on a new website – www.deafemergencyinfo.com.au – and was launched in October 2015.

This project received significant support from no less than 60 individuals ranging from video presenters, consultants, staff from various emergency service providers such as CFA, MFB, SES, EMV and DHHS, and Deaf community members, particularly in Morwell, all of which we want to thank for their support and commitment to this invaluable project.

Congratulations to Deaf Victoria and Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria for hosting a successful evening. Vicdeaf was proud to be a sponsor on the night!

• BRENT PHILLIPS GENERAL MANAGER - COMMUNITY AND LANGUAGE SERVICES

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Recently, Bendio Art Gallery, Twentieth Century Fox and deafaccess Victoria organised Auslan interpreted tours for the Marilyn Monroe exhibition.

The exhibition was at the Bendigo Art Gallery. It was attended by nearly 50 people, including the local Bendigo Deaf community as well as people from Melbourne and regional Victoria. After the exhibition, they all enjoyed lunch in groups at different cafes and pubs all over Bendigo.

If you live in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria and would like to join future events for deaf and hard of hearing people, please email Kim Muller at kmuller@bendigohealth.org.au.

• KIM MULLER

DEAFACCESS VICTORIA - LODDON MALLEE

Auslan Tour - Marilyn Monroe

Above: the Marilyn Monroe exhibition included Auslan interpreted tours for the local deaf and hard of hearing people. Photo source: Kim Muller.

Above: nearly 50 people attended to learn more about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Photo source: Kim Muller.

Left to right: Gabrielle Hodge, Brent Phillips and Christine Mathieson accepted the award. All photo sources: 123photobooth.

Above: Vicdeaf board members, staff and volunteers were delighted to receive the award from Deaf Victoria.

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Deaf community attends NDIS Information night

Trivia Night for Vicdeaf Heroes

On the evening of Wednesday 25 May, some members from the deaf community braved the cold wind and rain to attend the NDIS Information Night hosted by Vicdeaf. The event was held at Preston Neighbourhood House in Preston and targeted deaf people and their families living in the North Eastern Melbourne Area (NEMA). The NDIS will become available in NEMA on 1 July 2016.

Kim Kavanagh (Program Manager – Individual Supports at Vicdeaf) talked about what is the NDIS, and how you can apply for the NDIS. Other Vicdeaf staff members Maxine Buxton, Pina Franco, Michael Parremore and Victoria Tanner-Dench all talked about what products and services Vicdeaf can provide with funding from the NDIS. This gave the audience something to think about their needs when preparing their very first NDIS Plan.

After a ten-minute break, the information session changed to a panel type Q&A session, where members of the deaf community asked Vicdeaf about the NDIS and their services.

After the evening, deaf people and Vicdeaf staff stayed back for some further Q&A and networking.

On Friday 3 June, Vicdeaf staff members, Matthew Munro and Teale Nicholls, held an ‘Everyday Heroes’ Trivia evening to raise funds for their run for Run Melbourne.

Over 100 people crammed into JML Centre to support Matt and Teale, play trivia and raise funds for a great cause, Vicdeaf!

It was great to see such a variety of people supporting Vicdeaf; Deaf, hearing, interpreters, CODAs, Vicdeaf staff, Auslan students, family and friends!

The Trivia champions for the evening were ‘Quizzing Me Softly’, SensWide’s table! Congratulations SensWide on your magnificent win!

Thank you to all who came along and made the night so much fun. We raised a total of $4,168 for Vicdeaf which is an absolutely amazing effort for this event!

• TEALE NICHOLLS

Vicdeaf will be holding another information session for deaf people and their families living in NEMA, at South Morang on 21 June 2016.

For any questions about the NDIS, contact Vicdeaf via email: ndis@vicdeaf.com.au or SMS: 0412 219 636 or visit the Vicdeaf Preston office on Tuesdays 9.30am-3.30pm at 426 High Street, Preston (previously a SensWide Employment office).

• MICHAEL PARREMORE NDIS PROJECT OFFICER

Kim explains to the audience how to apply for the NDIS. Photo source: Vicdeaf.

Top: The ‘Deaf Expect Anything Free’ trivia team enjoyed the night.–––– Above: Vicdeaf staff get into the mood of a Friday night trivia. Left: The best dressed team on the night were ‘My drinking team has a trivia problem’ Photo source: Matt Munro and Teale Nicholls

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News and stories from the community

You can keep up to date with what is happening around Victoria by visiting our website

Deaf Victoria and Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria: Deaf Community Awards Night

Deaf Victoria President, Marnie Kerridge, awards Joanne Heyman ER Noble’s Deaf Person of the Year for 2015. Photo source: 123photobooth.

What a night to celebrate the talents and service of the Deaf community!

Deaf Victoria and Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria hosted the Deaf Community Awards on Friday 29th April 2016 at Richmond Football Club. After three long months of planning and organising, the successful evening went off without a hitch. Over 120 people helped celebrate the nominees and the winners of the awards. A huge thank you to Sherrie Beaver of Deaf Victoria, James Hale and Debra Swann of Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria for organising this wonderful event.

Entertaining throughout the evening, Andrew Welshe and Kate Frost MC’d and they did an amazing job leading the events. We also had the opportunity to invite Aunty Di Kerr to do a Welcome to the Country, and the Djirri Djirri Aboriginal Dancers to dance and allow everyone to feel safe on traditional land.

We say thank you to the sponsors; Vicdeaf, Deaf Children Australia, Department of Human & Health Services, Auslan Services, Deaf Victoria, Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria, Deaf Indigenous Community Consultancy, and Able Australia.

Congratulations to the winners of the following awards categories:

DEAF SENIOR OF THE YEAR: Stan BatsonDEAF YOUTH OF THE YEAR: Caitlin JohnsonORGANISATION OF THE YEAR: VicdeafDEAF PERSON OF THE YEAR – ER NOBLE: Joanne HeymanDEAF JUNIOR ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR: Tiffany BrodieDEAF SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR: Victorian Mens TenPin BowlingDEAF COACH OF THE YEAR: Robyn LarkinDEAF SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR – ADAM MUIR: Samuel CartledgeWe look forward to seeing what Deaf people will achieve in 2016/2017!

• SHERRIE BEAVER DEAF VICTORIA VICE PRESIDENT

ASLIA Vic 30 Year Birthday CelebrationSaturday night 14 May saw over 100 people gather in the historic surrounds of the North Melbourne Meat Market to enjoy a fabulous tribute to the achievements of ASLIA Vic over the last 30 years.

The night had all the hallmarks of a great 30th Birthday party: a beautiful cake, delicious food, a well stocked bar (run by the WFD Youth raising money for their biennial camp), a video presentation, and a room full of happy friendly people.

The current President, Julie Judd was the MC, introducing an array of speakers who told the story of 30 years of ASLIA Vic.

There were special tributes which recognised not only the pioneering work of John Lovett in the setting up of the association but also a song in memory of Deb Lummis and an award for the continuing work of Meredith Bartlett who has been on the Committee for all of the 30 years!

Above: a stunning cake was made especially for the occasion.

Of course there was entertainment thanks to Auslan Stage Left who provided wonderful snippets from Theatre interpreting performances along with dancing to complete the night. The most significant highlight was members of the Deaf community, interpreters, ASLIA Vic Committee members and family and friends just having a great time as they renewed old acquaintances, heard new stories and met new faces.

This event was made possible by our wonderful sponsors Vicdeaf, Auslan Connections, Auslan Services, Echo Interpreting, Deaf Victoria and the Melbourne City Council.

• SANDI LEANE, ASLIA VICTORIA

Left to right: Auslan interpreters Nicole Grenfell, Jacinta Hossack, Maxine Buxton, Marianne Bridge and Cheryl Sandilands enjoyed celebrating ASLIA Vic’s achievements. All photo sources: ASLIA Vic.

99www.vicdeaf.com.au and click on ‘Your Community’ to see the latest news, noticeboard and events.

For a few years, Conexu Foundation has worked closely with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in making major exhibitions accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people via their OpenAccess Tours app.

Recently, Conexu Foundation has been working with NGV to include a Deaf tour guide for the major exhition: the Andy Warhol and Ai Wei Wei exhibition. The Auslan tours were led by Luke King, who is a Deaf artist and studied Bachelor of Fine Arts.

This is a first in Australia to have a Deaf guide at a major cultural venue. Luke guided tours in February, March and April this year. There has been huge interest in Luke’s Auslan tours: over 40 people attended the April tour. Deaf students and Deafblind groups also visited the Andy Warhol and Ai Wei Wei exhibition and enjoyed the Auslan tour.

Arts Access Victoria (AAV) has also been working with NGV to continue improving access and is looking forward to the next major winter exhibition featuring the famous French impressionist artist, Edgar Degas, starting 24 June 2016.

• PHIL HARPER COMMUNITY LIAISON MANAGER, CONEXU FOUNDATION

Luke’s experience as a Deaf guide at NGV“The Andy Warhol /Ai Wei Wei exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of the biggest hits in Victoria because two world famous artists works were shown to the public.

Everyone was excited about this. Being able to deliver an Auslan tour at the NGV exhibition is one of the most privileged experiences I have ever had. I jumped at the opportunity and grabbed it with my own hands. I’m very proud of this. My experience about being involved in the Auslan tour include being able to interact with a whole diversity of Deaf people.

The experience for them is like a cup of water (art/idea) in the hot desert (lack of access/lack of knowledge) and the cup is to enlighten them and quench their thirst for information. I was able to adjust to different levels of Auslan language to ensure the tours were accessible. I’ve learnt so much from everyone! This unique program has been available in Europe, UK and the US and I’m pleased to have this program available for Deaf people in Victoria. I hope this will expand throughout around Australia.”

• LUKE KING, DEAF ARTIST

Auslan Tour at National Gallery of Victoria

Left: Luke King explains Ai Wei Wei’s artwork. Middle: OpenAccess Tours app is free to download and watch via WIFI in National Gallery of Victoria. Right: Luke King guides over 40 people in one of the tours. All photo sources: Conexu Foundation.

Sydney Deaf Rugby League Football Club is hosting our

SPECIAL 50 YEARS CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

on Saturday 29 October 2016from 11.00am to 5.00pmat Bankstown Sports Club

8 Greenfield Parade Bankstown, NSW 2200

Major Event too good to be missed!

* *

**

SYDNEY DEAFRUGBY LEAGUE

1966-2016 SDRLFC50SDRLFC50

Event Ticketing via Eventbrite:

https://deafrugbyleagueparty.eventbrite.com.au

Please go to next page for full details of SDRLFC50 Celebratory Luncheon Function & Travelodge Bankstown

accommodation room bookings.

Sydney Deaf Rugby League The time has come to take a trip down the memory lane and celebrate our 50th year celebration luncheon with the Sydney Deaf Rugby League Football Club (SDRLFC).

What’s on? • Two rugby matches• Large displays of filming• Photos of Deaf Rugby League history • Deaf Footy Show and many more!

Date & Time: Saturday 29 October 2016, 11am - 5pm.

Cost: $60 per person.

Go here for full information: http://bit.ly/1swOLSE

Sydney Deaf Rugby League Football Club is hosting ourSPECIAL 50 YEARS CELEBRATION LUNCHEONon Saturday 29 October 2016from 11.00am to 5.00pmat Bankstown Sports Club8 Greenfield Parade Bankstown, NSW 2200

Major Event too good to be missed!

**

**

SYDNEY DEAFRUGBY LEAGUE1966-2016 SDRLFC50

SDRLFC50

Event Ticketing via Eventbrite: https://deafrugbyleagueparty.eventbrite.com.auPlease go to next page for full details of SDRLFC50 Celebratory Luncheon Function & Travelodge Bankstown accommodation room bookings.

Left: Sydney Deaf Rugby League Football Club Logo. The club was established in 1966. Right: Photo of team at SDRLFC. All photo sources: Sydney Deaf Rugby League Football Club.

Marketing and Engagement update

Communicate

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Communicate and Under the Gaslight

Name:

Email Address:

Communicate is a bi-monthly newsletter available via email in PDF format or post. It is a source of news and information for deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria.

Under the GaslightUnder the Gaslight is a monthly newsletter sent by email. It is an excellent source of upcoming events and important information.

Fill in this form and post this to: Communicate Editor, Level 4, 340 Albert St, East Melbourne VIC 3002 or you can subscribe on www.vicdeaf.com.au.

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If you wish to receive Communicate via post, please contact Vicdeaf.

Gill Victor

We’ve been preparing for the NDIS for a long time, and we’re ready to ensure that you get the most out of what you can from the NDIS.

This is our symbol to tell you that we will work with you to provide trusted support through the NDIS.

It means that Vicdeaf is committed to supporting you to:

• Understand what the NDIS is• Know if you can get NDIS support; and• Help you access the NDIS.

The NDIS is here to make people who are Deaf or hard of hearing:

• Feel supported in your life, work & studies• Be more active and participate in your community; and• Communicate better with other people

Vicdeaf provides services to Deaf and hard of hearing people across case management, independent living skills,

Do you have what it takes?Vicdeaf are taking part in Run Melbourne and we invite you to be a Vicdeaf Hero! Whether you run or walk, as a Vicdeaf Hero you will help us work towards an accessible, inclusive society where people have equal opportunity in all areas of life.

We are very excited to have fifteen Vicdeaf Heroes so far and there is still time for you to join us!

• Sign up for either the 5km, 10km or half marathon here: http://bit.ly/1TrJBBG. • Or support a Vicdeaf Hero: http://bit.ly/1NFLpGc.

We have already raised $2,675.65 of our $20,000 fundraising goal, so we are well on the way.

One of our Vicdeaf Heroes Al Stoiche has almost reached his goal of $1,000 - and usually he only jogs to the letterbox! Watch Al’s video – in Auslan and captioned here: https://youtu.be/Ga9BPvtc-B4.

Well done Al for being able to make this video in Auslan after only completing Vicdeaf’s Sign Language Levels 1 and 2 classes!

Our Vicdeaf Hero Support Crew would love to talk to you! Contact us on 03 9473 1111 or fr@vicdeaf.com.au.

interpreting and other communications access, workplace supports, devices and audiology support.

Vicdeaf is your NDIS partner and we look forward to talking to you more.

For more information contact us at email: ndis@vicdeaf.com.au or SMS: 0412 219 636

• GILL VICTOR, GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT

Support Tealehttps://runmelbourne2016.everydayhero.com/au/teale

SupportMatt

https://runmelbourne2016.everydayhero.com/au/

mattmunro

Do you know what this symbol means? If you are a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing, it means that Vicdeaf is here for you.

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National Relay Service (NRS)

Visit the NRS website www.relayservice.gov.au Call us on 03 8620 7155

Contact the SensWide Employment team

Online Enquiry

Visit www.senswide.com.au and submit an enquiry form to have us contact you

Skype chat in Auslan

Add us to your Skype account: senswide.employment

Website: www.senswide.com.auPhone: 03 8620 7155

Auslan Connections interpreters are offered:

• Regular professional development, both face-to-face and live-streamed

• Personalised support backed by a depth of community knowledge and an Employee Assistance Program

• A not-for-profit culture - we invest funds back into Deaf and Interpreting communities

Our commitment Provide high quality service to our clients.

Support our interpreters and help them perform confidently day to day.

Contact our friendly team to register with Auslan Connections today.

www.auslanconnections.com.au

Victorian Deaf Society Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002. TTY: (03) 9473 1199; Voice: (03) 9473 1111; Fax: (03) 9473 1122; Email: info@vicdeaf.com.au. Toll-free for country people: TTY: 1300 780 235; Voice: 1300 780 225.

Vicdeaf office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Regional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale and Wangaratta.

www.vicdeaf.com.au/Vicdeaf

/Vicdeaf

/InfoVicdeaf

/company/vicdeaf

/vicdeaf_goes_visual

Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club celebrates 135 years

According to old documents from the early 1900s, it was revealed that a Deaf cricket club came into existence following a general meeting on 2 November 1881, and regular cricket matches were played from the 1880/81 season. Fast forward to the year 2016, the same Deaf cricket club recently celebrated its 135th birthday celebration in fine style.

Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club held their 135 Year Celebration and Award Presentation luncheon on Sunday 22 May at The Savoy Tavern in Melbourne. The event was attended by around 60 people, with many as proud members of the club.

Ramas Rentelis was the MC and set the tone of the afternoon with his hilarious jokes and sharp wit. Guest speakers included life members Les Mansergh, Paul Williams and Chris Kenny who shared their stories from the 1960s to the 1980s. Past Secretary Julian Walsh also produced a stunning 13-minute video of the history of Deaf cricket, showing never before seen footage of our cricket heroes.

An awards presentation soon followed, with players of both teams from the 2015/16 cricket season winning trophies for best batting, bowling, fielding and much more. Everyone enjoyed the vibrant and happy atmosphere, with some staying until late on Sunday night.

Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club are looking for more players to join the club and play cricket for the next season 2016/17.

Above: 20 year old Daniel Aitken receives a best bowling award from President James Blyth. Photo source: Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club.

Cricket training will start in August with matches starting in October. If you are interested, contact the Club Secretary on melbournedeafcricket@gmail.com

• MICHAEL PARREMORE

The audience looks on while Life Member Chris Kenny shares funny cricket stories. Photo source: Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club.