2016Issue 57Jan/Feb

Inside Page 5: Midsumma Festival 2016Page 6-7: 2016 Australian Deaf Games Highlights Page 11: A New Smoke Alarm System

CommunicateA newsletter for the Victorian Deaf and hard of hearing community

Governor of Victoria visits Vicdeaf

On Thursday 28 January, Vicdeaf was privileged to host a visit by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, whom we are pleased to announce will be taking on the role of patron of Vicdeaf. The Governor met with Vicdeaf President Robert (Mac) Adam OAM who was accompanied by his wife Lorraine; Vicdeaf Board Director Peter Berg; CEO Christine Mathieson and the Vicdeaf Senior Management Team. The Governor was interested to hear about Vicdeaf’s long and rich history, deaf culture and community, as well as our ambitious new vision of access, inclusion and equal opportunity for our clients and community.

The Governor experienced first-hand how Vicdeaf’s Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) service works to support better access to

Auslan interpreters. Vicdeaf’s VRI service is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and is provided by Auslan Connections in collaboration with Deaf Services Queensland, so that we can provide the service nationally. For more information go to www.auslanconnections.com.au

The Governor popped in to the Deaf Seniors’ Club meeting at JML Centre before having a look at devices available from hearservice for Deaf or hard of hearing people, to support them in their everyday lives. These devices include smoke alarms, baby cry alarms, doorbells and telephones with amplifiers. For more information please see www.hearservice.com.au

The Governor showed great interest in our work and our community and we thank the Governor for her support.

• GILL VICTOR, GENERAL MANAGER MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

Above: The Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, with staff members at Vicdeaf. Below: Ken Griffiths greets the Governor. Bottom (left to right): The Governor is shown a letter from Helen Keller with Vicdeaf President Mac Adam and General Manager Marketing and Development, Gill Victor. All photo sources: Casamento Photography.

Report from the CEO

Welcome to the first edition of Communicate for 2016The year has only just started and we already have so much planned and on the go!

I want to start by thanking you for coming to the Vicdeaf Christmas Rally in December - over 450 people attended. It was wonderful to catch up with so many of you at the Christmas Rally at Hays Paddock. I hope that you and your families enjoyed the get-together as much as we did.

In January we enjoyed a visit to Vicdeaf by

Christine Mathieson

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the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AM. The role of Governor of Victoria has historically held the patronage of the Victorian Deaf Society. The Governor visited Vicdeaf to learn more about our vision for our community and our work. During her visit the Governor met with Vicdeaf President of the Board, Robert (Mac) Adam OAM and his wife Lorraine; Vicdeaf Board Director Peter Berg and the Vicdeaf leadership team. The Governor also visited the Deaf Seniors Club and was thrilled to see a letter that Helen Keller had written to the Society many years ago.

As always, we are committed to providing better services to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and have a number of major announcements to make:

Firstly, the Boards of Tasdeaf and Vicdeaf have started discussions about the integration of Tasdeaf’s service and business operations with Vicdeaf. We believe that by combining the strengths of our proud and long-serving organisations, we can ensure stronger and more extensive service delivery across Tasmania.

With a challenging environment and the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the pooling of our resources can lead to better outcomes for Tasdeaf’s clients and the Deaf community. We will be carefully looking at the best way of integrating our service provision and will

be holding community meetings to seek your input and providing more information in due course.

Secondly, 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.

As of 1 July 2016, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will roll out in the North Eastern Metropolitan region – including Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra. While we already provide services in the Barwon Region under the NDIS, our teams are busy ensuring that we can best meet the needs of our clients. We will provide information in Auslan on our website about the NDIS and will hold workshops to let you know more. To check regularly, please go to: www.vicdeaf.com.au/ndis

Alternatively, you can email us and ask for more information at: ndis@vicdeaf.com.au

I look forward to telling you more about our new ventures and extensions to our services as we go into the new year.

Until next time.

• CHRISTINE MATHIESON

Tasdeaf has been providing services for nearly 130 years, and has a long and rich history in promoting and supporting the language, heritage and culture of the Deaf community. Like Tasdeaf, Vicdeaf also share the same values and respect for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

The Boards of Tasdeaf and Vicdeaf have commenced discussions with the intention of making a plan for the future. As announced by Mac Adam; Vicdeaf Chairperson and Steve Hodgetts; Tasdeaf Chairperson; the boards of both organisations recognise and understand that retaining locally delivered services and support is important to the community and staff.

Vicdeaf together with Tasdeaf will soon be consulting with the Tasmanian Deaf community, clients community groups and partner organisations to get their views and ideas about what the future of Tasdeaf should be.

Vicdeaf and Tasdeaf Announcement

Regular updates will be posted to the Vicdeaf website and Facebook page. To see the announcement in Auslan or read the English statement please go to: www.vicdeaf.com.au

• TAMARA PEARCE

Vicdeaf President Mac Adam and Tasdeaf President Steve Hodgetts announce the news in Auslan. Photo source: Vicdeaf.

Sophie Li

Editorial PolicyCommunicate is published six 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 Thursday 24 March Tuesday 24 May Tuesday 26 July Tuesday 27 September Thursday 10 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

New Year, New Editorial Happy 2016Happy New Year! I sincerely hope many of you have had a great break over the Christmas and New Year period.

I recently visited China during Christmas and New Year and had many delicious dumplings - I almost became a dumpling myself!

Nevertheless, it was great catching up with family, visit new places and experience the beautifully diverse Chinese culture.

A new startA new year often means a new start. If there are any new skills or resolutions you want to achieve, now is a good time to do it. Beginning of the year is always the best time to try new things and meet new friends!

Why not receive the Communicate newsletter via email?As always, if you are as keen as I am on reducing use of paper and wastage, you can email me a request to receive the Communicate newsletter via email at info@vicdeaf.com.au. 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

Why not learn Auslan? We offer Auslan community classes all across metropolitan Melbourne and in regional Victoria.

Term Two dates: Monday 2 May – Friday 10 June 2016

Auslan Level One* Frankston Wednesdays, 4 May to 8 June 6 - 8pm

Ringwood Wednesdays, 4 May to 8 June 6 - 8pm

Footscray Wednesdays, 4 May to 8 June 6 - 8pm

St Kilda Thursdays, 5 May to 9 June 6 - 8pm

Preston Thursdays, 5 May to 9 June 6 - 8pm

Geelong Thursdays, 5 May – 9 June 6 - 8pm

East Melbourne Wednesdays, 4 May to 8 June 1 - 3pm & 6 - 8pm

Do you know someone who wants to learn a new language?

Regional Auslan Level One

Bacchus Marsh, Mondays 6 – 8pm

Ballarat, Thursdays 6 – 8pm

Bendigo, Tuesdays 6 – 8pm

Weekend Intensive Courses Auslan Level One East Melbourne, 21 to 22 May 9 - 4pm

Auslan Level Two East Melbourne, 4 to 5 June 9 - 4pm

All family and friends are welcome! We also offer 15% discounts for those who enrol in both Auslan Levels One and Two.

*We also offer Auslan Level Two classes, please go to our website to see the full list of locations for Auslan Level Two classes across Melbourne.

For more information and to enrol, please visit www.vicdeaf.com.au/auslan.asp

• TEALE NICHOLLS AUSLAN PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

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In January, Vicdeaf is continuing the terrific partnership with Mission Australia for the Learner Driver ‘Changing Gears’ course.

Changing Gears is a specialist program designed to support people with low literacy and numeracy skills. The road rules are presented in a fun, interactive and flexible manner. Also the Independent Living Skills workers create visual role play which simulates driving.

The January summer program has been a success with 60% of students securing their Learners Permits at VicRoads.

Thank you to the Gorman Foundation for their support of this valuable and worthwhile program.

For additional information on upcoming programs please contact Victoria Tanner-Dench:

SMS or Voice: 0402 304 188 or

Email: victoriat@vicdeaf.com.au

• VICTORIA TANNER-DENCH PROGRAM MANAGER, GROUP PROGRAMS

Learner Driver program designed for Deaf students

Above left and right: The trainer demonstrates to the students in the program how to change lanes.

Above: Students learn road rules by demonstration and physical examples.

Above: Students complete the program in one week and are ready to take the VicRoads test. All photo sources: Vicdeaf.

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A Day out at the Midsumma Festival 2016

Our wonderful city turned on the beautiful summer weather for two of the biggest events of Midsumma in January. Carnival Day was held at Alexandra Gardens by the Yarra River and about 100,000 Melbournians turned out for a day of fun and catching up with friends. The day celebrated the start of the Midsumma Festival and has many activities for all the family.

Although primarily an event to celebrate LGBTIQ people and culture, the attraction draws in much of the broader community of family, fields, supporters and allies.

There was a huge deaf presence on the day with many community members dropping in to the SensWide Employment stall for a chat and a photo. It is pleasing to see that Midsumma provided quality access for the stage appearances with professional level interpreters working throughout the today. Many Members of Parliament spoke to the audience, along with a range of more entertaining acts and shows.

Two weekends later the Midsumma Festival ended with a Pride March down Fitzroy Street, St Kilda on Sunday 1 February.This was the 21st anniversary of the event and featured many organisations such as Victoria Police, the Scouts, ANZ and Westpac, Medicare, secondary schools and universities, community groups and Premier Daniel Andrews MP and Leader of the Federal Opposition Bill Shorten MP. Jason Ball of the Greens also had a large and colourful contingent, as did Fiona Patten MLC.

Once again Vicdeaf marched with staff from SensWide and hearservice spruiking our many services. Our CEO Christine Mathieson proudly walked with the team in front of an estimated audience of 50,000 cheering people, as well as family, friends and a member of the Deaf community.

These events are a fantastic way to connect with the community and gives Vicdeaf a chance to reach a range of people that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

If you are looking for a job or experiencing issues in the workplace, please do contact SensWide Employment on:

Email: info@senswide.com.au TTY: 03 9614 3062 NRS: 8620 7155 or Skype: senswide.employment

Above: Try on a Job! Vicdeaf staff had fun taking photos of themselves in different jobs. Right: SensWide Employment greeted people at their stand at the Midsumma Festival on Saturday and Sunday 16-17 January. All photo sources: SensWide Employment.

Vicdeaf CEO, staff and SensWide Employment staff and clients cheered at the Midsumma Pride March on Sunday 1 February.

2016 Australian Deaf Games

Victoria Wins John Michael Lovett CupCongratulations to all Victorian athletes and officials for winning the John Michael Lovett Cup. Vicdeaf is proud to be a long time supporter of the Victorian Deaf Sport Team.

More photos are located on Deaf Sports Australia’s website: www.deafsports.org.au

To watch the highlights and summaries in Auslan, go to Australian Deaf Games website: www.austdeafgames.org.au/videos

• SOPHIE LI Deaf Fijians perform at the Open Ceremony.

The Victorian team competes with Queensland team at Futsal. Jamie Howell on her way to win the race and Female Athlete of the Year.

The Fijian team fully focused in Touch Football. South Australian Women’s Team win Gold in Darts.

Victorian Michelle Rowlands takes aim for points against South Australia. Beach volleyballers John Maggs and his teammate Brenton Peters (not pictured) win Gold. The team also won the Team of the Games award.

7All photo sources: Deaf Sports Australia

The Victorian team aim to strike for Men’s Bowling. The final cricket match between Victoria and New South Wales was a close and exciting game. New South Wales won.

Tennis was an exciting sport to watch. The Canberra Mixed Team and Fiji Mixed Team competed in Touch Football. Queensland won.

Dylan Malden of Western Australia takes careful aim in 8 Ball. The Mini Deaf Games was a popular event for the children.

Adelaide had great weather for the teams to compete in golf. The Closing Ceremony closed with the announcement of winners.

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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 Youth Australia raises over $3,000Deaf Market 2016Deaf Victoria’s Deaf Market is back and it has become a traditional market in the deaf community. Deaf Market has partnered with Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club and Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria.

So come along and the day will be filled with fun!

When: Saturday 19 March 2016Time: 10am until 3pmWhere: Hays Paddock, off Leason Street Kew East

Want to hold a stall at the Deaf Market? Stall holders who wants to secure a spot at the market, please email info@deafvictoria.org.au

Spread this around to everyone you know who will love to hold a stall!

While on the subject of the WFDYS Junior Camp, the Camp Organising Committee are still busy working on the camp & fundraising opportunities.

Be sure to save the dates:

• 7 May 2016 for Mother’s Day High Tea

• 9 July 2016 for Trivia Night in Melbourne

More information to come, be sure to like Deaf Youth Australia and WFDYS Junior Camp 2017’s Facebook pages to keep updated with the latest news!

• KATRINA LANCASTER-MAGGS

Deaf Youth Australia held a social night during the Australian Deaf Games in Adelaide. DYA worked hard to sell tickets, selling over 300 tickets - they certainly did not expect that as they booked a space for 150 people but luckily were able to expand the event. The DYA committee would like to express their gratitude for the community’s support.

Lots of fun was had by everyone, there was lots of dancing, laughing, mingling and everyone having a good time! DYA were able to raise over $3,000 which enabled them to share the profit with WFDYS Junior Camp committee for their upcoming camp.

Young Deaf Australians enjoying meeting new people and catching up with old friends while helping to fundraise.

The Camp Organising Committee (COC) team at Deaf Youth Australia social night event in Adelaide. All photo sources: Deaf Youth Australia.

SELF DEFENSE 101 IN AUSLAN

Learn to

defend yourself

All deaf women

are welcome

Limited spots4 x classes (Sundays)

4pm - 5pmHammer’s 24/7 Gym244 Whitehorse Road

NunawadingTo join or find out more,

go to Facebook:http://on.fb.me/1SPqAJJ

Run by two young deaf women

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Upcoming Events

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

Auslan Connections launches new website

Auslan Connections is proud to launch their new website: www.auslanconnections.com.au.

Auslan Connections is the only language access service investing back to programs that benefit the Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Auslan Connections released a new video about their services.

Another glimpse of the Auslan video. Go to the website to see it. All photo sources: Auslan Connections.

Marketing and Development update

Communicate

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Calling all Heroes!Wanting to set yourself a new challenge for 2016 or kick start that New Year’s resolution you made, then what are you waiting for? Join the Vicdeaf Hero Team and participate in Run Melbourne 2016. Sign up today and be part of a group of like-minded people who want to get fit and healthy, raise funds for Vicdeaf and have fun at the same time. We had such a great time last year that we are doing it all again!

We have 15 Charity Champion positions available, or you can sign up as a General Entry. For more information and to join the team go to: http://bit.ly/1T5wCUT

Charity Champion runners will receive free entry, dedicated starting spot on race day, a running shirt and hat, training and fundraising support plus much more!

Lead the way and make a stand for social inclusion. Sign up today at: http://bit.ly/1T5wCUT.

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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.

Yes, I want to receive:

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

Gill Victor

Can you get free National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support?

Did you know?

Vicdeaf is a registered provider under the NDIS.

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET FUNDING FOR SUPPORT.

Support may include interpreting, devices and aids and other supports. Vicdeaf will hold Auslan interpreted and captioned information sessions and will be updating information on our website.

If you want more information, please email us on ndis@vicdeaf.com.au or keep watching this page www.vicdeaf.com.au/ndis.

• GILL VICTOR GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

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Introducing a new Smoke Alarm system at hearserviceThere is no better time with summer well and truly upon us to make sure our smoke alarm units are dust free, batteries replaced and tested.

At hearservice we are always scouring the market for new devices that will assist in keeping Deaf and hard of hearing people safe and independent in their home. With this in mind, hearservice would like to introduce you all to the Brooks RadioLINK Alarm system.

The Smoke Alarm package offers:• Strong strobe light for visual alerting• Strong vibrating pad• 10 year battery, with a tamper proof chamber• 5 years warranty• Easy to set up and install instructions• Retail Price: $650.00**Brooks RadioLink Alarm system is available to eligible candidates via the Smoke Alarm Subsidy scheme at Vicdeaf (pay only $50) or free with proof of concession.hearservice offers a free one hour device demonstration, for those wishing to

‘try before you buy’ or to see the full range of assistive listening devices available. Appointment bookings are essential and interpreters are available on request. Over the counter purchases can be made from our Oakleigh, Box Hill or East Melbourne clinics. Bookings can be made online www.hearservice.com.au or by calling: Phone: 1300 30 20 31 TTY: 9473 1199

*To find out if you are eligible to apply for Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme visit the Vicdeaf website, under “Your Community” section for more information or email smokealarms@vicdeaf.com.au

• HEARSERVICE

A New Smoke Alarm System

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

Albury-Wodonga Secures 18th Australian Deaf Games in 2018

Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) announced the Closing Ceremony of the Adelaide 2016 Australian Deaf Games (ADG) that the next ADG will be held at Albury-Wodonga. The Minister for Sport, John Eren echoed similar comments in a media release published on the same day:

“Wodonga was selected because it boasts the elite sporting facilities required for a big national meet, and something for everyone and the best of everything for the thousands of visitors that will converge on the Games,” John said.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “We can’t wait to show visitors from all over Australia what a great place regional Victoria is to live, work and do business.”

Left to right: James Hale, Alex Jones, AlburyCity Mayor Henk van de Ven, Wodonga Mayor Anna Speedie, Cindy Lu-Bailey and Phil Harper. Photo source: Wodonga Council.

The 18th Australian Deaf Games will be held on 20-27 January 2018. Save the dates in your diary now!DSA has stated on its website the reason for putting forward the next ADG in two years’ time:

“The current Australian Deaf Games scheduling is out of step with international deaf sporting compeitions on the elite athletes’ competition calendar, such as the Deaflympic Games. By making this one-off shift for the 2018 Games, it will allow organisers to use the Australian Deaf Games as part of the selection process for international competitions and ensure the best possible preparation for our althetes. For example, 2018 Australian Deaf Games, 2019 Asia Pacific Games for the Deaf, and 2021 Deaflympic Games.”

I have more questions, where can I go to find more information? Deaf Sports Australia has information on their website including transport, accommodation and type of sports. The direct link is: http://bit.ly/1PBsabU.

All other information such as the Victorian Government and Albury City Council’s media releases are also available to view on DSA’s website: http://bit.ly/1PBsabU.

There is also an Auslan video made by Alex Jones, a director on the Deaf Sport Australia’s board to answer questions in Auslan: http://bit.ly/1SHl7oj.

For any further enquiries, please contact info@deafsportsaustralia.org.au.

• SOPHIE LI