Advertise on podcast: Interview Highlights from Vision Australia Radio

Andre Markel from Vision Australia's access technology team breaks down pump-and-dump investment scams, a growing threat to older Australians, and how to verify a claim you can't just take at face value. We're Talking Cyber Security" is a podcast unpacking scams, fraud and cyber threats affecting the blind and low vision community. Across six episodes, guests from CyberCX, Commonwealth Bank, Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community, break down common scam tactics, emerging AI threats and practical, accessible ways to stay safe online. Whether you're new to thinking about cyber security or already cautious online, each episode offers real-world advice you can use. Additional resources: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/helpful-resources/individuals/resources-to-help-you-protect-yourself-online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vision Australia Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday the 27th of October 2025 at the Kooyong office. The MC for the event was Ian Finlayson and the event commenced with a Welcome to Country followed by formal proceedings.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bec Caldwell from CyberCX returns to explore how deepfakes and AI are changing the scam landscape, and how to know who or what you can actually trust. We're Talking Cyber Security" is a podcast unpacking scams, fraud and cyber threats affecting the blind and low vision community. Across six episodes, guests from CyberCX, Commonwealth Bank, Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community, break down common scam tactics, emerging AI threats and practical, accessible ways to stay safe online. Whether you're new to thinking about cyber security or already cautious online, each episode offers real-world advice you can use. Additional resources: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/helpful-resources/individuals/resources-to-help-you-protect-yourself-online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet theft can happen when an opportunity presents itself, but there are practical steps pet owners can take to reduce the risk. Vision Australia Radio catches up with Adam Bloomfield from Crime Stoppers Victoria to discuss pet theft, sometimes referred to as "pet napping", and why owners should think carefully about their pets' security. Adam shares practical tips including microchipping and registering pets, securing gates and yards, being mindful about information shared with strangers, using security cameras or tracking devices, and never leaving pets unattended in vehicles or outside shops and cafés. He also explains why reporting suspicious behaviour can help protect pets and the wider community. Information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commonwealth Bank's Shannon Brown looks at what customers are experiencing right now, and the psychological tricks, from urgency to major life changes, that scammers use to catch people off guard. "We're Talking Cyber Security" is a podcast unpacking scams, fraud and cyber threats affecting the blind and low vision community. Across six episodes, guests from CyberCX, Commonwealth Bank, Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community, break down common scam tactics, emerging AI threats and practical, accessible ways to stay safe online. Whether you're new to thinking about cyber security or already cautious online, each episode offers real-world advice you can use. Additional resources: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/helpful-resources/individuals/resources-to-help-you-protect-yourself-online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Taylor, Vision Australia's Access Technology Service Development Lead, explains how screen reader users can verify what's real online, and what makes some scams harder, or easier, to catch by ear. We're Talking Cyber Security" is a podcast unpacking scams, fraud and cyber threats affecting the blind and low vision community. Across six episodes, guests from CyberCX, Commonwealth Bank, Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community, break down common scam tactics, emerging AI threats and practical, accessible ways to stay safe online. Whether you're new to thinking about cyber security or already cautious online, each episode offers real-world advice you can use. Additional resources: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/helpful-resources/individuals/resources-to-help-you-protect-yourself-online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can artificial intelligence help create a more accessible and inclusive future? Ahead of the Outlook AI event in Melbourne on 12 November, ambassador Dhruv Sharma joins Vision Australia Radio to discuss why he takes a “glass half full” approach to AI. Dhruv explores the opportunities AI presents for people with disability, the importance of including lived experience from the beginning of product development, and why accessibility makes good business case. He also explains how AI is making accessibility reviews faster and more achievable, and why businesses should embed inclusion into their everyday workflows rather than treating it as an afterthought. Dhruv also shares his journey from attending Outlook events after moving to Australia five years ago to becoming an ambassador and mentor within the design community. Vision Australia Radio is a media partner of Outlook AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bec Caldwell from CyberCX unpacks the scams and threats becoming more common right now, and what they actually mean for your day-to-day life at work and at home. "We're Talking Cyber Security" is a podcast unpacking scams, fraud and cyber threats affecting the blind and low vision community. Across six episodes, guests from CyberCX, Commonwealth Bank, Vision Australia and members of the blind and low vision community, break down common scam tactics, emerging AI threats and practical, accessible ways to stay safe online. Whether you're new to thinking about cyber security or already cautious online, each episode offers real-world advice you can use. Additional resources: https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/helpful-resources/individuals/resources-to-help-you-protect-yourself-online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for work, starting a new role or needing support to stay and thrive in your current job? Peter Greco speaks with Georgia Miller, National Manager for JobAccess, about the practical support available to people with disability across Australia. Georgia explains how JobAccess can assist with workplace adjustments, assistive technology and the Employment Assistance Fund, as well as advice and support for employers wanting to create more inclusive workplaces. They also discuss the value of lived experience within the JobAccess team, support for people in regional and remote Australia, and why workplace adjustments can often be simpler than employers might expect. Whether you're entering the workforce, changing jobs, progressing in your career or adapting to changes in your current role, discover how JobAccess can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does assistive technology look like when it is designed around the realities of living in regional Victoria? Vision Australia Radio’s Jason Gipps speaks with Ben Werner from Astec Services, a Ballarat-based assistive technology provider with more than 30 years of history supporting people with disability. Ahead of the ATSA Expo Local in Bendigo, Ben discusses Astec's range of products and services, from powered wheelchairs, mobility equipment and vehicle modifications to everyday accessibility aids and home solutions. He also explains how Astec takes equipment directly to people across regional Victoria, allowing customers to trial products in their own homes and communities. They also discuss the importance of choice, independence and having local access to the right technology and advice. This discussion was initially recorded on Monday 19th October, 2026. Learn more: ASTEC - Mobility and Control Solutions - ASTEC ATSA Expo - Local Edition - ATSA Independent Living Expo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Victorians who are blind or have low vision vote independently and accessibly in the 2026 state election? Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco speaks with Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel about the accessible voting options available this November, from telephone-assisted voting and Braille postal ballots to assistance at voting centres. Sven also explains low-sensory voting, early voting, key election dates and where to find reliable information about the electoral process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia is bringing its inaugural ATSA Local event to Bendigo, giving people with disability, older Australians, families and allied health professionals a chance to discover assistive technology closer to home. In this interview highlight, Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco speaks with ATSA CEO Serena Ovens about why the organisation is taking its popular Independent Living Expos into regional communities, what visitors can expect from the 32 exhibitors, and the difference the right technology can make to independence and everyday life. Vision Australia Radio and Vision Store will also be on the ground at the event, connecting with visitors and exhibitors throughout the day. ATSA Local BendigoTuesday 20 October 202610:00am to 3:30pmAll Seasons Hotel, BendigoFree entry, with registrations encouraged but not essential. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime fiction writer Ruth McIver joins Kate Cooper on Emerging Writers to explore a lifelong fascination with storytelling, crime and the complicated ethics of drawing inspiration from real events. Ruth discusses her Irish-Australian identity, discovering writing at a young age, the long road to publication and the extraordinary experience of having her work recognised with major literary prizes. She also delves into her PhD research into true crime-inspired fiction, including questions of responsibility, representation and the potential for storytelling to influence how we understand guilt, innocence and justice. Ruth talks about her novels I Shot the Devil and The Sound, her Audible Australia original The Blackout, her approach to writing and editing, and the rewards of mentoring emerging writers. Recorded in conjunction with Ruth’s appearance at the 2026 Totally Lit Adventures in the Port City Festival in Fremantle. Listen to Emerging Writers from Vision Australia Radio wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Vision Australia Radio Interview Highlights episode, Emerging Writers host Kate Cooper speaks with Sharon Flindell, curator and producer of the 2026 Totally Lit: Adventures in the Port City Festival. Now in its second year, the festival returns to Fremantle from 2 to 16 October with more than 60 events celebrating books, storytelling, poetry, history, crime writing and community connection. Sharon shares her remarkable journey through the arts, from international contemporary arts festivals and literary partnerships to creating one of Western Australia's most exciting literary events. The conversation explores Fremantle's rich literary culture, the inspiration behind Totally Lit, and festival highlights including Crime Time, interactive storytelling adventures, author events and opportunities for readers of all ages. Vision Australia Radio is proud to return as an Access and Inclusion Partner for the festival, helping connect audiences across Australia with writers, stories and literary conversations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2026 Blind Australian of the Year Awards just days away, Jason Gipps speaks with Terry O'Neill from Link Vision and special guest Reggie Bird about the history, impact and future of the awards. They reflect on how the awards have grown from a small community initiative into a nationally recognised celebration of excellence among Australians who are blind or have low vision. The conversation explores this year's finalists, the importance of disability awareness and inclusion, and what guests can expect from the Brisbane gala, including keynote speaker Julie Goodwin, comedy, live entertainment and plenty of inspiration. Reggie also shares her personal reflections on resilience, living with vision loss, and why events like these bring the blind and low vision community together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.