At today’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held both virtually and in various offices across Australia, the recipients of the 2021 Vision Australia Awards were announced.
First handed out in 2006, the Vision Australia Awards are given in recognition of people and organisations which give up their time and resources to support the work of Vision Australia and the wider blind and low vision community.
Individual awards
Mary-Anne Diamond
Mary-Anne’s work in the blind and low vision community over the past 25 years is truly something to behold.
She has been on the board of several blindness and low vision organisations, and was imperative in the adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty. The Marrakesh Treaty has improved access to information for more than 285 million people who are blind or have low vision across the world by allows for copyright exceptions to facilitate the creation of accessible versions of books and other copyrighted material.
Dorothy Hamilton
Blind since birth in 1927, Dorothy has lived a life as a trailblazer in the blind and low vision community.
Her efforts have seen the creation of Braille Music Camps and introduced the use of refreshable braille (computerised braille) into Australia. Her lifetime of work, both paid and as a volunteer, has now been recognised with a Vision Australia Award.
David Hobson
A familiar name to anyone who is a fan of Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. David was nominated for a Vision Australia Award in commemoration of his years of service to the event.
He first appeared at Carols in 1999 and then again in 2005. Since 2009 has only missed our special evening once in 2019 due to illness. His rendition of The Holy City is synonymous with Carols by Candlelight.
Kate Harry
Kate was nominated for her incredible 23 years of supporting both Vision Australia and Seeing Eye Dogs as a volunteer.
In that time, Kate has taken on the task of puppy caring for over 20 puppies and is regarded as a volunteer leader at both organisations.
Caroline Waldron
Caroline received her Vision Australia Award for eight years of service as a member of the Vision Australia Board.
In that time Caroline helped launch of a wide range of programs and systems within Vision Australia, as well as supporting the organisation to navigate the transition to the NDIS.
Youth award
Domenico Romeo
Now 26 years old, Domenico Romeo lost his vision over a span of eight weeks when he was 17. That didn’t slow him down though, as he went on to study law at university, earning academic achievements, including commendations, awards and scholarships along the way. Domenico was also an active volunteer through his studies.
Domenico is currently a practicing lawyer in Perth with dreams of practicing law in the UK.
Corporate award
The Petbarn Foundation
The Petbarn Foundation was honoured with a Vision Australia Award for their incredible work supporting Seeing Eye Dogs. The Petbarn Foundation have worked in partnership with Seeing Eye Dogs us to raise funding that has seen over 100 Seeing Eye Dog puppies enter formal training.
Stay up to date with Vision Australia on our website and social media channels for in-depth profiles of all the award winners in coming weeks.