Ninety five and still working to this day, Vision Australia staff member Dorothy Hamilton came in person to receive a recognition award for her service during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The braille music transcriber is one of the oldest and most loyal staff members at Vision Australia starting her career more than 37 years ago.
As the first blind woman to obtain a music degree in the southern hemisphere, she introduced the use of refreshable braille (computerised braille) and is one of the founders of the popular Braille Music Camps.
She was one of seven awarded on the day, including:
- Gabriel Gervasoni (Youth award winner)
- Neil Herdegen (World Blind Golf CEO)
- Max Schroder (long-time donor to Bursary program)
- Royal Canin (provide dog food to Seeing Eye Dogs)
- Caboolture State High School (accessible classroom for low vision students)
- Donald Draffin (advocate and supporter of assistive technology, woodworking radio and library services at Vision Australia)
The hybrid online and in-person event on Thursday 27 October saw both Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton and chairperson Andrew Moffat talk to the evolution of the business post COVID-19 restrictions.
“We haven’t been standing still,” Mr Hooton said.
“Three projects in particular have been making meaningful impact, helping deliver services to children to set them up for success, older Australians to keep them connected, and to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients after establishing a presence in Alice Springs.”
Chairperson Andrew Moffat spoke to a “very proud year” that saw more than 35,000 clients receive services.
Now serving his last year as chairperson, Mr Moffat announced succession plans are underway to see board director Bill Jolley into the role from October 2023.
“His wisdom and knowledge both as a client and a leader is profound,” he said.
“Bill is my sounding board on everything blindness related.”
For more information on Vision Australia’s performance in the 2021/22 financial year, read our annual report.