Issue 16 communicate - Expression › files › editor_upload...the Deaf and hard of hearing people affected by the bushfires. Information in Auslan was updated on Vicdeaf’s website

Communicate Issue 16 | March/April 2009

communicateThe newsletter for Victoria’s Deafand hard of hearing people

Issue 16 Mar/Apr 2009

Deaf Organisations’ Excellent Bushfire Response

Saturday 7th February 2009 became known as Black Saturday when the bushfires came and took everything in their path. Over 200 lives were lost, over 1800 homes and many other buildings burnt down; over 7,000 people were left without a home. Large areas of land were burnt, along with the wildlife. It was one of the worst days in Victoria’s history.

However, the community response to the bushfires was huge. Community spirit came alive, many people and organisations offered their support to the people and communities affected by the bushfires. People donated many items and millions of dollars, and many organisations set up an emergency support service, in many cases for free.

The Deaf community was no different. In response to the bushfires, Vicdeaf established a free interpreting service and case management support for the Deaf and hard of hearing people affected by the bushfires. Information in Auslan was updated on Vicdeaf’s website and Facebook about services and which organisations to contact for support. Many Deaf people who received the information were able to pass it onto other people. Vicdeaf went out to find Deaf and hard of hearing people in bushfire affected areas and provided information about interpreting services and case management support.

The Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, along with Deaf Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria

and Victorian Council of Deaf People hosted a Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser on Saturday 14 February at Hays Paddock in East Kew. Many other Deaf organisations donated their time, money and effort to make this a successful event. More about this event can be found on page 7.

It was excellent to see such strong community spirit and wonderful to see Deaf organisations working together for the benefit of the wider community. There have been offers to volunteer support, working bees to rebuild houses and offers of accommodation; there is still much work to do in the months ahead. If there are Deaf and hard of hearing people affected by the bushfire who have not yet accessed Vicdeaf’s services, the contact details are as follows:

Address: Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002TTY: (03) 9473 1199Ph: (03) 9473 1111Fax: (03) 9473 1122

Toll free for country callersTTY: 1300 780 235Ph: 1300 780 225Email: [email protected]: www.vicdeaf.com.au

Photo: L-R - Michael Parremore (Vicdeaf) with the Bushfire Appeal Fundraising team, Penny Gillett & Garry Kerridge (DSRV), Irena Farinacci & Brent Phillips (DSA), Melissa Lowrie & James Hale (MDCC), Irene Holub & Barry Darwin (VCOD). (Front) Rachel Miers (VCOD) & Meg Aumann (DSRV).Photo Source: Photo courtesy of www.stmeventphotography.com

FORTHCOMING EVENT‘We’re having a ball’ - formal dinner to celebrate Vicdeaf’s 125th Anniversary Celebrations.

SATURDAY 18 JULY 2009Mark this on your calendar


Report from the CEOVictorian Bushfire DisasterLast edition I said that “there is little doubt that 2009 will be a tough year for many…” but at the time, I was referring to the changes in the economic climate. None of us expected the disaster of the Victorian bushfires in February that cost over 200 lives and had such an emotional and economic impact in Victoria.

Vicdeaf immediately implemented free interpreting and provided direct case management for Deaf people affected. Vicdeaf also set up regular communication through our website and Facebook in Auslan. For any Deaf community members who have lost their fire alarms in the bushfires we will also provide a free replacement. We will continue our support for as long as it is needed.

Vicdeaf Deaf Leadership Mentor ProgramAs part of celebrations for our 125th anniversary the Deaf Leadership Mentor Program has been developed to improve the leadership capacity in the Deaf community for the benefit of all Victorians. We got the ball rolling with this program at an information night in February. There was a big attendance with information provided by Vicdeaf and Leadership Plus about the program and lots of questions were raised by the audience. You will be able to find further updates regarding the program in this issue of Communicate.

2

As a major event in Vicdeaf’s 125th Anniversary Celebrations, Professor Pawel and Dr Margaret Jastreboff arrived from Atlanta, USA for a 10 day visit to Vicdeaf, running lectures, workshops and forums. They provided unprecedented information and guidance on various subjects under the heading of “Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and Decreased Sound Tolerance.”

The Menzies Oration, held on March 12th was the first of these events and was sponsored by The Robert Menzies Foundation and held at the Melbourne University. A wide range of people from medical facilities, community support groups, academia and the general public was in attendance.

The visit by these two highly acclaimed specialists in Tinnitus research and management, (their Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is practiced in 38 countries) has provided Vicdeaf with an opportunity to invite organisations and individuals engaged in services to Deaf and hard of hearing communities to share the

Opening of SensWide Office in PrestonAs the economic climate continues to get worse, finding employment will only get harder. SensWide are leaders in providing

specialist employment solutions for job seekers who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision or Deafblind. SensWide also works with job seekers who have a range of other barriers to employment.

To make these services more accessible for people living in the northern and western suburbs SensWide has opened an office in February 2009 at 654 Plenty Road, Preston. We hope this improved availability of service will encourage people needing SensWide’s support in the northern and western suburbs to find a job more easily.

These are difficult times for many reasons and we will be stronger as a community if we can all work together for the benefit of all Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.

Regards,Graeme KellyChief Executive Officer

World Leaders in Tinnitus Therapy Visit Vicdeaf

Photo: Experiential Workshop run by Prof & Dr JastreboffPhoto Source: Vicdeaf

benefits of this teaching. Professor Jastreboff’s research has indicated that as many as 73% of Deaf people world-wide have tinnitus.

We are deeply indebted to the Jastreboff’s for their generous support of our special celebrations this year. As we look to the future, it is with the assurance of their ongoing interest in our work to provide the very best in services and information.

David OliverManager, Community Relations & Development


Editorial Editorial Policy

ATOD Correction

Communicate is published six times a year. Reader contributions are greatly welcomed. Articles must relate to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. All contribution, once submitted, becomes 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.

In Communicate, Issue 12, Autumn 2008 on page 4, there was an article on Colin Allen, which states that Colin “was one of the founders of the Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD) in 1979”. This is incorrect. Colin was a leading player with The NSW Theatre of the Deaf when the name changed to ATOD. Vicdeaf sincerely apologies for any confusion caused by this error.

Hello and welcome to the March/April issue of Communicate. February was a difficult month with the devastating bushfires and

I would like to particularly thank Susan Davis, Trudy Fraser, Adrian Doyle and Andrew Welshe for sharing their stories (pages 6 & 7) with us. It takes courage, especially for Susan and Trudy to be able to talk about their homes burnt by the terrible fires.

I am very proud of all our efforts in supporting all those people affected by the bushfires, the community spirit was fantastic. I congratulate the Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club for their wonderful initiative in setting up a Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser, with many other Deaf organisations joining in. It was a wonderful sight to see so many people keen to provide support on the evening. However, lets remember that those people affected by the bushfires will need more support in the many months ahead. Let us all keep working together to help rebuild those lives in any way we can.

Deafness Forum of Australia recently invited me to Darwin to do some training in Telecommunications, so that I am able to represent them on various committee panels such as the Telstra Disability Forum, etc. to advocate for improved access in telecommunications. I look forward to a fruitful association with the Deafness Forum of Australia.

Enjoy reading Communicate and if you have any suggestions for future issues, or simply provide feedback, you can email me on [email protected]

Have a safe and happy Easter!

Michael Parremore - Editor

Vicdeaf is committed to developing and nurturing leadership in the Victorian Deaf community and one way to do this is through the Leadership Mentor Program.

The main objective for the Program is to provide Deaf people with a better opportunity to become leaders.

This Program was promoted on Vicdeaf’s website in both Auslan and written English. An Information night was held on 17 February and applications closed on 16 March, 2009.

Approximately ten mentors and mentees will participate in this Program.

Training will be delivered by David Peters in April and the Program will finish with a celebration in November, 2009. Natalie Sandon is coordinating this Program in partnership with Leadership Plus.

At the end of the Program this year, an evaluation will be undertaken which hopefully, will see a Leadership Mentor Program run again next year.

Vicdeaf Deaf Leadership Mentor Program

Photo: L to R: Graeme Kelly (CEO - Vicdeaf), Natalie Sandon (Leadership Mentor Program Coordinator - Vicdeaf), Stephen Gianni (Leadership Plus) and George Panousieris (Manager - Leadership Plus)Photo Source: Vicdeaf

3


4

The Art Of Making MoviesThere are a lot of people who want to make a movie. They have ideas, dreams, a plan, script, a video camera, some actors, but most of these movies never get completed. The main reason for that is that most people expect a low-budget movie to turn out like a high-budget Hollywood production. Sometimes, when the script is too difficult to film, actors drop out and quit the movie, the editing takes too much time, or when the problems become so many and so large, many filmmakers give up and their movie never get completed.

There are very few Deaf people who go on and make successful movies. Here we will talk about those people and find out why they have become so good at making movies. They are Joseph Heenan, Julian Walsh and Trudy Fraser. They are very passionate about the art of filmmaking and they enjoy the challenges that come with it, which helps them to make successful movies.

Filmmaking is a hobby of Joseph who is an electrician by trade. He dreams of being a successful filmmaker. He wants to give up his job to concentrate on making movies. Unfortunately for Joseph, he can’t rely on filmmaking to cover his living expenses, but he has big dreams and he is working hard to make his dreams come true.

Joseph started Silencebound Film Productions in 2007 and along with Robert Hoskin, another Deaf man with 30 years experience in filmmaking, created 3 comedy movies about Mr. Deaf Pea, starring the talented Greg Bell. Joseph recently showed the two movies at F. J. Rose Auditorium at Deaf Children Australia.

Trudy started filmmaking while she was a teenager using her father’s video camera. She would film at birthday parties, camping trips and some Deaf events. She made her first movie called “The Visitor” when she was 17. And she has developed her filmmaking skills ever since and made a few short films such as “Pieces”, “One Wish” and “The Sign”. “The Sign” came third at the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics – Cultural and Film Festival.

Trudy’s current projects include making a documentary style movie celebrating Deaf Netball Victoria’s 50 Year Anniversary. She is also in the final stages of making a movie called “Who Killed the Interpreter” and hopes to release the film this year. Trudy said, “I love it because I was able to raise more awareness of our Deaf culture and language and I love seeing the audience’s response to the film, especially Deaf children. My films are slightly different to all other films. They have no audio. I deliberately “force” the audience to enjoy films with their eyes, not with their ears.”

Photo: Who Killed the Interpreter? L-R Nicole Grenfell, Melanie Pritchard, Trudy Fraser, Katherine Haydon, Dominique Loulie and Winston Edrisinha.Photo Source: Trudy Fraser

Photo: Trudy Fraser directing with cameraperson, Melanie Pritchard.Photo Source: Trudy Fraser

Photo: Kaylene Bell (Actor), Yasuko Hoskin (Actor), Robert Hoskin (Script Writer, Cameraman and 2nd Director), Joseph Heenan (Director, Producer, Editor and Actor), Greg Bell (Actor) and Linda Mathers-Lane (Actor).Photo Source: Joseph Heenan

Photo: A shot scene from Pieces, Andy Joyce, Katherine Haydon and Shaylah StritthofPhoto Source: Trudy Fraser


Photo: Julian Walsh with his trusty video camera.Photo Source: Julian Walsh

Auslan Fire Alarm Subsidy

The deadline for Auslan Fire Alarm Subsidy has been extended until further notice.

There are 80 fire alarm systems left in stock and the program will continue to run while the evaluation of the subsidy is underway. The program will run until stocks last.

For an application form, contact Vicdeaf on:TTY: (03) 9473 1199Phone: (03) 9473 1111Fax: (03) 9473 1122

Toll-free for country people: TTY: 1300 780 235, Phone: 1300 780 225Email: [email protected]

Or visit our website www.vicdeaf.com.au to download the application form.

PLEASE NOTE:If your fire alarm was subsidised by this scheme and destroyed in the recent bushfires, please contact Vicdeaf for a replacement free of charge.

Julian Walsh is a true veteran in filmmaking, as he has been filmmaking for 35 years. He is also heavily involved in DeafTV, which is screened on Channel 31 in Melbourne and Adelaide. DeafTV has shown over 165 episodes and will continue to make many more episodes. They are shown every Monday (7pm) and Thursdays (9am). See their website on www.deaftv.org.au.

Vicdeaf will be providing an exciting new program in filmmaking. Members of the Deaf community will be given the opportunity to attend some beginner film training. This includes learning the different roles of people involved in a film crew and completing a short film from scratch to be shown at a public viewing for family and friends. The training is planned for mid 2009 so keep your eyes open for more information!

5


On 7 February 2009, Victoria endured the worst bushfire in history, with many lives lost, many homes burnt, and many more left homeless. The effect the fires had on the Deaf and hard of hearing community was huge. Many people knew of others who lost their lives and/or their homes and it was a terrible tragedy for families and friends involved. Below are some experiences shared by the Deaf people affected by the bushfires.

Susan Davis lost her house in the bushfires at Hazeldene, near Flowerdale. Susan feels herself lucky that her neighbour came to her house and firmly told her to leave by car immediately, following the other neighbours escaping from the fires to nearby Yea. The danger was very real, with dark smoke suddenly engulfing the town, stinging Susan’s eyes, and it was very difficult for Susan to see the road ahead. The fires arrived just 20 minutes later. Susan can thank her neighbour for alerting her to the fires, as she had received no prior warning.

Susan is staying with her daughter who lives near Melbourne and is suffering from the trauma of losing

her home. She grieves at the loss of priceless family photos and many personal belongings, all of which can never be replaced. She is also in the process of filling in forms and has many decisions to make, which are stressful and tiring. Susan wishes to return to her place at Hazeldene as she misses the country lifestyle and the friendly neighbourhood.

Trudy Fraser is another who lost her house in the terrible fires. Fortunately Trudy had the house rented at the time, and had most of her belongings with her, however she was shocked at losing her home, which had just been renovated. Trudy was making preparations to move back into her house, but with the house gone, she now has to go through the rebuilding process which she already finds stressful. However, Trudy said “I have received lots of support and offers for a working bee to help rebuild, I feel overwhelmed at such generosity and am pleased to say this is the true spirit of the Deaf community”. With all of this support behind Trudy, she feels determined to rebuild.

Trudy has clear views on how to improve a warning system for the Deaf and hard of hearing living in bushfire prone areas. Everyone should have a fire plan, It is also helpful if neighbours know of your deafness, so that in the case of a crisis, your neighbours are a good source of information (with their radios) and can alert you to any danger. Ideas have ranged from giving the local CFA details of where you live, SMS alerts, hearing dogs etc.

Adrian Doyle works for Land Victoria, under the Department of Sustainability and Environment. He has been working at various CFA staging areas in Victoria, where the firefighters and emergency services are based. It was a very busy time for Adrian, helping with the firefighting efforts. Sometimes he would start at 5.30am and finish at 8.30pm with minimal breaks. Adrian says of his job, “It is very full on, you can’t afford to switch off, you must be 100% alert at all times, it is very tiring, time consuming and hard work”. His many tasks included setting up tents with kitchen and bathroom facilities, looking after the firefighters and making sure their accommodation in staging areas is comfortable. Adrian has enjoyed his time working and finds it rewarding knowing that he is helping the local communities in some way.

Andrew Welshe is another involved in the firefighting efforts; he is a volunteer with the SES. Andrew did a variety of jobs like assisting the police to evacuate people from their homes, nursing homes and hospitals. Andrew also operated a chainsaw, clearing up the road which created access for emergency services. Andrew was also involved in providing bottles of water, masks, goggles and other important equipment for firefighters and police in the cut-off fire danger areas. Andrew is

Bushfires And The Deaf Community – Some Personal Experiences

Photo: Susan Davis house burnt in the Black Saturday bushfiresPhoto Source: Susan Davis

Photo: Fire trucks assemble at a CFA staging areaPhoto Source: Adrian Doyle

6


The Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, in partnership with Deaf Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria and Victorian Council of Deaf People, hosted a Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser on Saturday 14 February at Hays Paddock in East Kew.

The event was advertised by all four organisations. Deaf Sports Australia donated items which were auctioned on the evening. Volunteers from Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria cooked sausages on the BBQ and collected funds while volunteers from Victorian Council of the Deaf rattled the cans, collecting donations.

Other Deaf organisations also made an excellent contribution; they donated funds, use of their resources and equipments such as interpreters, vans and BBQs and gave raffle prizes for in-kind services. It was a successful evening with over $7,700 raised which went towards the Commonwealth Bank Series Bushfire Appeal fund set up by Cricket Australia.

The event was very well attended with over 180 people, all of whom opened their hearts and their wallets. A few people, who experienced the trauma of losing a home, were also present and gave a description of their experiences. It was wonderful to see such compassion shown by all who attended.

also a CFA volunteer but did not get the call up to fight the fires with the CFA.

Fortunately the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing people were made easier with the support of various community organisations. Vicdeaf were able to provide free interpreting and case management services which are ongoing, the Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club-led Bushfire Fundraising Appeal where people were able to come and donate monies to the Appeal, but a few

people who have faced the dangers of the bushfires or were closely associated to those who have, were able to come and share their experiences and receive support. This is an important part of their recovery from the bushfires and the tragedy of their loss.

NOTE: All the people named gave consent to the article being published, including photos. Vicdeaf wishes to thank them for sharing their stories with the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club Hosts Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser

Photo: James Hale (MDCC President) and Steve May (MDCC Vice President) encourages everyone to donate for the Bushfire Appeal.Photo Source: Photo courtesy of www.stmeventphotography.com

Photo: The auction is on, Brent Phillips (DSA) and Steve May (MDCC) works the crowd into a bidding frenzy, with all proceeds going to the Bushfire Appeal.Photo Source: Photo courtesy of www.stmeventphotography.com

Photo: “One sausage?” Marnie Kerridge works the BBQ with Gary Kerridge (DSRV) looking on.Photo Source: Photo courtesy of www.stmeventphotography.com

7


There’s an old saying, “things are not always as they seem”. Sometimes, people make assumptions from what they see, believing what they see is the ‘full story’. But perhaps, it is not.

The Vicdeaf Auslan and Interpreting Service (VAIS) want to move forward in 2009 with greater transparency.

What do we mean by that? We want to communicate more about the interpreting services we provide and how we provide them. We hope this means that Deaf people especially, will have a clearer understanding of how Vicdeaf operates: the organisation that exists to serve Deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria.

Most Deaf people are aware that VAIS charges clients for the provision of interpreters. Some people know how much is charged. Few people know exactly where the money goes.

It costs a client (usually a hearing organisation) $148 + GST for a two hour job that occurs between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. After hours and on weekends, it is $158 + GST for two hours. Two hours is the minimum booking fee.

Two hour job $148 (+ GST)

Pay the working interpreter - average -$86.00

On-costs (e.g. Work Cover, superannuation, professional indemnity insurance, etc) -$9.50

Infrastructure (e.g. wages for booking officers, administration costs, telephones and internet, electricity, etc.) -$39.50

Profit remaining: + $9.50

The profit left after all other overhead costs is approximately $9.50 per booking. This amount varies depending upon whether a Para-professional or Professional level of interpreter was used for the assignment.

So, what do we do with this profit? All profit made is given back to the Deaf community. One way you may know about is through the free interpreting service that we provide for funerals. This service is available to any Deaf person in Victoria (not just Melbourne) who wishes to attend the funeral of a family member, friend, work colleague, etc.

However, there are many other ways that Vicdeaf puts the profit from its interpreting services back into the community. Examples of this include:

The Cost Of Interpreters Explained

8

> Community Grant Program

> Deaf Leadership Mentor Program

> Vicdeaf In-house Interpreting Program (used by Vicdeaf staff; just for your information, Vicdeaf has the largest proportional representation of Deaf staff in Victoria)

> Client Services (along with funding from the Government)

> Information Services (along with funding from the Government)

> Targeted Programs (such as our investigations into the needs of Deaf migrants and refugees)

> Community Activities (such as the annual Christmas Rally)

> Interpreter Development – supporting and ensuring that there are increasing numbers of Auslan interpreters developing the skills required to undertake the interpreting work the Deaf community requires.

We want to be clear, none of the profit made by VAIS from the booking of interpreters is held back. All profit goes straight back into the Deaf community in one way or another. Ultimately, this is because Vicdeaf is a not-for-profit organisation, which has a proud 125 year history of serving Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians. We look forward to continuing to serve the community for many more years to come. We do hope to do so in an increasingly responsive and transparent manner.

Marc CurtisManager, Vicdeaf Auslan & Interpreting Service


A new internet-based telecommunications service with the potential to bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing people is being piloted for the first time in Australia.

Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) recently launched the two year trial of a video relay service known as Multi-Media Response (MMR).

The $1million two-year MMR pilot is an online interactive video teleconferencing service that allows a deaf person who uses AUSLAN to make and receive a telephone call to and from a hearing person by communicating through a Video Interpreter without the use of a TTY (text telephone). MMR requires a web-cam and a high-speed Internet connection.

A video camera at the Video Interpreters location transmits the Video Interpreters image to the location of the Deaf person who uses sign language. At the same time, video equipment at the Deaf person’s location would transmit his/her image via high speed broadband to a Video Interpreter.

ACE Chief Information Officer Tony Bennetts said Australia had been lagging other nations such as the United States and parts of Europe which have been using video technology for more than eight years. “We want Australia’s deaf community to be in the front seat driving the use of new technology, not in the backseat. That’s why ACE, is putting up the funding for this two-year trial,” Mr Bennetts said.

Since launching late last year, MMR users have commented positively to the experience:

“I like this – more easier to make phone calls using Auslan”“My mum said it was great to talk to me and ‘hear’ me laugh – I could never do that through a TTY.”“That was quick – I booked for a haircut and it was all over in 2 minutes – much faster than using my TTY”

Andrew’s (not his real name) experience highlights the benefits of having access to the MMR service ... “Andrew, a journalist just made a phone call to a well-known multimedia company, trying to get an interview for a job. He was really pleased with the outcome as they told him he came across very confident and knowledgeable on the phone and will ring him back to organise an interview.

This thrilled Andrew as it was the first time he felt really confident and comfortable using the telephone. Andrew is deaf and uses Auslan (Australian Sign Language). He used the Multimedia Response (MMR) service recently provided by the Australian Communication Exchange

(ACE) to assist with the phone call, where the MMR provided a video interpreter. Andrew turned on his computer connected with a webcam and high speed Internet service, rang the MMR service and in Auslan, requested a call to the multimedia company. The video interpreter (also using Auslan) helped facilitate the call between Andrew and the company. Through using Auslan instead of a text option such as TTY, he was able to more easily and quickly convey his feelings and thoughts in the communication transaction.”

The MMR service has the backing of Australia’s peak deaf group Deaf Australia. Deaf Australia spokesperson Karen Lloyd said MMR had the potential to open up communication for Australia’s deaf and hard of hearing people and to boost their independence.

“For the past 20 years they’ve relied on telephone typewriters, followed more recently by email, SMS messaging and online chat rooms,” Ms Lloyd said. “However all of these are text-based forms of communication which can be slow and can’t fully convey feelings and emotions the way voice and video communication in AUSLAN can.”

ACE is providing the MMR service for free, on a limited basis from Monday to Friday depending on user demands and interest and is inviting deaf people in Australia who use AUSLAN to participate in the trial.

To register or for more information on MMR, visit the website:www.videorelay.com.auor contactTegan Jones on email:[email protected] Phil Harper on email:[email protected]

Australian First Pilot To Revolutionise Deaf Communication

Photo: Barry Priori using MMRPhoto Source: Australian Communication Exchange

9


During the Avalon International Air Show – March 13-15 – Vicdeaf staff volunteers visited the show to hand out brochures for our special prize, a one hour flight on the original Trans Australian Airlines (TAA) DC3 passenger plane.

The competition, open to 27 winners allows for two free tickets to be won by a draw of all entrants, and 25 seats to be offered to the highest bidder (people make a bid of $? and the 25 highest bids win) in the competition which was extended to April 17 at 5pm.

This is a great opportunity to be part of yet another event celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Victorian Deaf Society. And speaking of these events, we’ll be at the International Flower &

Garden Show this year too, from Wednesday 1 April to Sunday 5 April. Look for us at the stand nearest the main fountain in front of the Old Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens.

David OliverManager, Community Relations & Development

Vicdeaf at Avalon Airshow

Vicdeaf would like to offer sincere condolences to the families of those who have recently passed away. They are the families of: Lesley Thornton

Peter Mathers

Condolences

Communicate is a bi-monthly print newsletter. It is a source of news and information relating to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. Want to receive Communicate? Please fill in your details and post to us.

eNews is a monthly electronic newsletter. It is an excellent source of upcoming events and important information. Want to receive eNews (via email only)? Please fill in your details and post to us:

Post to: Vicdeaf Communication Coordinator, Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 or you can subscribe over the internet. Simply go to www.vicdeaf.com.au and subscribe.

COMMUNICATE AND eNEWS SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Name:Postal Address:

Name:Email Address:

10

Photo: A DC3 passenger plane in flightPhoto Source: Vicdeaf

Ballarat City Church has recently installed a hearing loop, using the funds sourced from Vicdeaf’s Community Grants. Now Deaf and hard of hearing people have better access to church services and community events.

Congratulations to Ballarat City Church on another excellent initiative - Vicdeaf wishes to encourage improved access for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Ballarat City Church Installs Hearing Loop

Photo: A plaque showing appreciation to Vicdeaf.Photo Source: Ballarat City Church

10


The Art of Difference is Australia’s premier international Deaf and disability arts event. The fourth festival was held from 10-21 March 2009 and showcased some of the best and most talented visual, performing, literary and new media artists. The artists gave audiences some unforgettable experiences which entertained, stimulated, confronted, provoked and amused their senses.

The festival consisted of three elements; a creative arts program, professional development opportunities and an international symposium. There was also a ‘Block Party’ which brought together the entire community and artists to mingle and celebrate.

Art of Difference – Disability and Deaf Arts Festival

The Sustainable Living Festival was held on the weekend of 20-22 February 2009 at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr in Melbourne (opposite Flinders Street Station). The festival showcased a huge range of exhibitors, talks, workshops, art, films and performances; all with the aim to educate the public about sustainable living such as growing your own vegetable garden without using a lot of water.

The Sustainable Living Foundation (www.slf.org.au), responsible for the festival is a community based non-profit organisation and they were proud of the fact that all the people involved in the festival were volunteers, including a few Auslan interpreters.

Auslan interpreter Benjamin Souter is passionate about looking after the environment and he had no hesitation in spending his time and effort on the weekend as a volunteer Interpreter Coordinator as well as interpreting some events.

Sustainable Living Festival

Ben interpreted some of the most interesting presentations at the festival, including one presented by World Vision Australia’s CEO, Rev. Tim Costello on ‘Don’t Trade Lives’. ‘Don’t Trade Lives’ is a World Vision campaign to unite Australians against human trafficking and slavery (www.donttradelives.com.au).There were other interpreters at the festival, mainly roaming interpreters going from stall to stall.

The festival was very Deaf-friendly, with the interpreter’s logo used on the program sheet and website (there was a dedicated page of interpreted events) and also a hearing loop in the BMW Edge theatre. This was the 10th time the annual festival was held, and we look forward to seeing more interpreted events at next year’s festival.

Photo: Benjamin Souter interpreting at the BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square.Photo Source: Photo courtesy of Darcy Gladwin – [email protected]

Photo: Elcho and Martha GrimstonePhoto Source: Photo courtesy of Asphyxia (www.asphyxia.com.au)

Photo: August and Gertrude GrimstonePhoto Source: Photo courtesy of Asphyxia (www.asphyxia.com.au)

There were some performers from the Deaf community including the ‘Deaf Can Dance’ group who wowed the audience with their dance moves and the story behind the dance. The other was Roundangle’s ‘In The Dark’, featuring Michelle Stevens and Heather Lawson, both Deafblind artists. ‘In The Dark’ was a clever performance which challenged the audience’s senses. Michelle also performed a brilliant piano solo in a packed room at Gasworks Arts Park and Asphyxia performed her puppet production, ‘The Grimstones: Hatched’. It was an impressive performance, enjoyed by young and old audiences.

11


12

Victorian Deaf Society

Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002TTY: (03) 9473 1199; Voice: (03) 9473 1111; Fax: (03) 9473 1122Email: [email protected] for country people, TTY: 1300 780 235, Voice: 1300 780 225

Vicdeaf office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5.00pmRegional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale and WangarattaPatrons: Professor David de Krester, AO and Mrs. Jan de Krester

www.vicdeaf.com.auPrinted on 100% Recycled Paper

Sports News

Deaf man plays Ice Hockey

Wearing full protective equipment that makes him look three times bigger and closely guarding a small net for The Champs Ice Hockey Club is where you will find Frank Spadea. Born Deaf, Frank is the middle of three brothers (his eldest brother is Deaf also) and regularly helps his family with their successful greengrocer business.

Frank is 27 and well known for his determination and his love of sport. He has participated in many different sporting codes, including pro-wrestling, soccer, cricket and AFL football and is a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter. He has also competed in Roman-Greco wrestling and was selected to represent Australia in the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympic Games. Unfortunately he was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. After all of this experience in sport, one day, Frank decided to try Ice Hockey.

“I started out as a player, learning how to skate and one day I asked if I could become a goalie, they said yes, however I had to wait 10 weeks before I could get a chance, as they wanted to give me time to develop my ice skating skills”, says Frank. He has only been playing Ice Hockey for 1.5 years but is now a highly skilled goalie. When he started out as a goalie, his

team lost the first four games, but as his goalkeeping skills improved, so did the team’s fortunes. They have jumped up the ladder to sit just outside a place in the finals. He credits The Champs Ice Hockey Club for supporting him throughout his development and looks forward to playing many more games with them.

Frank is a well respected team member as it was not hard to see the appreciation shown towards Frank by his many teammates, especially when he makes an important save during the game. Ice Hockey is not a well known sport, but it is highly entertaining to watch, so when you get some free time, put on your warm clothes and head down to the Olympic Ice Skating Centre in Centre Road, Oakleigh South and watch Frank guarding a small net for his team. For dates and times, have a look at the fixtures at www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au

Photo: Frank makes another desperate but successful savePhoto Source: Vicdeaf

Photo: Frank protects his net while an opponent bears down on himPhoto Source: Vicdeaf

Photo: A delighted Frank after his team defeated the Mavericks 6-1Photo Source: Vicdeaf

Documents

Issue 16 communicate - Expression › files › editor_upload...the Deaf and hard of hearing people affected by the bushfires. Information in Auslan was updated on Vicdeaf’s website