The Bundaberg Talking Newspaper has spent over three decades helping get the news out to vision impaired residents.
Communication is key to the organisation, which was established 31 years ago by founding members Clem Campbell and Pat Stillman.
The duo recognised a need for visually impaired residents to access local news and began recording stories that were published in the NewsMail.
Current secretary Gail Zunker said the organisation was still operating to this day and had about 25 clients.
“We read and record relevant, local newspaper stories on a weekly basis and send them off to our clients,” she said.
“From news of interest to event articles, death and birth notices and more, we include anything that will appeal to people and things they can't get easy access to otherwise.”
Bundaberg Talking Newspaper offers free service
Mrs Zunker said the readings were undertaken by the Bundaberg Lioness Club before a dubbing machine generated multiple copies to send via post to residents on a weekly basis.
“This is a free service,” she said.
“It is for anyone who is vision impaired and wants to keep up to date with the news.
“If someone has been to hospital to get catarct surgery, they could apply for this type of service.”
Mrs Zunker said the organisation would not be able to operate without the support from Australia Post.
“Since we were established over three decades ago Australia Post have provided us with free postage,” she said.
“We would not be here today without their kind support.”
Bundaberg Blind and Vision Impaired Support Group
Mrs Zunker said the Bundaberg Blind and Vision Impaired Support Group also existed in the region and provided a place of support and socialisation for residents.
“Group members can engage in games and activities when they meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Bundaberg Family Centre on Kensington Street,” she said.
“The group also invites guest speakers to discuss certain topics of interest.
“It is an extremely important place, if people didn't have groups like this, they would become isolated.”
To find out more about the Bundaberg Talking Newspaper or the Bundaberg Blind and Vision Impaired Support Group, contact 0467 593 262 or 4159 3262.
Click here for more details.
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