'Representing the Deafblind Community in Victoria'

CFMEU donations and site visit

The CFMEU is a trade union that represents workers in the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy industries. Their members are helping build the Metro Tunnel and many other building projects near DBV’s home at Ross House.

Angelo and Rease are organisers with the CFMEU. They were inspired to support the Deafblind Community by raising funds for DBV. We were overwhelmed with gratitude when they made a surprise visit to our office in May 2023 with a $5000 donation! The money was donated by individual CFMEU members, most of whom are construction workers in the city.

The donation makes an enormous difference to DBV as a small organisation. It helps us keep running so we can support our vulnerable Deafblind community. Since May last year, Angelo and Rease have been back six times, with more money each time. The total donated so far is $19,500!

On 22 Nov 2023, DBV’s Heather Lawson made a site visit to Latrobe Street to thank the CFMEU members in person and present them with a certificate of appreciation. There were cheers and smiling faces all around.

Keep up the great work CFMEU! You not only look out for the welfare of industrial workers, but you take the time to care about our Deafblind community and make a positive change in the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Deafblind Cafe: National Deafblind Camp 2024 Experiences

Do you want to hear the stories from the National Deafblind Camp? At DBV cafe on 17th April 2024, our members shared their experiences. You can find videos and transcripts of their stories below.

Deafblind people from around the country came together for a fun-filled three days on Phillip Island, organised by Able Australia. This was the first national Deafblind camp in 4 years. It was great to catch up with old friends! The days were filled with socialising, outdoor activities, workshops, and a rock-and-roll disco evening.

Click here for stories and photos

Auslan in the Deafblind community

Many Deafblind people in Victoria use Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Our member survey in 2020 showed that three quarters of our members use some Auslan. We might use “tactile signing” (hand-over-hand), “visual frame” signing in a small space near the face, or “tracking” where we hold the wrists of the person who is signing to us, so we can keep focused on the hands as they move around. Tracking is helpful for those with a small circle of vision (tunnel vision). Some use a special form of the Auslan alphabet called the Deafblind alphabet. Some are learning Auslan; we practise with each other at DBV events, and do peer training one-to-one.

For Auslan Day 2024, Deaf Australia are running a competition of short stories in Auslan. There are four entries from Deafblind people in the running! They are Heather and Jeanette from DBV, Eddie from WA and Joyce from NSW. Voting is now closed, but you can still see all the videos here: https://deafaustralia.org.au/auslan-day-video-competition-2024/community-votes-2024/. We wish Heather, Jeanette, Eddie and Joyce all the best.

Here is Jeanette’s entry, with a translation below:

Click for translation

Craft group: Titanic Exhibition

On the 14th of February DBV craft group went to the Melbourne Museum’s Titanic exhibition. The Titanic was a big ship that sank when it hit an iceberg. Six DBV members attended and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the different rooms, artefacts, and learning the story of the ship and its passengers.  We felt the ice wall with our hands. Brrr!

Photos of DBV members in front of a large image of the Titanic, Hands feeling the ice wall, Group checking out the watertight doors.

This event is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information. 

Rec program – Lunch at Fairfield Park Boathouse

On Thursday the 21st of March 18 Deafblind community members went to the Fairfield Park Boathouse to catch-up, relax, and enjoy lunch together. It was a beautiful day with the sunshine supporting the atmosphere of friendship and laughter.

See below for photos and Robert’s story in Auslan and translated into English text.

Photos of Deafblind community members chatting, the view of the river from the Boathouse, and Robert Lokmer next to some small boats on the river.

Click for translation of Robert’s story

Deafblind tips 17 – Custom made tactile embroidery

DBV member Andrew shares his new cap, embroidered with DBV logo with tactile braille dots!

Translation: Hi all, my name is Andrew Howard. I was shopping at Southland shopping centre and I found a shop that can print things onto clothes, towels and other items. I showed the man an image I found on a website, using my phone. He said I can send it to him by email or SMS. My idea was to get a tactile version of the DBV logo! Have a look at this.

[Andrew shows a dark baseball cap with the DBV logo and braille letters].

Later, he contacted me when it was ready for me to pick it up and check it out. I paid by tapping with my phone. It was $100.

Next, I might try other items like a beanie, t-shirt or other shirt, jacket or hoodie.

Lastly, I got a gift voucher [for sharing my Deafblind tip]. It will be perfect! Thank you, bye bye.

DBV Connect is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information. 

Deafblind retreat in Ballarat

In early December 2023, DBV members, staff, and volunteers met for a Deafblind-led retreat. We enjoyed a great 3 days of relaxing at the Pax Hill Scout Camp, visiting Sovereign Hill, and eating out at Lake Wendouree.

Sovereign Hill was a highlight. People enjoyed demonstrations including cheese making, Lola Montez (historical figure), and mine tours.

Deafblind people planned and ran the activities, and learned some skills doing it. Volunteers got opportunities to practise Auslan and deafblind communication, and make friends in the Deafblind community.

This event was funded by a Lendlease Community Grant, and a Guide Dogs Connected Together grant.

Participants said:

“I really enjoyed Sovereign Hill, by far my favourite part of the Retreat.”

“We had several new volunteers and it was wonderful getting to know
them more.”

Photos: (above) Trudy talking with volunteers; (below) Robert gold panning at Sovereign Hill; Ruth and Michelle chatting; Ruth, Alex, Michelle, Leigh, Chris, Liam hanging out and chatting at the scout camp; Andrew and Robert working on the computer to plan activities.

Deafblind awareness workshop for Auslan community on Saturday, 18th November 2023

Deafblind Victoria take pride in our team running many workshops during 2023, connecting with various organisations.

The 18th and the last workshop for 2023 was for Auslan community. Unfortunately We only had 6 participants attended. We did not want to cancel the workshop, thought it was important to educate anyone about deafblind topics and deafblind community that DBV is existed. Good things that people who has RSVP saying they still want to attend workshop in the coming year. We  are looking forward to meet them next year.

Read more

Deafblind artist Joe’s artwork at the State Library of Victoria

Great news! Talented Deafblind Printmaker, Joe Monteleone’s iconic Flinders’ Street Linocut artwork is now, and ALWAYS proudly on display at the State Library of Victoria, after they purchased the 1st Edition to put up on display for everyone to enjoy! It’s amazing to see members of the Deafblind community, like the talented artist Joe, continue to break barriers and achieve milestones in the broader community. On behalf of Deafblind Victoria, we wish to extend our congratulations and celebrate Joe’s achievement, and we encourage you all to visit the State Library of Victoria so you can appreciate this amazing artwork in person for yourself. The exhibit will launch in 2026, stay tuned for updates.

Well done Joe!