People across Bendigo and regional Victoria will have an opportunity to explore assistive technology closer to home when Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia brings its inaugural ATSA Local event to Bendigo on Tuesday, October 20.
And Vision Australia will be right there on the ground.
Vision Australia Radio and Vision Store will both have a presence at the event, connecting directly with visitors and the wider assistive technology community.
ATSA CEO Serena Evans recently joined Vision Australia Radio’s Peter Greco to discuss the new regional event and why taking assistive technology expos beyond Australia's major cities is important.
ATSA has traditionally delivered its Independent Living Expos in capital cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Serena explained that feedback from consumers and people working in the sector demonstrated demand for a more accessible regional option.
ATSA Local has been developed as a smaller regional concept, giving people the opportunity to see and explore equipment without needing to travel to a capital city.
Discover assistive technology firsthand
The Bendigo event will feature 32 exhibitors, with the available floor space already sold out.
Visitors will be able to explore technology and equipment supporting people across different disabilities and age groups, from relatively simple daily living aids through to mobility equipment, beds, hoists and modified vehicles.
Importantly, the expo isn't only for health professionals.
People living with disability, older Australians, family members and anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology are encouraged to attend. Visitors will be able to speak directly with suppliers and product representatives, ask questions and learn more about technologies that may support greater independence.
Meet Vision Australia in Bendigo
For Vision Australia, the event is also an opportunity to connect directly with the regional community.
Vision Australia Radio will be exhibiting at ATSA Local, meeting visitors and speaking with exhibitors about their products, services and the work happening across the assistive technology sector.
The Vision Store team will also be exhibiting, giving visitors an opportunity to meet a knowledgeable local team member and learn more about products and technology supporting people who are blind or have low vision.
During the interview, Peter and Serena also discussed the importance of lived experience when exploring assistive technology, recognising the value of hearing directly from people who use products in their own lives.
Bringing opportunities closer to regional communities
A key goal of ATSA Local is reducing the need for regional consumers and professionals to travel long distances simply to see what technology is available.
As Serena explained, bringing suppliers together locally means people can explore different products, talk directly with experts and better understand the options available to them.
For allied health professionals, a regional event may also make it easier to visit without losing an entire day travelling to and from Melbourne.
ATSA Local Bendigo
- When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 10am to 3.30pm
- Where: All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo
- Cost: Free
Pre-registration is available, but visitors can also attend on the day.
And if you're heading along, make sure you stop by and say hello to the Vision Australia Radio and Vision Store teams.
