Radio news

Vision Australia Radio celebrates volunteers across May

13 May 2019

Across May, Vision Australia Radio (VAR) is celebrating the great work that our volunteers put in across the country.

The VAR network operates to address the information needs of people who are blind, have low vision or a print disability. The service would not be possible without our enthusiastic and passionate team of volunteers nationwide, who are supported by a small team of dedicated staff.

The VAR network comprises of 15 radio services with AM radio services in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and seven services in regional Victoria.

There are also five digital radio services; the VA Radio simulcast service in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth as well as the IRIS digital radio services in Melbourne and Adelaide.

This month we focus on our most important asset: our incredible volunteer team, consisting of over 800 volunteer presenters, readers, researchers and technical operators across the VAR network who prepare over 100 hours of live and recorded content per week.

Vision Australia’s national audio business development manager Jason Gipps said it’s important VAR takes the time to tell all volunteers how much their input is appreciated.

“National Volunteer Week is something we celebrate because it’s important to show our appreciation to those who make such a difference in the lives of others,” Jason said.

“Every member of the community has a basic right to access information that inspires, educates and uplifts, and our radio volunteers make this a reality each and every day they walk into our studios,” he said.

VAR is shining the spotlight on volunteers across the network in celebration of National Volunteer Week, profiling the important work our volunteers do and sharing what the team most enjoy most about giving their time to our service for the blind and low vision community.

Be sure to tune into your favourite VAR platform across Australia this month.