About us
In South Australia, the Vision Australia Radio service (also known as 5RPH and VAR Adelaide) can be found on 1197AM, varadio.org and IRIS on DAB+ digital radio and streaming online.
It is estimated that 18.4% of South Australians have a print disability, and the Vision Australia Radio service in Adelaide plays a vital role in meeting their information needs. With a broadcast area that covers the vast majority of South Australia’s population, VAR Adelaide listeners rely on the service for readings from daily newspapers, weekly magazines and a selection of disability specific programs.
Each month, around 91 volunteers covering roles including readers, panel operators, editors and presenters donate approximately 1,200 hours to prepare and present the variety of programs heard on VAR Adelaide. Volunteers range in age from 50 years to 87 years; from university students, retirees and some who are still working. Approximately 93% of the volunteer workforce are retirees. McNair listener survey data estimated in 2019 that 70,000 people aged 15+, or 6% of all Adelaide people aged 15+, listen to 5RPH Vision Australia Radio at some time in a month.
To see if you have what it takes to become a Vision Australia Radio volunteer in Adelaide, visit the volunteers vacancies page or email [email protected]
A variety of Adelaide programs, including Focal Point, What's News in Disability, Guest of Honour and Leisure Link, are also available as podcasts to stream online.
Sir Charles Bright Scholarship
The Trust was established in 1985 by Malcolm Penn, in memory of Sir Charles Bright, a former judge of the Supreme Court, and a man who did much in both his public and in his private life for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged in the community.
The scholarships are awarded to students with a disability undertaking post-secondary education, whether at university, technical and further education or other recognised post-secondary educational institutions. The Trust has provided scholarships to over 300 students with disabilities.
The Sir Charles Bright Scholarship is an authorised trust and registered charity and is administered by a Board of Trustees. The Trust has received support from Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, The Royal Society for the Blind, The Brain Foundation, Guide Dogs, PQA, SCOSA, Multiple Sclerosis, 5RPH, Arts SA, the Department of Employment, Training and Further Education and a number of private donors.
Application forms for scholarships are available annually from late October and the round closes at the end of January.
You can download an application form here.
Enquiries to David Penn, Administrator: [email protected] or by phoning the Trust on 0439 490 010.
Scholarships of $2000 are presented annually in February.
Sir Charles Bright Scholarship Trust
Patron: His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia
Ambassador: Peter Goers, OAM