communicateThe newsletter for Victoria’s Deafand hard of hearing people

Issue 34 Mar/Apr 2012

Gaslight Festival photos – Pages 6 & 7

Article by David Peters, Gaslight Festival Coordinator

The Gaslight Festival was held in Maldon over the weekend of 23-25 March 2012. Over 300 Deaf and hard of hearing people attended the festival and enjoyed many

workshops, presentations, displays and activities. The weather was cool, with patrons wearing plenty of warm clothes on Friday, but improved for the remainder of the weekend. The Festival was unique as it was a fully Auslan accessible event, enjoyed by the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

On Friday, the interpreted Gold Mine tour was popular, followed by the fantastic Muckheap by Polyglot performance and the outdoor cinema showing ‘The Hammer’ movie for the first time in Australia. ‘The Hammer’ was about an American deaf boy growing up to become a champion wrestler against all odds. It was an enjoyable family movie.

Meanwhile, the Maldon Caravan and Camping Park was full of Deaf campers. It was great to see ‘gaslights’ shining in the dark throughout the park and people signing around them. This gave us an idea of what the Deaf community was like all those years ago when there was no electricity and streetlamps were powered by gas.

Saturday morning at dawn, Simon Andersson led a number of Deaf bushwalkers up Mt. Tarrengower. Later, some went on an interpreted Wine tour to Chapple’s Winery and came back with bottles of wine. Other popular Saturday events included the Deaf Culture presentation by Anne Bremner and Horrible Histories by Breda Carty. All workshops and activities went ahead and ensured a great day for everyone who attended. Even the kids enjoyed the sports clinics conducted by the

Deaf soccer, cricket, netball and tennis clubs. They also enjoyed the hula hoops, pony rides, drama workshop, jumping castle, fire twirling workshop, yoga, junk puppet workshop and an encore Muckheap by Polyglot performance. By the end of the day, the kids were worn out but with happy faces.

Other features included the classic and muscle car display, the fire truck display and of course, over 20 stalls. Stalls included a variety of foods and drinks, arts and crafts, technology displays, card reading and henna tattoos. On Saturday night, there was an excellent fire twirling performance followed by a series of short films, which provided great entertainment. The bar opened at the football clubhouse and many patrons went there and enjoyed catching up with friends by the warm pot belly stove.

It was a slow start on Sunday, with a few people playing golf at the nearby Maldon Golf Course. There was also a church service and yoga classes. Other interesting events were the Inspiring History workshop by Breda Carty and the interpreted History Tour Walk around Maldon, which included a visit to the local fire station.

The festival came to a close early on Sunday afternoon and everyone packed up and returned to their homes with great memories of the Gaslight Festival.

Many thanks must go to the sponsors, stallholders, presenters, performers and volunteers for ensuring the festival was a huge success. Vicdeaf will now collect feedback from the Gaslight Festival and look at ways to improve for the next Gaslight Festival. Vicdeaf will provide more information about the next Gaslight Festival in the next issue of Communicate.

I want to thank my Information Services team members, James Blyth, Lidia Risicato, Michael Parremore, Natalie Sandon and Sasha Hough for their determined efforts to organise the Gaslight Festival.

Gaslight Festival a huge success

Photo: Robert Dunn and Sharon Kilby enjoys the Festival. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Watching an outdoor movie, ‘The Hammer’ on Friday night. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/Apr 2012

Report from the CEO

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ResignationAs many of you already know I have resigned my position as CEO at Vicdeaf.

Mac Adam has notified the Board and staff and is sending out letters to many key stakeholders which advise the following:

After careful consideration of his personal and career objectives and Vicdeaf’s current strong position, Graeme Kelly has resigned as CEO of Vicdeaf effective from 27th June 2012, in order to take up the role of CEO of E.W. Tipping Foundation from 2nd July 2012.

Graeme has been an outstanding leader during his five years as CEO of Vicdeaf. His vision, strategic thinking and excellent leadership skills have enhanced Vicdeaf’s reputation as a highly-respected organisation supporting “access and equity” for Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians. Graeme has provided the executive leadership that has resulted in significant and sustainable expansion of services and choices for Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.

I am sure you join me and the Vicdeaf Board in wishing Graeme every success in his new CEO role at E.W. Tipping Foundation, where he will lead a well respected not for profit organisation committed to improving the quality of lives for many of Victoria’s most disadvantaged people.

The Board has initiated a process to recruit a new CEO to build on the outstanding outcomes that Graeme has achieved in his five years at the helm and we will be seeking expressions of interest from candidates commencing later in April.

We will keep you informed of progress on the CEO recruitment process and details on Graeme’s farewell arrangements.

I will comment and reflect further in my last article in Communicate before I leave Vicdeaf.

In closingGreat to see the beautiful autumn weather and football back with us. 2012 certainly shapes up as perhaps the most challenging and exciting year for Vicdeaf for some time.

The changes outlined above present new opportunities to Vicdeaf in delivering our vision for better “access and equity for Deaf and hard of hearing people.”

If you have any queries on anything I have written above I’d appreciate your comments.

Regards,

Graeme Kelly Chief Executive Officer

Hello everybody,

2012 is certainly starting as a year of change and new opportunities.

Appointment of Manager, Communication and Community RelationsFollowing the resignation of Gavin Balharrie as Manager Information Services in December last year I undertook a review of the functions

of this team as well as Community Relations and Development department. The aim of the review was to better structure our services to achieve stronger outcomes consistent with the Vicdeaf Strategic Plan.

As a result a new role of Manager Communication and Community Relations was created which will now be responsible for a broader range of services including these two departments. Following an extensive and professional recruitment process I am delighted to advise that Brent Phillips has been appointed to this important new role and will commence on Thursday 26th April.

Many of you will know Brent through his voluntary community role as President of Deaf Sports Australia. Brent is also Project Coordinator – Major Projects for the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development and is completing an MBA program following an earlier BA qualification from Melbourne University.

Brent’s experience in government and community sectors, combined with his commitment to professional and community development and his approachable and transparent leadership style prepare him well for this role.

Inaugural Gaslight Festival at Maldon Thanks to all involved in the organisation and operation of the successful Gaslight Festival held from 23 -25 March in Maldon. To David Peters and the Information Services Team, David Oliver and the many volunteers who generously lent a hand, thank you for your efforts in making the first Gaslight Festival a positive experience for the many 3 day “campers” as well the day trippers who dropped in to check it out. It was terrific to see people from all over Victoria mingling and having such a good time and enjoying the activities at the Festival as well as the area surrounding Maldon.

As with any new event there are lessons to be learned and we will review the feedback to make future events even better for all concerned.

Importantly, thank you to the hundreds of Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians who supported the Festival by coming along and joining in the many activities at the Festival and around beautiful Maldon. It was terrific to hold the Festival in a central location for all Victorians.

We will also communicate our thanks to the stall holders, performers, sponsors and others who also contributed to the Festival.

Mar/Apr 2012 | Communicate Issue 34

Editorial Editorial PolicyCommunicate is published six times a year. Reader contributions are greatly welcomed. Articles must relate to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. All contribution, once submitted, becomes the property of Communicate.

The editor reserve the right not to publish, or to edit, any article submitted for publication. All editing shall strive to remain true to the spirit of the original article.

Opinions expressed (except in articles that are signed in an official capacity) are those of the author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the editor or by Vicdeaf.

Submission deadlines for 2012

Thursday 17 May

Thursday 12 July

Thursday 13 September

Friday 16 November

SUBMISSIONS WELCOMEEmail to info@vicdeaf.com.au

Hello and welcome to the March/April 2012 issue of Communicate. This year is flying by so fast with Easter now behind us and we’re fast

approaching the winter season.

It has been a very hectic time at Vicdeaf due to our first ever Gaslight Festival. The Festival has been declared a success and I am sure we have sowed the seeds for many more Festivals to come. To those of you who missed out, I’d definitely recommend that you come over next time.

There are some fantastic events coming up such as the 6th ASLIA Victoria Auslan Interpreter of the Year Awards night (12 May), Werribee Deaf Club 10th Anniversary Dinner (26 May), World Deaf Camp (2-9 June) and lots of Auslan interpreted or captioned performances. Be sure to check our website and look under Events.

We also will run a series of information sessions which are all Auslan interpreted and held at Vicdeaf. Some will be made accessible to regional areas via Video Relay link. Have a look at page 11 for more details. Please make sure you let Vicdeaf know you are attending.

Natalie Sandon and I will be heading to Adelaide in early May to meet with the

South Australian (SA) Deaf community and talk about Deaf Professionals Network (DPN).

We will deliver some workshops and assist the SA Deaf community to set up DPN (SA). It is an exciting initiative and I am sure many in SA will benefit from DPN (SA). This initiative is developed by Tanya Morgan, an administrator of Deaf Sports Recreation South Australia.

You may be aware of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Rally at Federation Square in Melbourne CBD on Monday 30 April. Many of Vicdeaf staff will be going to the Rally to support the establishment of NDIS as we feel this is a step in the right direction for providing ‘access and equity for Deaf and hard of hearing people’. Hopefully we will see some of you at the Rally.

The possible establishment of NDIS also raises an interesting question – what level of support will Deaf and hard of hearing people receive from the NDIS? This will be an area of interest by all in the Deaf and hard of hearing community as well as relevant advocacy and services organisations. So watch this space as NDIS starts to take shape hopefully soon.

Enjoy reading Communicate and the rest of the footy season.

Michael ParremoreEditor

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Melbourne Deaf Expo and Information Forum

• Technology

• Employment

• Auslan

• Case Management

• Interpreting

• Deaf Arts & Sports

• Early Intervention

• Education

• Aged care

• Services Available

• Community Support Groups

• Hearing Loss Prevention

When: Saturday 27th October 2012Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pmWhere: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds

For more information, contact Deaf Expo Coordinator – David Peters on Email: dpeters@vicdeaf.com.au

Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/April 2012

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Article by David Oliver

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Victorian Deaf Society, the Gaslight Award was created.

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding contributions made to the Victorian Deaf Society since its inception and/or through the 128 years of its history and service.

When the recipient of the 2011 award was announced, it was not a surprise to anyone.

This person has contributed as much as any person and more than most to the Deaf community and to the Victorian Deaf Society.

He has received recognition from international and national bodies for his contribution in Deaf sports administration.

He was the first Deaf President, and served on the Vicdeaf board from 1971 – 1985. It was during his tenure as President that our name changed from Adult Deaf Society to Victorian Deaf Society.

In 1985, he became Director of Services for Vicdeaf serving as a staff member for a further 10 years.

He always advocated strongly for the rights of deaf people to live equally with those in the wider community.

Some say we should credit the existence of National Auslan Interpreter Booking & Payment Service (NABS) to him (at least in part). WHY?

For the last 18 months of his life, he had sought many specialist medical opinions on his ill health, in order to get a diagnosis. He finally received a diagnosis the day before his passing.

For each of these appointments (some of them interstate) he paid for the interpreter to attend.

He knew that many Deaf people could not afford to do this, so he lodged a complaint under the DDA.

Many people believe that his claim is what finally prompted the Federal Government to release funds in order to establish NABS.

NABS is the agency that books and pays for Auslan interpreters to attend private medical consultations.

His voluntary contribution to the Deaf community was formally recognised by the Australian Government – they awarded him an Order of Australia Medal.

We want to honor this man with our most prestigious award – the Gaslight Award, in recognition of his extensive, selfless, outstanding contribution to Vicdeaf, and at the same time recognise his wife Jill and his family, who are well known to Vicdeaf and who supported his commitment.

He is John Michael Lovett.

When the recipient of the award was announced by Vicdeaf President, Mac Adam at the Gaslight Festival on 24th March, the Lovett family was unable to be present. However Mrs. Lovett was able to attend the recent Reception for Vicdeaf at Government House, and we were thrilled that The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria presented her with the Award.

A Vicdeaf ‘National Treasure’ receives the Gaslight Award 2011

Photo: The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria with interpreter Paul Heuston talks about John Lovett and his many achievements. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Jill Lovett with Carmel Phillips, John Flynn, Anne Bremner and Brent Phillips in the StateDrawing Room at Government House. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: The Honourable Alex Chervoc AC QC presents Jill Lovett the Gaslight Award.Photo Source: Vicdeaf

Mar/Apr 2012 | Communicate Issue 34

Maria Burgess wins Herald Sun Teacher Ambassador prize

The judges were impressed with Maria’s ideas and awarded her the Teacher Ambassador Program prize, which included a 9-day trip to San Antonio, Texas in the United States. Last February, Maria went to the US and attended the Association of Teachers Educators annual conference. She gave an interactive workshop titled ‘Learning Languages without Sound’. She presented ideas to the audience first in written Hindi then in Auslan and lastly by visual concepts, the audience were able to unlock and compare grammatical ideas in languages they couldn’t speak (Hindi and Auslan) and were surprised all can be done without sound or speech.

During her trip, Maria visited the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. She learned the school accommodated 500 Deaf students from ages 3 to 22. 300 were boarders. 50% of the teachers were Deaf including a Deaf principal. The school was on a massive 62 acres of land, which included a professional football ground, baseball field, 2 basketball courts, diving pools, performing theatre and production studios. Even the students there learn how to drive a car using driver simulation technology.

“I was shocked at the size and population of the school, it’s big! And the quality of the facilities they have, the advanced technology they used. They had booths in the school hall where students can make video or video relay service calls! Even the local Austin community has excellent Deaf awareness, using sign language to communicate. It was great!” Maria said.

Maria is pleased that her achievement has created positive publicity, with a few articles featured in the Herald Sun and the Australian Education Union. Maria has been contacted by Department of Education and Early Childhood Development who wanted to find out about Victorian College for the Deaf’s developing partnership with the new Victorian Deaf Education Institute. As part of the prize, Maria will give a professional development workshop to teachers about visual literacy. This will be advertised by the Herald Sun soon.

For more information about literacy and deaf education workshops, please contact the Victorian Deaf Education Institute on phone: 9529 5820 or email: vdei@edumail.vic.gov.au

Article by Michael Parremore

Maria Burgess, a Grade 5 and 6 teacher at Victorian College for the Deaf was one of two teachers to receive the Herald Sun 2011 Teacher Ambassador Program prize. The Teacher Ambassador Program is designed to boost professional development of teachers using newspapers as a classroom resource. Recently, I met Maria to talk about her experiences as a result of this program.

In October 2011, when Maria received an email asking teachers to join the competition, she decided to apply. Maria thought that if she did win, she would use the media to put deafness on people’s radar in a positive way. This was during the time when there was a lot of negative publicity, with Telstra QLD Businesswoman of the Year winner Dimity Dornan alleging that like polio, deafness is a scourge in the community and can be eradicated.

When Maria applied for the competition, she had to answer the question on how could newspapers be used in a future deaf classroom. Maria dreamed up an idea and wrote how signing Deaf students could learn to read and understand printed English by using online newspapers on an e-whiteboard connected to the internet in the classroom. Students would receive visual input such as photos or videos to get a rough idea of what the story was about. Then the students can discuss in Auslan what the story may be about then move to the second language of English, which by nature of deafness is the harder language. Maria explains that using this 3-step method, students will be able to learn printed English and develop their reading and writing skills.

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Photo: Maria with Avonne Brooker-Rutowski, the then principal of Texas School for the Deaf. Photo Source: Maria Burgess.

Photo: Maria with interpreters Sarah Sudweeks and Nicole Maher. Photo Source: Maria Burgess.

Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/Apr 2012

Gaslight Festival photos

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Photo: Naseema Burhanuddin draws a Henna tattoo on Kathy Fitzmaurice’s hand.

Photo: Heather Lawson enjoys catching up with friends.

Photo: Lana Schwarcz teaches the art of hula hoops.

Photo: VCD Students working at the Tradeblock café.

Photo: Children enjoys the Muckheap show by Polyglot. All Photo Sources: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Children enjoy the jumping castle.

Photo: Carolyn Anette makes a coffee at Deafmobile Café.

Photo: Medina Sumovic with children at the drama workshop.

Mar/Apr 2012 | Communicate Issue 34

Gaslight Festival photos

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Photo: Children and adults enjoy a game of cricket.

Photo: At the Mask Making workshop coordinated by Irene Holub.

Photo: ACE’s Phil Harper talks about technology.

Photo: Vicdeaf’s Lana Holien talks about Video Relay Interpreting.

Photo: Melissa Anderson and Anne Bremner talks about Deaf culture.

Photo: Janet Meaney shows off her amazing patchwork.

Photo: Alan Sandon catches up with friends.

Photo: Playing darts at the Festival!

Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/Apr 2012

Hearing home visit service continues to grow

hearservice, a division of Vicdeaf, has been supporting Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians since 1971 through provision of audiology and hearing loss management products and services.

hearservice proudly launched its hearing home visit service in November 2011. Since then, the service has been in great demand. As a result, services have recently expanded, and a team of three audiologists now provide hearing services across metropolitan Melbourne to clients who can’t come into a hearservice clinic.

The hearing home visit service offers a range of services to clients in their own home, or in settings such as residential aged care facilities.

Matthew Grounds, Principal Audiologist at hearservice, says feedback about the home visit service has been overwhelmingly positive. “Clients who can’t come into our clinics have told me they are so appreciative they can now access audiology services in their own home”, Matthew says. “We are very excited about how much our service has grown in the last six months. We are looking forward to continuing to grow the service as demand increases.”

The home visit service offers hearing tests and hearing aid services such as fitting, follow-up and maintenance. Assistive listening devices such as alarms, telephones and TV devices can also be provided.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact hearservice. Phone 1300 30 20 31; email info@hearservice.com.au; sms 0412 578 871; TTY phone 133 677 and request 1300 30 20 31.

Photo: Matthew Grounds prepares for a home visit. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

SensWide Advice Line service availableWho are we?

SensWide Employment, a division of the Victorian Deaf Society, is a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider for the Australian Government. Based in Melbourne, Frankston, Preston and Sunshine, SensWide has 20 years of experience supporting people with a sensory loss into sustainable and worthwhile jobs.

What is the SensWide Advice Line?

The SensWide Advice Line (SAL) is a return to our roots. In response to a call from the DES community, the SAL has been initiated to support all sides of employment services to receive the expert advice and consultancy support that they need to achieve their common goals. The workers on the SensWide Advice Line will take your call and give you guidance, answer your enquiries, or simply point you in the right direction. We will offer our recommendations with professionalism and confidence.

Most importantly, the SensWide Advice Line is totally free. At no cost to all users, the SAL will deliver referral and advisory services to Line callers. Using all modes of electronic communication, the SAL will supply you with the advice that you need.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who wants advice can seek it from the SensWide Advice Line. You could be a:

• Job seeker • Worker • Employer or potential employer • Family member

• Advocate • DES provider • JSA provider • Training provider • or Recruiter The SAL will endeavour to assist all users to improve the working lives of people with a sensory loss.

For more information please contact the Advice Line on:

Ph: 03 8620 7155 TTY: 03 9614 3062 Fax: 03 9614 3070

Email: sal@senswide.com.au Skype: senswide.employment

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Tandem InterpretingArticle by Mark Quinn

Interpreting assignments sometimes require two interpreters; this may be because the appointment goes for more than one hour, or this may be because the assignment is very complex. In the past, Auslan/English interpreters always split up the working time, 50-50 with the interpreters swapping every fifteen or twenty minutes.

Times are changing now and the old way of doing things isn’t always the best way.

Many people think one interpreter is “on” or “working” and the other interpreter is “off” or “resting”. In reality, the “resting” interpreter is still working. They still need to be watching and listening so that they can monitor the interpretation by the “working” interpreter as well as support them, if required.

New terms are now being used to describe this difference. They are “active” or “primary” interpreter (for the “working” interpreter) and “monitoring” or “supporting” (for the “resting” interpreter). These new terms more accurately represent what both interpreters are doing. This is because both interpreters are actually working and not resting.

Deaf people who watch two interpreters work may be curious if they don’t swap every fifteen minutes or so, like they always did in the past. Sometimes they still do work the old way, but other times they don’t.

Interpreters are like everyone – they have different skills. Think about sports – you have a team of AFL players, working hard to do a job to win the game, but not all the players do the same things on the team. Each player has their own strengths and weaknesses. A ruckman can’t play as midfielder and a midfielder can’t ruck, but they work together to achieve their goal to win the game.

It is a bit the same with interpreters, except we go to a lot of very different settings and assignments – the ‘game’ is not always the same. Often, you will see interpreters working in different ways to the past. Two interpreters may decide that one interprets from English to Auslan and the other interprets from Auslan to English. Or they may decide to split the work by who is involved, one interpreting person A, B and C and the other interpreting person X, Y and Z.

This can make it look like one interpreter is doing more work than the other. But remember that they are both working, most ofthe time. Neither is “off” or “resting”unless necessary.

How do the two interpreters know who is doing what? Before the assignment, the two interpreters will talk through the various needs of the assignment as well as their particular skill sets and prepare how they will share the workload. They may also talk to the Deaf participant(s) to see if there are any extra ways of working together that may be required for that particular environment.

For example, at a fast-paced meeting where there can be a time lag in the interpreting process, the Deaf participant(s) may find that they miss the chance to interject with comments or questions – the turn-taking between hearing participants is just too quick. In this case, the supporting interpreter will look for a cue from the Deaf participant and then listen for a time to interject, signalling the Deaf participant to begin and then interpreting that interjection. Then the primary interpreter will take back the active position.

And sometimes, this discussion ends up with the two interpreters working in the traditional way that we’ve known for so long now, swapping every fifteen to twenty minutes throughout the assignment. If that is the case, it is because through their analysis they have decided that this is the best way to manage the work.

How tandem interpreters work together today can be different from before, but the reason for this change is not just to do something different. How interpreters work is changing over time in response to the real needs in interpreting assignments. This gives consumers more control, it also makes better use of each interpreter’s skill sets that results in a better, more clear interpretation. And that means better access for Deaf people.

Photo: Mark Quinn, Paul Heuston & Cheryl Sandilands interpreting at the Garden Party as part of Vicdeaf’s 125 Year Celebrations in 2010. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Mark Quinn and Sarah Howell at the 2010 Deaf Professionals Network Business Breakfast. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Kirri Dangerfield (right) on an interpreting assignment at the 2009 Deaf Professionals Network Business Breakfast. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Mar/Apr 2012 | Communicate Issue 34

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Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/Apr 2012

at your workplace

l Do you want to improve deafawarenesswhereyouwork?

l Doyouwanttocommunicatebetterwithyourbossandworkmates?

l Do you want people at work tounderstandyoubetter?

l Doyouwantinformationonhowtomakeyourworkplacedeaffriendly?

IfyouanswerYEStosomeorallofthequestionsabove,

thenaskyourworkplacetocontactVicdeaftoprovide

DeafAwarenessandAuslanTraining.

*100%ofthetrainingcostcanbereimbursedfromtheEmployment

AssistanceFund.

For more information, contact VicdeafEmail: info @vicdeaf.com.au

Ph: 9473 1181 • TTY: 9473 1199Fax: 9473 1122

100%REBATE*

Public Relations ReportOne of the most important programs for Public Relations and Development currently is the Major Gifts Campaign for the new hearcentre – an important centre for the development of research, education and information programs and technology within the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Our goal is to raise $1.6 million towards the various aspects of cost associated with the establishment and operation of the centre, which will be based and closely aligned with our hearservice at 340 Albert Street East Melbourne.

Over $600,000 has already been given or promised through the Vicdeaf Board, Trust and Foundations and private individuals, including one bequest, but we are still seeking nearly $1 million to help ensure that these programs are sustainable for at least the next three years. By then there should be a level of sustainability for the various programs.

We want to acknowledge the generosity of The R E Ross Trust, the William Angliss Charitable Fund and the Estate of the late Mrs. Patricia Mary O’Sullivan whom have contributed a total of $150,000 in recent weeks.

But we rely on all donations, large and small - every donation, every contribution is greatly appreciated and critical to service delivery. We are often surprised at the generosity

Communicate is a bi-monthly print newsletter. It is a source of news and information relating to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. Want to receive Communicate? Please fill in your details and post to us.

Under the Gaslight is a monthly electronic newsletter. It is an excellent source of upcoming events and important information. Want to receive Under the Gaslight (via email only)? Please fill in your details and post to us:

Post to: Vicdeaf Communication Coordinator, Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 or you can subscribe over the internet. Simply go to www.vicdeaf.com.au and subscribe.

COMMUNICATE AND UNdEr ThE GASLIGhT SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Name:Postal Address:

Name:Email Address:

of friends of Vicdeaf who want to do their part in helping to provide the means for expanded and new services. One such person is Melanie Merhi, a young Deaf woman who is keen to help Vicdeaf in a most delightful way. Melanie is a Tupperware agent and has offered to give a donation from Tupperware parties she holds.

You can contact Melanie on email: melanie_is_maltese@hotmail.com

If you would like to help we would be so grateful – please contact us on either email: doliver@vicdeaf.com.au, fax number 03 473 1122, TTY 9473 1199 or text to 0488 30 34 37.

David Oliver, ManagerCommunity Relations & Development

Photo: Melanie Merhi with new CR&D Marketing and Administration staff member Alexandra Downie. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

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Mar/April 2012 | Communicate Issue 34

Public Relations ReportArticle by Prue TehanI studied Auslan at Vicdeaf last year and absolutely loved it. I emailed the Information Services team at Vicdeaf last January to see if they knew where I could do some volunteering and continue practicing my sign. I never expected that two months later I’d be signing (slowly!) at the Gaslight Festival in Maldon.

For the past couple of months, I’ve headed into Vicdeaf East Melbourne one day a week and helped out with some odd jobs for the Festival – sorting

out wristbands, updating the website blog, helping design the program, etc.

Getting involved in the Gaslight Festival has been fantastic. I’ve loved being in the Vicdeaf office and new Information Centre on the ground floor, meeting interesting people from across the Deaf community and learning more about Deaf culture and history.

The Festival itself was awesome. I caught up with my old Auslan teachers, met many great people, ate delicious food, and really enjoyed the ‘Deaf Culture’ and ‘Horrible

The Sonic Boom SBP100 Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock has powerful vibration and optional extra loud pulsating alarm, you will have no trouble waking up.

Some features include:

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Available at all hearservice locations, East Melbourne, Box Hill and Oakleigh

www.hearservice.com.au

Histories’ workshops. A few of my classmates from Kangan Institute (where I’m studying now) came along as well which was fantastic. I was grateful to everyone who was very patient with my basic signing skills!

I’ve really loved being a part of the Information Services team at Vicdeaf, and would like to thank everyone who has helped me improve my signing along the way. I’ve learnt heaps, and more importantly, my confidence has grown. I hope this was only the first of many Gaslight Festivals to come!

Prue’s experience as a volunteer at Vicdeaf

Sonic Alert Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock – Sonic Boom SBP100

Photo: Prue Tehan at the beach.Photo Source: Prue Tehan.

The 2012/2013 Entertainment Book for Greater Melbourne has arrived at Vicdeaf!

For $65, you will recieve over $15,000 worth of offers for restaurant dining, sports, retail, travel

leisure and accommodation.

Proceeds from each book sold go towards the work of the Victorian Deaf Society.

For more information, or to make a purchase, contact Alex Downie.Level 4, 340 Albert StEast Melbourne, VIC, 3002Email: adownie@vicdeaf.com.auPhone: 9473 1141

Auslan interpreted Information Sessions at VicdeafThe following information sessions coming up are all presented by experts and are Auslan interpreted. All are free events with light refreshments provided.

Make sure you notify Vicdeaf if you are coming. If you wish to attend, make sure you let Vicdeaf know. Contact details on page 12.

All events are held at JML Centre, Vicdeaf, Level 3, 340 Albert St, East Melbourne and all will start at 6.00 pm.

10 May – Planning for your retirement?Learn strategies on how to build retirement savings, which will reduce your tax and build your superannuation.Please RSVP by 7 May

14 May – Tenants, know your rights and responsibilitiesFor people who are renting or looking for a place to rent. Learn the rights and responsibilities of tenants.Please RSVP by 9 May

31 May – MYKI Information NightAll you need to know about MYKI will be presented here.Please RSVP by 28 May

19 June – how to set up a Will?Learn how to set up a Will for yourself and your family.Please RSVP by 14 June

24 July – reduce debt and Create WealthLearn various strategies on how to save and build weath for the future. Includes tips on clearing debt and investing.Please RSVP by 19 July

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COMING UP

Communicate Issue 34 | Mar/Apr 2012

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Victorian deaf Society

Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002TTY: (03) 9473 1199; Voice: (03) 9473 1111; Fax: (03) 9473 1122Email: info@vicdeaf.com.auToll-free for country people, TTY: 1300 780 235, Voice: 1300 780 225

Vicdeaf office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5.00pmRegional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale and WangarattaPatrons: Alex Chernov AC QC and Mrs. Elizabeth Chernov

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Sports NewsTwo special achievements for David Peters

Since 1985, he has held the position of President, Vice President and Treasurer at DSA. He currently holds the position of President. During David’s time as President of DSA (1999 to 2003) he was an integral part of Melbourne’s bid in securing the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics.

He has also been a delegate to the Deaflympics (International Committee of Sports for the Deaf) congress since 1983 and has participated in both summer (1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001 and 2005, 2009) and winter (1983, 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007) games; both as a team official and a delegate to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD).

David mentioned that while he enjoyed playing sports, he mainly enjoyed being part of working with a team of athletes and people especially during his roles as Chef de Mission for the Australian Teams at the 1997, 2001 & 2009 Deaflympic Games.

David was granted a two year leave of absence from Vicdeaf to take on a full time role as Group Manager of Sports and Venues for the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics Organising Committee (M2005). His main responsibilities at M2005 were to organise sport competitions and venues, coordinating the venue hire agreements with all sporting venues and competition agreements with state sports organizations to run the 15 sport competitions.

David was a humble and worthy recipient of the DSA life membership award which is due recognition of his over 30 years contribution to Deaf sports.

In the space of a few weeks, David Peters was presented with a framed certificate for for his 25 years service at Vicdeaf and also a life membership from Deaf Sports Australia (DSA). This came after 2009 when he received a Medal of Honour from the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) which was published in Communicate issue 19 which can be downloaded from the Vicdeaf website.

David started his career at Vicdeaf in on Thursday 11 September 1986 as an Administrative Assistant at Jolimont and worked in various roles and departments. He currently holds the Information Officer position. He lectures to a variety of organisations about Deaf awareness, culture, workplace relationships and communication strategies. David also builds advisory partnerships with various stakeholders including the City of Melbourne, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the Public Transport Advisory Committee.

David is a great mentor to many staff at Vicdeaf and provides thoughtful insights about a wide range of topics due to his vast knowledge and experience in the Deaf and hard of hearing community over many years.

David’s first involvement with sports was humble, where he played football at his school, the Victorian School for Deaf Children and won a premiership in 1969. He also enjoyed playing cricket, basketball and squash. When David was 18, he became a committee member of the Jolimont Deaf Basketball Club. This was the start of his contribution to deaf sports where he became involved with Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria and DSA.

Photo: David Peters receives Life Membership from DSA President Brent Phillips.Photo Source: Edan Chapman and Deaf Sports Australia.

Photo: David Peters on his way to collect the 25 Years of Service award at Vicdeaf.Photo Source: Vicdeaf.