Speeches
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind 140th anniversary event
Rod and I as Patron, welcome you to our backyard to mark the 140th Anniversary of See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind.
Today marks a significant milestone; 140 years of steadfast commitment to supporting South Australians who are blind or living with low vision.
We gather in these historic grounds to celebrate your history. And it could be said there are parallels.
Government House too had small beginnings, with the original eastern wing of just a few rooms as you can see just over there.
Over time the House grew in size and changed its configuration to meet new demands, while retaining its core vice-regal role and providing a focus for supporting and celebrating community endeavours
Similarly, See Differently has grown and developed throughout its history from the original industrial school at Ebenezer Chapel in Brougham Place, North Adelaide, founded by Andrew Whyte Hendry and Sir Charles Good to enable people who were blind, or vision impaired to live independently and improve their quality of life.
Since then, you have steadfastly supported your clients, and now also provide highly trained assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD and a therapy program for children living with autism.
As one of the oldest charities in South Australia, you have made, and continue to make, a difference for thousands of people every year.
Today is about celebrating a milestone with an afternoon of fun and backyard cricket.
The celebratory match is an example of what’s possible when people are given encouragement, some aids, and the opportunity to achieve – they can find independence, enjoyment, and participation.
I’m told some guide dogs here have been trained – if training is needed! - to retrieve the ball for today’s event.
I’m sure our family Cavoodle Alfie will be enviously watching from the upstairs window as this is his backyard too – but I’m not that confident he would bring the ball back!
Today is also an opportunity to honour those who have contributed to the organisation’s longevity: the staff, board, volunteers, corporate partners, supporters, and donors.
Thank you for your enduring commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate community.
Through assistive technology, counselling, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility, braille instruction, optometry, employment support and assistance dogs, people are enabled to live the lives they want.
On a personal level, two years ago, Rod and I were privileged to undertake a blindfolded walk with a guide dog at the Gilles Plains facility.
Initially we were hesitant and unsure, but it was a memorable feeling to be able to put our trust in these amazing dogs and we began to gain confidence as they took us on a short walk.
As Rod and I travel across the State and visit the organisations of which we are patrons and many other community groups, we are constantly inspired by people’s dedication and commitment.
Their unstinting diligence, like yours, is the lifeblood of the transformative work of your organisation and is one of the things that makes South Australia such a special place to live.
Because of you, thousands of South Australians have been assisted - more than 7,000 in the past financial year.
Because of you, over the 19-year life of the program, 232 dogs have been given to people in need.
Because of you, 70 people are in supported employment at the Gilles Plains Campus.
But ultimately, because of you, people can “see differently.”