Events

Discover Australia without leaving home!

Travel has looked very different in 2020. Many of us have had to postpone holidays and keep our movements local because of COVID-19 restrictions. So we thought we’d offer you the next best thing –  a virtual backpacking adventure around Australia!

We are thrilled to introduce our newest adventure program, Discover Australia!

Throughout this program, each “backpacker” will engage their Orientation and Mobility skills to explore transport, maps and travel routes to get to popular tourist spots as well as some of the lesser-known attractions.

• Who can scream the loudest on a rollercoaster in Queensland?
• Which animal makes that high pitched sound?
• Where is Australia’s best vanilla slice?
• Which Australian state will be voted the best holiday destination?

Join us to answer these questions and more as we explore this great land of ours all from the comfort of our own homes. You’ll be sure to meet a few new friends along the way, and maybe encounter some interesting characters as we journey together across the country.

Discover Australia is a social connection program aimed at 12 – 18 year olds with a focus on the following Orientation and Mobility skills:

• Public transport knowledge
• Travel route planning
• Using Google Maps and the PTV app
• Environmental clues
• Problem-solving
• Self-advocacy

When

Discover Australia sessions will be held weekly during Term Four, after school hours. Sessions will last approximately one hour, but please allow some time either side. Participants are expected to attend every session to get the most out of the adventure!

• Wednesday 4  November at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 18 November at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 25 November at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 2 December at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 9 December at 4:30 pm
• Wednesday 16 December at 4:30 pm

Where

Sessions will be held online, via the popular video platform, Zoom. To attend, you’ll need to have access to a reliable device with stable internet connection and to be familiar with using Zoom.

Who

Discover Australia sessions will be facilitated by Guide Dogs Victoria Orientation and Mobility Specialists. While parents or guardians need not join in, it is beneficial that they are present at the start of each session and available throughout should the need arise.

How much

This program has been made possible due to the contributions of the Shine On Foundation.

For students with an NDIS plan, the estimated cost of the program will be approximately $180 (seven x one-hour sessions at $25.72 per session).

NDIS funding covers the service delivery of Orientation and Mobility Specialists during the program, but does not cover the development and implementation of the program.

Interested? Get in quick!

Places will be limited. For more information or to express your interest, please fill out the form below or contact Customer Service on 1800 804 805 by no later than COB Wednesday 21 October.