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Three Vision Australia volunteers strike a pose

The heart and soul of our…

“If we didn’t go to Carols, it would be like there wasn’t any Christmas” – Paul Worsnop, Volunteer The Worsnops are a family with a wealth of spirit, nurtured by boundless generosity.  They give because they want to, and they expect nothing in return.  Volunteers like these are the heart and soul of our community. Lifelong volunteer, Paul Worsnop, is a catalyst of continuing the family tradition of volunteering at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.  This year, Paul and his older brother Christopher will celebrate 45 years since the Worsnop family took over the running of one of the merchandise stalls, with their parents and grandmother.    Left to right: James, Pete Smith, Paul, Christopher, Samuel, John, Sandy, Katherine, Nathan    The Worsnop team now consists of 10 volunteers ranging in age from 60 years to 12 months old, comprising children, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, so the team always has plenty of support. “It’s part of our upbringing, and as we get older, we continue to encourage the younger generation to pay it forward.” “The gift that Vision Australia has given to Melbourne and Australia over the years, is returned not only by the generous giving to the cause of Vision Australia, but the community’s growing understanding of what it means to be blind or have low vision,” adds Paul. Incredible volunteers like the Worsnops are so vital in bringing the event to life, and we can’t thank them enough!
Audio description volunteers work in a booth overlooking an arena

Carols like you’ve never…

The Vision Australia Radio Network is once again proudly supporting Carols by Candlelight in 2018. Incorporating ten community radio stations across Victoria, southern New South Wales, Adelaide and Perth, as well as five digital radio services, VAR has a range of wonderful content across a range of interesting and informative programs. Each year the audio described version of Carols by Candlelight is streamed online and broadcast live across the Vision Australia Radio Network, but did you know it’s also available for attendees at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl? Audio description offers people who are blind or have low vision an understanding of what is happening visually within a theatre, television, film, DVD, museum, exhibition or other arts-related productions. It is an additional narration that succinctly paints an image of transitions, movements, gestures, props, settings, costumes and scenery woven between the dialogue. We can’t wait to tune in to the upcoming Carols by Candlelight feature episodes, as well as the remarkable experience that is audio description. Whether you’re listening from home, at the event, or on-the-go, Vision Australia Radio is the perfect way to bring an audio experience of Carols to life, with all of the magic of the stage verbally described by a team of experts so you won’t miss a moment of the spectacle. Interested in making the most of the fantastic offering, as well as accessing an exclusive VIP experience? Register your interest in audio description by entering your details here.
Family of four sitting outside carols by candlelight performance

The best Christmas Eve in…

Carols by Candlelight is the perfect way to spend your Christmas Eve - here’s why. The festive season is fast approaching and parents everywhere are wondering how they’re going to keep their kids calm during the Christmas Eve hype. Well, there’s no need to stress…   Carols by Candlelight has been a classic part of the Aussie Christmas experience since its inception in 1938. Here’s why it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! It distracts the kids No night of the year is as exciting for the kids as Christmas Eve. What’s Santa going to bring? Will he make it? What if he gets stuck in the chimney? Carols keep that excitement in check and play to that love of Christmas. A picnic, classic Christmas songs and an evening out will keep the kids busy, and there are plenty of other activities available in our Christmas Festival. From the moment the gates open, there’ll be plenty of excitement and fun, and the best part is, the kids will doze off to sleep in a heartbeat when you get home! Family time Christmas is about family, and Carols is the perfect way to make sure you get quality time with your loved ones before the New Year hits and everyone has to head back to work. Bring the whole crew down for the perfect gathering on the lawn. It's about giving Christmas is all about giving, and so is Carols! The event raises vital funds and awareness for Vision Australia. Their children’s services support kids who are blind or have low vision to help them live the life they choose. Every dollar makes a huge difference, and this year, we’ll be making Christmas even brighter! Keep an eye out for your chance to make an impact. The tunes... No matter the year, the Carols line-up means the songs themselves are beautiful. From the famous Denis Walter, who has been performing at Carols for more than 30 years, to new sensations like Anthony Callea, the performers on the show will have you singing your heart out. What are you waiting for? Book your tickets now! Sign up for the Carols Club      
Christmas Jumper Image

Show us your Christmas Jumper!

Even at a hot Aussie Christmas, our favourite holiday outfit is still the classic Christmas Jumper – and right now, we want to see yours! Submit a photo of your Christmas jumper to our competition for the chance to WIN a family pass to this year’s event. Get crafty, start some knitting, dig through your cupboards, and you could be on your way to Carols. Need some inspiration to find your Christmas Jumper? Our Vision Australia​ Op Shops are an excellent place to start looking! Our wonderful volunteers can help you find the perfect festive fashion this National Op Shop Week at any of our locations. Find your local Op Shop through the Vision Australia website, and don’t forget to take a photo and enter our competition through bit.ly/CarolsJumpers today!  
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Shine BRIGHT this Christmas

Photo of Parker smiling

Carols by Candlelight sees the community come together to support children who are blind or have low vision and their families. All of the funds raised through Carols by Candlelight provide services for kids across the country, whether it’s through orientation and mobility for schools and kindergartens, sports and music activities, or our Feelix library.

We want to make Christmas brighter for kids like Parker here to live the life they choose.

Find out more about the services we provide by visiting the Vision Australia website: www.visionaustralia.org

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