Beginning of Newsletter Top of Front Page THE ACHEIVER Autumn Edition March 2007 Beginning of Article THE BUMPER ISSUE! Since our Christmas luncheon in December the dedicated team of volunteers and staff have been working extremely hard behind the scenes, Hence, it has been decided to bring to you "the bumper issue" of The Achiever. End of Article INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 2 President's Report 10 New Fund Raiser Page 3 Event's calendar 11 Waiting List Cut Page 3 Youth Group Night-out 11 Web site updates Page 3 Christmas raffle results 11 Cars of the World Update Page 4 Strategic Plan 12 Vision Australia CAB update Page 5 Phase 1 Clinical Trial StarGen 12 List of Fundraisers Page 6-7 Tandem Tragics 12 Ritchie's Community Benefit Card Page 8 Reader's Forum 13 Vision 2020 Australia update Page 9-10 Coping with vision loss 13 2007 Entertainment Book Page 10 Member Survey announcement Bottom of Front Page Top of Page 2 Beginning of Article President's Report I am limited by the amount of word's I can write, but there's so much to tell and its all great news for members and associates of Retina Australia Victoria. A number of upgrades have been made, and are in the pipe line for the operations side of Retina Vic. Recently, we relocated offices to a more accessible layout on the 4th floor of Ross House. During this period our Treasurer Graham Owen has worked closely with Vice-President Jane Evans and Administration Officer Julie-Anne Adams in creating a new Chart of Accounts for the accounting system. Already they have shown us their years of experience with such enthusiasm over the past six weeks. Our December Council meeting saw two familiar faces return to the Council. Leighton and Rosemary Boyd have made their return, and have been welcomed by all Council members. Already they have shared with us their years of service to Retina on a state, national and international level. We have now past the half way mark as the nominated Charity of the Victorian Ladies Bowling Association. The Lady Bowlers have contributed so much to the on-going awareness of our organisation. During this time David Foran, Leighton Boyd and I have spoken at a number of individual club days across Victoria. In November this year the world's largest War Memorial, the Great Ocean Road will celebrate 75 years since its Official opening. Members will be pleased that Retina Australia Victoria has been announced the Official Charity of the 4-day reenactment tour of the road, which will feature pre 1932 vehicles. Negotiations have been made through Geelong Otway Tourism to secure the rare "Official Charity" opportunity. The entire Council and I were recently saddened by Kate Giles' announcement that this would be her last Achiever newsletter as Editor. Kate has been the backbone of Retina Vic for some eight years, and we are sure to miss her immense involvement, but will look forward to seeing her drop by the office and to attend our social events. As mentioned on the front page this is "the bumper issue" of The Achiever. Our aim is to provide you with comprehensive information on the current status, and future direction of our organisation. So, we have inserted a synopsis of our current Strategic Plan, which outlines our strong ambition to develop Retina Australia Victoria as a centre of excellence for information into retinal dystrophies. The vision is ours, Charles Rogers President Vice-President Jane Evans Treasurer Graham Owen Council members: David Foran, Fiona McNabb, Jim Parke, Leighton Boyd & Rosemary Boyd End of Article Bottom of Page 2 Top of Page 3 2007 Events Calendar Beginning of Article This year is a busy one for Retina Australia Victoria. The Council has a strong aim to really develop the social events calendar for both our volunteer social luncheons, and our youth group. Council is also seeking Expressions of Interest from members who wish to take part in this year’s Exploring Vision Loss workshop series. A number of people have already shown their interest, and we endeavour to have the series commence soon. You can show your interest by phoning the office on 9650 5088 or email: support@retinavic.org.au End of Article Beginning of Article More Social events! Sunday 25 March In the driver’s seat at Sandown 25-28 November Great Ocean Road Re-enactment tour Sunday 2 December Cars of the World Tuesday 20 March Lunch The first of the social functions for the year is planned for this date. Please contact volunteers at the office on 9650 5088 for venue and time. Tuesday 19 June Lunch Sunday 23 September BBQ at Mystery destination August (Date TBC) Cocktail Party & AGM Tuesday 11 December Christmas Lunch Youth Group Functions Sunday 20 May BBQ and drinks This is to be a family fun day out. All members, particularly those with children affected by a retinal condition are invited to join us. Details of venue and what to bring will be announced shortly. Please feel free to register your interest by phoning the office on 9650 5088 or email to support@retinavic.org.au Thursday 23 August Pub night Thursday 6 December Christmas drinks End of Article Beginning of Article Christmas 06 Raffle Results 1st Prize - Large Christmas hamper donated by Carmel Georgalas Winner S Gould 2nd Prize - Festive hamper donated by i-sight Solution Winner - E Jones 3rd Prize - $25 Gift voucher donated by Rogers Family Winner - E Jones 4th Prize - Owl Collectors box & Retina Spoon Winner - C Ambatzi End of Article Bottom of Page 3 Top of Page 4 Beginning of Article Strategic Plan Summary 2006 - 2009 Background The Retina Australia (Vic) Inc Council met on 28 and 29 April 2006 to consider the strategic direction of the organisation for the period 2006–09. The meeting took the form of a workshop that was facilitated by Therese Hickey who volunteered her services through www.goodcompany.com.au The Strategic Plan sets the direction for the next three years. Since the development of this plan, a budget for 2006-2007 and a 12-month Operations Plan has been implemented by Council. The Council identified a number of stakeholders at the workshop. It believes it has a close association with its members, people with Retinitis Pigmentosa and allied retinal dystrophies, families of people affected by vision loss, donors, staff, volunteers, and other Retina Australia state organisation's. SWOT Analysis We considered our internal strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats present in our external environment. Strengths We are committed to providing support and caring for our members The information we give is credible and useful Our Council is passionate and dedicated Large volunteer base (60 people) The size of our organisation means we are small enough to respond We have a good website compared to similar organisations Broad age of members The program "Exploring Vision Loss" Our pastoral care. We have empathy and are responsive to clients needs We are well linked into the volunteer network Our newsletter "The Achiever" Our procedure manual Weaknesses We stretch the use of our staff Risk that we try and do to much and be all things to all people Opportunities Leverage our position with our stakeholders/partners Collaborate to ensure best use of resource and clients' needs are met Engage our members Attempt to better understand our clients' needs. Survey our members Better understand the needs of potential members in regional Victoria and Tasmania Threats Increasing pressure on our funding Not understanding what our members want Bottom of Page 4 Top of Page 5 Beginning of Article Scientific Report FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF GENE THERAPY FOR STARGARDT DISEASE . by Ben A Shaberman 2nd Oct 2006 The National Neurovision Research Institute (NNRI) USA, the clinical trial support organization of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, announced today an agreement with Oxford BioMedica, a biopharmaceutical company in the United Kingdom, to collaborate on the production of the StarGen gene replacement therapy for the treatment of Stargardt disease and other related retinal degenerative diseases. A primary goal of the agreement is to initiate a Phase I clinical trial of StarGen by the end of 2007. "StarGen holds promise for being a highly effective treatment for people affected by recessive Stargardt disease, many forms of cone-rod dystrophy, and other retinal degenerative diseases caused by variations in the ABCA4 gene," says Gary Kledzik, Chief Drug Development Officer, NNRI. "These diseases cause substantial vision loss, often at an early age, and there are virtually no treatments available for them. StarGen has the potential to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people affected by these vision-robbing conditions." The agreement between NNRI and Oxford BioMedica includes the establishment of a joint steering committee to guide StarGen development. The two companies have also agreed upon mutually beneficial financial arrangements to facilitate product development and future marketing efforts. "This agreement accomplishes a key goal of FFB. We are accelerating the clinical trial process, which enables us to get a promising treatment out more quickly to the people who need it," says Bill Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer, FFB. "Furthermore, the terms of the agreement foster a collaborative relationship, which will help ensure the success of the treatment." FFB-funded researchers identified the link between ABCA4 and Stargardt disease, and conducted the pivotal preclinical studies that demonstrated the potential safety and efficacy of gene therapy for Stargardt and related diseases. Stargardt disease is most often caused by a harmful variation in a gene called ABCA4. As a result of the variation, a critical protein involved in retinal waste removal is not produced. The build-up of toxic waste products in the retina causes progressive loss of vision. Other related diseases, such as cone-rod dystrophy, are also caused by variations in the ABCA4 gene. The StarGen treatment involves replacement of the unhealthy ABCA4 gene with a normal gene, thereby serving as a promising treatment for any retinal disease caused by ABCA4. Retina International www.blindness.org End of Article Bottom of Page 5 Top of Page 6 Beginning of Article Tandem Tragic's take on the… VICROADS GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE 2006 Wangaratta to Whittlesea ~ 530 kms Excited anticipation enveloped most participants as we gathered at Telstra Dome on Friday 24th Nov. The morning was warm with more clear days forecast. Our Vision Australia Tandem Tragics team boarded a coach for the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Two vision impaired cyclists, myself, and Graeme Jones were accompanied by our respective front riders, Carlton Toohey and Don Allan, with Mustafa Kouklan along as Vision Aust. team support. Arriving at our starting point mid afternoon we were greeted by flies, heat and friendly volunteers. We collected our luggage, did an interview and photo shoot for the Wangaratta Chronicle before taking a taxi to our motel. After an evening of jazz at King George Gardens, we headed for our last night in a comfortable bed, prior to our camping adventure. Getting underway the following morning with just 40 kms to shake off the cobwebs, the day's route unfolded into a rather demanding start to our pedalling challenge. In 35 degree sunshine we left Wangaratta behind us, to the encouragement of locals and bike riders of all ages and sizes. We started to pick up on the bike riding jargon and courtesies shown on the road. "Passing right", "Car back", "Slowing", "Hold your line", "Stopping" were very audible calls heard repeatedly over the trip. At most times, riders displayed a courteous and considerate attitude. After all, this was not a race, it was a desire to complete the course safely and as enjoyably as possible. We were there to support each other to this goal. Victoria Police had a constant presence ensuring road safety and help in emergency. They patrolled the entire journey on motor cycles. Medical teams were in evidence cruising the day's route to assist those in need. The team of WARBY, (We Are Right Behind You) volunteer cyclists offered roadside bike repairs and rider requirements. Refreshment and lunch stops were designated along each day's route. This gave riders the chance to recharge spent energy, while easing the saddle soreness. Most riders were underway again within an hour, with replenished drink bottles and another application of sunscreen. The magnitude of the Great Vic. Bike Ride wasn't as evident on the road as it was when we reached our first campsite at Beechworth. 3700 cyclists and 400 volunteers set up for the night at the University Campus. It was a scene of colourful lycra, tents, trucks with toilets & showers, marquees for catering, merchandise, food & drink stalls and the popular Spokes Bar. The masseurs had a steady flow of muscle sore customers. The enormity of the campsite to cater for a 4000 rolling population was a sight to behold. A sea of canvas, cycles and lycra; so professionally organised by Bicycle Victoria. No stone was left unturned. It was a Bottom of Page 6 Top of Page 7 Tandem Tragic's take on the… VICROADS GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE 2006 continued mobile community, which set up home each afternoon and found all amenities in place on arrival at each day's destination. Volunteers were plentiful to assist with traffic control, catering and general information. Each evening there was entertainment at Spokes Bar, outdoor movies, special events including talent quest, harmonica lessons and bicycle maintenance sessions. All the towns along the way ensured we had a range of events to tantalise us. Drinking wine while listening to jazz was a most popular activity in this region. New friendships were formed each day. Harmony was the key feeling in such an assorted group of ages; ranging from toddlers to teenagers to the eldest participant at 83 years. Both sexes were equally represented. The GVBR took nine days, covering 530 kms of very diverse north-eastern Victoria. The timbered hills, manicured vineyards and pastoral landscape offered wonderful scenery. Arduous climbs like Tawanga Gap were conquests with long downhill rewards. On our weighty tandem, we attained 80 kph on a safe straight section as we flashed past the lighter road bikes. On the more serious climbs we were reduced to 10 kph as we grinded away for extended periods to reach the top. Mastering Tawanga Gap was a celebration for all. Cyclists walked if they found the task of riding beyond them. They were encouraged and felt no shame. This was a cycling community, bonded by reaching a goal. Participants always supportive; I never heard one raised voice of anger on the entire trip. The Ride encountered temperatures around 35 degrees for the first six days and then when the heat dissipated we were confronted with strong headwinds over the final two days. Riders maintained their encouragement for each other for the entire odyssey. We, the vision impaired cyclists would like to say a big THANK YOU to our volunteer front riders, the support of Vision Australia, Blind Sports Victoria, Caterpillar Aust. P/L, Peter from Pegasus, Beach Road Bike Shop and the girls from Diabetes Australia for their generous support in getting us to the start and allowing us to chase a dream. I was rather emotional as we crossed the finish line at Whittlesea. I had met the challenge. With Carlton, I was allowed to lead in the pelaton of friends who supported us for the entire ride and training program. Nick and Dennis also took a turn at front riding en route. It was a personal accomplishment on the eve of my 60th birthday and the best present I could receive to mark the milestone. The 2007 Great Vic. Bike Ride details will be released soon. It will travel through Southeast Gippsland, including Phillip Island, Wilson's Promontory and the Strezlecki Ranges. I encourage blind or vision impaired persons who seek adventure, to consider this challenge. Vision Australia and Blind Sports Victoria are keen to promote tandem cycling. It is a wonderful recreational activity with a growing band of fantastic volunteers who offer themselves as front riders. We are most grateful for their dedication in assisting VIPs to participate in sporting and recreational endeavours, making dreams come true. Rainbows and smiles, Dave Byars End of Article Bottom of Page 7 Top of Page 8 Beginning of Article Scientific Reports from the Retina International Congress 2006 Copies of the Science Reports from the Retina International 2006 Congress held in Rio are currently available from the office in hardcopy as well as electronic format. Please contact the Office if you would like a copy Call 03 96505088 or email support@retinavic.org.au End of Article Beginning of Article Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent. Sophia Loren End of Article Beginning of Article The Column for Your Say Send or email in your Funny Stories or Human Interest Stories to Retina Australia For further information call 96505088. Thanks to Bert Calogero for this one Two gas company servicemen, a senior supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighbourhood. They parked their truck at the end of a block and worked their way to the other end. At the last house an older woman was looking out her kitchen window watching the two men as they checked her gas meter. Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger co-worker to a foot race down the block back to the truck to prove that anolder man could outrun a younger one. As they came running up to the truck, they realized that the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong. Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I see two gas men running as hard as you two were, I figure I'd better run as well!" End of Article Beginning of Article WANTED Anna is wanting to obtain a tandem bike (would like to have one donated or pay a small price) she has a rider to accompany her - she is wanting to know if some people have one lying around in a shed that they are not using. Anna's phone number is 0408 336 304 - could this number be included in the newsletter. Anna lives in Coburg. End of Article Bottom of Page 8 Top of Page 9 Beginning of Article Coping With Vision Loss As adapted from the Foundation Fighting Blindness website Initial diagnosis of degenerative blinding conditions can be devastating. Being told, "You are going blind, nothing can be done to restore vision or prevent further vision loss" is going to emotionally gut those affected. Anger, fear, depression and helplessness are initial feelings most will experience. It is a time for support for all concerned. Family and friends need assurance and understanding to ensure the potential to continue an active and fulfilling lifestyle. The only true test to determine how limiting any visual impairment will be to the normal routine of a person's life is for the person to attempt to perform the usual daily tasks after vision loss. Commonsense alternatives can usually solve problems, which arise. Most activities will be possible if the person is willing to learn new methods for performing tasks and if family and friends support the efforts to be self-reliant. Before their own loss of sight, few people personally know the many blind people with active, useful lives, making negative images of blindness hard to refute. These negative images can lead a person to think in terms of "being blind", and to ignore any remaining vision and the continuing potential for independence. The fact is, most vision-impaired people have a high potential for self-reliance; 85% of the "legally blind" population even retain some vision. The loss of vision, complete or partial, can be similar to the loss of a loved one. The grieving process, which has been well documented in studies of death, applies in many ways to the loss of sight. The individual can experience periods of shock, anger, denial, withdrawal and depression. The process will vary in each person, but a rather emotional reaction probably cannot be and should not be avoided. The strong emotions may be accompanied by physical pain. The individual may seem to lose all motivation and to withdraw from life. He/she may entertain false hope that their sight will return or, may deny that anything has changed in his/her life. It is essential for family and friends to allow the individual to confront these emotions and to deal with them as a normal part of adjustment. It can be challenging to a family to tolerate such strong emotions, especially since individual family members will probably be confronting their own reactions to the situation. A second factor affecting individual reaction to loss of vision is the person's personality. Each person's characteristic reaction to the problems of daily life, to change, and to traumatic loss will probably determine his/her emotional course in adjusting to the rather dramatic new situation of living with loss of sight. People who have survived a previous tragedy with fortitude or who have tackled changes in their lives with energy will take visual impairment in stride, at least eventually. People who have in the past, met change with resentment or depression, or who have grieved for a longer than usual period over a loss, will predictably find adjustment to loss of sight a painful and lengthy process. The danger lies in being trapped at one emotional stage, no longer moving toward acceptance. Anger and withdrawal should be conquered after a reasonable interval if the person is to adjust to his/her situation. Bottom of Page 9 Top of Page 10 Coping With Vision Loss - continued The third significant factor influencing individual reaction and adjustment to blindness is the attitude taken by people closely involved with the affected person, both family members and friends. Relatives and friends may also experience strong emotional reactions to the situation, including anger. In addition to the gamut of emotions involved with the grieving process, family members and friends may fall prey to feelings of guilt, sorrow, and pity. One of the most common mistakes resulting from the guilt and pity often experienced by family members is overprotection. Parents with vision-impaired children often fall into this pattern, but adults can also make this mistake in dealing with a blind parent or spouse. Well intentioned pity can cause family members to cater to every wish of their newly blinded relative without expecting that relative to serve any active and useful family role, or assume any responsibility at all. The result often is a demanding and inflexible person who will expect every desire to be accommodated instantly by those around them. A vision-impaired person needs security and support to regain his/her independence. An encouraging attitude towards repeated experiments in self-reliance despite any initial errors, spills, and disorientation will play a significant role in the blind person's willingness to try the task again and again until success is achieved. While most of the skills needed to function on a daily basis are a combination of common sense, patience, and a little adaptive equipment, time to practice and the freedom to make mistakes are essential to regain independence. An outcome of the Strategic Plan is to conduct a member survey. Behind the scenes, currently a team of volunteers are putting together this survey, which will be sent to members shortly. The results from this survey of the membership are very important to the Council to help them shape the organisation's future within the community. What services do we, and should we provide; newsletters, social functions, events, and fundraisers. All these, and much more will be contained in the survey, and we hope that all members are able to participate. Special Kids Events P/L and Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. have joined forces to promote the Movie Mania and Magic Mania events in the state of Victoria. In a five year deal Special Kids Events will seek sponsorship to allow disadvantaged children to attend their events. Retina Australia Victoria is the beneficiary of the funds raised through this program. The Council is in full support of the endeavours to be undertaken through the Movie Mania and Magic Mania shows. We look forward to bring you good news as the fund raiser develops. End of Article Beginning of Article 2007 Member Survey Announcement An outcome of the Strategic Plan is to conduct a member survey. Behind the scenes, currently a team of volunteers are putting together this survey, which will be sent to members shortly. The results from this survey of the membership are very important to the Council to help them shape the organisation’s future within the community. What services do we, and should we provide; newsletters, social functions, events, and fundraisers. All these, and much more will be contained in the survey, and we hope that all members are able to participate. End of Article Beginning of Article A NEW FUND RAISER Special Kids Events P/L and Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. have joined forces to promote the Movie Mania and Magic Mania events in the state of Victoria. In a five year deal Special Kids Events will seek sponsorship to allow disadvantaged children to attend their events. Retina Australia Victoria is the beneficiary of the funds raised through this program. The Council is in full support of the endeavours to be undertaken through the Movie Mania and Magic Mania shows. We look forward to bring you good news as the fund raiser develops. End of Article Bottom of Page 10 Top of Page 11 Beginning of Article Waiting List cut In a Press Release dated 1 February, the Seeing Eye Dogs Association (SEDA) has announced that the waiting list time for their dogs to help aid mobility for blind and vision-impaired people has been cut from two years to just three months. This news is welcomed by all, especially the 2,000 people who are in need of a Seeing Eye Dog. SEDA's Chief Executive Officer, Leigh Garwood explained the importance of acting quickly to benefit from their successful breeding program over the past four years, "Obviously we can't say how long we're going to enjoy this situation, so we're encouraging people to contact us as soon as possible." To enquire about the availability of seeing-eye dogs, call 1800 037 773, email info@seda.org.au End of Article Beginning of Article www.retinavic.org.au Web Site Updates Recently, the information section of our web site has been completely updated with the latest on conditions and diseases, treatments and research. The 2005-2006 Annual Report can also be found, along with updated Council member profiles, events calendar and details, plus many informative web browser links. Our email addresses have recently changed. We will shortly discontinue the Netspace email address. In future, enquiries, information & gossip for The Achiever can be emailed to support@retinavic.org.au If there are any queries of a management kind you may email president@retinavic.org.au End of Article Beginning of Article Update The date for the 2007 event has been moved to the first Sunday in December, mainly due to the involvement with the Great Ocean Road 75th Celebrations. A recent letter, however, has thrown a spanner in the works with Fort Queenscliff now becoming unavailable for this type of event. In a recent letter to organiser Charles Rogers the Department of Defence stated the reason for this is purely to the current drought conditions, and hence repair of the Parade Ground, which has been used to stage the Cars of the World event for the past three years. Organisers are currently in talks with numerous other venues, some within the Borough of Queenscliffe, and others outside the Borough. The new venue will be announced in the next issue of The Achiever or visit the events web site at www.carsoftheworld.com.au End of Article Bottom of Page 11 Top of Page 12 Beginning of Article Vision Australia CAB Update Early last year, as part of Vision Australia's new outlook they embarked on developing a Consumer Advisory Body with the view of gaining knowledge and experiences from other organisations within the sector. The Body met on a few occasions in both Sydney, Melbourne, and via a tele-conference. The Consumer Advisory Body originally undertook a very broad area, but decisions in the subsequent meetings have now made members of the Body decide to focus on feedback and development of Policy. The Body is now chaired by Vision Australia's Policy Manager, Michael Simpson. The Body is still in the early stages of development, however, discussions so far have been taken to the Client Representative Council. If any members of Retina Australia Victoria have thoughts and suggestions they can be passed onto President Charles Rogers at president@retinavic.org.au End of Article Beginning of Article LIST OF FUNDRAISERS Key Ring Light Chains $4 Owl Badges $2 Owl Badge Collector boxes (limited supply) $20 Retina Australia Victoria Commemorative spoons $5 Cars of the World DVD $5 Range of Christmas Cards From $3 per pack of 10 End of Article Beginning of Article Ritchie's Community Benefit Card Ritchie's Supermarkets chain conducts its Ritchie's Community Benefit Card (RCBC) program as a way of helping non-profit organisation like us to run our programs of research and peer support. When this card is swiped at any Ritchie's Supermarket or Liquor Store, 1% of the value of purchases will be donated to Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. Already one of our members has distributed 20 RCBC cards and is endeavouring to hand out more of these cards. If any of the readers (and their friends, family etc) of The Achiever shop regularly at Ritchie's supermarkets then why not obtain this card from our Office? Contact the office on 9650 5088 or support@retinavic.org.au to enquire about obtaining a card. End of Article Bottom of Page 12 Top of Page 13 Beginning of Article VISION 2020 AUSTRALIA UPDATE Retina Australia Victoria is continuing its association with Australia's peak vision care and eye health body - Vision 2020. Participation in member forums in Melbourne and Canberra, as well as targeted initiatives in the areas of Advocacy and Marketing/PR has provided you, the Retina Australia Victoria members, with a voice at the table where significant policy directions for the peak body are made. Recently we have made well received contributions to the development of Vision 2020's key Advocacy messages and are set to add in to the efforts planned for World Sight Day in October 2007, as well as continuing the focus on advocacy and low vision services. Our involvement in Vision 2020 is important in providing us not only with effective representation with respect to vision services and eye health policy and practice in Australia, but also offers RA Vic exposure as a useful contributor to the sector and an effective voice representing you, the members of Retina Australia Victoria. Update from David Foran Council Member & Vision 2020 Representative End of Article Beginning of Article 2007 Entertainment Book IN BRIEF: The 2007 Entertainment Book, which offers discounts to many fine restaurants, theatres, and holiday destinations will be launched in the coming weeks. From each book sold through Retina Vic, Retina Australia Victoria receives $12. This money is a vital support to our organisation and we thank the 138 members and friends who supported us by purchasing a book in 2006. Call or email the office to obtain the 2007 Entertainment Book. End of Article Beginning of Article Achiever copy deadlines 15 June July Issue 17 August September Issue 15 November December Issue End of Article Beginning of Article Signing Off The editorial committee hopes you have enjoyed this edition of the Achiever. Your feedback is always most welcome. Editorial Committee: Kate Giles, Graeme Lawry, Shirley Mc.Gregor, Deb Thomas, Carmel Geogalas, Jocelyn Davies, Stephanie Rosenfield, with guidance and support from Council. Phone / Fax: 03 9650 5088 Email: support@retinavic.org.au PP: 33 1088/00015 End of Article Bottom of Page 13=