House debates

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Statements by Members

Moreton Electorate: Braille House

1:55 pm

Photo of Graham PerrettGraham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

It was 125 years ago, in 1897, that a group of women, including Lady Lamington, the Queensland governor's wife, got together in Brisbane and decided to transcribe books into Braille for children who were blind or who had low vision. From that historic meeting, the Queensland Braille Writing Association was born. It has now grown into Braille House, situated on Ipswich Road in Annerley, in my electorate. The staff and volunteers continue to transcribe books into Braille and tutor people who are blind or who have low vision. They provide all types of Braille—Moon, large print, maps and more. Work is done via the love and commitment of the wonderful Braille House volunteers.

I was fortunate to attend a special volunteers' 125th anniversary event at Braille House last week with their patron, Her Excellency the Hon. Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, today's Governor of Queensland. Her husband, Graeme, gave his apologies. The event acknowledged the work of volunteers like Wendy, a former special ed teacher who, on retirement, signed up to volunteer teaching Moon at Braille House. Wendy chose to volunteer because she wanted to use the skills she had in another setting for the good of everyone.

I also want to make a special mention that this Friday Braille House will host over 50 children from all over Queensland competing in the Braille Literacy Challenge. I'd like to wish those competitors the best of luck and thank the volunteers and staff at Braille House for their incredible dedication to Queensland and beyond.