Celebrating Blind Talent at the 2026 Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala
Australia’s premier celebration of blind excellence returns this October, bringing together inspiring individuals, community leaders, advocates, supporters and businesses for an unforgettable evening of recognition, entertainment and celebration.
The 2026 Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday, 10 October at the Royal on the Park Hotel in Brisbane, shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements, talents and contributions of Australians who are blind or have low vision.
More than an awards ceremony, the Gala is a celebration of leadership, resilience, innovation and the extraordinary impact blind Australians are making across communities, workplaces and industries throughout the nation.
This year’s event will showcase an exceptional lineup of blind talent, highlighting the diversity, creativity and excellence within Australia’s blind and low vision community.
Guiding guests through the evening will be co-hosts Reggie Bird, two-time winner of Big Brother Australia and finalist on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, alongside Link Vision CEO Terry O’Neill. Together, they will lead a memorable program featuring inspiring stories, special guests and the presentation of Australia’s most prestigious blind achievement awards.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment from acclaimed blind singer-songwriter Jack Murphy, whose captivating performances and heartfelt music continue to inspire audiences around the country.
Keeping the celebrations going throughout the evening will be DJ Galleon, also known as Mitch Medcalf. As a proud blind and gay man, Mitch is passionate about bringing people together through music while creating an atmosphere of joy, connection and inclusion.
Adding plenty of laughter to the night will be comedian, disability advocate and social media personality Karan Nagrani, better known as That Blind Guy. Karan will host the VIP Red Carpet Experience before taking to the main stage with his signature blend of humour, storytelling and advocacy.
Joining us as a special guest will be Maurice Gleeson OAM, recipient of the 2025 Blind Australian of the Year Individual Award. Maurice’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, inclusion and community service embodies the spirit of these awards and continues to inspire Australians from all walks of life.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks, a sumptuous three-course dinner, outstanding live entertainment, networking opportunities and the presentation of the 2026 Blind Australian of the Year Awards in the following categories:
- Youth Award
- Individual Award
- Employer of Choice Award
The Blind Australian of the Year Awards Gala is a powerful reminder that blindness is no barrier to achievement. It celebrates individuals and organisations that are breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions and creating a more inclusive Australia.
Whether you are a supporter, community member, business leader, advocate or simply someone who believes in celebrating excellence, this is your opportunity to be part of a truly inspiring evening.
Join us as we honour achievement, showcase incredible talent and celebrate the people making a lasting difference in the lives of Australians living with blindness.
Tickets are now on sale.
Secure your place at one of Australia’s most inspiring and prestigious community events and help celebrate the very best of blind excellence.
Book your tickets today:
https://blindaustralianoftheyear.com.au/tickets/