2025 Blind Australian of the Year Finalist – Maurice Gleeson OAM

Maurice Gleeson OAM has led Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria for more than 30 years, most of that in a voluntary capacity. In that time, he’s transformed the lives of over 25,000 Victorians who are blind or vision impaired, creating more than 30 inclusive programs across sports like tennis, AFL, soccer, and swimming.

Legally blind since childhood, Maurice turned his own challenges into opportunities for others—pioneering Australia’s first blind soccer league, launching Blind AFL, and building pathways for world-ranked blind tennis players.

A mentor, advocate, and innovator, Maurice’s leadership has broken down barriers, reshaped community attitudes, and inspired generations