Blind Australian of the Year Finalists

Harmonie Downes is a visionary leader, artist, and advocate who has transformed barriers into opportunities for people who are blind or vision impaired. At Vision Australia, she secured over $600,000 in funding to create training and employment pathways, and she has directed major arts festivals, championed First Nations and disability arts, and shaped national strategies […]

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

Joanne Cabot is an educator, advocate, athlete, and community leader whose work demonstrates resilience, creativity, and leadership. Legally blind since her early 50s, Joanne mentors and empowers people adjusting to vision loss, helping them build confidence, independence, and hope. She founded the Fraser Coast Low Vision and Blind Community group, launched initiatives such as Eclipse:

The Board and CEO of Link Vision congratulate our Finalists for the 2022 Blind Australian of the Year. Dr Geraldine Lane from WA Callum Hooley from NT Craig Shanahan from NSW We look forward to the announcement of the Blind Australian of the Year 2022 Winner at the upcoming Awards Gala on Friday 28 October