A PASSIONATE educator turned accessibility advocate, Joanne is leading the charge for inclusion on the Fraser Coast—and now she’s inviting the community to join her for a truly unforgettable evening under the stars.

After more than 30 years in education, Joanne redirected her career toward advocacy following her own journey with vision loss.

Diagnosed with pathological myopia as a child and later myopic macular degeneration, she was officially declared legally blind at age 53. But rather than slow down, Joanne stepped up.

Since then, she’s made it her mission to build a more inclusive world—founding the Fraser Coast Low Vision and Blind Community group, launching the Live Well with Vision Loss not-for-profit, and even creating innovative safety and awareness tools for those living with vision impairments.

Now known as The Vision Loss Mentor, Joanne offers support and guidance through small group sessions and one-on-one mentoring, helping others navigate life with vision loss with dignity, strength and hope.

This year alone has seen her attend Australia’s first Accessible Beauty Summit in Sydney, collaborate with Vision Australia on media campaigns and fundraising, and appear as a panelist at the Fraser Coast ThriveAbility disability conference.

Highlights include meeting global disability advocate Molly Burke and catching a wave in a surfing session led by 4x World Champion Matt Formston.

Joanne’s advocacy work is grounded in her unwavering belief in the power of education, mental and physical well-being, and community connection.

And now, she’s inviting the community to share in that vision at a very special fundraising event:

Christmas in July: Eclipse Dinner In The Dark
Thyme @ The Vineyard
Friday, 25 July

Guests will embark on a magical dining experience where they’ll be challenged to enjoy a gourmet meal without sight—an immersive way to raise awareness and empathy, all while raising much-needed funds for local initiatives supporting the blind and low vision community.

🍽️ Ticket Options:

• Silver: $160 per person
• Gold: $190 per person (includes wine pairing)
• Table of Six: 15% off

Special dietary requirements will be catered for upon booking.

This is more than just dinner—it’s a chance to walk (and taste) in someone else’s shoes, support an incredible cause, and help Joanne continue shining a light for those navigating life in the dark.

Tickets are limited, so secure your seat at the table and help change lives—one bite at a time.