Menu
BAVIA HOUSE
14 Kalimna Drive
Broadbeach Waters
Gold Coast, Queensland 4218
- 0452 537 459
- Wed 9am - 1pm
- 0452 537 459
About Us
Gold Coast Blind and Visually Impaired Association Inc.
Also known as B.A.V.I.A. has been supporting the Blind, Visually Impaired and Partially Sighted since 1992 and is a Registered Not for Profit Organisation.
- Conveniently located in Moana Park at Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast.
- B.A.V.I.A. meets every Wednesday from 9.00am – 1.00pm at Bavia House, 14 Kalimna Drive Broadbeach Waters, Queensland.
- B.A.V.I.A. now also opens on fridays from 9.00am – 1.00pm to provide a drop in service
- Bavia House has been purpose built to ensure ease of access and comfort for those dealing with vision and mobility challenges.
- Members enjoy the social interaction and caring support offered by our registered volunteers.
- Share a cuppa and a chat and join in the activities with others experiencing low vision or blindness.
- Tap, clap or sing along with our regular musicians and entertainers.
- Learn about the latest information, services aids & equipment from our monthly guest speakers and enhance and simplify your life.
- Gain confidence with mobility as we visit local venues and participate in community activities around the Gold Coast on our monthly outings.
- Our hall has been recently refurbished, is air-conditioned with disability facilities and is available for hire to community groups at reasonable rates.
- There is ample off-street parking for vehicles and coaches with dedicated disability spaces.
- Transport may be available upon request – limited area – price on application.
Meet the Committee
Charlie Paraha
President
Rodney Johnston
Secretary
Therese Murray-Graceyk
Treasurer
Tim Pouncey
VICE PRESIDENT
Committee Members
Our History
The Gold Coast Blind and Visually Impaired Association was started in 1980/1981 when Thelma Daniels (nee Lee), who belonged to the Royal Blind Society, South Brisbane, moved to the Gold Coast.
Thelma started the association with four other people and was the President, Secretary and Treasurer. They initially met at member’s houses and offices where about 9 people would attend each week.
Membership continued to grow and meetings moved to the Council Offices in Lawson Street in Southport.
Amongst the founding members were Jean & Ray Huxley, Vera & Gordon James, Lyn Cox, Vera O’Connel and Cyril Richarde.
As memberships continued to grow, Thelma approached the Gold Coast Council for land to build a meeting hall, but was continually unsuccessful in her requests.
In 1990, Cyril Richarde, who had been a Rotarian since 1958, approached Ray Stevens at the Albert Shire Council, and was successful in procuring the land at Moana Park where BAVIA House stands today with a lease agreement of $100 per year for 15 years.
The members held street stalls on a Saturday, baking and selling cakes and hand knitted gifts, to raise funds for their clubhouse.
Cyril Richarde (Builder) enlisted the help of his fellow Rotarians, Ron Burling (Architect), Matt Weathered (Engineer), Ross Cochrane (Water Engineer) and Peter Pearson (Building Supervisor), along with the help of Rotarian Sub-Contractors where possible.
Tenders were called, and with the funds raised by the association members and a generous donation from the Jupiter’s Community Fund, the hall was opened in November 1992.
In 1994 there were 60 members and in 1995 when Thelma passed on, Cyril Richarde became President, Jean Huxley became Secretary and Joyce Southward, Treasurer.
We acknowledge the tireless efforts and persistence of our founding members and thank them for the legacy we share today.
Become a Member Today
Or Find Out More Information
Contact
- 0452 537 459
- baviahouse@gmail.com
-
14 Kalimna Drive
Broadbeach Waters
Gold Coast, Queensland 4218 - Wed 9am - 1pm