Vision Australia acknowledges departing Directors

Vision Australia has acknowledged the contribution of several departing directors at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

As is customary and appropriate, Vision Australia acknowledged the contributions of Bill Jolley, Amanda Collins and Linda Agnew as Directors of the Vision Australia Board, as well as the contribution of Nick Anagnostou as a Vision Australia Foundation Director, with the presentation to each of a Vision Australia Individual Award.

Bill Jolley

Bill Jolley has been an active member of the Vision Australia community for more than 25 years, with involvements in governance and client feedback. His leadership in the blind community more generally goes back much further with major roles in Blind Citizens Australia, the World Blind Union and the International Council on English Braille. His technical background in telecommunications and his knowledge of braille and audio book services, gave him unique insights into the digital transition and modernisation of these services. He provided strategic advice on the transition to online audio book services; and in 2005 he led the adoption in Australia of Unified English Braille.

In 2014 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the roundtable on Information Access for People with Print disabilities; and in 2021 he was honoured as a Life Member of the World Blind Union. In 2000 he joined the board of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, and in 2008 led the integration of SEDA into Vision Australia. He then served for six years as a member of the Client Reference Council and in 2014 was first appointed as a Vision Australia director and went on to serve as Chair for two years from 2023 to 2025.

Amber Collins 

It is both customary and entirely appropriate that the Board presents a Vision Australia Award to Director Amber Collins. Amber was first appointed to the Board in 2023. We have been privileged to have had Amber serve on our Board for the past three years. During her time on the Board, Amber served as Chair of the Client Services Committee, Chair of the Client Reference Group and a member of the Governance and Nominations Committee, providing valuable guidance on service delivery, customer experience and organisational strategy.

Drawing on extensive executive experience in marketing, brand and customer engagement, together with her lived experience as the parent of a son who is blind, Amber has brought both professional expertise and personal passion to Vision Australia's mission. Her contribution has strengthened the organisation's focus on accessible, person-centred services and the needs of people who are blind or have low vision.

Professor Linda Agnew

It is both customary and entirely appropriate that the Board presents a Vision Australia Award to past Director Professor Linda Agnew. Linda was first appointed to the Board in 2021. An accomplished individual, we were privileged to have had Linda serve on our Board for 4 years. During her tenure, she brought a unique combination of lived experience, academic leadership and governance expertise to the Board. As a Director, Linda contributed to the Board’s oversight and strategic direction and served as a member of the People and Culture Committee and the Client Services Committee.

Her insights helped inform discussions on organisational performance, culture and the delivery of services to people who are blind or have low vision. Through her thoughtful contributions, professional expertise and commitment to Vision Australia’s purpose, she made a valued contribution to the organisation and its governance. Linda retired from the Vision Australia Board of Directors in November 2025.

Nick Anagnostou

It is both customary and entirely appropriate that the Board presents a Vision Australia Award to Vision Australia Foundation Director Nick Anagnostou. We have been privileged to have had Nick serve on our Vision Australia Foundation Board for the past nine years. Throughout his tenure, Nick has made a significant contribution to the Foundation through his sound governance, strategic insight and steadfast commitment to advancing Vision Australia’s mission.

He has consistently provided thoughtful guidance and practical expertise, helping to strengthen the Foundation’s capacity to support people who are blind or have low vision. Nick’s professionalism, integrity and dedication have been highly valued by his fellow Directors and the organisation alike. We are sincerely grateful for Nick’s outstanding service and enduring commitment to Vision Australia.