29/10/2026
Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome many of our generous supporters and special guests to our Share the Magic Lunch at The Westin Melbourne , celebrating this year’s Carols by Candlelight by Vision Australia Appeal.
Hosted by Ian Finlayson and Vision Australia CEO David Williamson, the event brought together a community of people committed to creating brighter futures for children who are blind or have low vision and their families. We were also thrilled to welcome the one and only Denis Walter OAM , who performed a selection of Christmas carols and reflected on his remarkable 49-year connection with Vision Australia.
Guests were inspired by the moving story of Darcy and Jarryd Hamilton, who shared the profound impact Vision Australia’s Children and Young People services have had on their son Colson and their family. Their story was a powerful reminder of why this appeal matters and how donor support helps transform lives.
A heartfelt thank you to Trevor Burkitt and Denis Henry, representing Freemasons Mordialloc Lodge and Freemasons Foundation Victoria, whose leadership gift of $32,500 towards this year’s Carols by Candlelight Matching Appeal inspired many others to give generously on the day.
We would also like to thank our wonderful Share the Magic event supporters, DUSK, Casey Florist Co , Love Tea and Koko Black Chocolate whose generosity helped make the day so memorable.
Our Carols by Candlelight Appeal is more than a cherished Christmas tradition. It is a lifeline for children and families navigating blindness and low vision. Every dollar raised helps provide access to life-changing services, empowering children to build confidence, develop independence and reach their full potential.
To attend Carols by Candlelight or support the appeal, visit: https://carols.visionaustralia.org/
Together, we're sharing the magic this Christmas.
[ID1: Denis Walter, Ian Finlayson, David Williamson and Mark Grey]
[ID2: Representatives form the Freemason Foundation Victoria]
[ID3: Chris Burkitt, Denis Henry from Freemasons Mordialloc Lodge, Sara Bidois and Ian Finlayson]
[ID4: Members of the Vision Australia Board of Directors.]
[ID5: Attendees of the event spread across numerous tables.]
[ID6: Catherine Brooks and Sara Bidois]
[ID7: Lana Black and other attendees holding a Seeing Eye Dogs puppy.]
[ID8: Katherine Miller, Denis Walter and Sara Bidois.]
[ID9: Denis Walter sings for the room.]
[ID10: Ian Finlayson, Sasha Aranyi, Mia Piotti, Duchesne Markham and Emma Kershaw from Specsavers
