On Wed 19th Aug ’26, Our guest speaker was Dale Pierce. Dale is a former Ballarat chef of 32 years who ran his own business as a freelance chef mentor and consultant.
Just over 3 years ago Dale's life changed drastically. After suffering a bi lateral stroke in his eyes Dale has learnt to see the world differently. He now has low vision which continues to deteriorate.
So, after some periods of self-pity, Dale made the decision to embrace his new life and amongst other things has become an adventurer and a trail runner. The highlights of his running include the Grampians peak trail, Mt Hotham endurance race, Wilsons Prom running festival, the Great Ocean Road walk, 3 capes trek in Tasmania, a 55km ultra trail race in Adelaide and most recently, the iconic Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea, his most challenging adventure to date.
Dale indicated that he does not dwell on his loss of sight but instead embraces the challenge that this loss of sight has thrown up. He now mentors other people who have lost their sight.
Dales partner in crime is his 3 and half year old seeing eye dog Yana. Yana has given Dale true independence allowing him to undertake his trail running, navigate the streets of Melbourne as well as Melbourne airport, as he travels by plane regularly. He explained that Yana always has the widow seat when they travel. Yana is his best friend, his companion and she has given him increased independence.
Dale now feels that he has had many experiences that wouldn’t have come his way had he remained a sighted person. His latest plans include preparing for a climb to Base Camp on Mt Everest in October 2027, with a group of low sighted and blind people.
Dale's talk was truly inspiring and we wish him well with his future plans.
Club Merchandise
During the meeting member Steve spoke to members and modelled the member jacket expressing to club that RCWB branded items now available for purchase.
At the after breakfast coffees at Craig's Royal Hotel, Steve and Merv were captured looking very suave and comfortable in their jackets.