Playing lawn bowls at Kelaston.1 x B/W photographJune 1981association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Don Dunstan, manager, at his desk in Kelaston.1 x B/W photograph of man seated behind a deskDon Dunstan, Manage "Kelaston" Ballaratassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), don dunstan

Grounds at Kelaston Community Day Hospital.1 x col. photograph1984association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Welfare worker Lilian Dethridge was farewelled and her contribution recognised on February 7, 1985. Presentations were made by Mr John Conaughton (Chairman of the Committee of Management), Mr Foley (administrative officer when Mrs Dethridge began), Mrs Tweedie (a painting) and cook Mrs Venville (flowers).5 x col. photographsFebruary 7 1985 Lilian's farewellassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

In 1985 the Kelaston Auxiliary celebrated it's 60th anniversary. A special event was held at Kelaston, with Mrs Di Jones congratulating Mrs Hamill (the oldest past auxiliary member), who later cut a cake marking the event.3 x coloured photographs of people enjoying the anniversary celebration1985 Auxiliary's 60th anniversaryassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), diana jones

Ladies from Learmonth organisations hand a cheque to Mr Derek Gardiner, chairman of the 1981 'Reach Out' appeal.1 x B/W photograph11981association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Committee member Jenny Haynes receives a cheque from Charmaine Clarke, donating $1200 from a charity ride.1 x colour photograph of two women during a cheque presentationassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), jenny haynes, charmaine clarke

Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune, Kelaston volunteers who have contributed 103 years of service between them.1 x col photograph of Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune,association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Sir Henry Bolte and the audience at the opening of the day centre at Kelaston, the Association for the Blind's home in Ballarat.2 x B/W photographsassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), sir henry bolte

Local newspaper photographs taken at the Association for the Blind's Kelaston home in Ballarat. 044 - View of the Kelaston sign and grounds in Howitt Street. 045 - Mr Roy King presented with a plaque in honour of his service. 046 - L to R: Lynne Klien, two residents, Mona Dynon, Laurie Hay (day centre coordinator) upon the occasion of Laurie's retirement. 052 - L to R: Ruby Blake, Don Dunstan (manager of Kelaston) and another nursing home resident. 054 - L to R: unknown, Dianne Kerr, Bob de Little and a visitor look on in the craft room.5 x B/W photographs of Kelaston nursing homeassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), dianne kerr

Occupational therapist Jill Bothe during her time with the Association for the Blind. 058 - July 18, 1983 opening of the Low Vision Clinic & Day Centre Extension. Jill Bothe with a display of items. 069 - Mrs Jill Bothe displays her gifts at her farewell in 1985. 078 - Jill Bothe and an unknown person in 1983 at hydrotherapy.3 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat), jill bothe

Don Dunstan, manager of Kelaston, presents a trophy to Keith Stratton after the bowls championship.1 x col. photograph of two men in a hallassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), don dunstan, keith stratton

039 - Rex Hollioake, appeal chairman, shows Minister for Health Rob Knowles and another man the plans for a redeveloped Kelaston. 043 - Minister for Health Rob Knowles with Terry Fraser, Kelaston manager, and John Cook, Association for the Blind CEO.2 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat), john cook, rex hollioake, association for the blind

041 - Gift of a table to Tinker for $100,000 donation from Werdouna Charitable Fund. L to R: Peter Duffy (manager Australian Timber), Vern Robson (Chief Commissioner, City of Ballarat) and Rex Hollioake (appeal chairman). 042 - Donation of $100,000 from the Timber Charitable Fund to the Kelaston Centenary Appeal. L to R: Clark Chester, Hugh Morrow, Neil Titheridge, Peter Duffy, Rex Hollioake and Jim Selkirk.2 x coloured photographs of men in suitskelaston home (ballarat), rex hollioake, association for the blind, peter duffy, vern robson, clarke chester, hugh morrow, neil titheridge, jim selkirk

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

"Presented to Kelaston Ladies Auxiliary/Centre Committee Bendigo in grateful recognition of their generous support of blind and vision impaired people at the Kelaston/Mirridong Centre, May 1999". Signed by John Cook (Chief Executive Officer) and John Moule (President)2 cream coloured sheets with blue and black writingVision Australia Foundation eye logo in top left hand cornervision australia foundation, kelaston home (ballarat), auxiliaries

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. These plaques were on the walls of Kelaston then later the Vision Australia office in Ballarat until it closed in 2021. Anna Jane Bolte was a resident of Kelaston whose son, Sir Henry Bolte became the longest serving Victorian Premier. William Buckland Trust supported safe housing for vulnerable Australians, such as the residents of Kelaston. Other generous local donors who were also acknowledged are Thomas & Cora Turnbull and the work of Mrs C.M. (Edith) Nunn, who joined the Ballarat Auxiliary in 1949 as they sought development of a home for the blind.Digital images of cast bronze plaquesThe Anna Jane Bolte Room Named in memory of the late Anna Jane Bolte, a resident of Kelaston, in recognition of the service given by her son, the Honourable Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G., as Chairman of the Guiding Light Appeal 1974. 20 April, 1979 In recognition & appreciation of the financial assistance received from the William Buckland Estate, 1979. This plaque acknowledges outstanding service to the blind people of the Ballarat district from 1948 until her death in 1975 by the late Mrs C.M. (Edna) Nunn, 1979. This room commemorates the generous support to Kelaston by Thomas & Cora Turnbull.nameplates, kelaston

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the success of the Reach Out Appeal to partially fund the establishment of a Low Vision Clinic, the continuing care of 33 residents, the increase of day centre clients and activities, replacement of bedroom furniture and the deficit experienced this year restricting improvements.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, kelaston home (ballarat)

Articles in annual report include: the opening of the new Craft, Recreation and Activities Centre at Mirridong and Kelaston Community Day Hospital, 60 bed nursing home at Mt Eliza almost nearing completion, waiting for approval for 30 bed nursing ward at Shepparton, block of land secured at Warragul for future day centre, loss of Stan Middleton and retirement of Alex Cook.1 printed volume with illustrationsannual reports, association for the blind

Upon his retirement in 1993, this clock was presented by the grateful community at Kelaston, to honour the work done for vision impaired people in Ballarat and across Victoria by John Wicking. Made by resident Jack Jones, it had a lacewood base and Huon pine centre.1 x wooden clock with plaque attachedTo John O Wicking AM in grateful recognition of the outstanding care and time devoted to the Association for the Blind 1972-1993association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), john wicking, jack jones

In 1988, the Kelaston Community Day Centre won an award for providing accessible communication for deaf clients. These awards were developed to encourage and recognise programs that provided accessible communication for a wide variety of groups.1 digital image of blue and silver plaque1988 Access Communication Award Presented to the Kelaston Community Day Centre A project of Deafness Foundation (Victoria) Sponsored by the Quota Club of Moorabbinassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Articles in annual report include: a short history of the AFB, President's Report, report on Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton Homes, financial information, the work of the Welfare Service division, opening of two flatlets for aged blind at Ballarat, resignation of Celeste Baird as choirmaster after 17 years and A Williams stepping into the role, need for a better clubhouse which has been little changed since it was built over 30 years ago, students from Ballarat Teachers college read to home residents, publication of 'Courage' magazine to keep everyone up to date on Association events, and a profile on Russian migrant Alex Momot and how the AFB assisted him settle into Australia.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), alex momot, rosalie tyers, e irvine, l adamson, mrs r clarke, matron e mcleod, a sharry, matron rosewall, mrs s mcenroe, celeste baird, e goulding, mrs a bulluss, mrs a n roach, mrs m macdowell, mrs t carson, mrs j stanley smith, pam barker, mrs l thomas, mrs a mansfield, mrs l rogerson, elsie henderson, mrs murphy, mrs w christian, h h mackenzie, sister b agar, annual reports

Female staff member smiles at an elderly female resident seated beside her, as they enjoy the sunny day. Believed to have been taken at Kelaston.1 colour photograph of two women sitting outside a buildingYellow post it note: F Caption Storyassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Miss Lucy Baldwin turned 100 years of age on December 2, 1992 whilst living at Kelaston.1 b/w photograph of Lucy Baldwin sitting in a chairMiss Lucy Baldwin 100 Years 2.12.92 Miss Lucy Baldwin, Kelaston Home Ballarat - 100 on 2/12/92 50% P2 (3)association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), lucy baldwin

Mrs Peggy Bateson, a Mirridong resident, with her great granddaughter Tina Howe and great great granddaughter Stephanie.1 b/w photograph of two woman and a babyMrs Peggy Bateson, Mirridong Home, Bendigo, with great great granddaughter Stephanie and great granddaughter, Mrs Tina Howe. L122a/B13 2440-90% P.2association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), peggy bateson, tina howe, stephanie howe

Kelaston manager Don Dunstan smiles towards camera, as he walks behind three women along a corridor.1 x B/W photograph of man and three women Ballarat No.2association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), don dunstan

A woman dressed in a white dress and pinafore, starched collar and cuffs and headscarf with veil. A black cross armband is worn on her left arm. Image was on display at Kelaston. Unfortunately the subject is unknown.1 sepia toned photograph of an unknown nurseassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Two women approach to enter Mirridong, with assistance from four others. From the left, the first woman speaks as she places her hand around that of the second woman's grip on a wooden cane. The second woman wears dark glasses, and has both a female and male holding her right arm. The male in the middle also holds the hands of a fourth woman, who has her other hand held by a man holding an envelope and standing behind suitcases.1 B/W photograph of people entering KelastonCK72 1/3 size also head only women 1st and 3rd from leftassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)