To acknowledge the work of the Tilly Aston Council, the name of the chairman was inscribed on a signboard which hung at the Kooyong centre. At the top of the signboard is written 'Vision Australia Foundation' with the VAF eye logo located in the top left-hand corner. Underneath this are listed the names of the people who chaired the Tilly Aston Council: 1970-1988 Bryan Sitlington, 1989-1990 John Bland, 1990-1992 Jean Ross, 1992-1995 Eve Lustig, 1995-1997 Don Draffin, 1997-1999 John Perry, 1999-2002 Graeme Jones, 2002-2005 Valerie Thomas. At the base of the board is written: 1989-2005 Shirley Admans, Manager, Tilly Aston Council.Brown rectangular board with gold letteringvision australia foundation, bryan sitlington, john bland, jean ross, eve lustig, don draffin, john perry, graeme jones, valerie thomas, shirley admans

Vice Chancellor was influential in promoting University of Ballarat in becoming a central player in the Ballarat and Western Victoria region. In 1998 he oversaw the amalgamation of the University with two Tafe institutions, which created the only multi-sectorial regional university in Australia. Professor James was a formal Ballarat City Councillor, the Chairman of the Ballarat Foundation from 2001 to 2008. He was also the recipient of the Centenary Medal in 2003 – an award created by the Centenary of Federation, which recognises the achievements of a cross-section of the Australian community, by honouring people who have contributed to society of government in Australia. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Framed academic portrait of inaugural Univesity of Ballarat Vice-Chancellor David James.Lower RHS M. Henwood 01art, artwork, michael henwood, henwood, david james, vice chancellor, academic portrait, portrait, academic regalia

The Geelong branch committee was established in 1976 to manage the Geelong Centre then based in Pakington Street, Newtown. One early decision was to call the Centre "Illawarra", meaning 'high place above or overlooking the sea'. The branch committee disbanded in 1993. The auxiliary was established in 1963 to increase services for blind and vision impaired local people by raising funds for Vision Australia Foundation, then known as the Association for the Blind. Over the next 39 years, until is disbanded in February 2002, the Illawarra Auxiliary (renamed in 1976) raised many thousands of dollars to achieve this aim. Branch Chairman: 1976-79 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1980-82 Mr R. Averay, 1982-85 Mr L.W.M. Heath, 1985-88 Mr P.P. Larcey, 1988-91 Dr. B.J. Landsell, 1991-93 Mr F. Francesevic Auxiliary President: 1964-66 Mrs K.S. Nall, 1967-69 Mrs G.S. Gray, 1970-72 Mrs L.M.W. Heath, 1973 Mrs E. Currell, 1974-75 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1975-78 Mrs E. Snibson, 1979-84 Mrs I.E. Backwell, 1984-86 Mrs D.P. Smith, 1986-89 Mrs E.E.A. Donaldson, 1989-93 Mrs B. McKane, 1993-99 Mrs J. Backwell, 1999- Mrs B. McKane This photograph was taken of the honour board that previously hung in the Geelong Centre.Image of honour board with names of the people who were Geelong Branch chairmen or Auxiliary Presidents association for the blind, illawarra (geelong)

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 30/9/1989 presents a detailed report from the General Manager regarding the proposed sale of Mitchell Manufacturing with the approach from Australia Foundation for the Disabled. 30/11/1989 the General Manager announced the decision to Mitchell Manufacturing staff that afternoon and he reported that so far the transfer had preceded smoothly and that staff now seemed to accept that they would benefit from it. 25/3/1991 The Chairman, Mr. Cribb reported that the Library staff had moved into the new building. 1 volume of minutes from committee meetingsroyal blind society of nsw, mitchell manufacturing

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

Former Premier of Queensland, Mike Ahern, was the guest speaker at the Vision Queensland AGM, held on October 28, 1998. Other attendees included chairman John Puttick, and board directors Des Knight, Ian Barclay and Terry Boyle, as well as Peta Nagle and Kevin O'Mahoney.12 col. photographs of attendees at the 1998 Vision Qld AGMThe Honourable Mike Ahern, former Premier of Queensland and Chairman of the Queensland Community Foundation Board. Guest speaker at Vision Queensland's AGM 27/10/1998vision qld, mike ahern, john puttick, peta nagle, kevin o'mahoney, des knight, ian barclay, terry boyle

Hand written testimonies to Neil's work at AFB and VAF. The card reads: Dear Neil, Thank you for showing us the way. We look forward to working with you in all the Kooyong Committee's future endeavors. (Signed by) Margaret Deane, Judith Williams, Bette MacSween, Don Lee, Eve Lustig, Greg ?, Mavis ? The paper reads: Neil Maxwell has always been a very special person over the years he has been at Kooyong. He has been on the board of the Association for the blind from 1984-1993 and became a Director. Neil also became a Tour Guide on the 1st February 1989 and he was tutored by Marjory Lane, and he became very adept in learning new information very quickly. He worked with the Guides until the 7th April 1997. He has also joined the Kooyong Committee and became Chairman in 1998. Neil has given a lot of years to Vision Australia Foundation. He has always been a giver not a taker. Thank you Neil from The Kooyong Committee.Collection of cards paying tribute to Neil Maxwellnon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell

"The Board, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to blind and vision impaired people in Victoria. This exceptional contribution was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner and continues Vision Australia's tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell in the presentation of the John Wilson Award on 6th October 2000." Signed by John Cook - Chief Executive Officer, ? Chairman, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Malcolm Daubney, President.1 white A3 page with blue border around edgevision australia foundation, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

John Whan was born in Carlton of Irish parents and moved with them to Wodonga by bullock dray at the age of 12. After completing his education in Wodonga, John became manager of McLean Brothers and Rigg branch store in Sydney Street, Wodonga for a number of years after which he bought the business and operated Whan’s General Store in Sydney Road, Wodonga which at its peak employed his six children. John Whan was Wodonga Shire Councillor for 15 years, including a term as Shire President in 1904-5. He was also Chairman of the Wodonga Water Trust when it built the water tower in 1922 – 23. He had many other community involvements including the School board and the Library Committee, served as an honorary justice and Deputy Coroner. secretary of the Wodonga branch of the I.O.O.F., and the Wodonga Cemetery Trust and the Masonic Lodge. He was a foundation member of the Presbyterian Church in Wodonga. He died on 10 October 1933. After his death, Whan's store was operated by John's son Francis William Whan who was born in Wodonga on 1 September 1901. He also served the community as a Justice of the Peace and Magostrate. Frank was a caring gentleman who looked after many during the difficult times of the Depression and World War 11. He continued to provide outstanding service to the Wodonga community. Frank was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church. The Whan General Store was purchased by Lincoln and Butterworth in 1945 and Francis and his family moved to Queensland He passed away in Lismore, NSW on 24 December 1975.These photographs represent the business of a prominent Wodonga family and community member.3 black and white photographs showing the Whan store in Wodonga at various stages in its developmentwodonga businesses, whan's store, whan family

Colonel Sir Alfred Kemsley's reply to the opening speech delivered by Lieutenant General Sir Phillip Bennett KBE, AO, DSO when he unveiled the Memorial Plaque and opened the Donovan Joynt VC Club at Puckapunyal on 23 March 1983. Sir Alfred talks about his long friendship with Donovan Joynt, beginning with the battle in France in which Joynt won his VC, and acknowledging the difficulty he had in persuading Joynt to be memorialised by this project at Puckapunyal. He also cited Joynt's involvement with Legacy, which as a foundation member and an early Melbourne Legacy President himself Kemsley would have been aware. Together with his friend Donovan Joynt, Kemsley became one of the most committed advocates for the creation of a Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road as a 'worthy' memorial to Victoria’s 'unparalleled efforts during the Great War'. He played an active role in the defeat of a counter-proposal for an Anzac Square in Spring Street. In 1938 Kemsley was appointed to the trust established to administer the Shrine, later serving as its deputy-chairman (1952) and chairman (1978-84).Not only was the opening performed by the Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Sir Phillip Bennet, the response by such an illustrious Australian as Col Sir Alfred Kemsley is evidence of the high regard in which Donovan Joynt was held.3 x photocopied typed sheets, black on whiteMinor corrections in blue biro.donovan joynt, memorial