Plaque from Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. No other information is currently known.Metal plate in brown with gold writingAmy Dawn Memorial Hallroyal blind society of new south wales, nameplates

The vision and mission of the Royal Blind Society.1 A4 cream coloured page with maroon writingMaroon coloured frame around pageroyal blind society of new south wales, office equipment

This collection of papers provides various information on blind bowls and the charity work undertaken by the Mentone Bowls club. In 1980, Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration at his local club and was so impressed, that he offered his services to help teach blind people to play lawn bowls. This enthusiasm was shared by his wife Grace and together they travelled to Perth and other places to teach as outlined in both the newspaper article and Grace's recollection in this file. Grace's involvement in the 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament held in Leicester is demonstrated in the programme, alongside the signatures that were collected from the players, coaches and helpers. Also included is a menu from the British Airways flight taken to the tournament, which was signed by the crew, and Clarrie Hoppitt's copy of 'To Teach a Blind Person to Play Bowls'. Additionally there is a photograph of Grace in her Australian team uniform, taken outside a house. in 1959, Albert Henry established the NABA (firstly in jest in response to a unfulfilling game of bowls, then as a charity organisation). All monies were to be directed to sick children, and the Blinded Babies fund received a good proportion of this. Over time the NABA raised $34, 683 during over 20 years of operation (1963-1982) and became a definable part of the Mentone Bowls club.Various loose papers including a newspaper article, 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament programme, British Airways flight menu signed by the crew for the Blind Bowls team, a photograph and a history of the NABAmentone bowls club, clarrie hoppitt, grace hoppitt, royal blind society of new south wales, albert henry

The travel pass was used by NSW State Rail Authority to ascertain that the bearer was indeed a blind person and entitled to free travel. This example was numbered 4017 and was issued in the name of Mr N.L. Walker. It outlines what the named is authorised to obtain including 'Free Travel' which includes first or economy class, whichever is desired on State Rail Authority or Urban Transit Authority rail, bus and ferry services (except Hydrofoil) for journeys wholly within the stipulated N.S.W. areas and on Australian Government bus services in Canberra and also outlines details for 'Concession Travel'. 1 rectangular travel pass with blue cloth cover and black text On the cover of this Travel pass it states; 'N.S.W. Transport Authorities Blind Person's Permit, Including Attendant, Expires 30th June, 1982'. royal blind society of nsw, nsw state rail authority

At the top of the page is a shield with a fruit tree inside it and the words 'Founded 1804' and 'Incorporated by Royal Charter 1809'. The certificate reads as follows: The Royal Horticultural Society Certificate of International Registration This is to certify that Rhododendron 'Tilly Aston' 'Apricot Gold' x 'Lem's Cameo' was officially registered by Olinda Nurseries, PO Box 55, Olinda Victoria with the Royal Horticultural Society acting as International Registration Authority for the genus Rhododendron Registrar (signed) Alan C Leslie Date 31st December 19961 cream page with maroon border and gold scrollingassociation for the blind, awards

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Silver Lighthouse committee, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 20/1/1958 it was noted that considerable developments were taking place with respect to the recording of books on discs to tape and the Society will adopt system of recording set out by R.N.I.B. 24/2/1958 an order for 100 small silver plated lighthouses had been decided on to be presented to outstanding benefactors of the Society. 15/8/1959 'Lighthouse', home for aged Blind women was opened. 5/9/1958 The President welcomed the first 6 residents to Alexis Albert House, home for aged Blind men. 6/9/1958 The Newcastle Blind Centre was opened. 23/9/1963 it was unanimously resolved that 5 Lots comprising of the estate left by the late Mrs F. I. Skovronksi were to be sold. 1 volume with sheets pasted on to pagesroyal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert hostel, victor maxwell kindergarten, sandy robertson kindergarten, helen keller hostel

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

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. 6/9/1993 The General Manager reported on the Strategic Overview and Implementation Plan. The core services would be Library Services, Rehabilitation Services and Technology Services. RBS would withdraw from providing Mobility Services and Talking Magazines unless by contract. In both cases there was existing services of a comparable standard and hence clients would not be adversely affected. RBS reduce its staff by 38 positions. 25/11/1996 Council members agreed that the Library Services Department be merged into the Information Technology Services Department. 28/1/1997 The CEO stated an opportunity for RBS to become a member of an international consortium known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information SYtem). Whose main goal is establish a World Standard Digital Talking Book System for people who are blind and vision impaired. 1/4/1997 it was reported there are now 6 agencies including RBS comprising the Australia & New Zealand Group, as member of the DAISY consortium. Council approved that the CEO attend the first meeting of the Consortium on April 18-20. 1 volume of printed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, audio books

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 Reports for Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council Committee, Information Services, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Marketing, Administration Support and Personnel. 25/8/1997 The President read a letter from the CEO, Mr. J. M. Isaacs formally advising of his resignation to take into effect from 31 December 1997. 24/11/1997 The President reported that Mr. John Landau was to be appointed to the position of CEO. 8/7/1997 The CEO advised the telephone based daily new service using interactive voice response technology developed by RBS was launched. 10/8/1997 it was reported the Queensland Talking Book Service (QTBS) was launched. 21/3/2000 The CEO reported that Ms. Jane Evans had been appointed as General Manager of the National Information Library Service (NILS). 18/4/2000 The CEO reported that one of the reasons for the creation of NILS was to combine the resources of RVIB and RBS to ensure an economical and smooth transition of both collections. 12/11/2001 The CEO reported that a meeting was held to discuss the merger of NILS and Vision Australia Foundation. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, national information library service

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Sheltered Workshops, Newcastle and Wollongong branches, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 25/3/1968 it was resolved that Braille services be reorganised to Library, Transcription and Braille instruction for blind persons. This plan created 2 new positions for blind persons. 20/7/1969 it was resolved that a Burwood Building Fund would be opened with the donation of $2,000 by Mr. W. G. Waterhouse. 27/10/1969 it was resolved that sheltered workshop employees who retired after 25 years service would be presented with a gold Braille watch. 19/1/1970 it was resolved that the Society agrees to accept a first mortgage on the security of the William Street property. 22/3/1971 The General Manager had reported that Burwood Council had arranged to purchase the Palatial Theatre and had agreed to lease the building to the Society for 12 months. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Newcastle Branch, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 22/3/1965 it was noted to assist blind persons with the transfer to Decimal Currency an application had been made to the Commonwealth Treasurer for early release of specimen coins and notes. 24/1/1996 it was resolved that a dollar note gauge be supplied to all blind persons in N.S.W. 30/11/1966 it was noted the Management Committee had recommended to Council that the Society should transfer all its activities currently conducted at Williams Street to Mitchell Street and that the William Street be offered for sale at not less than $700,000. 1 volume of typed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports

To honour the commitment by its volunteers, the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales provided badges to commemorate 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. The badge consist of the relevant number in a centre circle, with the words 'Royal Blind Society' around the outside of the circle.Metal pins in various tones with numbersRoyal Blind Society Volunteerroyal blind society of new south wales, badges

Annual reports produced by the SIBI, informing their subscribers and the general public of the good work undertaken by the Institute and the ongoing need for funding. Information provided included income, expenditure, fund raising, staff, services, etc. Below is a summary of other information contained in the reports. 1902 - Trades at which the blind are employed, extracts from visitors books, balance sheets, supplementary catalogue of books in library, subscription and donation lists by town, constitution of the institution and rules, sick fund rules and balance sheet. Also noted were the impending installment of a printing press for books, the development of blind distributors of tea beverages and that instead of a blind boys home, boys would instead be sent to board with suitable families. 1933 - A list of braille transcribers and the amount of braille produced, a brief report on the Floral Festival organised by the Women's Auxiliary Committee and the donation of a shop in George Street for 12 months for the selling of articles made by the Blind was provided by a SIBI committee member. 1934 - A brief report on the hostels at William Street and Woollahra, a detailed listing of all functions which raised money through the auspics of the auxiliaries, and a visit by Superintendent Hedge and Librarian Mr Thompson to the Croydon Ladies Social Club. 1938 - A radio show called the 'Glow Worm Session' on 2GB with home teacher Roy Kippax, the 150th anniversary of Sydney celebration and a 16 millimetre film that was made to publicise the Institute's work. 1939 - A record amount raised through the sale of goods made by Blind Workers, the refurbishment of "The Haven' at Woollahra and transfer of residents from William Street, and free admission by the Trocadero and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to swing concerts and 'Broadway Serenade'. 1940 - Incorporation of the Institute's Women's Magazine into Boomerang Magazine, the enlistment of two Board members Cohen and Meeks for active service, and a brief report from each of the branch auxiliaries. 1941 - The difficulty of obtaining stereotype Braille items from London and the passing of the editoress of the Women's Magazine Miss L.E. Hudson who had just completed the final edition. 1942 - Employment of 60 blind men and women in war related industries, the purchase of an air raid shelter and the small size of the report due to the shortage of paper. 1943 - Closure of the Basket department due to government regulations on cane stock, the provision of a lunch hour news service provided by visitors and individual reports from each of the Ladies Auxiliaries. 1944 - Presentation of a revolving chair to Honorary Librarian Mr H.W. Thompson for 35 years of service, the filling in of air raid trenches due to the improvement of the wartime situation and that SIBI had been supplying the Royal Australian Navy with mats, brushware and other products. 1945 - Continued placement of blind workers in outside industries, the compilation of a register of blind citizens and the election of the Hon. Justice Maxwell as President. 1946 - The successful application for Royal assent and the subsequent name change of the insitution, the intervention of Hon. Member C.R. Evatt Minister for Housing regarding the building of a new hostel for blind women and the establishment of an Honour Roll with a description of inductees Mrs K.L. Barry, Mrs J. Ayre, Mrs E. Vance . 1947 - Establishment of an occupational therapy department, the acceptance of Helen Keller to visit the society and the induction of Mrs Rivis Mead to the Honour Roll. 1951 - Passing of Librarian Miss Jean Currie and the use of prisoners to transcribe materials into Braille.Single volumes with various pagings, illustrations

Beige satin scroll with names of donors printed upon it rests inside a brown wooden box. To view the scroll, turn the handles up or down. List of names represents people who donated to an appeal (date unknown). Box was designed to be mounted on a wall.Wooden box with satin scroll of printed namesRoyal Blind Societyroyal blind society of nsw, fundraising

Rose pink satin scroll with names of donors printed upon it rests inside a brown wooden box. A plastic cover protects the scroll, and printed upon this is an image of the stone archway (from the first building housing the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution) as well as the words 'The Presidents Club'. To view the scroll, turn the handles up or down. List of names represents people who donated to an appeal (date unknown). Box was designed to be mounted on a wall.Wooden box with satin scroll of printed namesThe Presidents Clubroyal blind society of nsw, fundraising

To share information and gain first hand knowledge, organisations sometimes undertook study visits to various countries. In appreciation for the hospitality and information gained as part of this, the Sarawak Society for the Blind - Sibu branch presented a commemorative plaque to RVIB. 1 plastic stand with engraved silver plate of a collage of images of rural village scenes, with yellow and black insignia for the Sarawak Society for the Blind Sibu branch rests in the middle.With compliments from Sarawak Society for the Blind (State) 1st August 1994royal victorian institute for the blind, sarawak society for the blind

Minutes of the first White Cane Day organising committee, led by Bryan Sitlington, who organised events to celebrate the first proclaimed White Cane Day in Victoria.22 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, john blanch, blind members council, howard m. lightfoot, norman banks, derek pickard, adrienne kemp, lindsay mcmillan, c. poulson, royal guide dogs association, l. triggot, val whitehead, villa maria society, r. johnston, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the second White Cane Day organising committee, led by Bryan Sitlington, which decided to concentrate activities on to a single day. 20 pages of meeting minutes with covering letterwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, john blanch, villa maria society, blind members council, lindsay mcmillan, royal guide dogs association, national federation of blind citizens, m. jones, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, lady nell seeing eye dog school, allen egerton, val whitehead, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the third White Cane Day organising committee, led by Bryan Sitlington.22 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, guide dogs for the blind association victoria, allen egerton, bryan sitlington, jennie lawrey, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, villa maria society, ross johnstone, val whitehead, mark jones, phyllis gration, adrienne kemp, jennifer gordon, national federation of blind citizens, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the fourth White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington.20 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, guide dogs for the blind association victoria, jennifer gordon, jennie lawrey, val whitehead, villa maria society, greg cooper, hugh jeffrey, national federation of blind citizens, peter barilla, graeme rule, phyllis gration, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the fifth White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington.26 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, kathleen buchannan, graeme rule, jan kerr, val whitehead, harold gration, national federation of blind citizens, royal guide dogs for the blind association, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, ross johnstone, villa maria society, mark jones, national guide dogs mobility training centre, camille wilkins, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the sixth White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington.25 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, val whitehead, harold gration, royal guide dogs for the blind association, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, ross johnstone, villa maria society, mark jones, camille wilkins, sue fraser, bob gregory, sue hardy, chris anderson, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the seventh White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington.33 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, val whitehead, harold gration, national federation of blind citizens, royal guide dogs for the blind association, ross johnstone, villa maria society, camille wilkins, sue fraser, iris whittaker, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Minutes of the eighth White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington. This file also includes minutes from a meeting of the Australian National Council of and for the Blind, which Mr Sitlington attended in his role as chair.39 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, australian national council of and for the blind, harold gration, national federation of blind citizens, royal guide dogs for the blind association, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, ross johnstone, villa maria society, camille wilkins, iris whittaker, dr t davidson, john cook, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind, e.e. (ted) petersen

A bearded man uses a white cane and sonic guide to help him navigate around the streets of Strathfield. The sonic guide consists of a pair of heavy black spectacles with three sensors built into the bridge of the glasses. The glasses are attached by a cable to a control box which is designed to be clipped onto the wearer's belt or clothing. The control box has two switches and a volume setting, and assists the user in determining objects in their path and their distance to them.2 B/W photographs of man using sonic guide and white cane"5156-220" and '5156-224" on back of photographsroyal blind society of nsw, white cane, orientation and mobility

Two people wait in a line to board to double-decker bus in Sydney, holding their white cane and feeling the side of the bus. A female in a white coat looks on from the side of the bus near the person about to board. A man (possibly Wally Urgacz) and a woman use their canes to alight from the bus, with the guidance of a woman in a white coat. 4 B/W photographs of two people boarding a bus1967 - Mobility - historical - Bus orientation Bus orientation, locating doorways, safe ways of mounting steps, RBS V NB: Inefficiency of short collapsible cane in descending bus steps. Women aged 67 with some peripheral vision. RBS IV Learning bus orientation with long cane. Man aged 65 (light perception only) RBS VI Mobility training for doorways and seating arrangement in bus. Annual report 1968 Royal Blind Society of New South Wales royal blind society of nsw, white cane day, orientation and mobility, wally urgacz

Joan Johnson outside the RBS offices in Enfield, using her white cane to walk along the path.2 B/W photographsJoan Johnson uses the white cane to warn of obstacles in her path. Royal Blind Society 1989white cane day, royal blind society of new south wales, joan johnson

RBS client and worker, Michael Simpson, uses his white cane to navigate the balcony at the RBS offices in Enfield.B/W photographMichael Simpsonwhite cane day, royal blind society of new south wales, michael simpson

Michael Yanchenock uses his white cane to navigate around the side of a building in Sydney both alone and with mobility instructor Margit Rihr. These pictures were taken near the William Street/Boomerang Street building of RBS.2 x Sepia toned photograph of orientation and mobility training1-1769 Michael Mobility training Oct 1969 Photographic Illustrators, Double Bay 2-1769 Photographic Illustrators, Double Bay - 36-1764. Margit Rihr & Michael Yanchenock - mobility training October 1969, Mobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day, orientation and mobility, michael yanchenock, margaret rihr

A man is learning to use a Hoover long cane with the assistance of a woman wearing a white coat.B/W photographMobility training - the long cane or Hoover cane Newly blind man aged 45 (light perception) learning to use correct grasp of Hoover long canewhite cane day, royal blind society of new south wales