The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Feb/Mar 2021.activities, answer, widows

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from April/May 2021.activities, answer, widows

The Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland was formed from an amalgamation of Vision Queensland, Queensland Blind Industrial Centre and Royal Blind Foundation in 2001. These annual reports chronicle the work of the foundation until it's amalgamation with four other state based agencies to become Vision Australia in 2006.1 volume of text and illustrations in various pagingsannual reports, royal blind foundation of queensland, chris handy, alexander gilliland, frank carroll

The Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland was formed from an amalgamation of Vision Queensland, Queensland Blind Industrial Centre and Royal Blind Foundation in 2001. These annual reports chronicle the work of the foundation until it's amalgamation with four other state based agencies to become Vision Australia in 2006.1 volume of text and illustrations in various pagingsannual reports, royal blind foundation of queensland, chris handy, alexander gilliland, yvonne sullivan, paul sullivan, matthew sullivan

The Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland was formed from an amalgamation of Vision Queensland, Queensland Blind Industrial Centre and Royal Blind Foundation in 2001. These annual reports chronicle the work of the foundation until it's amalgamation with four other state based agencies to become Vision Australia in 2006.1 volume of text and illustrations in various pagingsannual reports, royal blind foundation of queensland, alexander gilliland, nick carter, peter beattie, michael coates, chris giger, rob giger, yvonne sullivan, paul sullivan, matthew sullivan

The Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland was formed from an amalgamation of Vision Queensland, Queensland Blind Industrial Centre and Royal Blind Foundation in 2001. These annual reports chronicle the work of the foundation until it's amalgamation with four other state based agencies to become Vision Australia in 2006.1 volume of text and illustrations in various pagingsannual reports, royal blind foundation of queensland, alexander gilliland, nick carter, neville partridge, gerard gosens, margaret gill, shelly drage, stacy thomson, sandra allen, julia price, bill cosgrove, gary jacobs, pete cunningham, hayley kitchener, katherine miller

Carols by Candlelight was initially held to raise funds for the children's ward at the Austin Hospital. This image was probably taken for publicity purposes once the building was completed in 1951, for inclusion in the programs. In 1949, it was decided to split funding between the Austin and RVIB. From 1965, RVIB (now Vision Australia) has been the sole beneficiary.Black and white image of a three storey buildingChildren's Ward Austin Hospitalcarols by candlelight, austin hospital

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

On the 21st June 2008 Vision Australia hosted a farewell celebration at 557 St Kilda Road for people who attended the RVIB School and Residential Rehabilitation and Training Centre. This CD has been produced as a memento of this occasion. CD1 contains the official proceedings of the day. CD2 contains a compilation of interviews and memories that people shared on the day.21 sound files of official proceedings and interviewsroyal victorian institute for the blind, burwood school, employment

A series of early twentieth century photographs were sourced and reprinted on to chipboard panels for use by the Royal Blind Society of NSW publicity department, to demonstrate the work and activities that blind people did at the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute (later RBS NSW, now Vision Australia). The source of these photographs is unattributed and the remaining panels of the set have not been located.Working Braille shorthand machine - Panel 11, Photo 13 A corner of the girls' sitting room - a lesson in Braille music (blind pupil and blind teacher) - Panel 1, Photo 2 The Industrial Blind Institution, Boomerang Street, Sydney. No.1 workshop, east side - basketmaking - Panel 2, Photo 3royal blind society of nsw, education, employment

Blue perspex sign, rectangular in shape, with white adhesive printing. The Association's symbol of the stylised Guiding Light is in the top left hand side. Marked: Front of sign : "ASSOCIATION / FOR THE BLIND / NEW BEGINNINGS." The New Beginnings trademark was used from 1994 until 1999, to signify the changes that the organisation was going through. In 1999/2000, the organisation was renamed Vision Australia Foundation.Acrylic blue rectangular sign with white writing and AFB logoAssociation for the Blind New Beginningsassociation for the blind, signs and signboards

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described on CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on camps that had been run for children. Plus photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Aug/Sep 2021.activities, answer, widows

Second annual report for the National Information Library Service, which saw the joining of the Vision Australia Foundation library and alternative format production areas join NILS. This report shows the progress towards reducing duplication between state-based services, increasing the variety of Braille, audio and e-text materials and reducing costs, as well as the number of books, loans and materials produced over the year.national information library service, corporation records, alan egerton, ted johnson, kelly thong, tim mitchell, robert de graauw, james wright, john turner, jane evans

On Wednesday 23rd February 2005, after a two year project of research and interviews with pupils, workers and staff, 'The Lighthouse on the Boulevard' (a history of the RVIB) was launched. MC Michael Walsh introduces Vision Australia CEO Gerard Menses, author Dr Judith Buckrich, participants Reuben Ryan, Steven Herd, David Blyth and Deputy Mayor of Melbourne Gary Singer who spoke at the launch. Afterwards books were signed and the crowds mingled.Sunday Special radio program on the launch of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'royal victorian institute for the blind, michael walsh, gerard menses, judith buckrich, reuben ryan, steven herd, david blyth, gary singer, dorothy hamilton, michele prentice, don draffin

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the ANZAC Day student commemoration, Anglsea camp, and milestone birthdays for widows. Plus the event that announced the Centenary Torch Relay. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from June/July 2022.activities, answer, widows

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the founder of Legacy Stan Savige, the ESO collaboration at Legacy House, ANVAM Disability Program Day, and widows having milestone birthdays. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from June/July 2022.activities, answer, widows

The American Foundation for the Blind developed this new model in their experimental shop in 1932 and contracted with the typewriter manufacturer to produce the machines and continued production until 1947. It's sleek silver look was a change of look from the previously manufactured Hall Braille Writer, and improvements included a carriage return, the ability to add spaces between lines and a back space key. It was found in the Braille and Talking Book Library in South Yarra, Victoria, Australia and was used by either staff or volunteers at Vision Australia Library.Stainless steel braille writer in the shape of a typewriter. The braille writer consists of a heavy moulded machine with 6 black plastic keys.On front of writer: "American Foundation for the Blind Inc. New York." "Manufactured for the Foundation by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc." On back: "Licenced by Underwood Elliot Fisher company/ Serial no. 5-2422.braille equipment, assistive devices

First annual report for the National Information Library Service, which was created through the merge of the Library and Material Production Units of RVIB and RBS. In August 2001, Roxanne Missingham (National Library of Australia) launched NILS which was designed to reduce duplication between state-based services, increase the variety of Braille, audio and e-text materials and reduce costs. This report shows the progress towards these goals, the future inclusion of Vision Australia Foundation and the number of books, loans and materials produced over the year.national information library service, corporation records, jamie kelly, tim mitchell, ann carlson

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contains an article on the preparations for the 100th anniversary with Ken Tsirigotis going to Europe. Also the Brisbane Ranges youth camp, the Disability Rec Day, and the Widows' Remembrance Day high tea and the Torch Society Luncheon. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Dec 2022/ Jan 2023.activities, answer, widows

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the Changi violin, Ohi Day Commemoration and a look back at Government House Christmas parties for the young junior legatees in the 1940s and 50s. Lockdowns were still affecting many of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings. There were updates on the Path of the Horse and Lunge for Legacy.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Dec 2021/Jan 2022.activities, answer, widows

The DAISY consortium was established in 1996 to develop an industry standard for the emerging digital book market. It's partners recognised that by incorporating the same features when constructing digital recordings with text, and using an established structure, publications could be usefully exchanged and sent around the world. In 2011 the consortium celebrated it's 15th anniversary and commemoration badges were sent to it's members, which included NILS (the production and library divisions of the Royal Blind Society of NSW, Vision Australia Foundation and RVIB). The badge has a blue swirl above and below the words 'daisy consortium' with '15th anniversary' at the base.Small badge with black writing on white backgrounddaisy consortium 15th anniverary badges, national information library service

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

This sculpture could have be constructed and gifted to the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales by a Canberra based artist. It has resided at several Vision Australia sites, including St Kilda Road, Macaulay Road and Glenferrie Road, and brought much joy to those who saw it as part of their daily work routine and adorned her with a string of beads. Christened 'Amelia' by staff in 2012, her paper coating was beginning to deteriorate over the years with the woollen fur covering coming apart from her hump. Her beaming smile continued to cheer staff, particularly in the Children's Services division.1 papier mache constructed camel with fursculpture, animals

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the VVFS regional launch, a VLO update, Youth Camps, a paddleboat fundraiser being organised, and photos of Legacy Week 2022. Also a reflection on the battle of Pozieres where the Centenary Torch Relay will start in April 2023. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from June/July 2022.activities, answer, widows

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the Queenscliff camp, Anzac Student ceremony, Glenelg River canoe journey, donation in memory of Private Greg Sher, and Widows' High Tea. Also the history of the Battle of Lone Pine and the Lone Pine trees grown in Australia since. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Feb/Mar 2022.activities, answer, widows