In 1974, the Royal Blind Society established within it's manufacturing division a facility to build high quality tandems for blind and partially sighted members of its sports club. By the end of 1978, the manufacturing division expanded and a new series of high quality, hand built racing cycles were developed to suit the individuals needs of the cycling enthusiast. A demand in the bicycle hire industry prompted the development of a strong universal bicycle and the new 24" Mixti family cycle was born. By 1979 the Royal Blind Society was manufacturing both family bicycles and tandems for the bicycle hire industry in N.S.W., Victoria and the A.C.T. Both cycles received an enthusiastic reception, so much so, that in 1982 they were the first bicycle manufacturer to win an Australian Design Award. In these two advertising leaflets, the specifications for the Ladies, Family and Gents bicycles are supplied along with images of each bicycle.2 x A4 col. pages of advertising materialroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing

As a way of raising funds, an art exhibition and sale of paintings was held at the William Street offices of the Royal Blind Society before they moved to their new offices in Enfield. This was one of a series of events held to say goodbye to the former building and to pay for the creation of purpose built offices outside of the CBD. 6 page booklet providing a brief history and overview of current situation, including a list of auction itemsroyal blind society of nsw, fundraising

Individual thank you letters were sent out to those who made a certain level of donation directly to the organistion. In this example, Mr C. Bruce Miller of 11 Moorakyne Street, Malvern is thanked for his donation of 5 pounds and 5 shillings and the letter is personally signed by J. W. Wilson in 1958 and 1961 respectively.2 letters to Mr C. Bruce Millerassociation for the blind, john wilson, fundraising

As financial and in-kind contributions began to increase, the Association utilised certificate templates to acknowledge and thank donors. In these examples, an estate for financial support to the low vision clinic/George Vowell Centre, an individual for his support during an appeal for Elanora and a bequest from a family. All certificates are hand-signed by the Chief Executive Officer/Appeal Chairman and President. Multiple A4 certificates of appreciationdorothy constance riegelhuth, wallace cameron, oriel j grattan, bird family, association for the blind, john cook, john moule, don argus, hermann muncheberg

The gardens of Mirridong were well maintained as these certificates for First Prize in the Bendigo District Garden Competition acknowledge in 1992 and 1993.2 x A4 certificates of appreciationmirridong home (bendigo), bendigo district garden competition, association for the blind

Initially donations were thanked by individuals or via typed notes. The next step was the use of pre-printed certificates of honour, which could then have the donor's name hand-written or typed in. These examples are interesting as they show the use of the initial draft of the guiding light symbol, of a black outline flame and semi-circle on a white background, and the continuance of the circle, but in white on a black background. Light blue flowery motifs vertically fill the top left hand side and horizontally the bottom right hand side of the page. Signed by the President (unknown/John Wicking) and Secretary (John Wilson) they were presented to staff of the Association for their contribution of $11,000 for the Guiding Light Appeal in 1968, the staff of the Blind Citizens Community Centre for their $5000 contribution in 1974, and the staff of Mirridong for their $1500 contribution in 1974. A4 sized certificates with blue decoration and black and white AFB half circle logassociation for the blind, fundraising, john wicking

The Guiding Light symbol appears on the next issue of certificates from the Association, using the sphere and triangle shapes that would also become part of name badges and other items around the organisation. These certificates reflect the financial support of the Reach Out Appeal by the Mirridong Social Club in 1981 (signed by Kitty Rose and John Wilson), Elanora, Head Office and George Vowell Centre staff in recognition of their services to residents and blind members in 1982 (signed by John Wicking and John Wilson).A4 sized certificates with guiding light logoassociation for the blind, john wicking, john wilson, katharine (kitty) rose

From it's beginning in 1867, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB.1 volume with black and white illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

The Barwon Heads RVIB Auxiliary formed on September 11, 1942. This small collection contains index cards which were maintained by RVIB and contain the amount of donations made by the Auxiliary between 1973-1978, as well as the presentations delivered by RVIB employees to Auxiliary meetings between that time. In 2003, the RVIB awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Barwon Heads Auxiliary for their continued support of the organisation.Various loose papers and letters, including a Lifetime Achievement Awardroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Harry van Assche was the organiser of the RVIB's auxiliaries during the 1930's and until his death in 1942. In this letter to the Auxiliary Secretary's, Stan Hedger (Superintendent and Secretary for the RVIB) advises of Mr van Assche's death and the alternative arrangements to keep the work ongoing. Attached to the top of the letter is a newspaper article from The Sun (22/7/1942) paying tribute to this work. The letter reads: Dear Auxiliary Secretary, You will all be distressed and grieved as we are over the untimely death of our beloved friend, Mr van Assche, and I am enclosing a tribute to his memory. I think I was in a better position than anybody connected with the Institute for knowing his real worth and of the noble way in which he faced life anew in his brave unflinching determination to conquer disabilities of blindness. How well he succeeded is evidenced in our wonderful Auxiliary movement, in the multitude of friends he made wherever he went, in his never complaining attitude towards his affliction. We are heartbroken over what to me is an irreparable loss, for in my life-long experience among the blind, I have never met his peer. Other representatives will carry the torch lit by him (and he would not have liked to have thought we would fail him), and we feel that Auxiliaries will continue to do their best in memory of one who did his best for those who were sightless like himself, and for the cause for which they have so wonderfully worked in response to his appeals. Mr van Assche's Secretary and friend, Mr Webber, will act for the present, and I am sure you will all do your best to encourage him and those who may accompany him, in their desire to express the gratitude of everyone connected with this Institute for your loving kindness to Mr van Assche and to our blind babies, children and adults, who now depend upon you even more. With our kindest thoughts, Yours faithfully, Superintendent & Secretary1 letter with newspaper cutting pasted to top left edgeroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries, harry van assche

The Black and White committee started in 1936 to raise funds for the children supported by the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute (later Royal Blind Society of NSW) through a variety of events. One such major fundraiser was a Ball, initially began as the White Ball then changed to Black and White Ball in 1948. Ball programs were created to provide opportunity for sponsors to advertise their involvement with this prestigious event, as well include information on the time progression of the night, a menu, a list of the current committee (Patron, President, various positions and members) and the Black and White Derby race sheet. First run in 1956, the Derby gave individuals or businesses the opportunity to sponsor a 'horse' in the race, which was ridden by a 'jockey' who rolled up a line to reach the finish post. Later programs included auction items, information on performers at the Ball and photographs from other events organised by the Black and White Committee (Casino Cruise, Women of Achievement lunch, previous year's Ball, etc.)Booklets with black and white covers with illustrationsCover on title changes: The Black and White Ball (1981-3) The Black and White programme (1985-1988) The Black and White Ball ((1992, 2003, 2005)black and white committee, royal blind society of nsw

Letter paper used by staff at the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. A cream A4 sheet with the words 'ROYAL BLIND SOCIETY' at the top of the page, and 'ROYAL BLIND SOCIETY A VISION TO SHARE' around the RBS logo as a background in the middle of the page. Around the edge are four lines (3 thin, 1 thick) which form a border with two rectangle boxes in the corners of the page.1 x A4 letterhead with RBS logoroyal blind society of new south wales, office equipment

Certificates used by staff at the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales to honour people who had made donations to the organisation. A cream A4 sheet with the words 'Royal Blind Society gratefully acknowledges the generous support of (blank) on this (blank) day of (blank) 19 (blank) (signature) Jon Isaacs, General Manager' , and 'ROYAL BLIND SOCIETY A VISION TO SHARE' around the RBS logo as a background in the middle of the page. Around the edge are multiple lines which form a border, and a smaller version of the logo in the middle at the base.1 x A4 certificate blank with RBS logoroyal blind society of new south wales, office equipment

An annual tactile art exhibition held by the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales encouraged artists to create artworks that were meant to be touched by admirers. In 1999, more than 230 artists submitted entries, with then 66 finalists showcasing their work at Customs House. This program provides information on each of the 66 works selected for exhibition, as well as an information and advertising leaflets from Robert Mac G Design, who created the three prizes for the winning artists. Most works were available for purchase, as indicated on the 'Opening bid for silent auction' sheet, with all proceeds going towards providing services to the 15,000 clients of RBS.1 v. unpaged with list of opening bid prices and three leaftletsroyal blind society of new south wales, fundraising

The award reads as follows: "1999 Australian Direct Marketing Awards, Bronze Award (bronze coloured 14 sided figure logo) Addressed Mail - Small Flat Mail (category), Feely Book Mailer (title) Bristow & Prentice Response Advertising (agency) RVIB (client) Streetfile (sponsor) (signature) Chairman Presented by the Australian Direct Marketing Association and Australia Post."1 x A4 sized paperroyal victorian institute for the blind, awards

The National Print Awards recognition excellence in the field of printing. In 1989, a gold medal was awarded to the Royal Blind Society in Category 2: Two and three colour printing.1 framed cream coloured page with gold coloured medallion, multi-coloured ribbon and gold brooch and 1 unframed.National Print Awards The Sixth National Print Awards Gold Medal Royal Blind Society Category 2. Two and three colour printing Presented by The Advertising Print Production Association The Printing & Allied Trades Employers' Federation of Australia and The Graphic Arts Service Association of Australia (Signature) Chairman National Print Awards 8th March 1989, Melbourneroyal blind society of nsw, awards

As part of bicentennial celebrations, volunteers were invited to Government House in Melbourne to attend a garden party where commemorative pins were given our to recognise the valuable work undertaken.1 x buff coloured paper with black writingPresented to Association for the Blind - Kooyong Day Centre to acknowledge your participation in Volunteer Recognition Day 88 held at Government House, Melbourne on Wednesday 30th November 1988 in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Davis McCaughey, A.C. the Governor of Victoria and Mrs. Jean McCaughey, A.O. This occasion was arranged to highlight the valuable contribution made by your volunteers to the Victorian Community.association for the blind, volunteers, awards

Certificate for the Association of the Blind Inc as being a public company on and from the 19th June 1990.1 white page of computer printingassociation for the blind, corporation records

Reproduction of a tribute to Malcolm McCaul Brodie, who died in 1946, by his friend and work colleague William Tainsh. Mr Brodie was a passionate supporter of the Braille Library and joined the Board in 1923, occupied the position of Honorary Secretary before becoming Vice President in 1925, then President in 1929 until his death in 1946. Mr Brodie was the grandson of John Alston who made the first Braille bible.1 white page attached to cardboardvictorian association of braille writers, malcolm brodie