To honour the contributions of donors, plaques were often installed in buildings. Initially these were made of metal, but later other materials such as glass and plastic were used. Unfortunately buildings do not stay in their original condition, nor are they necessarily meet the needs of changing organisations, and these plaques were removed during to the organisation moving into new premises. It is unknown to which organisation these donors contributed to, however given the wording, it could be the RVIB.Digital image of two plaquesIn Memory of Margaret Victoria Christian A Generous Benefactor To the Institute To the Memory of the late Winifred Tylerroyal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

'The Years Between' is an oral history of RVIB 1866 - 1991. It was put together by Allan Nuske and Jamie Kelly and consists of narration and excerpts of oral histories from past staff/students. Through historical data and personal recollections, former students tell the story of how the institution developed under the changing approaches of teachers and other staff, the need to keep fundraising, being shipped to Olinda during the war, 153 MP3 audio recordings comprising a file for each section of the bookMany thanks to Alan Nuske, Betty Vinters, Jon Lock, Ross Johnstone, Simon von Saldern, Leo Hartman, Elaine Leahy, Mary Adams, Ben Quin, Kasia Graphics, Art Attack, June Treadwell, Jamie Kelly, Neville Kerr, Dorothy Hamilton, family and friends of Alan Nuske, Pam McAleese and Julie Brain.royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, jamie kelly, alice mcclelland, john murphy, harry worland, dorothy hamilton, hugh jeffrey, violet arnett, ian cooper, harry finlayson, elaine leahy, joan neich, reuban ryan, neville kerr, e.e. (ted) petersen, neil westh, norman rees, charlie bradley, ethel sutcliffe, esme dunnell, margaret fialides, carol baxter, ben quin, graeme mcgowan, margaret bull, jim smith, dick sutcliffe, ray smart, george findlay, edward (ted) hanlon, david blyth, martin stewart, len stevens, oral history

Articles in annual report include: purchase of a ski lodge with RVIB Ski Club (an independent body) managing the lodge, appointment of new principal P.J. Evans and Matron H McLaren, Sri Lankan association for the blind received older TBMs that were still working but being replaced, National Association for the Blind in Bombay also received TBMs and 3000 tapettes and the Railway Hotel in Windsor topped the hotel fundraising list.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

A boy sits in the board room at the RVIB building in St Kilda Road, holding a Taylor's mathematical slate. Developed by Rev. William Taylor in the mid-late 19th century, this English invention provided a device that allowed pegs to represent a variety of numbers upon an array, rather than using raised numbers. Various models were produced around the world before it's eventual demise around the early 1970's.B/W image of a boy holding a metal grid in his laproyal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment

In 1942, the expansion of the war into the Pacific expanded wartime operations in Australia and some of the RVIB buildings were comandeered for house military staff. This plan, drawn up in March 1942 by J.G. and authorised by the Superintending Architect and (W. Dale)Works Director Air Services show the layout of the main building at 557 St Kilda Road as well as that of the babies nursery. Doorways, cupboards and stairwells are annotated in this carbon copy, as well as the layout of Ormond Hall.1 architectural plan of St Kilda Road layoutmyer house, royal victorian institute for the blind, plans, raaf

On the front (rear) face of this metal firescreen is an image of the RVIB St Kilda Road building and front gardens, with the words 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' in curved lettering above the building. A name plate is attached by cord to the firescreen, which reads "In Memory Of M.N. Moylan Life Member Brighton Auxiliary". It is unknown whether the firescreen was made by blind metal workers, however it shows signs of use, quite possibly at the St Kilda Road building itself.Metal fire screen with etched image and attached plateRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind In Memory of M.N. Moylan Life Member Brighton Auxiliaryroyal victorian institute for the blind, m.n. moylan

In 1951 plans were made for the construction of a gymnasium to be situated in the grounds of St Kilda Road. These 4 plans specify the building construction notes, present front and east elevations, and show how part of the hall could be transformed into bedrooms in the future. There are 2 copies of each plan, consisting of identifical copies of the east elevation and different notes printed/handwritten on the front, side and top elevations. These were presented to the RVIB Board in Feburary 1951, according to the stamp on the back.2 architectural plans showing proposed gymnasium buildingPercy E Everett Chief Architectroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans

Funds were raised for RVIB in the during the 1940's and 1950s by putting on concerts called 'Variety on Parade'. The ticket reads 'As a Thanksgiving for sight! Proceeds in aid of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children & Adults, St Kilda Road, Prahran, Melbourne'. It was held at the Public Hall, Buckrabanyule on Tuesday 2nd Sept. 1952 at 8pm. Admission was 3/6 and it was advised that 'New! Non-stop Variety Entertainment of Music, Mirth and Sensational Acts' would be experienced. 1 rectangular shaped concert ticket with black ink text Ticket no. 56 Ticket no. 57royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

This shield was presented by 3KZ to the hotel which raised the most funds on Christmas Day in 1955. This money was distributed between the Ausin Hospital and RVIB. The shield has some detailing at the top, and the gold coloured centred plate is surrounded by a chain of laurel which is overlapped in four corners by the inner part of the shield. On the plate is written: 3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies. Beneath the plate is inscribed: Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955.Tin shield with a centre piece coloured gold3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955carols by candlelight, nameplates

In March 1985, Merle Reid past away. She had worked for RVIB at Burwood since 1963, first as a cleaner but later as a laundry supervisor and childcare assistant. Encouraged by Matron Dunnell, she began her teacher qualifications and went on to become a teacher at the school. With her positive outlook, she became a firm favourite with children and staff alike, and to honour her impact, a proposal was made for a new outdoor playground was made bearing her name.Album of images and text as a tribute to Merle Reidrvib burwood school, merle reid

In 1949 an architect produced this plan to detail the addition of a bedroom for the nursing staff, who looked after children in the Blind Babies nursery. The plan shows a layout of the RVIB site, including the 'Myers Home' (the name of the nursery) where young children were cared for. The south and eastern elevations are detailed, as well as a plan of the nursery, which had 4 bedrooms, a living room, a dinning room , bathroom, 2 kitchen areas and the proposed additional nurses bedroom next to Bedroom 4.1 architectural plan of Myer House and proposed extensionPercy E Everett, Chief Architectroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery, plans, myer house

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, Nursery and school, Industrial, Training and rehabilitation centre, Multi handicapped blind children, Sight restored after 35 years - article about John Crowe who went to New York where no other medical centre in the world offered a procedure to use a synthetic cornea. The cost of the trip was met by RVIB, after losing his sight which he lost in an industrial accident, when he returned to Melbourne he saw his wife for the first time, Carols by candlelight, Finance, Welfare and counselling services, Blindness in old age, Auxiliaries and other general helpers, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1970 : Australia post supported work training program -offered a complete training centre for blind switchboard operators, the only one of its type in the world, established at the institute, 53 operators were successfully employed in Vic, some also operate as receptionists.1 printed volume with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Handwritten list of Life Governorships awarded to various people from the RVIB during the 1930s until the 1950s. Entries include the name and address or township of recipients, and later a date column was included. No information is included on why a Life Governor was granted however this was usually in recognition for the funds donated to the institution. This amount was dependent upon the time of the contribution. In the Constitution and Rules section of the 1872 Asylum and School for the Blind Annual Report: Membership - Every Subscriber of 10s., and upwards per annum shall be a Member of the Institution, and every donor of 20 pounds and upwards, a Life Member. Auxiliary members who were appointed Life Governors were usually involved in helping organise some of the many fundraising activities, such as the Auxiliaries Annual Three Day Fair. A Life Governorship also meant that the person would have a vote when it came to some decisions made by the Committee of Management. RVIB Life Governors are listed cumulatively in the annual report until 1935 when, due to reasons of space, it was altered so that names appeared only in the year that they were granted. This continued until 1999/2000 when these were no longer awarded.Vinyl covered record book with alphabetical listing of some Life GovernorsR.V.I.B. Life Governersroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

At the top of the shield is a Lions International symbol consisting of two lions heads facing outwards either side of the words 'Lions International' and the letter 'L' in between them. At the base of the shield is a blue and gold coloured badge, consisting of two rifles crossed in front of the RVIB lighthouse, with the words 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Club' around the outside. Between the two symbols is engraved "In memory of the late George Glover Past President-Lions Club of Bennettswood - Patron and Life Member of the R.V.I.B. Rifle Club. George developed and donated equipment in order that the blind may enjoy rifle shooting and compete with others. His work done will continue to serve." In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. Passionate about the sport, Mr Glover continued work and supporting the club until his death in 1977.1 wooden shield with engraved silver plategeorge glover, rvib rifle club

The duplication of services between state based blindness and low vision agencies was not viable in the long term, with telecommunications and technology improving rapidly in the late 20th century. In 1999, a decision was made to merge the library and alternative production services of the RVIB and RBS, as a precursor to a possible larger merger in the future. Thus the National Information Library Service (NILS) was created. As part of establishing a new culture between staff who had retained their positions, a vision, mission and values statement was created under the new service name.1 digital imageNational Information Library Service Mission statement: NILS provides a recognised and specialised gateway through which people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability access dynamic information and recreational reading. Vision: to enable unhindered access to knowledge, information and recreational reading for people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability. Key strategic themes: Know our clients current and future needs and expectations. Explore opportunities for collaboration with other agencies, government and enterprises to source, organise and make available materials and resources of an acceptable quality. Optimise digital technology for the production and delivery of materials in an equitable, cost effective and timely way, identify opportunities for innovation by anticipating social and technological trends in the wider community. Enhance our internal capability. Establish and develop a positive and healthy NILS culture. Values: our values inform our policy, work practices, recruitment and service delivery ethic. Integrity - we are open and honest with all our stakeholders. Excellence - we strive to be superior in all we do. Innovation - we learn continuously in order to lead the way. Responsiveness - we actively listen to all our stakeholders. Equity - we focus on inclusiveness and participation for all our clients and staff. A joint venture between the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. royal blind society of new south wales, royal victorian institute for the blind, national information library service

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

Articles in annual report include: a public educational program speaking to doctors, nurses, teachers, occupational therapists, service clubs and rotated displays through public libraries, RVIB stand won a prize in Community and welfare section at the Royal Melbourne show, difficulties with Mr and Mrs Tye's estates are resolved and plans to build an educational complex at Romsey, acknowledgement of volunteer involvement with Cubs, Guides, Ham Radio and Model Train clubs available to residential children, and the United Kingdom Hotel in Clifton Hill raised over $8000 to become the top hotel fundraiser again.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel