Don Dunstan, manager, at his desk in Kelaston.1 x B/W photograph of man seated behind a deskDon Dunstan, Manage "Kelaston" Ballaratassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), don dunstan

Grounds at Kelaston Community Day Hospital.1 x col. photograph1984association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Welfare worker Lilian Dethridge was farewelled and her contribution recognised on February 7, 1985. Presentations were made by Mr John Conaughton (Chairman of the Committee of Management), Mr Foley (administrative officer when Mrs Dethridge began), Mrs Tweedie (a painting) and cook Mrs Venville (flowers).5 x col. photographsFebruary 7 1985 Lilian's farewellassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

In 1985 the Kelaston Auxiliary celebrated it's 60th anniversary. A special event was held at Kelaston, with Mrs Di Jones congratulating Mrs Hamill (the oldest past auxiliary member), who later cut a cake marking the event.3 x coloured photographs of people enjoying the anniversary celebration1985 Auxiliary's 60th anniversaryassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), diana jones

Ladies from Learmonth organisations hand a cheque to Mr Derek Gardiner, chairman of the 1981 'Reach Out' appeal.1 x B/W photograph11981association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Committee member Jenny Haynes receives a cheque from Charmaine Clarke, donating $1200 from a charity ride.1 x colour photograph of two women during a cheque presentationassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), jenny haynes, charmaine clarke

Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune, Kelaston volunteers who have contributed 103 years of service between them.1 x col photograph of Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune,association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Sister Pat Parker during the lunchtime break at Bairnsdale, on a day centre trip to Lakes Entrance.1 x col. photographsister pat parker, kelaston home (ballarat)

Occupational therapist Jill Bothe during her time with the Association for the Blind. 058 - July 18, 1983 opening of the Low Vision Clinic & Day Centre Extension. Jill Bothe with a display of items. 069 - Mrs Jill Bothe displays her gifts at her farewell in 1985. 078 - Jill Bothe and an unknown person in 1983 at hydrotherapy.3 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat), jill bothe

Don Dunstan, manager of Kelaston, presents a trophy to Keith Stratton after the bowls championship.1 x col. photograph of two men in a hallassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), don dunstan, keith stratton

The last day for Mrs Kathleen Reynolds, Director of Nursing at Kelaston Nursing home.1 x col. photographkelaston home (ballarat), kathleen reynolds

Kelaston Nursing home resident, Mrs Alexander, enjoying lunch in the garden.1 x col. photographkelaston home (ballarat)

In 1988, 21st birthday celebrations were held for Kelaston. 066 - Mrs Patsy Stidwill (housekeeper), Fran Dick (activities organiser), Mrs Hunter (craft instructor) and Chris Davies (receptionist). 068 - Don Dunstan (manager) and Lillian Dethridge (social worker)2 x colour photographs of people at Kelaston 21st birthday celebrationskelaston home (ballarat), patsy stidwill, fran dick, chris davies, don dunstan, lillian dethridge

Destruction of existing building during day centre extension. 081 - Bob Smith and John Wonish, maintenance staff.5 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat)

Mrs Laurie Hay (right) looks on while Mrs Doris Brereton congratulates a Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre bowler.1 x col. photographkelaston home (ballarat)

039 - Rex Hollioake, appeal chairman, shows Minister for Health Rob Knowles and another man the plans for a redeveloped Kelaston. 043 - Minister for Health Rob Knowles with Terry Fraser, Kelaston manager, and John Cook, Association for the Blind CEO.2 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat), john cook, rex hollioake, association for the blind

041 - Gift of a table to Tinker for $100,000 donation from Werdouna Charitable Fund. L to R: Peter Duffy (manager Australian Timber), Vern Robson (Chief Commissioner, City of Ballarat) and Rex Hollioake (appeal chairman). 042 - Donation of $100,000 from the Timber Charitable Fund to the Kelaston Centenary Appeal. L to R: Clark Chester, Hugh Morrow, Neil Titheridge, Peter Duffy, Rex Hollioake and Jim Selkirk.2 x coloured photographs of men in suitskelaston home (ballarat), rex hollioake, association for the blind, peter duffy, vern robson, clarke chester, hugh morrow, neil titheridge, jim selkirk

Front of the Day Centre attached to Kelaston nursing home.1 x col. photographkelaston home (ballarat), vision australia foundation

Ballarat Courier (?) article on knitted donations for Chernobyl children from residents at the Kelaston Nursing Home and Day Centre.1 x newspaper articlekelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind

Photo of Sister Pat Parker accepting a cheque from children of the Browns Hill Primary School.1 photocopy of a picture with descriptionkelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, sister pat parker

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

"Presented to Kelaston Ladies Auxiliary/Centre Committee Bendigo in grateful recognition of their generous support of blind and vision impaired people at the Kelaston/Mirridong Centre, May 1999". Signed by John Cook (Chief Executive Officer) and John Moule (President)2 cream coloured sheets with blue and black writingVision Australia Foundation eye logo in top left hand cornervision australia foundation, kelaston home (ballarat), auxiliaries

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

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

Articles include Sir Rohan Delacombe agreeing to become patron, staff rest room and kitchen added, improved lighting in the Hall, increase to 119 transcribers, resignation of Doreen Ross and appointment of V Wearne as Librarian, Mr and Mrs Woods have moved out of the flat - which is now occupied by Mrs Weir, thanks to Wesley College boys and their teacher Mr Rush looking after the garden, as well as Miss Haley who makes canvas bags in which volumes are dispatched, approach to Free Library Service Board for some financial assistance, and Ivan Molloy's speech to the Ballarat branch on the Home Teaching Service.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the success of the Reach Out Appeal to partially fund the establishment of a Low Vision Clinic, the continuing care of 33 residents, the increase of day centre clients and activities, replacement of bedroom furniture and the deficit experienced this year restricting improvements.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, kelaston home (ballarat)

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the need to increase the size of Kelaston through new and redeveloped buildings, Maureen Davey winning the Tattersall Achievement and Enterprise Award, retirement of Harry Hitchcock, opening of a new day centre in Avoca, floral art introduced to the Kelaston Day Centre by Trish Zukauskas, six residents attended a holiday in Queenscliff, four residents celebrating their 100th (or more) birthday and profiles of a Kelaston resident (Joan Elliott), staff member (Shirley Richards), volunteer (Alan Wright) and three Day centre attendees (Clare Searle, Vi Munro and Jeanne Prior).1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the transition in funding model, launch of the Centenary Appeal to raise $1M to rebuild Kelaston, a staff team won the Ekiden Relay around Lake Wendouree, new service opened in Warracknabeal, long time committee member David Baird received an OAM, four residents enjoyed a holiday to Tye Estate at Romsey, two residents sailed on the tall ship 'Alma Doepel, two bantam hens and one rooster to the existing Cam and Sam cats as pet therapy, National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss chose Kelaston to be the location for it's training video, development of a attendant button when in the lounge of an evening when there is less staff, companion visiting program has begun, a Kelaston team won the Victorian A Grade Blind Bias Bowls in regional and state finals, and 'Keloca' Day centre in Avoca officially opened by Hon Rob Knowles, Minister for Aged care and Housing.1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records