During the 1980s members of 8/13 VMR were given the opportunity for parachute training.Colour photograph of Lance Corporal Petering wearing parachute and red helmet preparing for a jump..He was a member of Assault Troop 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

An agreement between Ballie Donald & Fraser of "Manuka" Station & 22 men to shear sheep. Written by the hand of Jim Hay, Elders Geelong.Inside 10. Verso of 10. Regional Galleries Association of Victoria Conservation Treatment report 30 August 1988shearing sheep stations, history pastoral industry, history shearers, shearing shed hands, hay, mr jim e. - elders vp, manuka new south wales, shearing, sheep stations - history, pastoral industry - history, shearers

An honour board recording winners of the Barbara Rutherford Memorial Braille Reading competition. From 1985, the decision was made to expand the children's Braille book collection in lieu of an award. The Barbara Rutherford Memorial Braille Reading competition was created by James and Margaret Rutherford when their daughter Barbara died in 1974, in recognition of her enjoyment as a transcriber at RBS. They donated $1000 to RBS, for the purpose that it be invested and the interest used as prize money, and that it be administered by the Braille Writers Association.Wooden board with plastic letteringThe Barbara Rutherford Memorial National Braille Reading Competition Winners 1975 Merrilyn White 1977 Joan Ryan 1979 Nola Flommersfeld 1981 Katherine Brookes 1983 Katherine Brookes, Josephine Nicholson From 1985 the Memorial has become a Children's Braille Book Collectionroyal blind society of new south wales, nameplates

An honour board recording winners of the Louise Long Braille Award. From 1985, the decision was made to expand the beginner Braille book collection in lieu of an award.Wooden frame with felt inlay and plastic letteringThe Louise Long Braille Award 1978 John Blackett 1979 Mrs Imelda James 1980 Eduardo Gonzalez 1981 Mrs Heather Spooner 1982 Roy Corey 1983 To Train 1984 Kathie Newhouse This award is now used to build a collection of books for new Braille readersroyal blind society of new south wales, awards

Throughout the 1970's until the 1990's, Mitchell Manufacturing produced a popular range of bicycles for the general public and hiring companies alike. The Lighthouse bicycle was first developed, then superceded by the Mitchell bicycle. Using a combination of overseas sourced materials, these were assembled in the Royal Blind Society of NSW's headquarters in Enfield, and provided employment to range of blind and vision impaired workers. In one image, Neville Wran and Maj General Paul Cullen toast to the success of the company.16 B/W electronic images of bicyclesroyal blind society of new south wales, mitchell manufacturing, neville wran, paul cullen

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

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

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

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

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

An older gentleman is assisted with using a white cane, by a younger female, in the gardens outside the Alexis Albert Hostel in Sydney.5 B/W photographs of older man using a white caneMobility - historical Alexis Albert hostelwhite cane day, royal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert hostel

A man uses a white cane crossing a street at night in Newcastle. His cane reflects the photographer's flash and is illuminated against the dark night.Black and white photograph of a man using a white cane at nightOrientation and mobility at night - Newcastle Please return to RBSwhite cane day, royal blind society of new south wales

To reach clients who can not come into the RBS offices in Enfield, a field service was provided. Cars were sometimes donated by charitable organisations, such as the Lions Club. Julie Lazarus, an RBS Field Officer, is shown entering a Gemini which has the Lions logo and "Presented by, Lions Blind Appeal, Royal Blind Society, Field Welfare Service, 747-6622" on the driver side door.2 photographs (1 B/W & 1 col.) of woman about to step inside car parked in Enfield drivewayJulie Lazarus, Field Welfare Officer, File: Field Services Julie Lazarus, RBS Field Officer, with car presented by Lions.royal blind society of new south wales, julie lazarus, lions club

A female with a white cane is standing with another female at the head of stairs, possibly at RBS Enfield.1 B/W photograph of two woman in stairway, one using a white caneFile: Field Servicesroyal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

A man uses a long fixed cane to ascend steps to a church.1 B/W photograph of man ascending church stepsMobility - historical Negative number: 8/70103royal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

A bearded man walks on a grassy area next to the RBS building in Enfield, having just walked past a couple holding hands.2 B/W photographs of man using white caneFile: Skills Training - O&M 88-7 A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. S-129, bottom picture of page 3 Gordon Tibbles, PR Officer RBSroyal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

A group of ladies sit around a table, rubbing make up products into their face. One lady, in the foreground, is receiving a facial massage.1 B/W photograph of woman sitting and rubbing lotion on their faces12 A recreation - William Streetroyal blind society of new south wales, recreation

A mid-twenties male uses a white cane to navigate a footpath on a busy road.1 x B/W photograph of man using white caneFile: Skills Training - O&M A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. Using a white cane for mobility.royal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

Andrew walks along an external building verandah using a sonic guide and white cane.1 x B/W photograph of man walking with assistive devicesFile: Skills Training - O&M A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. (Andrew is also wearing a sonic guide in glasses.) Walking with the aid of sonic guide glasses. Technology for blind people at the Royal Blind Society. Credit: Rankin/1987royal blind society of new south wales, white cane day

An ultrasonic torch sends out a high frequency beam that bounces off items in it's path and sends back signals to an ear piece worn by the user. A change in sound indicates the nearness of an object, and it was (at the time) thought to be a possible replacement for white canes in the future. In this image, a man descends steps at the William Street building of RBS, using the torch to guide him.B/W photograph of man using torch6/68049 Ultrasonic torch being used at the Royal Blind Society.royal blind society of new south wales, orientation and mobility

Articles in the annual report include: the opening of the new building at Burwood (Enfield) and the facilities it provides, including a bowling green, swimming pool and rooms for specialist areas such as orientation and mobility and music braille; the need for the new building, publication of a booklet 'The Pre-School Child who is blind', the development of rehabilitation services for those who are unable to visit the new site and the introduction of Mark IV talking book machines.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: the expenses incurred due to increased client numbers and wages rises, the need and inability to sell the Woollahra (Helen Keller hostel) site, the success of the fledging Reference Library seen as a model for other organisations, Matron Scott (Victor Maxwell nursery) received an M.B.E., plans to develop 3 more day centres to add to the five already operating, operations undertaken in the workshop, continued demand for places at Alexis Albert and Lighthouse hostels, recognition through the renaming of 2UW Blind Appeal to the 2UW Lions Blind Appeal which has been run since 1952, blind bowlers looking forward to being on the green at Enfield, Cricket club looking forward to when tip in Mitchell St is filled in so that it can be made into a home ground, and the collaborative relationship had with other blindness related organisations.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: death of General Manager Ian Burnet, expenditure exceeding income, need to sell Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel) property, goal of opening 20 new Day centres by the end of 1975, plans to establish Occupational Therapy Training unit, review of aging hostels and restructure workshop, growth of Mitchell Street Theatre, increase of children with more than sight loss at nursery, decision to establish reading competition in memorial to Barbara Rutherford and awarding of Churchill Fellowship to Joan Ledermann for a review of Braille production units overseas.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: rising costs, reduced subsidies, first ever statewide 'Door Knock' appeal conducted, 15 Day Centres now running, Occupational Therapy student unit established, play group and toy library established at Enfield, decision to conduct regular Art Unions, belief that some income should be forthcoming from disposal of Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel), winners of the first nation wide Braille reading competition and decision to make this a bi-annual event and success of three athletes (Szelko Mikulic, James Whitney and Michael Simpson) at the FESPIC games.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: the reduced subsidies provided by government and the increased need for public support, success of family counselling and support programs have reduced numbers at nursery and kindergarten, plans for Low Vision Clinic, reconditioning and assembly of bicycles in workshop, retirement of Matron Scott and Mrs McCallum (heads of Victor Maxwell nursery and Sandy Robertson kindergarten respectively), continued success of Mitchell Street Theatre, and all the NSW blind participants who attended the Toronto Olympiad won medals.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: increased funding from state government, possibility of sustained funding in providing a public library service, success of low vision clinic and need to increase opening times to accommodate demand, decision to move to standard cassette, change in direction by providing support for children to stay in family unit and community kindergartens rather than placement in a separate kindergarten program or residential care, introduction of Closed Circuit TVs into the workshop, winning a 2 year contract with Australia Post to provide bicycles and an order from Dubbo Zoo for family cycles and tandems, formation of RPH with a trial broadcast and radio license application made, and the Society held it's first Open Day.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: establishment of the Charter for the Eighties committee to develop on the role and direction for the organisation, decision to close Alexis Albert Hostel and move residents to Lighthouse Hostel Roselands or cottage style accommodation due to increasing repair costs, increased demand for field service (but not funding) and standard cassettes from the library, new Braille production unit shared with RIDBC, further bicycle order for Dubbo Zoo, large order for PVC sleeves justified new PVC welding equipment, Talking Book of the Year award and "Art in Touch" exhibition (both created to celebrate 100th birthday in 1980) will continue, and departure of Graeme Bradshaw, Jack Chamberlain and Mavis Threlfo.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records