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

Mrs Augusta Tutton was the president of the Council of Auxiliaries for the RVIB for over 12 years, an Auxiliary member for 27 years, and undertook hundreds of speaking engagements and met with thousands of people at charity events, openings and auxiliary meetings. 8 B/W images of Augusta Tuttonroyal victorian institute for the blind, augusta tutton

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

RVIB brushware was a source of income and some items were packaged under the name 'Blindcraft' to indicate their origin. In this collection the journey of the millet through its storage, selection, binding and attachment to other sections to make brooms and brushes.7 B/W images of workers making brushesroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Aerial photo of the RVIB St Kilda Road buildings and grounds, scanned from an unknown printed source. On the image are written descriptions of buildings, including the width and length of those erected in 1920's, the isolation hospital and the segregation of boys and girls playing areas. 1 scanned image of RVIB St Kilda Road from airGirls playground School & residential buildings Boys playground Isolation hospital This building, erected in 1926 - is 200 ft long & 40 ft wide Each floor of this new two storied building erected in 1926 is 100 ft long & 40 ft wide These recently erected factories measure 20,000 sq ft Ormond Hall for socials, etc. St Kilda Road frontageroyal victorian institute for the blind, buildings

Singer Rhonda Burchmore holds a red candle whilst standing next to a boy wearing a Jangle Kids t-shirt and a Santa hat. In the background th 1994 Carols by Candlelight program sits upon a tinsel covered tree.1 x col. photograph of Rhonda Burchmore and Jangle Kids childcarols by candlelight, rhonda burchmore

Marina Prior holds a microphone and sings to crowds at the Carols by Candlelight crowds in this undated photograph.1 x col. photograph of Marina Priorcarols by candlelight, marina prior

Two graphic images of a candlelight, with radiant heat/light coming from the flame. Above the candle is written 'Carols by Candlelight'. Discovered in an envelope with the description 'C x C bromide' written on the front.2 B/W images of heat radiating from lit candlecarols by candlelight

A group of school aged choir girls sing in this image from the 1988 Carols by Candlelight dress rehearsal.1 B/W photograph of children singingcarols by candlelight

Mark Holden, Judith Henley and George Hegan sing on stage at the 1976 Carols by Candlelight event in this series of images. In the fourth image, RVIB President E. Hanlon and Mrs Hanlon, Deputy Premier Lindsay Thompson and Joan Thompson, conductor Harold Badger, compere Bruce Mansfield and two other couples sing along to carols upon the stage. In the foreground the Salvation Army band plays, whilst in the background various choirs join in. Usual compere Philip Gibbs was taken ill at late notice, with Bruce Mansfield kindly replacing him on the night.4 B/W photographs of performers and special guests at the 1977 Carols by Candlelight performancecarols by candlelight, mark holden, judith henley, george hegan, edward (ted) hanlon, lindsay thomspon, harold badger, bruce mansfield

Philip Gibb and Choirmaster Lawrence Warner sit on the stage, surrounded by choirs at the RVIB Carols by Candlelight performance in 1974. B/W photograph of choirs and special guests at Carols by Candlelightcarols by candlelight, philip gibb, lawrence warner

As part of the Carols by Candlelight program, performers were required to submit a photograph that could be used in the program. This image of Ross Skiffington was provided by his agency Famous Artists.B/W photograph of Ross SkiffingtonRoss Skiffington Famous Artists Tel: (03) 722 1344 Fax: (03) 722 1887carols by candlelight, ross skiffington

These proof sets cover the launch of Carols by Candlelight. In one set, Marina Prior and Santa launch the Carols ticket sales, whilst in the other a group of people stand outside RVIB St Kilda Road building, with glasses in their hands. Rhonda Burchmore and Geoff Harvey smile and laugh for cameras.2 x B/W proof sheets from the 1992 Carols by Candlelight launchcarols by candlelight, marina prior, rhonda burchmore, geoff harvey

This printed philosophy served to remind sighted people what the organisation was working towards and how it sought to achieve it.A3 printed page on cream coloured paper with black writing and black and blue logoThe Association for the Blind was founded in 1895 by 8 blind people of strong spirit as a self help group and in protest against discriminatory attitudes and practices of society at that time. This small group sought and obtained the assistance of sighted citizens. Together they achieved reforms which greatly enhanced the status and rights of blind people. Today, this tradition of self help and active involvement of both blind and sighted citizens continues, with an overriding concern for the welfare of the individual. Philosophy The work of the Association for the Blind is based on the philosophy that all people in our society should have equal opportunity, with the freedom to express themselves and participate in the community to the extent of their desire and interest. To achieve this the Association is a grouping of local community resources which have come together voluntarily to serve people who are blind or visually impaired, and in partnership with government ensure the necessary services are provided. The Association for the Blind functions as an extended family, with blind members, volunteers, contributors and staff working together with mutual respect towards common goals. Objectives These are - to promote the welfare of blind and visually impaired people; - to provide welfare, counselling, rehabilitation, accommodation, nursing care, recreation and other support services; - to minimise the harmful effects of blindness whether physical, psychological, social or economic; - to facilitate the prevention of blindness; - to utilise the experience and talent of blind people in the community in assessing needs, evaluating and improving the value of services to the blind. A wide range of services is necessary to achieve these objectives, the outcome of which is greater independence, security and opportunities for blind and visually impaired Victorians.association for the blind, corporation records

The Geelong branch committee was established in 1976 to manage the Geelong Centre then based in Pakington Street, Newtown. One early decision was to call the Centre "Illawarra", meaning 'high place above or overlooking the sea'. The branch committee disbanded in 1993. The auxiliary was established in 1963 to increase services for blind and vision impaired local people by raising funds for Vision Australia Foundation, then known as the Association for the Blind. Over the next 39 years, until is disbanded in February 2002, the Illawarra Auxiliary (renamed in 1976) raised many thousands of dollars to achieve this aim. Branch Chairman: 1976-79 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1980-82 Mr R. Averay, 1982-85 Mr L.W.M. Heath, 1985-88 Mr P.P. Larcey, 1988-91 Dr. B.J. Landsell, 1991-93 Mr F. Francesevic Auxiliary President: 1964-66 Mrs K.S. Nall, 1967-69 Mrs G.S. Gray, 1970-72 Mrs L.M.W. Heath, 1973 Mrs E. Currell, 1974-75 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1975-78 Mrs E. Snibson, 1979-84 Mrs I.E. Backwell, 1984-86 Mrs D.P. Smith, 1986-89 Mrs E.E.A. Donaldson, 1989-93 Mrs B. McKane, 1993-99 Mrs J. Backwell, 1999- Mrs B. McKane This photograph was taken of the honour board that previously hung in the Geelong Centre.Image of honour board with names of the people who were Geelong Branch chairmen or Auxiliary Presidents association for the blind, illawarra (geelong)

Supported by volunteers and friends, and with some members accompanied by their guide dogs, the Illawarra Troopers was a drama group for visually impaired people. Their first concert was held in 1977, and the group continued to entertain local audiences for many years. Illawarra Troopers: a visually impaired drama group (inauguarated 1977) Members Roll: Geoff Cortous, Dulcie David, Les Littleton, Gladys Downs, Hester Whiteside, Eileen McDonald, Peg Clark, Ralph Chamberlain, Albert Smith, Nora Cooper, Arthur Williams, Pat Baum, Ivy Mallet, Mary Chettle, Ethel Jardine, Peter Tapp, Jack Lambert, John Philipson, Len Hoyle, Rob Archibald, Daisy Stepnell, Neville King, Alice Sloan, Ada de Medici, Eric de Medici, Patricia Harrison, Llona Smith. Guide Dogs: Inga, Yvette, Igor, Rene, Leonardo. Producer: Jo Kirtley. Assistants: Judy Phillips, Val Anderson, Maisie Littleton, Dorothy Nicholls, Florence Mlodawski. Troopers Theme Song: Words by Olive FoleyPicture of wooden board with engraved names of the Illawarra Troopersassociation for the blind, nameplates

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

Carols by Candlelight is an annual fundraiser which brings together performers from around Australia and the world, to sing carols with the general public. This series of slides is undated yet looks to be taken largely around 1988, with images of the crowds, the performers, volunteers who help run the event and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.140 Coloured slides of crowds and performers at Carols by Candlelightcarols by candlelight, peter cupples, ray martin, marina prior, jo-beth taylor, debbie byrne, geoff harvey, rhonda burchmore, sylvie palladino, humphrey b. bear, lee kernaghan, denis walter, bernie brooks, venetta fields, lisa edwards, lindsay field

Stage shots and a woman holding a child during the 1997 Carols by Candlelight held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.5 coloured slides of people and stage at Carols by CandlelightLabelled 66.6139-66.6146 12/97.carols by candlelight, fundraising

Various slides of Carols by Candlelight performers during the 1980s.10 coloured slides of images from Carols by Candlelight3 singers P14 D Carols Candlelight P14 Dcarols by candlelight, kamahl, little river band, suzanne steele

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

In 2000, 'Mahogany' sang on stage during the RVIB Carols Quest.1 x framed colour photograph'Mahogany' RVIB Carols Quest 2000carols by candlelight, mahogany