Part of the AFB network of fundraising involved the use of opportunity shops in various locations. The Top Opp was a large contributor and the work of those who volunteered is acknowledged in this plaque.Gold coloured metal plate with black writingAssociation for the Blind gratefully recognises the financial contribution made by the Top Opp at the Chadstone Shopping Centre through the efforts of its many volunteers August 1995association for the blind, fundraising

This plaque commemorates a donation was made by a volunteer who assisted with the day centre. At present, it is unknown what this was attached to.1 Gold coloured metal plateDonated by Volunteer Jack Gatenby For the enjoyment of Day Program Members December 1995association for the blind, jack gatenby

Plaque dedicated to the founding members and the Jubilee anniversary of the organisation. To commemorate this, a tree was planted in the grounds of the Brighton office of AFB and this plaque was created.Metal plate with inscription and four holes in each cornerThe Association for the Advancement of the Blind was founded on December 7th 1895 By the following Blind Persons Tilly Aston Thomas Marks David Blakley Katherine McDougall George Cobain Janet Robertson Harry Lee David Robertson This tree was planted to commemorate the Jubilee of the Association "From tiny seed to towering tree"association for the advancement of the blind, nameplates

Arthur Wilkins was a tireless advocate and campaigner for the AFB, and this centre in Essendon was named in his honour. As demand for more services grew with the aging population, extensions were required, and in 1995, a low vision clinic and rehabilitation facilities were added.Metal plate with black writing and four screw holesThe official opening of the Low Vision Clinic and Rehabilitation Facilties at the Arthur Wilkins Centre was performed by John Moule President Association for the Blind 31 August 1995association for the blind, nameplates

Plaque commemorating the opening of the Dickinson Centre, named in honour of Harold and Mercy Dickinson, both totally blind since childhood, who never let challenges stand in their way. Mercy was the first woman who was blind to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Queensland, and received her Masters Degree in the Education of Blind People with Additional Handicaps in New York, and an Honorary Doctorate for Education from the University of Queensland in 1994. Mercy and Harold established the Queensland Training and Placement Centre for the Blind, the first establishment of its kind in Queensland. Harold, who was a prolific writer, was appointed the Director and Mercy was the first volunteer at the Centre. Together they gave a lifetime of dedication and commitment ensuring that people who were blind or had low vision had the same opportunities as those with sight. The Centre later merged with other organisations and in 2006 became part of Vision Australia. The second plaque provides a background to how Harold and Mercy met, and their roles in expanding the the opportunities for everyone around them.Rectangular metal plate with inscriptionThe Dickinson Centre This refurbished centre was Officially opened on 9 November 1990 by The Hon. Ben Humphreys M.H.R. Federal Member for Griffith and Minister for Veterans Affairs and Blessed by Br. Alan Barnabas S.S.F. So named by the QLD Foundation for Blind People Inc (Est. 1956) to Honour The Contribution Made by Harold and Mercy Dickinson 1990 Committee of Management Don Cameron President Mercy Dickinson Vice President Rex Stevens Secretary Moira Solomon Treasurer Del Donaldson Bruce Miller Bob Faulconbridge Justice Bill Pincus Jenny Finch Ken Scells Garry Macdonald Kevin Standish Ian Stewart David Henderson Patron: His Excellency The Governor of QLD Sir Walter Campbell A.C. Q.C.queensland foundation for blind people, nameplates, harold dickinson, mercy dickinson

Plaque from Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. No other information is currently known.Metal plate in brown with gold writingAmy Dawn Memorial Hallroyal blind society of new south wales, nameplates

Health Department regulations displayed at Brighton, as part of compliance. 2 cream coloured signs with black lettering attached to boardsassociation for the blind, signs

The American Chamber of Commence awarded membership to the Association for the Blind as a State Associate 1 member to its organisation on February 8th, 1994.1 white A3 page with blue border. At the top of the page, a golden American eagle with its wings open sits with a shield on it's chest. The shield has white stars on a blue background and red and white stripes. Below this is written 'Founded 1961' and the eagle's claws grasp a short pole from which extends the Australian flag on the left and the US flag on the right. At the base of the certificate, in the lower left hand corner is a printed red and blue seal that reads "The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia" and the above imagery is repeated in white and red within the red section of the seal.association for the blind, awards

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

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1980, it was presented to Sister Elizabeth Lindsay, who cared for children in the RVIB from 1935 until 1945 as the first Matron of the RVIB nursery, and her guardianship of one particular child, whom she took in and cared for.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey 10th October 1980association for the blind, sister elizabeth lindsey

Letter to the Association for the Advancement of the Blind from Mrs Emma I Parkins (of 1498 Malvern Road, Glen Iris) suggesting a way to raise funds. The original handwritten letter is also held.1 brown envelope, 4 pages of handwritten letter and 2 typed page transcript of handwritten letterassociation for the blind, fundraising

Letter to Strongman & Crouch Solicitors regarding the formation of an auxiliary to work for additions or improvements to the clubhouse, despite the inability to register the clubhouse and recreation ground as a charity. The Association had been advised it could authorise such an auxiliary, but as the clubhouse operates under a Deed of Trust, was unsure if this was possible. In reply, the advice was to register the auxiliary as one of the Association, thereby all monies paid direct to the Association which could then ear-mark some for expenditure on the club house and recreation ground, or hand to the Trust to do so.2 typed letters on blue and white paperassociation for the advancement of the blind, auxiliaries, kooyong club house

In 1980 the John Wilson Award was given to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff of the Association for the Blind pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the sustained love and devotion of Elizabeth Inez Lindsey to the blind children entrusted to her care between 1935-1945 as the first Matron of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Nursery, and her continuing influence for good in their lives hereafter. In particular, at his request, we recall her greatness of heart in applying for the guardianship of Barry Farnsworth, despite his serious disability, and her acceptance of him into her own home where she lavished affection and cared for him physically, mentally and spiritually as long as she was able and thereafter to this day continued faithfully and unwaveringly to serve and protect his interests. We present our respects to Sister Lindsey who has consistently reflected, in and through her life of service, enduring love and compassion and now honour her in the presentation of the John Wilson Award. 1 A3 cream page in gold frameassociation for the blind, elizabeth lindsey

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

Certificate of membership of the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Queensland Foundation for Blind People Inc.1 A4 sized page for certificatequeensland foundation for blind people, awards

Two certificates of registration of a workplace for the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland at 34 Cleveland St, Stones Corner, QLD, 4120 for the periods ending 31 January 2001 and 2002. Black writing on white paper with QLD government logoroyal blind foundation of queensland, awards

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling entry tokens for a "Name the Home" competition at 2 shillings apiece. The first prize was a Ford Falcon Sedan. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1962, but Signed and Dated by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins on 28/03/1962. There are 2 copies of the agreement, one containing hand-written annotations in pencil. 4 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, emma parkins, john wilson, fundraising

This agreement between the Association for Advancement the Blind and J. W. Wilson, Secretary lays out the terms and conditions the hire-purchase of a motor vehicle at 16 pounds per month totalling 1039 pounds. The agreement is Dated 18th November 1953, and is signed and Sealed by members of the General Committee and J. W. Wilson. 5 pages of typed legal agreementassociation for the advancement of the blind, john wilson

This Trust agreement declares the intention of the Trustees, namely Albert William Whiteside, Matilda "Tilly" Ann Aston, William Henry Paterson and Charles Monteath to utilise a gift of War Bonds to the value of 200 pounds to form the Jean Bickford Bequest. The income arising from the Bequest would be used to pay for Board, Lodging and Attention at the Associations Home for Adult Blind at Brighton Beach" of Victorian soldiers who were blinded as a result of the War. Dated 18th September, 1918. Signed by Albert William Whiteside, Matilda Ann Aston (after being read the document by Mary Lawson, signature also affixed), William Henry Paterson and Charles Monteath. 2 signed copies are held of this Trust Declaration, as well as one other copy with typed signatures. 3 typed pages establishing trustalbert whiteside, tilly aston, william paterson, charles monteath, jean bickford, fundraising

This letter was sent by The State Savings Bank of Victoria to General Secretary for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, dated 9th March, 1943. It reads "Dear Sir, re: Mortgage: The Trustees of Recreation Ground for the Blind to this Bank. With reference to your letter of 1st instant, we herewith return agreement - the Trustees to the Association - which has been duly noted. Yours faithfully, G. Cartwright, Acting Secretary. 1 typed bank with State Savings Bank of Victoria letterheadassociation for the advancement of the blind, kooyong club house

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling entry cards for a "Last Line" competition at 2 shillings apiece. The first prize was a Ford Falcon Sedan. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1962, and Signed by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins. The agreement, contains some hand-written annotations in pen. 4 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, john wilson, emma parkins, fundraising

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling donor tokens at 20 cents apiece. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1967, and Signed by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins. The agreement contains some hand-written annotations in pen. 3 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, john wilson, emma parkins, fundraising

Known as the Illawarra Tigers, all the bowlers in the team were legally blind, and with the support of staff and volunteers, competed against sighted players and participated in local bowls competitions. Illawarra Bowling Association Annual Champion Donated by Illawarra Community Centre Associates: 86/87 Marj Cameron, 87/88 Y Lawrence, 88/89 Lucy Docherty, 89/90 Dulcie David, 90/91 Llona Smith, 91/92 Llona Smith, 92/93 Llona Smith, 93/94 Carol Myers Mens: 86/87 Les Walker, 87/88 Jack Shearn, 88/89 Keith Spendlove, 89/90 Dennis McKenna, 90/91 Hec Stephenson, 91/92 Keith Spendlove, 92/93 Dudley Roberts, 93/94 Dudley Roberts Aggregate: 86/87 Hec Stephenson, 87/88 Kath Jones, 88/89 Lucy Docherty, 89/90 Charles Coles, 90/91 Anne Stewart, 91/92 Bob McLeod, 92/93 Glad Trait, 93/94 Archie Maclean Mixed Pairs: 87/88 Lucy Docherty, Dennis McKenna, 88/89 Margo Stewart, Hec Stephenson, 89/90 Lillian Fowler, Jack Shearn, 90/91 Llona Smith, Jack Sutton, 91/92 Lillian Fowler, Keith Spendlove, 92/93 Glad Trait, Dennis McKenna Mens Pairs: 93/94 Dudley Roberts, Jurek WroblewskiPicture of wooden board with engraved names of the Annual Champion for the Illawarra Bowling Associationassociation for the blind, victorian blind bowls association

This honour board was created in the International Year of the Volunteer 2001, to recognise volunteers who have completed 15 years of voluntary service and have received their Tilly Aston bronze medallion award. It was displayed at the Geelong/Illawarra office until refurbishment and the merger of VAF into Vision Australia. 1990: Joan Backwell, Margaret Belleville, Louise Carnegie, Elsie Clutterbuck, Lou Hayden, Jenny Heath, Dorothy MacRobert, Brenda McDermott, Daphne Smith, Beryl Whiteside, Maria Zoppolato. 1991: Audrey Anderson, Elsie Barkley, Ellen Bell, Hilary Blakiston, Bobbie Bowen, Sydney Brown, Beatrice Carpenter, Joyce Carr, Helen Carter, Bobby Clarke, Janette Cohen, Sheila David, Betty Dunk, Betty Fulton, Marjorie Gray, Margaret Hambling, Patricia Heath, Mary Honman, Lorna Humphreys, Agnes Hutchins, Phyllis Leach, Sue Leggatt, Marcelle Loughnan, Marjorie Nall, Gwenda Nielson, Marjorie Opie, Anne Prosser, Dorothy Ruxton, Fay Schmidt, Ann Stewart, Jo Swinburn, Lou Walley. 1992: Beth Hunter, Roma Vanrenan. 1993: Mary Dobson, Betty Hamilton, Dorothy Hirst, Trudi Johnston, Doreen Long, Rhoda Lovett, Joan Slade. 1995: Judy Britton, Eleanor McDonald, Leila Shinners, Joy McMillan. 1996: Judith Kelso, Barbara Shone. 1997: Dorothy Marriner, Anne Cahn, Molly Grove. 1998: Poss Collins, Pam Hodgson, Peg Hook. 2000: Mardi McCann, Barbara Carr, Kate Whitworth, Joan Walsh. 2001: Dawn McFarlane, Joyce McRae. 2002: Marion Duell, Bev Hussey. 2003: Alison Lawson, Joan Livingston, Barbara McKane 2004: Alice O'Brien 2005: Judi Idle, Margaret Coulson, Patricia Ryan International Year of the Volunteer 2001Wooden board with names of volunteers who completed 15 years of service at the Geelong officeassociation for the blind, vision australia foundation

To commemorate the birthplace of Tilly Aston, a memorial tablet was unveiled at Carisbrook in 1970. The ceremony drew a large crowd and included a reading of Tilly's poetry as well as a performance by school children. REMEMBER WITH THANKSGIVING THE SPIRIT OF TILLY ASTON 1873-1947 Blind From Childhood, She Endured As Seeing The Invisible A Singing Poet She Rejoiced In The Beauty Of Life Born In Carisbrook, Studied At The Blind Institute. The First Blind Student To Matriculate And Be Appointed A Teacher Foundation Member Association For The Blind. Promoted The Braille Library. (Braille characters) Below the plaque is a smaller one: ERECTED BY MIDLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND CHILDREN OF CARISBROOK STATE SCHOOL 19707 images of the unveiling ceremony tilly aston