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

Mat making was an essential part of many workshops staffed by blind or vision impaired employees since the 19th century. In Australia, it was a skill taught in along the eastern seaboard until the supply of cheaper mats from Asian sources rendered it financially non-viable as a source of employment. These examples were made in the RVIB workshops and demonstrate the variety that could be made, with a plain mat, one printed 'RVIB' in black on one side and in in reverse in various colours on the other, and the other with 'Welcome' on the front and 'Made by the blind' on the reverse.3 coir mats made by RVIB workersRVIB Made by the blindemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

The Taylor Slate was developed by Rev. William Taylor in England in the mid 19th century it was in common use until the early 1970's and enabled blind or vision impaired students to do maths calculations by arranging metal pegs in the slate. The main part of the slate is a metal sheet with 432, 8 sided holes which small metal pegs are inserted. The pegs have different shapes on their ends. These are used to represent different numbers and symbols depending on the way the pegs are placed in the slate and which combinations of pegs are used.1 silver rectangular metal mathematical slate including tray braille equipment, education

Following council amalgamations, a series of community consultations were undertaken in 1995 to inform the development of a cohesive vision for the newly formed Shire of Nillumbik. A response to the new conditions which people of the Eltham/Diamond Creek/Greensborough and surrounding rural areas found themselves in as a result of the decision by the Victorian Government to amalgamate local governments into larger entities. The case for these reforms was strong, but the amalgamation process did disrupt some people's lives.The need to bring together the people within the new boundaries of Nillumbik was recognised by the Commissioners and the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire, who felt that a good way to begin was to develop a future vision for the Shire. It was decided that the people of the Shire should be asked what they wanted their future to be and a process of consultation was established through which people could express their views. Contents: Part One: Introduction, Nillumbik 1995 -what we thought, Nillumbik - thinking the future, Creatng a Nillumbik Community, Nillumbik's assets, Goals for Nillumbik 2020. Part Two: A sustainable society, population and density, the built environment, town and community centres, transport, agriculture, rural Nillumbik, Arts and cultural activity, the younger generation, Nillumbik's elders, planning for the disabled and health and well-being.40 pagesharry gilham collection, shire of nillumbik, vision, consultation, planning

The weatherboard Ballarat East State School SS 1071 was formerly known as Specimen Hill. According to 'Visions and Realisations' The Eureka gold lead opened in August 1852, running from Little Bendigo, south beneath Yarrowee Creek into Pennyweight flat, where it was joined 100 yards or so from the intersection of main and Eureka Streets by the Canadian Lead. State School 1071 was formerly known as Ballarat Common School No. 71, and was founded by the Free Presbyterian Church on Specimen Hill in Eureka Street, Ballarat on 01 January 1854. On 20 May 1869 the trustees of the Presbyterian School, Specimen Hill, Ballarat, consented to the transfer of the site to the Board of Education. On 01 September 1870, Specimen Hill, Ballarat, was vested in the Board and then became known as SS 1071. On 01 March 1879 the Minister, The Hon. William Collard Smith, and William Dobbie, Inspector of School Buildings, visited Ballarat to report on the buildings with a view to extensions and renovations. The minister issued instructions for the old wooden part of the school to be demolished, and brick additions to be erected, so that the whole premises would accommodate 350 students. (''Visions and Realisations: A Century of State Education in Victoria, Vol. 2'', Education Department of Victoria, 1973, p 729-730.)Black and white photograph of a weatherboard school with shingle roof known as Ballarat East (SS1071). The building has a brick chimney and bell tower. This school has Castlemaine flagging in the passages.ballarat east state school, education, st paul's school, specimen hill state school

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. To publicly acknowledge this, a signboard was established and hung at the Kooyong Centre. The top of the board was inscribed with the words 'Vision Australia Foundation' and the eye logo is located in the top left-hand corner. Below this is written: "The following recipients have made a notable contribution towards blind and vision impaired people. 1979 Agnes M. Tweedie, 1980 Elizabeth I. Lindsay, 1981 Flora Douglas, 1982 Edna Wilson, 1983 Herbert J. Brumby, 1984 Joanne Trumble, 1985 Arthur Nothling, 1986 Colin & Margaret Fox, 1987 Katharine M. Rose, 1988 Bryan G. Sitlington, 1989 Edna Swanson, 1990 Ellena F. Little, 1991 Neil McCrae, 1992 Lillian Dethridge, 1993 John A. Blanch, 1994 Winsome Baker, 1995 Barry Farnsworth, 1996 Harold Gration, 1997 Merle Wootten, 1998 Norma Crook, 1999 Thelma Royal, 2000 Neil & Elizabeth Maxwell, 2001 Elaine Leahy, 2002 Norman & Bernice Anderson, 2003 Gwladys Jeavons, 2004 Eve Lustig, 2005 Shirley Admans.Wooden board with frame and gold letteringawards, vision australia foundation, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In this image she stands inside, with a brick wall behind her, wearing a suede jacket, diamond pattern jumper, white shirt and a jewelled tennis racquet pin on her lapel.Diana Jones wearing a jacket, diamond patterned jumper and tennis racquet pin on her lapel1404.2 and 1404.3 on backdiana jones, association for the blind

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In this image she wears a blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badgeDiana Jones ina blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badgeP1405.2 1 Diana Jonesdiana jones, association for the blind

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

Edward Thomas Code. Edward had 8 years pre war service in the 8th Bn and 18 months in the Naval Reserve. Enlisted in the AIF 15.3.1916 No 14 in HQ 38th BN age 33 years 3 months, he was a Stretcher Bearer/Bandsman, embark for England 20.6.1916, hospital at sea with Influenza, embark for France 22.11.1916, WIA 8.6.1917 Gas poisoning eyes, throat, chest, hospital 20.6.1918 with Influenza, medically down graded, RTA 11.12.1918 with Defective Vision, discharged from the AIF 30.3.1919 medically unfit.Photo B & W rectangular shape, soldier in uniform holding a musical instrument and feathers in slouch hat, studio back ground.photographs, 38th bn,

Eric Thake had a unique way of looking at the world, uniting a singular vision that found the extraordinary in the everyday, with a whimsical sense of humour and refined modernist aesthetic. One of his lesser-known commissions was a mural for the Victorian Manager’s office at the ETA Factory in Braybrook designed by Frederick Romberg in 1957. Photographed here by Kenneth Ross, the mural depicted a stylised map of Australia, with Indonesia above and New Zealand to the south, and showed the peanuts and other raw materials that ETA used in the production of various foodstuffs against a striking and entirely gilded wall. Kirsty Grant, 2017 Black and white photograph of a mural by Eric Thake in the manager's office at the ETA Factory, Melbourne.Typed lower center, 'ETA FACTORY 1961/ MURAL BY ERIC THAKE/ IN MANAGER'S OFFICE'eta, mural, braybrook, manufacturing, architecture, artist

To celebrate the 2001 International Year of the Volunteer, each Vision Australia Foundation site constructed a wall hanging. These were proudly displayed in the various offices until refurbishments and reduction of physical office space reduced the ability to do this. Various hangings have been stored by volunteers or former staff members, however digital images were secured where possible. Ballarat's wall hanging shows Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat area around it. Mildura's wall hanging shows paddleboats on the Murray River, with grapes, a hot air balloon and a large sun.Cloth banner made by volunteers to celebrate 2001vision australia foundation, volunteers

Framed portrait of Elsie Henderson who was a tireless worker for the Association for the Blind. From 1934 until the 1960s Elsie Henderson worked at the Association for the Blind as a home visitor for women who were blind or vision impaired. Blind herself, Ms Henderson had 300 women on her visitation list and would visit three to four women daily. She wears a mid-blue jacket with a floral shirt, pearl necklace and her MBE attached to her jacket. This painting hung in the former Kooyong Day Centre until it was demolished in 1999.1 art original in frameelsie henderson, association for the blind

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contains an article on the preparations for the 100th anniversary with Ken Tsirigotis going to Europe. Also the Brisbane Ranges youth camp, the Disability Rec Day, and the Widows' Remembrance Day high tea and the Torch Society Luncheon. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Dec 2022/ Jan 2023.activities, answer, widows

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the Changi violin, Ohi Day Commemoration and a look back at Government House Christmas parties for the young junior legatees in the 1940s and 50s. Lockdowns were still affecting many of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings. There were updates on the Path of the Horse and Lunge for Legacy.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Dec 2021/Jan 2022.activities, answer, widows

Tatrapoint Standard is a manual braille writer designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. It is manufactured in the Slovakian republic. This mechanical, six-key brailler uses normal braille paper on a roll. It has a robust design, and is quiet, safe, and easy to operate. Features include adjustable left and right margins, a bell that rings five cells before the end of the line, carriage release and backspace keys, and built-in Dymo tape clips for embossing dymo tape. Precise paper transport allows exact readjustment for corrections in previously written text.Blue metal body with 7 keys and silver metal scrollbraille equipment, assistive devices

Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In these images she wears a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earrings. As well as a proof sheet, the album also contains transparencies of the same photo shoot (not scanned).Diana Jones in a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earringsDi Jones 4/7/91diana jones, association for the blind

Framed portrait of Tilly Aston who began the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, a forerunner to the Association for the Blind. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Tilly sits with one hand resting against a table, and the other in her lap. She is wearing a black collared dress with a white lace neck ruff held with an opal pin. Two medals (the Jubilee medal and Coronation medal) are pinned to the chest, each consisting of a red and white bowtie with a brass medallion. Tilly Aston was born in Carisbrook, Victoria, in 1873. When she was very young her parents noticed she was having problems with her vision. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with no sight in her right eye and the prognosis of loss of vision in the left eye. As a result of this she was totally blind by the age of 7. Despite this her parents endeavoured to give Tilly as many of life’s advantages that their limited means could supply. From an early age she was taught singing, music, poetry, arithmetic, encouraged to read and observe the natural world around her and be independent. At the age of 8 she was sent to the Asylum and School for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind). She excelled in a wide range of subjects and matriculated in 1889. With the help of a public fund was able to attend Melbourne University, being the first blind Australian to do so. Unfortunately the lack of Braille text books made it impossible for Tilly to continue her studies and she left in second year. Tilly was determined that other blind people would not have the same negative experience she had had. In 1894 she organised a meeting to form the Victorian Association of Braille Writers with the aim of producing and supplying Braille to blind Victorians. Braille was produced by trained volunteers with ? recruited in the first six month. Other rights and services for blind people remained very limited. In 1895 Tilly organised a meeting, which formed the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia). The Association was instrumental in obtaining many benefits for blind people including a blind pension, voting rights and transport concessions. It also established the first nursing homes for blind people, at a time when many blind people were homeless and destitute. Tilly went on to be Australia’s first blind teacher. She was also a very talented musician, author of seven books and was very gifted at arts and crafts. She knew Esperanto and corresponded with people all around the world including Helen Keller. Tilly passed away on November 1st 1947. Her legacy continues through the work Vision Australia which provides services for thousands of blind Australians. A memorial bell dedicated to her is also situated in the King Domain Gardens. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Miss Matilda (Tilly) A. Aston / President 1904, 1910, 1943 to 1947/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind, tilly aston

The DAISY consortium was established in 1996 to develop an industry standard for the emerging digital book market. It's partners recognised that by incorporating the same features when constructing digital recordings with text, and using an established structure, publications could be usefully exchanged and sent around the world. In 2011 the consortium celebrated it's 15th anniversary and commemoration badges were sent to it's members, which included NILS (the production and library divisions of the Royal Blind Society of NSW, Vision Australia Foundation and RVIB). The badge has a blue swirl above and below the words 'daisy consortium' with '15th anniversary' at the base.Small badge with black writing on white backgrounddaisy consortium 15th anniverary badges, national information library service

October 15, 1979 was the very first publicly proclaimed White Cane Day in Victoria. Announced by Premier Hamer, onlookers were invited to learn more about the various societies in Victoria that assisted the blind and vision impaired. Barry Humphries was the guest of honour, and spoke with a small group before venturing out with his own white cane to test out Melbourne’s wet streets. Caravans were set up along Swanston Street to distribute information. The RAAF Central band played and a square dance exhibition by The Lightfooters (a group ofvision impaired dancers) in Bourke Street. 12 B/W photographswhite cane day, raaf central band