Articles in annual report includes: President's report, treasurer's report, Association for the blind balance sheet, life governors, Ballarat home report, Bendigo home report, Brighton home report, Blind citizens community centre, volunteers, auxiliaries, youth serves, facts about blindness. In this report, the three broad aims of the organisation (assist with readjustment, retain people in their own home, provide accommodation) is discussed with the need for more government support, the death of Hamish Mackenzie who was highly respected and represented Australia at the World Forum in August 1964, the visit by Sir Rohan and Lady Delacombe to the Ballarat home, opening of a hostel for 5 people at 25 New Street - at the rear of the Brighton Home, Granny Carson celebrated turning 102, approval for extension of Blind Citizens Community Centre is complete and building of the two storey building will finally progress at the end of the year, and the existing clubhouse modernised and painted.1 volume of text and black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, hamish mackenzie, hubert opperman, sir rohan delacombe, granny carson, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: President's report, treasurer's report, Association for the blind balance sheet, life governors, Ballarat home report, Bendigo home report, Brighton home report, Blind citizens community centre, welfare report, auxiliaries, facts about blindness. Discussion includes the continuing deficit problem, establishment of a Volunteer Services Group, visit by Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe to Bendigo (Mirridong) to launch the Lions Club appeal for funds, celebration of Granny Carson's 103rd birthday, the erection of a new wing at the Blind Citizens Community centre and hope that the second stage will be completed when additional funds are secured, the cessation of the North Fitzroy Good Companions Auxiliary and the success of the Children's Fair at Kooyong.1 volume of text and black and white photographsassociation for the blind, sir rohan delacombe, annual reports, katharine (kitty) rose

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, community centre, welfare, volunteer service group, auxiliaries, life governors, guiding light appeal, Isadore Smith's bravery, Prime Minister Hon. J.G. Gorton opening the Ballarat section of the Guiding Light Appeal, Victorian Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe the Bendigo section and Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte the Metropolitan section, Hubert Opperman being knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, waiting list time for admission is 18 months - two years and are almost exclusively nursing cases as the peak for active aged recedes, erection of the two storey wing at Brighton thanks to grant from estate of the late Herbert Engelbert, the demolishing of the 100 year house at Brighton required for the extension, Mrs Laura Clarke - a resident of Mirridong - celebrated turning 102, and the need for additional room and accommodation for a resident caretaker has necessitated the purchase of a block of flats facing Glenferrie Road, with the assistance of the William Buckland Trust.16 pages of text and photographsassociation for the blind, isadore smith, e.a. soderstrom, miss tobias, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, blind citizens community centre, welfare, auxiliaries, senior staff, life governors, historical and current photographs of Ballarat, Bendigo, Brighton and the Blind Citizens Community centre, establishment of an ophthalmological clinic at Elanora, demand for more nursing beds and funding for nursing support, need for hostel accommodation for short stay or respite for carers, renaming of Brighton Blind Home to Elanora, 20 bed nursing wing to be opened at Mirridong next year, a second block of flats facing Glenferrie Road has been purchased due to demand for expansion at Kooyong Blind Citizens Community Centre, plan for a memorial garden with a sensory section in front of the club house, appointment of a hairdresser at Kooyong and two holidays at Cumberland House in Lorne have been organised and were a huge success1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), annual reports

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, auxiliaries, volunteer service groups, in answer to your questions, senior staff, life governors, building of Katharine Rose wing at Bendigo, donation by G.W. Vowell of a 20 acre farm at Mt Eliza, new auxiliaries formed at Brighton, Kooyong, Bendigo and Mt Eliza with Guiding Light Group comprised of solely men, thanks to Flora Douglas for use of her home at Frankston and Audrey Moffat accepting responsibility for volunteer recruitment, and John Watson, a resident of Elanora, turned 100. 1 volume of text, photographs and illustrationsassociation for the blind, john watson, sir rohan delacombe, h.m. lightfoot, mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), annual reports

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, balance sheet, Bendigo branch golden jubilee, auxiliaries, volunteer services, blind members, life governors. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, annual reports, rupert hamer, sister l maher, john wicking, e.m. stranks, bob pearson, l. weate, r. hair, edith lain, peg hall, lillian evans, bryan sitlington, loloma roberts, emily hardy

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as George Ronald Rose became a Life Governor on 22nd August 1967 for his invaluable contributions to the Bendigo Mirridong home, particularly securing the support of the Lions Club in the building of the home in 1957. This certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, george rose

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as Katharine Margaret Rose became a Life Governor on 27th August 1963 for her invaluable contributions in supporting blind people around Bendigo since 1939. The certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Mayoress Anderson was born Mary Gittins at Sandhurst in 1872 and was the daughter of William Bromley Gittins and Susan Horwood. She was Mayoress from 1941 - 42.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait of Mrs A.J Anderson. Hand coloured detail.Mrs. A.J. Anderson / Mayoress 1941 - 42 / Vincent Kelly / Bendigomary gittins, mayor a.j. anderson, vincent kelly photographer, mayoress mary anderson, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Batchelder was born Elizabeth Helen Wilkinson and is recognised for her work among the poor of the district. Art NouveauFramed, oval photographic portraits with convex glass and print, created using a collodion wet plate process. Hand coloured detail.Mrs E.G. Batchelder / Mayoress 1928 - 1929 / Vincent Kelly / Bendigoelizabeth wilkinson, mayoress batchelder, mayor batchelder, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. Mayoress Bennetts was born Christina Annie Williams in 1879 in Daylesford and died on 27th March, 1974, aged 95 in Melbourne. Christina Bennetts was Mayoress from 1933 - 34.The Bennetts were widely known for establishing Bennetts Arcade in Pall Mall.Framed, oval photographic portraits with convex glass and print, created using a collodion wet plate process. Hand coloured detail.christina williams, mayoress christina bennetts, mayor bennetts, vincent kelly phototgrapher, city of bendigo

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, The Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Bolton was born Jemima 'Mina' Vance in White Hills in 1866. She died on 7th December 1946 aged 80 years. Mayoress Bolton was an ardent worker for charitable bodies, particularly Baby Health Centre and Children's Welfare department. Framed, oval photographic portraits with convex glass and print, created using a collodion wet plate process. Hand coloured detail.jemima vance, mayoress bolton, mayor bolton, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Craig was born Grace Adeline and was a highly respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School. Grace Craig was the first lady to have an official part in the traditional induction of Mayor ceremony. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.Mrs A.S. Craig / Mayoress 1956 - 57 / 1963 - 64 / Eric (? aslington )grace adeline, mayoress craig, mayor craig, washington photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, The Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Ewing was born Victoria Keighley in East Melbourne. Her father Edward Keighley was one on the district's earliest mine managers and part owner of the Rose of Denmark Mine. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.Mrs W Ewing / Mayoress 1925 - 26 / Vincent Kelly / Bendigovictoria keighley, mayoress ewing, mayor ewing, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, mayoress portrait

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors, the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties and Mayoress's played an important role in civic life through charity work, even stepping in on occasions to undertake Mayoral duties. Anne Galvin O.B.E. was born Anne Edith Ruby in 1903 and was one of Bendigo's best known charity workers. She used her first speech as Mayoress to indicate her intentions to do something for mothers and children and it was mainly through her efforts as president of the National Council of Women that Bendigo received the appointment of the two first women police officers in 1956 (1). Anne Galvin was the second woman in Bendigo to be elected to the Bendigo City Council in the 1960's, retiring after six years on Council in 1973. Anne was awarded an O.B.E in 1967 for community service and the Anne Galvin Early Learning Centre is named after her. (1) p 193 Jackman, Mayors of Bendigo 1856 - 2001. Framed, oval photographic portraits with convex glass and print, created using a collodion wet plate process. Hand coloured detail.cr: Mrs L W Galvin / Mayoress 1944 - 45annie ruby, mayoress galvin, mayor galvin, councillor annie galvin, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Annie Irene Michelsen (nee Tussup) born Huntly (1870-1955). Mayoress 1926/1927, 1935/1936, 1942/1943. Wife of Cr John Andrew Michelsen OBE. Pioneer in the field of social work and regarded as a woman of tremendous vitality and versatility. Known as an outstanding horse woman and breeder of standardbreds for harness racing. Member numerous sporting clubs and foundation president of the Bendigo Nurses Association. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Mrs. Michelsen wore a gown of black crepe eros, cut to mould the figure and fall into a train at the back. A cascade eflect of gold lame from one shoulder to the hem in front gave graceful movement to the front of the gown, and wing draperies lined with gold lame were shirred to the shoulders of the square neckline. She wore a shoulder spray of golden orchids and carried a bouquet of old gold roses and golden leaves (1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 3 Jun 1936 annie tussup, mayoress michelsen, mayor michelsen, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillor's and Mayors, the Mayoress role as wife of the Mayor, was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoress's played an important role in civic life through charity work, even stepping in on occasions to undertake Mayoral duties. Mayoress Niemann was born Ethel Emily May Harding in 1880 in Geelong and died in Canberra in 1959.Framed, oval photographic portraits with convex glass and print, created using a collodion wet plate process. Hand coloured detail.Verso; signed Vincent Kelly 1ethel harding, mayoress niemann, mayor niemann, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillor's and Mayors, the Mayoress role as wife of the Mayor, was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoress's played an important role in civic life through charity work, even stepping in on occasions to undertake Mayoral duties. Mayoress Pethard was born Hilda Robina Leed in Eaglehawk in 1889 and died in 1966. Mrs Pethard travelled extensively with her husband throughout their time in Office. Framed, convex, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. vincent kelly, studio photography, hilda leed, tarax, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo, city of bendigo mayoress

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, The Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions if if their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Poulston was born Dora Isobel Morgan and was actively associated with many charities including the Baby Health Centre. Mayoress Poulston died in 1965 aged 75 and was born and lived her entire life in the district. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.ll, Reg Brock / of Bendigo. lr, Mrs R. Poulston / Mayoress / 1949 - 1950 / 1954 - 1955dora morgan, dora poulston, reg brock photographer, robert poulston, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portrait

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Snell was born in Durham UK. Mayoress Snell was the first Mayoress to wear the gold medallion which came with the office. It was presented on April 11th 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock and was a gift from Sir George Lansell who followed in the tradition of his late father George Lansell in making a mayoral presentation in gold. (1) p 209 Jackman.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Image is flat, glass is domed.cl; Mrs H. W. Snell / Mayoress 1955 - 56 1958 - 59 / 1959 - 60vincent kelly, studio photography, edith margaret snell, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Staples was born Harriet Jane Whitford in 1892 and died in 1959. Married to Cr alber Staples, the couple reinstituted the annual Mayoral Ball after an absence of many years. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.vincent kelly, studio photography, staples, harriet jane whitford, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Laura Jane Truscott (nee Baxter) born New South Wales (1880-1967).Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Flat glass and print. ll; Vincent Kelly / Bendigo. lr; Mrs A Truscott / Mayoress 1945 - 46studio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits

Robert Clark was a self educated man who had arrived in Australia with his step father to take up mining in 1854. He worked in several local mines and being familiar with the hardships associated with mining life helped to establish the eight hour day for miners. Robert married Sarah Jane Kernaghan in 1862 and together they had nine children. Robert Clark was first elected in 1872 and remained a councillor until his death in 1883. He died aged 41 years. 180.1 Donated by Jenny Taylor; 180.2 Organisational created.Photograph mounted on card. Front facing, 3/4 length portrait, wearing mayoral robes with bicorne hat on stand.mayor city of sandhurst, councillor robert clark, mayor clark, mayor of the city of sandhurst

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Small, dark coloured rectangle, leather satchel with attached belt and ornate buckle. Satchel is made of four pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and one piece for the central strap. The central strap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Stitching is evident around the side seams, around the metal toggle and inside flap where strap is attached and has been reinforced. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather belt is attached to the back outside of the satchel with four metal press studs. The left side buckle also has reinforced stitching. Both sides of the buckle have decorative elements with the words Post Office / Communications/ Australia on the left side around outer circular edge. Underside of right side of buckle end has the words AROS pressed into it. Inside flap of satchel; Australia / Post / Telegram / Boys written in marker. Buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Underside of right side of buckle end; AROS Internal; Gold address sticker with Ted Rankins contact details.ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection