Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. Generic style basket that would have been used for shopping or any household task requiring movement of multiple items. Cane baskets were the original green alternative to plastic shopping bags. Note that the handle is deliberately askew, for easier carrying against the hip.1 cane basket with askew handleemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. A milk bottle basket was designed for milkmen to deliver their wares quickly from door to door, without the bottles impacting upon each other. The milk basket was made in the basket shop of the RVIB for use in the organisation. It was used to carry milk bottles, then containers to the various tea rooms and could have been part of the kitchen equipment for the RVIBCane basket with handle and dividers to carry milk bottlesroyal victorian institute for the blind, equipment, employment

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This style of washing basket was commonly used by families until the introduction of cheap plastic baskets.1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This cane basket was used for storage as well as transporting heavier items. The base has been reinforced with two thick boards that allow the basket to hold more weight than regular baskets, and this also allows it to sit higher and the contents slightly above ground level.1 deep cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

To give shape to a basket, this frame was used by the weaver to keep the wicker in shape. Basket weaving was an integral part of many blind workshops, and this frame comes from the RVIB workshop in St Kilda Road.1 metal frame for weaving basketsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Notes on the Rehabilitation Training Centre, which started in 1963. References to other documents (including in the archive) are made as well as a reprint of a newspaper article on switchboard training and reception employment. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 4 printed pages of foolscap paperroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment, rehabilitation, orientation and mobility, john keast, bruce whitehead

19 pages in table format, of events that occurred and people who were involved with the RVIB, and 1 page showing an aerial view of an unknown area. Based upon the Nipper document, this table was created by Jo Ann Matthews and C.H. Nipper.19 pages in table format, of events that occurred and people who were involved with the RVIB, and 1 page showing an aerial view of an unknown areanon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, royal victorian institute for the blind

When author C.H. Nipper created historical overview of the first 60 years of the RVIB, various topics were covered by an unordered series of pages on individual topics. These are: Admittance of Aboriginal people (1/2 page) Blinded soldiers (5 pages) Blindness - causes and prevention (4 pages) Buildings and Land (Snippets) - gas - grant of crown land - heating - insurance - water Change of name (1 page) Deaf-Blind and the Multiple Handicapped (3 pages) Education (9 pages, 1 missing) Education extracts from various newspapers (2 pages) Employment: - Placement of blind people in employment (1 page) - Dairyman (4 pages) - Insurance brokerage as a profession of the blind by Fred C Tolstrup (3 pages) Fundraising (Snippets) - Coles Book Arcade - Sporting matches Kiosks for the Blind (1/2 page) Matilda Ann Aston (5 pages) Music (5 pages) Nursing (2 pages) Organ (Snippets) Ormond Hall (3 pages) Pensions (1/2 page) Rehabilitation Training centre (3 pages) Talking Book Library (1 1/2 pages) Welfare Services (3 1/2 pages)2 page foreward and 17 page historyroyal victorian institute for the blind, c.h. nipper, blind soldiers, deaf-blind, ormond hall, fundraising, rvib nursery, nellie melba, alice mcclelland, charles halle, blinded soldiers bowling club, talking books, employment, aboriginal and torrens strait islander people, pensions, tilly aston, fred c tolstrup, charles gatty, blindness, welfare services, rehabilitation, education, buildings

Address given by Dr Richard E. Hoover to a Rehabilitation Conference, held at Ormond Hall in February 1963. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). Dr Hoover discusses how different devices can be tailored to individuals to provide them with confidence in travelling. Known as the 'Father of the Long Cane', Dr Hoover was invited to stay as a guest of the RVIB and, as well as the conference, gave several lectures to staff during his 6 week stay.7 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, richard hoover, orientation and mobility

Worker at the loom in the mat shop.1 B/W photograph of man making a matroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A John Deere mat, produced by the RVIB mat shop, sits on the doorway of the RVIB main building. The mat was delivered to Des Byers at John Deere, 300 Bollows Road in Braybrook.1 B/W photograph of mat with jumping stagJO 7007royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

RVIB workers place seeds into packets on a production line.1 x B/W photograph of person packing seedsJO 4081royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

192 - James Murphy at the RVIB Brush factory. 193 - unknown worker inspects the millet heads. 195 - unknown worker stacks the newly made brooms together for delivery. From the annotation on the back of 193, these images may have been taken for the 1964 annual report.3 B/W photographs of millet broom making192 - Brush Factory 1 193 - Brush Factory 2, AR 1964 195 - Brush Factory 4royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Pictures taken by Herald Sun photographers of RVIB workers constructing toy boats on a production line and using a band saw.2 B/W photographs of man constructing boatsHerald Sunroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Program showing songs and performers of the 1979 Carols by Candlelight, televised by GTV 9. 1 volume with colour illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight, brian naylor, jim watsford, colin woods, david johnston, blair edgar, harold badger, leslie miers, rolf harris, john farnham, paul meenie, linda george, thomas edmonds, markeeta little wolf, margaret nisbett, franciscus henri, kirri adams

Program showing songs and performers of the 1980 Carols by Candlelight, televised by GTV 9. 1 volume with colour illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight, brian naylor, jim watsford, colin woods, david johnston, janet perkins, blair edgar, jill perryman, neil warren smith, keren minshull, jennifer murphy, normie rowe, james pegler, steven tandy, harold badger

Program showing songs and performers of the 1981 Carols by Candlelight, televised by Channel 9. 1 volume with colour illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight, julie anthony, stella axarlis, simon gallaher, bram manusama, dianne manusama, joan mcinnes, brian naylor, daryl somers, denis walter, jim watsford, colin woods, graeme lyall, david johnston, janet perkins, tony borg, blair edgar

Program showing songs and performers of the 1982 Carols by Candlelight, televised by Channel 9.1 volume with colour illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight, normie rowe, colette mann, gaye macfarlane, little river band, simon gallaher, john diedrich, robert colman, richard casey, joan carden, jim watsford, colin woods, graeme lyall, david johnston, janet perkins, tony borg, blair edgar

Two brochures produced for the 'The Future is in Sight' campaign to raise awareness and funding of services provided by the RVIB. Both brochures address common questions about the RVIB and how to give a bequest or include them in a will.2 A4 tri-folded brochures about planning givingThe Future in Sight The Future in Sight: Planned giving, Leaving a bequest to RVIBroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Letter from the Secretary of the Murtoa Auxiliary to Edith Watson on her departure from the auxiliary. In the letter Mavis Yole expresses her appreciation for the leadership and support Mrs Watson gave the group during her time as President and general member.1 piece of blue lined notepaper with drawing32 Breen St Murtoa 3390 27/5/81 Dear Mrs Watson, On behalf of the Murtoa Blind Auxiliary, I write to sincerely thank you for your many years of support to the Auxiliary. Thank your for your loyal leadership as President, and your kindness and generosity over many years. The Auxiliary wish you good health and happiness in your new home. My own personal good wishes to you and Alice. Sorry I was on holidays when you left, and didn't have the chance to see you. Mavis Yole Secretary Murtoa Aux. R.V.I.B.royal victorian institute for the blind, edith emma watson, mavis yole, auxiliaries

Thank you card from RVIB Murtoa Auxiliary members to Edith Watson on the 50th anniversary of the auxiliary in 1983.1 folded piece of cardboard with paper bi-fold insideFront cover: With Appreciation Inside: There is beauty in every day .... may you always find it. To Mrs E.E. Watson 50th Anniversary 1983 From "The President and Members of the Murtoa Blind Auxiliary."royal victorian institute for the blind, edith emma watson, auxiliaries, gwen gellatly, gwen blandthorn, sylvia smith, audrey hately, flo newell, alice summer, anne pianta, vira anders, stasia tooley, flo pollard, daria hamilton, anne bates, isobell dillus, lorraine uhe, mavis yole, neva juon, ivy gawith, mary pearcey, june degenhardt, theresa pickering, daphne timms, carolyn west, annie ellery, alice oulton

A historical overview of the first 60 years of the RVIB, and some of the people and intentions behind it.2 page foreward and 17 page historyroyal victorian institute for the blind, c.h. nipper

Address given by Dr Richard E. Hoover to a Rehabilitation Conference, held at Ormond Hall in February 1963. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). Dr Hoover discusses the role of the ophthalmologist in rehabilitation for people with vision loss. Known as the 'Father of the Long Cane', Dr Hoover was invited to stay as a guest of the RVIB and, as well as the conference, gave several lectures to staff during his 6 week stay.9 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, rehabilitation, richard hoover

Produced by the RVIB, this document outlines the physical operation of the cane, including holding, moving and utilising it in various circumstances. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 3 pages of foolscap printed pagesroyal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility

Copy of article from the Feb-Mar 1969 Australian Post Office magazine on blind switchboard operators and training centre set up by the RVIB. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 1 photocopied page from magazineroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment, stanley marsden, john keast

Copy of article from the Telegen magazine on blind switchboard operators and training centre set up by the RVIB. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 1 foolscap photocopied page from magazineroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment, stanley marsden, john keast, joan barrett, brenda simpson, dawn neylon, margaret fleming, lorraine howard, gloria fielding

Copy of page from pamphlet about the modifications required for a blind switchboard operator for Private Manual Branch Exchanges (PBX) and Private Auto Branch Exchanges (PABX). Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 1 foolscap photocopied page from pamphletroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Copy of review in the The New Beacon: the journal of blind welfare magazine (May 1968, Vol LH, no. 613) on the Ultra Sonic Aid produced by Ultra Electronics. Collected by C.H. Nipper during his writing of 'The Past and the Present 1866-1971' (a history of the RVIB). 1 photocopied page from magazineroyal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility