Since their Australian introduction in the early 20th century, public telephones have undergone several design iterations; diversifying methods of payment from coin to card, incorporating solar charging, mobile charging and Wi-fi access and of course, mitigation against vandalism. This model, a coin-operated Gold Phone, replaced the easily pilfered Red Phone and was succeeded by the Blue Phone in the 1990s. Although the prevalence of public telephones has decreased alongside the increase in mobile phone usage, public telephones remain under Telstra’s universal service obligation as vital communications infrastructure for low-income citizens and those needing to communicate in disasters. According to the Conversation, 13 million calls are made annually from public payphones, 200,000 of which are to triple zero.Orange plastic cased public payphone with button dials on face.public telephone, payphone, public services, telecom

The Ericofon was the first commercially successful telephone which incorporated both handle and dial within a single unit. Manufactured by the Swedish company Ericsson, and available for lease from the Postmaster-General’s Department, the streamlined design has been praised for anticipating the cordless phone, and later mobile phone, by several decades. The ‘cobra’ design was formulated in the 1940s and manufactured in the 1950s; Australian cases were likely made in the L M Ericsson Broadmeadows factory. Although new thermoplastic technology allowed for a bolder aesthetic than traditional black Bakelite telephones, Ericofon sales accounted for only 4% of the market and it never enjoyed popularity with Australian subscribers. The design did, however, spark a conceptual shift whereby the telephone “was seen more as a consumer product than merely an extension of telephony” (Ericsson).Clear plastic telephone casing inside which are coloured electrical wires. Telephone has a broad base that contains the dial, mouthpiece and cord with cream plastic coated wall plug attached at rear. Handle tapers in a curve to a stylised squared earpiece. Dial underneath is a rotary dial with red disconnection button in the centre. telephone, design, domestic, ericsson, industrial design

A telegraph or Morse key, sends a series of electrical signals down a telegraph line or via radio frequencies; the signals are interpreted as Morse code, a binary form of language constructed of 'dots and dashes', combinations of which correspond to letters of the alphabet. The motion of the key acts to complete an electrical circuit between the sender and receiver, producing a short pulse 'dot' or longer 'dash,' the space between the code indicates a broken current or wave.Device used to transmit telegraphic messages in Morse code through the manipulation of electric signals. The metal 'key' sits in a central bracket on which it moves up and down aided by a spring, controlled by an operator pushing the black Bakelite knob on the protruding end of the device. The motion presses the key onto a circular metal disc, completing the circuit and sending an electrical pulse to the receiver. The apparatus is secured to a wooden base with wires attached to the terminals; a cut out section of the base suggests wires may have entered through this area, attaching to a battery.Printed ink on base: "PMG"telegraph, telegraphist, morse code, mechanisation

After years of precursory surveying, debate and proposals the most ambitious civil engineering project of the day, the Overland Telegraph Line, began construction in September 1870. Superintendent of Telegraphs, Sir Charles Todd led the construction through “terra incognita,” guided by the precursory surveys of John McDowall Stuart and technologies such as his prismatic surveying compass. The unknown and hostile landscape claimed the lives of several men and scores of transport animals in the dogged pursuit of telegraphic connection to the rest of the world. Completed in August 1872, the Line connected Australia to the world via telegraph wires running 3,200 kilometres from Port Augusta in South Australia, to Darwin, then connecting via submarine cable to Java and beyond. The “earth [had been] girdled with a magic chain” according to the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Hercules Robinson. How does it work? For use in surveying, the sight vane and prism are turned up on their hinge and the instrument is held horizontally either in the palm of one's hand or on a tripod. Two small discs of red and green glass attached to the prism can be flipped down over the sight line to reduce glare. The objective is to bring the subject into the sightline created by the prism, aligning with the thread of the sight-vane until the subject is bisected evenly. Once aligned, the division on the card may be read through the prism. This reading provides the magnetic azimuth, used for calculating the bearings of distant landmarks. Circular instrument mounted in a brass case with glass window and brass lid. The compass card face four black compass points printed on mint green paper; on the underside the magnetic needle would be affixed, all held in place by a brass knob at the centre. The arched labels of "Sawtell" and "Adelaide" and the Prince of Wales feathers appear to have been affixed with adhesive which has since yellowed in the areas of application on the compass card. The compass face is printed with numbers, every 10 degrees from 10 - 360, printed in reverse indicating this compass would have once held a mirror at the sighting bracket. On one side of the brass case is a brass hinged sighting-prism, possibly of ebonite. The sighting-prism is mounted in a hinged brass bracket on one edge of the brass case. It has two flip-type filter glasses (red and green) and folds down into a retracted travelling position. A hinged brass bracket on the opposite edge would have held the sighting bracket - carrying the sighting vane and mirror - which is now missing or removed. Under the hinge is a lever, possibly related to the movement of the bracket. Underneath the brass case is an indented circle with screw threads, possibly for attachment to a tripod, and indistinguishable marks scratched into the surface.Etched on to the centre of the lid, "Sawtell ADELAIDE / No 792." Affixed to the paper compass face, possibly from separate pieces of paper, "SAWTELL / ADELAIDE" with the Prince of Wales Feathers above "SAWTELL". Underneath on remains of white tape in red: "159."surveying, compass, charles todd, overland telegraph line, telegraph

Black and white photograph showing a young child, approximately six years old, using a Perkins Brailler. Possibly taken at the RVIB's Burwood School, where the Perkins Brailler was introduced in 1963.1 black and white photograph of boy using a Perkinsrvib burwood school, braille equipment

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the RVIB tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrapYour Donation Supports the Work of The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind RVIB lighthouse logo 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Telephone 9529 3544royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment

Created to meet the growing need for Braille users to access computers, and the creation of talking terminals, Clarke and Smith released the Brailink in 1982. Fitting the unit into a briefcase style for portability, it allowed Braille users to read the screen via the refreshable Braille display located above the QWERTY keyboard as well as record data on to either of the cassette recorders for use with other computers.CPU with keyboard, Braille display and two miniature cassette recorders inside a vinyl caseCS Brailinkbraille equipment, clarke and smith

Founded in 1891, the Ellams Duplicator Company produced drum and flat duplicators that copied a stenciled sheet and allowed multiple copies to be made. Considered desk top, this rather heavy machine was operated by turning the handle and could turn out 100 copies a minute. This would have been useful for donation request letters or large print newsletters.1 black case holding a black drum and metal platesEllams Rotary Duplicator Self Feeding Ellams Duplicator Co Ltd 12 King Street London E.C. Alfred Street, Brisbane, Australiaoffice equipment, ellams

Locally produced, this ink supplier recommended buyers select their ink as it would assist the blind. Although this cannot be substantiated yet, the company may have donated a portion of profits to either the RVIB or AFB.1 glass bottle with cork stopper and inkStoneyfell (on bottle) Made by the blind Non-corrosive blue-black writing ink Suitable for fountain pens Price 1/- 4 oz. approx. Use this ink and help the blind help themselves. F & M Pty Ltd, Prahranfundraising, office equipment and supplies

The first tape based talking book machine from the late 1950s, produced by Clarke & Smith, that allowed the listener to hear up to 20 hours of recordings. Although bulky (each tape cartridge alone weighed over 2 kgs), the MK1 was the first magnetic, multi-track tape produced and considered quite novel for it's time. The cartridge designed to be played on the Clarke & Smith Model12 Talking Book gramophone was designed to house the pick up mechanism (the phono cartridge which contains the stylus) in the lid, so that visually impaired people could just close the lid to play the record. Initially these players designed to handle only 24 rpm, but soon added 33 rpm and 16 rpm options via the dial located on the left hand corner of the disk base. Directions for using as well as reminders to use on alternating current only are located inside the lid. On the side of the player are two plastic dials: one for turning on and volume, the other for tone.Metal record player housed in a brown wooden carry case, with a speaker grill in the front, two plastic dials on the side and an electric cord extending from the back of the case.Manufactured for Nuffield Talking Book Libraryaudio equipment, clarke and smith

Blank letterhead for documents sent out by the Victorian Blind Sports Association, during 1980's and possibly early 1990's. Logo consists of a large V, with an upside smaller v between to turn the middle into a diamond shape. Three circles overlap across the middle of the diamond/V.Blank A4 paper with Vic Blind Sports logo, address and list of sports covered at basenon-fictionVictorian Blind Sports Association All correspondence to: SECRETARY C/- 454 Glenferrie Road, KOOYONG, 3144 Telephone: 20-8876 Patron: Mr John Cain Premier of Victoria (At base of page:) Affiliated bodies - Cricket, Lawn Bowls, Olympic Sports, Square Dancing, Swish, Skiing, Indoor Bias Bowls and Goal Ball Donations of $2.00 and over are Tax Deductible.elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, victorian blind sports association, office equipment and supplies

Blank letterhead for documents sent out by the Victorian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Association, during 1980's.A4 page with photocopied letterhead of a cartoon lawn bowl with female and male on topnon-fictionVictorian Blind Indoor Bias Bowls Associationelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, office equipment and supplies, victorian blind indoor bias bowls association

Created prior to the Mowat-Wormald development, this prototype emits a beam of ultrasonic sound that detects reflection from objects and obstacles as well as vibrate when the object is within range. The rate of vibration increases the distance reduces and was designed to be used in conjunction with other mobility aids such as a cane or a dog. With a simple toggle switch, it could be operated easily or stored safely away due to it's compact size.A small black rectangular metal container with mesh on one aend and a switch and tuning dial on the other end.Model MS01assistive devices, orientation and mobility

Wood and rubber stamp used by RVIB Charlton Auxiliary volunteers on documents and envelopes.1 small wood and rubber stamp with wordingRoyal Victorian Institute Charlton Auxiliary For the Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies, auxiliaries

This card provided the bearer with the ability to park on the RVIB grounds. It reads as follows: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia Telegraphic address: 'Royalblind". Telephone: (03) 529 3544 Fax: (03) 51 4735 Parking Authorisation Vehicle Reg. No. Date Time Authorised by Please display this card on dashboard1 white card with blue writing and spacing for handwritten detailsroyal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies

In a room panelled with white boards on a grey wall, two man stand in front of a raised television screen. Both wear name badges, which are unreadable, and are dressed in suits and ties. The man wearing a heavy silver chain around his wrist and glasses presents two white boxes, marked Voice Tapes on the side, to the other man. It is unknown what occasion this was taken upon.royal victorian institute for the blind, audio equipment

Closed Circuit Television allows people to view items placed upon a board, which slides up, down or across. Developed initially as either a security measure by Leon Theremin (1925) or by Siemans (1947) for rocket launchers, their magnification ability is used for reading by those with a vision impairment. In this image a young person sits in front of a screen which has the words "But Lisa said/Cigarettes just/They're bad" on it. An abstract painting hangs on the brown wall to the side of the desk.royal blind society of nsw, equipment

The Eureka A4 was a Melbourne invention, designed to capitalise on the growth of IBM PCs. It attached to the PC and allowed blind and vision impaired people to utilise screen orientated programs. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind supported the project and in this image, David Blyth and the managing director of Robotron Milan Hudecek, pose for a publicity shot at the launch of the Eureka A4 Notetaker in July 1997. Black and white photograph of two men at the Eureka A4 computer standDavid Blyth, Director of Community Services at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, carrying a Eureka A4, while Milan Hudecek, Managing Director of Robotron Pty Ltd looks on.royal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment, david blyth, milan hudecek

Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device. Attached label to the bottle states that this was used by a physiotherapist and provides a reference for the bottle: RNIB 9448. The Royal National Institute for the Blind did sell materials around the world, and this item could have been ordered from them. royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment

Talking Book Machines were used by clients for audio books sent out by libraries for the blind and visually impaired. In this undated photograph, the machine appears to be either a cassette or cartridge player, and the top and cardigan worn by the lady, indicates that this image may have be taken in the 1980-1990s. Talking Book Machines had more features than a regular cassette player, combined with the various speeds used and tone indexing, allowed readers to skip through the book or slow it down.audio equipment, talking books, royal victorian institute for the blind

This wooden frame was used to bind braille books, which would be placed on the based and strapped down to apply the binding. Wooden triangular stand with three red leather hooks across bar at top of standWar Voluntary Aid Societyassociation for the blind, braille equipment

Cloth Bandolier with printed inscription 50 BALL 303 MARKV11 15-2-46

Detachable box magazine made from steel stampings - holds 20 rounds

East Beach looking Southeast beach, dune, sea, ocean, life saving, equipment, rubber boat, path

11 slides labelled "Chem Course". Students and vehicle used to spray chemicals.students, vehicle, chemical course, spraying equipment

Garden views, newly planted Melaleuca styphelioides, Garden view "BHC". "Spear Thistle Flowers". "Orchard Weed Control Terbacil?" "Feeding Hay to Merino X" "Baleo? Lucerne." 1. "Glasshouse Display." 2. Fitzroy Gardens excursion? 3. "Rose Pruning Day." 4. "Cut Flowers" growing in the Orchard. "B.H.C. Gardens" Jan 8? 5. Sequoia sempervirens & Jacaranda. 7. Student spraying in the Orchard. 8. Poly tunnel. 6, 10. Inside a greenhouse. 9. Sign "Plant Science Laboratory Lecture Room 5 ‎‎‎→". Poly tunnel Jan? 11. Student Representative Council? 12. an unreadable sign near the Plant Research Institute. 13. Plant Research Institutue. 14. Students in Class.15. "Citrus Burnley Orchard. 16. " Student being taught how to lay irrigation pipe (Burnley?) Students in class . 17, 18..Students in Science Laboratory. 19, 20. a student on a ride-on-mower in the Gardens "Burnley" 21. Tap in the ground - irrigation?garden views, bhc, weed control, merino, lucerne, glasshouses, displays, fitzroy gardens, flowers, jacaranda, nurseries, equipment, spraying, poly tunnel, plant science laboratory, plant research institute, irrigation pipe, mower, melaleuca styphelioides, spear thistle, orchard, greenhouse, rose pruning day, greenhouses, students in class, students working outside