Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights are: 30/6/1990 under the capable leadership of Mrs Elsie Germon the schools programme has been re-convened. Regular visits are being made to primary schools. Speakers are accompanied by sighted guides. 9/8/1991 Executive Director, Mr John Cook reported merger of the Braille & Talking Book Library with AFB. First radio appeal for 3RPH raising over $30,000, opening of the new Baringa Day Centre at Shepparton. 30/6/1996 the annual report highlighted the Centenary of AFB it was noted that self-help has always been the major emphasis underpinning the work of the Blind Member's Council. The Tilly Aston Fund raised over $1/2 million for the new National Information Centre. The peer support work and monitoring of services, ensures that we give back something to AFB, for the support we receive. BMC representatives made 70 visits across the State. The Council registered the Tilly Aston Rhododendron as a lasting way of acknowledging the work of our founder. 19/9/1997 The Chairman welcomed those present to the second combined meeting of the AFB and the Tilly Aston Customer Council. The Council welcomed the change in Articles and Memorandum of the Association and the formation of the Tilly Aston Customer Council which allowed all customer of the Association automatic membership and input to the monitoring of services. Minute book of Blind Members Council annual reports and general meetingsassociation for the blind, blind members council

The Wickings were key supporters of the Association for the Blind, with John Wicking becoming President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and his wife Janet taking a key role in supporting blind who are blind or have low vision. Personally involved in the development of low vision centres, this plaque recognises the work they undertook through the naming of Vision Australia's head office in their honour.1plastic plaque with print and brailleVision Australia blindness and low vision services On Saturday 28th August 2010, Vision Australia's Kooyong Head Office was officially dedicated as the J.O. and J.R. Wicking Centre in recognition and celebration of the significant contribution of John and Janet Wicking to the blindness and low vision community in Australia.association for the blind, john wicking, vision australia, nameplates

To honour the commitment of its Auxiliary, badges were awarded to commemorate 25 years of service. These consisted of a oval with a gold lighthouse on a blue background and the words 'Auxiliary' in gold across the middle of the lighthouse. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold against a navy blue background, as well as the number '25' at the base of the lighthouse. 1 metal pin depicting a gold lighthouse with shining light and writing around outside'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' 'Auxiliary' '25'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Tilly Aston was a writer, educator and social reformist for blind and visually impaired people. Her desire to overcome the limitations in her own life, and that of others, led to the establishment of the Victorian Braille Writers Association (later the Braille Library of Victoria) and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (later Association for the Blind). When the Kooyong site of the AFB required redevelopment due to the success of activities at Paterson Hall, a new building was constructed and named the H.M. Lightfoot Centre. As part of their contribution to acknowledging the work of Miss Aston, as well as two of the men who later worked with her, this plaque was struck and presented by the Blind Members' Council of the AFB.Brown metal plaque with gold writing"All noble things we do and dare, Must be fruitful, sometime, somewhere" Tilly Aston 11.12.1873 to 1.11.1947 Founder of The Association for the Blind Ltd. A gift to the H.M. Lightfoot Centre from The Blind Members' Council November 1991association for the blind, tilly aston, h.m. lightfoot

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

Letter to an unidentified Life Member asking for assistance in organising fundraising events to support Special Blind Appeal. The letter continues on to a second page, however this is missing. This is an example of a joint appeal between the RVIB and the AAFB, who usually preferred to work independently.1 photocopied letter with illustrations at topTop left hand corner is a lighthouse with the words 'Education and Maintenance of Blind Children, Industrial Professional Training Etc of Blind Adults, Homes Etc for Aged and Infirm Blind' written on the tower. The light that shines towards a female child and an adult male who are both wearing blindfolds, contains the wording 'Special 50,000 (pound) appeal for the Blind Children & Adults of Victoria". To immediate left of the people is written "Blind/and seeking the light/your generous donation will help them find it'. To the right of the rocks upon the which the lighthouse stands "Kindly address donations Hon. Treas. of Blind Appeal, The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cr. Harold Luxton M.L.A., Town Hall, Melbourne". Underneath the lighthouse against the left edge of the paper "Institutes participating in this appeal - The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind - these organisations care for the blind of Victoria from the cradle to the grave. Please address all correspondence S.W,. Hedger, Secretary Blind Appeal, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road, Prahran, S.1. Vic, Phone W 6500. Blind Appeal Enquiry Office: Nicholas Building, 5th Floor Swanston Street, Melbourne, Phone F 6418."royal victorian institute for the blind, association for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

"This 'Tree of Life' is dedicated to the memory of Mercy Dickinson who some thirty years ago had an inspiration to form the Blind & Vision Impaired Pottery Group. Mercy's contribution to the Blind & Vision Impaired Community is symbolised by the tree and it's branches, which are forever blossoming and showing new growth. This Plaque was officially unveiled by the Hon Matt Foley Minister for Employment, Training & Youth and Minister for the Arts. 3rd February 2004"1 metal plate framed by woodRBF (with braille lettering below) Royal Blind Foundation Queensland "Tree of Life"royal blind foundation of queensland, mercy dickinson

To identify AFB staff a silver badge was struck.. A type written card name is located below the main part of the badge, which consists of the guiding light symbol with black 'wings' and a whtie light, against a silver background. The words 'Assocation for the Blind' sit around the symbol, in silver lettering, on a black background. 1 metal badge with name card holderAssociation for the Blind (silver on black background at base of badge)badges, association for the blind

This badge has 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' written in gold against a dark blue background around an oval shape, with the words 'Rifle Club' in the same lettering at the base. Inside the oval, on a light blue background, is a lighthouse and a rifle either side of it, the butts crossing at the apex. In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968, and had the support of ICIANZ which provided them with free munitions as well as teams to compete against. In 1977, George Glover passed away and some of the skills required for maintenance of the equipment was lost, however the club continued until the late 1980's/early 1990s.Lighthouse with two rifles either side and crossed at top on blue backgroundRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Clubroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges, rvib rifle club

Blind Creek was located between the Abbotsford Convent and what is now the Collins Bridge in Studley Park. In an 1858 map of East Collingwood by Clement Hodgkinson, in the State Library of Victoria, one can see how the creek was originally a significant landmark in Collingwood; remaining vacant land until a barrel drain enclosed it. The area was later filled in, surveyed and developed. The position where Blind Creek entered the Yarra was in the immediate vicinity of Hodgson’s Punt, which had linked Kew to the other side of the Yarra from 1839. The Punt was purchased by the Colonial Government in 1852 and was in use until the opening of the Studley Park Road (Johnston Street) Bridge in 1858 made its continued use redundantThe point of view selected by the artist for the watercolour is from the banks of Blind Creek in East Collingwood, looking across the Yarra to the Kew side of the river.Inscribed verso 'Creek and Old Watering stage, on the Yarra East Collingwood 1854 / Trees, stage, &c have long since disappeared / [Artist Signature] / FT 110 / Creek itself now being filled in 1903.gb richardson, blind creek - abbotsford, yarra river - abbotsford (vic) - kew (vic), colonial artists, australian art - 19th century, george bouchier richardson

Tilly Aston was the founder of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, which became the Association for the Blind, Vision Foundation and later Vision Australia. Her work in expanding the options available to blind and vision impaired Victorians triggered the push for similar conditions inter-state, and she was a pioneer force in challenging perceptions of both the sighted and less-sighted communities. This bust of Tilly Aston was donated by Malcolm and Beverley Daubney and unveiled at the 1997 Annual General Meeting for the Association for the Blind (now Vision Australia) on the 19th September 1997.Bronze relief of Tilly AstonMatilda (Tilly) Aston 1873-1947 Founder of the Association for the Blind Generously donated by Malcolm & Beverley Daubney September 1997tilly aston, association for the blind, malcolm daubney

To celebrate the work undertaken by various members, the Association for the Blind presented wooden shields as mark of recognition and respect. Glenis Pitson 1996-1999 John Lodge 1997-1998Wooden shield with engraved gold and blue coloured plateAssociation for the Blind Presented to .... for distinguished service as Volunteer Area Leader 19... - 19 ..association for the blind, volunteers, awards

Large round sign with yellow lighthouse shining yellow lights either side on blue background. Around the outside of the circle in yellow writing is: Royal Victorian Institute (upper half) and For the Blind (lower half). The words 'Mid Western' and 'District Office' sit either side of the lighthouse.Blue and yellow large round signRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Mid Western District Officenameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

Plaque commemorating the support of Alfred E. Clarke. A passionate supporter of Blind Cricket for 20 years, he was taken ill whilst umpiring a match and passed away at his Middle Park home on November 28th, 1950. Mr Clarke was one of South Melbourne's best cricketers in his youth, and after retirement continued his involvement in the sport he loved through committee and various management roles. He continued to watch matches with his friend Sam Morris - a fellow South Melbourne player who have gone blind - and became involved with the Blind Cricket Association, spending most weekends umpiring matches. Source: Record (Emerald Hill), Sat 2 Dec 1950, p4 "The Final Call" http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164499137Metal plaque attached to woodIn Memory Of Alfred E. Clarke Obit. November 28th 1950 A True Friend of the Blindassociation for the advancement of the blind, nameplates, victorian blind cricket association

On the front (rear) face of this metal firescreen is an image of the RVIB St Kilda Road building and front gardens, with the words 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' in curved lettering above the building. A name plate is attached by cord to the firescreen, which reads "In Memory Of M.N. Moylan Life Member Brighton Auxiliary". It is unknown whether the firescreen was made by blind metal workers, however it shows signs of use, quite possibly at the St Kilda Road building itself.Metal fire screen with etched image and attached plateRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind In Memory of M.N. Moylan Life Member Brighton Auxiliaryroyal victorian institute for the blind, m.n. moylan

"This tablet commemorates 17 years of loving service given by Mrs Celeste Baird to the choir and blind members of The Association 1945-1962". She volunteered her time at the Blind Community Centre in Kooyong.1 wooden shield with engraved silver plateThis tablet commemorates 17 years of loving service given by Mrs Celeste Baird to the choir and blind members of The Association 1945-1962association for the blind, celeste baird

Framed portrait of George Maxwell who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1920-1935. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Maxwell is turned slightly away from the viewer, and wears a blue suit, white high collared shirt and a blue tie. George Maxwell was President of Vision Australia from 1920 to 1935. After an early teaching career he studied law, was admitted to the Bar and became one of Victoria’s great criminal lawyers and later a Federal Member of Parliament. He took an interest the welfare of blind people from his student days. A detached retina in 1920 led to total blindness nine years later, which gave him a great empathy for those with a similar affliction. Through his contacts he was also instrumental in obtaining the first voting rights for blind Australians. Up until 1902 blind people were unable to vote if they couldn’t write with a pen. George Maxwell was working at that time at the legal firm of Strongman and Crouch one of the partners, Mr. Crouch, was elected as a member of Parliament. When the Commonwealth Electoral Bill was being drafted, Mr. Crouch has a clause added enabling blind people to vote in Federal elections, constituting a world first. But perhaps his greatest achievement was obtaining the pension for legally blind people. Until 1910 only those who met the age and means test criteria were eligible. With the help of his legal and political friends a bill was passed which granted the pension to all persons over 16 years of age who were unable to work due to physical disability or blindness. Until this time these people had to be supported by their families or go to a benevolent institution. This was a world first and gave to blind and vision impaired people a measure of independence which increased both their self reliance and self esteem. 1 art original in gold/brown frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Honourable George A Maxwell Q.C. / President 1920-1935 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.association for the advancement of the blind, george maxwell

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 Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind was established on 13 March, 1917. Many children who were blind and who had studied music with Mr Hebert Leon Newman at the 'Queensland Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution wished to continue after leaving school but could not afford to do so. Mr Olsen, the librarian, who was blind, conceived the formation of a Society to meet this need as well as providing an after work social centre and to address the limited job opportunities available for adults who were blind. The committee of the Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution encouraged the new Society by providing a grand piano and seating accommodation for 100 people in their library. In 1921 he established the John Olsen Literary Competition, then became the Edwin Dickinson Literary Competition and later the Vision Australia Dickinson Literary Awards.Photograph in frame with printed inscription below.John Olsen Founder Queensland Musical, Literary & Self-Aid Society for the Blind President 1919-1926 Died 9th Jan 1926queensland musical, literary and self-aid society for the blind, john olsen

The Fitover sunglasses are designed to be worn directly over your prescription glasses. This wrap-around style blocks light from above and both sides which can benefit, alleviate and prevent many symptoms of common eye diseases by providing 100% UVA/UBA protection from harmful UV rays. This pair and case is labeled with the RSB logo and 'Royal Society for the Blind'.1 pair of black fitover glasses with soft caseOn both glasses and case: RSB The Royal Society for the Blind (with logo)assistive devices, royal society for the blind

The Wickings were key supporters of the Association for the Blind, with John Wicking becoming President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and his wife Janet taking a key role in supporting blind who are blind or have low vision. Personally involved in the development of low vision centres, this plaque recognises the work they undertook at Kooyong.Framed photograph with wording underneathThis centre is dedicated to the memory of John and Janet Wicking whose extraordinary generosity will continue to touch the lives of people who are blind or have low vision for many years to come.association for the blind, john wicking, janet wicking, nameplates

In 1965 16 year old Danny Fuller of Sunnybank, commences his first day of work at the Queensland Industrial Institute for the Blind, learning how to weave a cane basket.1 x B/W photograph of boy weaving a basketBlind Institute, F37829, 9-5-61, 3 col x 7 1/4queensland industrial institute for the blind, danny fuller

A brown wooden award depicting two hands holding a square, whilst another hand holds a small piece of the square. The words 'VALA Award' are located in the right-hand base corner of the image. On one of the awards is inscribed '1976 Association For The Blind' on the upper side of the relief image. This award was presented by the Victorian Automation in Libraries Association for the Vision Hotline that was developed by the Association, which allowed people with visual impairments to obtain information and advice.2 wooden shields with engraved bronze coloured relief1986 Association for the Blind (engraved at the top of b/c 1010698)association for the blind, awards

Founded by T.R Armitage MD in 1868, the British and Foreign Blind Association was the forerunner of the Royal National Institute for the Blind and provided transcription courses to those wishing to become proficient in Braille. Under the patronage of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, this certificate was awarded to "Miss Minnie H Crabb having satisfied the Examiner of the British & Foreign Blind Association in Braille Writing Examination in Grade II is hereby awarded the Certificate of the Association." Signed by A.H. Henry, Examiner and Edwin Easton, Secretary and awarded on 25th September 1908. Cream page with red seal in bottom left hand cornerRed seal reads: The British & Foreign Blind Association. Founded 1858. Incorporated 1902. A picture is located within the seal but this is not discerniblevictorian association of braille writers, minnie crabb

Rectangular paper stamp with a dark blue background and white graphics and print. Graphic consists of a lantern. with beams of light extending outwards. Marked: On front: "PRICE THREEPENCE / ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE BLIND / Homes & Help.Rectangular postage stamp with white lantern streaming light against blue backgroundAssociation for the Advancement of the Blind Homes & Help Send donations to 10 Queen St Melbourne C1association for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

Concert program and brief history of the Association for the Blind on its 95th birthday.1 x A4 sized page folded in halfnon-fictionAssociation for the Blind Ltd 95th Birthday Celebration Concert Camberwell Civic Centre Sunday 25th November 1990 at 2.30pm Souvenir Programelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind

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