Interior of the Vision Australia office at 1300 Howitt Street, Ballarat, taken by Michelle Prentice during a visit.15 digital photographs of Vision Australia's Ballarat officevision australia, ballarat

On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel

The Geelong branch committee was established in 1976 to manage the Geelong Centre then based in Pakington Street, Newtown. One early decision was to call the Centre "Illawarra", meaning 'high place above or overlooking the sea'. The branch committee disbanded in 1993. The auxiliary was established in 1963 to increase services for blind and vision impaired local people by raising funds for Vision Australia Foundation, then known as the Association for the Blind. Over the next 39 years, until is disbanded in February 2002, the Illawarra Auxiliary (renamed in 1976) raised many thousands of dollars to achieve this aim. Branch Chairman: 1976-79 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1980-82 Mr R. Averay, 1982-85 Mr L.W.M. Heath, 1985-88 Mr P.P. Larcey, 1988-91 Dr. B.J. Landsell, 1991-93 Mr F. Francesevic Auxiliary President: 1964-66 Mrs K.S. Nall, 1967-69 Mrs G.S. Gray, 1970-72 Mrs L.M.W. Heath, 1973 Mrs E. Currell, 1974-75 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1975-78 Mrs E. Snibson, 1979-84 Mrs I.E. Backwell, 1984-86 Mrs D.P. Smith, 1986-89 Mrs E.E.A. Donaldson, 1989-93 Mrs B. McKane, 1993-99 Mrs J. Backwell, 1999- Mrs B. McKane This photograph was taken of the honour board that previously hung in the Geelong Centre.Image of honour board with names of the people who were Geelong Branch chairmen or Auxiliary Presidents association for the blind, illawarra (geelong)

To raise funds for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, these badges were sold by street sellers in Melbourne. "Help the Blind" - A red, white and gold badge, circular, with four scroll shapes on the edges. The centre is white, with 'Help the Blind' in gold; the outer area is red with gold edging and words, 'as a thanksgiving for sight'. Some badges have paper numbers on the reverse. Metal pin with red and white enamel, and gold edgingHelp the Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To raise funds for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, these badges were sold by street sellers in Melbourne. A gold colour Australian coat of arms (Kangaroo and emu beside a shield with a star at the top), sits above a blue enamelled boomerang. In the shield is the letter 'B' in blue enamel. 'For those who cannot see' is written in gold lettering across the boomerang. Metal pin with blue enamel letteringFor those who cannot see royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

In 1924 plans were submitted to the RVIB board for the addition of a new veranda and associated drainage pipes located in the courtyard behind Ormond Hall. Hand written notes on the plan indicate that the tender for materials from Pollards was 330 pounds, asphalt 35 pounds totally a cost of 365 pounds. And that additional costs of 120 pounds, comprising of 20 for G Lavatory (?) and J Famdy (?) 100 pounds.1 architectural plans for proposed verandah and drainageStephenson & Meldrum, Architects Collins Court 374 Little Collins Street Melbourne Phone: 6990royal victorian institute for the blind, plans

In this undated drawing, believed to have been done in 1925, an existing bluestone store was extended out into the courtyard area. The extensions were on the south and west elevations, and the drawing includes a floor plan of these areas. Noted on the plan is the removal of fireplaces that existed in this building, the location abutting the Alfred Hospital reserve and location of the motor room.1 architectural plan of extension to bulk storeStephenson & Meldrum, Architects 374 Little Collins Street Melbourne Phone: 6990 On the back: Widening of old bluestone store plans & specroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans

An image of the extension work done at Kelaston in 1983 for the development of a low vision clinic, and the temporary premises in Mair Street that was utilised whilst the Howitt Street building was unavailable.2 x B/W photographsassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Local newspaper photographs taken at the Association for the Blind's Kelaston home in Ballarat. 044 - View of the Kelaston sign and grounds in Howitt Street. 045 - Mr Roy King presented with a plaque in honour of his service. 046 - L to R: Lynne Klien, two residents, Mona Dynon, Laurie Hay (day centre coordinator) upon the occasion of Laurie's retirement. 052 - L to R: Ruby Blake, Don Dunstan (manager of Kelaston) and another nursing home resident. 054 - L to R: unknown, Dianne Kerr, Bob de Little and a visitor look on in the craft room.5 x B/W photographs of Kelaston nursing homeassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), dianne kerr

This wooden board has two differently designed sides: one with four strips running the length of the board and the other with seven strips of wood running across the width of the board. These strips and various ridges around the edge and in the 'lanes' assist players as they play card games. The attached booklets describe the sides as Squares (4 strips) or Streets (7 strips), which could be used to play a variety of card games described. On the Squares side: Carpet, Count Nogo, Frames and Poker Patience and on the Streets side: Triangles and Henley could be played in addition to the traditional game of Patience. The board was designed to be used with a distinct sized card (RNIB no. 9087) that could fit between the strips. Wooden board with card dividers with accompanying printed and braille booklet. recreation equipment, games

A leaflet produced to raise awareness of white canes. On the front a man's hand holds a white cane. Inside the leaflet reads "Bear in mind the white cane is a symbol of the visually handicapped" and was produced by the White Cane Committee, 247 Vulture Street, South Brisbane, Q, 4101.1 page with illustration of white caneIllustration of a hand holding a white cane on the front pagewhite cane day, advertising

To raise funds for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, these badges were sold by street sellers in Melbourne. "Remember the Blind" - Blue and white oval badges with the words, 'Remember the Blind' around the edge. The outer oval is narrow, white with gold edges and words. A dark blue oval is in the centre, suspended over the empty space by four curved pieces of metal, with gold edging. Some badges have paper numbers on the reverse. Metal pin with enamel with writingRemember the Blind royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

In 1875 John William Wood left a legacy of 5000 pounds for a building to be erected for the benefit of people who were blind. A site near William Street was agreed upon, and building commenced of a two storey sandstone in Boomerang Street. Some months after its completion, a public meeting was held to inaugurate the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution, outline its rules and regulations and elect a board of management. To publicise it's work and gain donor support, the SIBI produced an annual report outlining the finances, facilities and programs offered.1 volume, illustrationssydney industrial blind institution

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 band played and a square dance exhibition was held by vision impaired dancers in Bourke Street. 13 B/W photographs w/ 20 negatives and 23 col. negativesOn the back of BRIP381.11 is a partially erased pencil description 'Kathy Zwald' and 'Doris Nothling".white cane day, barry humphries, doris nothling, kathy zwald

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

A bearded man uses a white cane and sonic guide to help him navigate around the streets of Strathfield. The sonic guide consists of a pair of heavy black spectacles with three sensors built into the bridge of the glasses. The glasses are attached by a cable to a control box which is designed to be clipped onto the wearer's belt or clothing. The control box has two switches and a volume setting, and assists the user in determining objects in their path and their distance to them.2 B/W photographs of man using sonic guide and white cane"5156-220" and '5156-224" on back of photographsroyal blind society of nsw, white cane, orientation and mobility

Michael Yanchenock uses his white cane to navigate around the side of a building in Sydney both alone and with mobility instructor Margit Rihr. These pictures were taken near the William Street/Boomerang Street building of RBS.2 x Sepia toned photograph of orientation and mobility training1-1769 Michael Mobility training Oct 1969 Photographic Illustrators, Double Bay 2-1769 Photographic Illustrators, Double Bay - 36-1764. Margit Rihr & Michael Yanchenock - mobility training October 1969, Mobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day, orientation and mobility, michael yanchenock, margaret rihr

A man uses a white cane crossing a street at night in Newcastle. His cane reflects the photographer's flash and is illuminated against the dark night.Black and white photograph of a man using a white cane at nightOrientation and mobility at night - Newcastle Please return to RBSwhite cane day, royal blind society of new south wales

The AFB were aware that accommodation options for blind people were limited and sought to open a hostel to assist with this.The first hostel opened in Lara Street, South Yarra but could not meet demand. In 1926, a suitable property 'Egremont' at 54 The Avenue, Windsor, came on the market. The price was £2650. Lack of funds to purchase seemed an insurmountable barrier. With assistance from the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate and the Felton Bequest a deposit of £650 was raised. In a huge step of faith the Committee took out a mortgage of £2000. The interest on the mortgage and its repayments weighed heavily on the Committee. The Avenue, as 'Egremont' was commonly termed, was also a seven roomed house. Mr Paterson and the Architect, Mr Parkes of Oakley and Parkes, immediately began planning an extension, fourteen single bedrooms were added. They were filled from the Waiting List. A Windsor Auxiliary was formed and worked to reduce the mortgage of £2000. An active programme of dances, card evenings, theatre nights and the like took place under the leadership of Mrs. Robertson. The Auxiliary also took an interest in the boarders, arranging entertainment and social activity. £1500. was still owed in 1930. Living side by side is no easy task for a group of people, and the Hostel meeting minute books are filled with stories of disputes over wireless sets, telephones, hot water bottles and wardrobes. In 1958, with rising costs and the growth of aged care centres, the Hostel was closed and the house sold to a succession of private buyers. In 2016 it still stands and has been refurbished as a guest house.B/W copy of newspaper photographThe hostel for blind women at 54 The Avenue, Windsor was established in 1926 to provide a place where sightless women may live together to their mutual advantage under proper and sympathetic supervision. The Windsor Hostel was sold in 1958. This building still stands today and has been refurbished.egremont, blind womens hostel, tilly aston

Tilly Aston moved to 42 Raleigh Street in 1913, after her mother had died and her brother married. She died there of cancer on 1 November 1947 and was buried in St Kilda cemetery; her estate was valued for probate at £1149. Her headstone is inscribed: headstone ‘Tilly Aston, Blind Poetess and Philanthropist, Died 1st Nov 1947, Aged 74, Resurgam.’2 x col. photographs of grave and headstonetilly aston, association for the blind

A group of ladies sit around a table, rubbing make up products into their face. One lady, in the foreground, is receiving a facial massage.1 B/W photograph of woman sitting and rubbing lotion on their faces12 A recreation - William Streetroyal blind society of new south wales, recreation