A black and white map of Victoria showing the railway lines where mail is transported and the individual towns listed next to the dot that provides location of such. Underneath is written "Map of Victoria showing the localities beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to which library books are sent to blind members. Books are carried over the railways FREE there is no charge to the readers." Through the work of Tilly Aston, braille postage was provided free by the Victorian Railways which greatly assisted the Braille Library in reaching members who resided outside of Melbourne. This map was produced to show the extent of the work by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and the need for reading materials across the state.Paper of Victorian railway lines mounted in framevictorian association of braille writers, marketing

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including attaining 210 members, a talk by Tilly Aston and another by Mr Lowe on cooperation were held, the Annual Picnic was held at the Caulfield Racecourse on the King's Birthday and included a band, some trials of skills and an impromptu concert at the end of the day, 50 pounds has been put aside for the Sick Benevolent Fund however this cannot be established until 200 pounds has been raised, and an approach has been made to the government for securing an Old Age pension for those who are blind however nothing definite has been granted.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

President's overview of the year including: the sadness of retiring dogs, opposition by the Hard Headed Group to the approved application for use of 12-12a and 18 Thanet Street as places of instruction, extra work required by an FOI application, lack of suitable puppies experienced, welcome back to Mrs Chandler, Michael Riley and Russell Wills, and farewell to Ralph Church and Margaret McDonald, closure of hostel at 384 Wattletree Road due to lack of ability to staff, life governorships awarded to Marianne and Brian Davenport, resignation of Sir Rammond Garrett and death of Hon. T.W. Mitchell, both Foundation Members. Articles on the Kurzweil Reading Machine, Queensland branch report, tribute to Tilly Aston, article from The Age on how Seeing Eye dogs have helped James Allerdyce and Ansett ANA worker Judith Barczak fundraising to pay for a dog.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

This tactile map of Europe was created in 1939, and brailled by the Queensland Braille Map and Model Club. Cut and mounted by G. Vann with geographical inforamtion provided by Miss E Southern. The Queensland Braille Map and Model Club was a volunteer organisation which produced tactile maps from the 1920s to the late 1940s. These were sent as presents to schools, organisations and missions for people who were blind or vision impaired around Australia, New Zealand, Syria, India, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Africa. Due to free postage of Braille obtained by Tilly Aston and her compatriots, the maps were transported gratis within Australia and at a cheap rate overseas. When this map was made, East Prussia, Danzig and the Levant States were all separate countries. Some information about each country (name, area in sq miles and population) is written on a small door on the right hand side, which can be opened to reveal the same information in Braille. At the base is a braille and handwritten note "Information about maps gratis from Miss E Southern "Kingsley" George St, Brisbane. "For lending to the Blind" is written at the base of the wooden frame.1 paper attached to wooden mount with metal labels, on the right hand side a small door with country information on the front and opens to reveal the same in Braille. queensland braille map and model club, r.f. tunley

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 include: 27/10/1986 it was reported that tactile maps of the Melbourne Metropolitan Railway network are now available. 6/2/1987 as special meeting had been called to discuss in detail what action should be taken regarding the proposed $2 coin. John Cook advised that BMC had been invited to send a representative to Canberra to meet with other Blind consumers and representatives from the Mint and Treasury. The BMC agreed the coins needed further testing. 29/2/1988 The Treasury received further letters regarding the $2.00 coin. It was agreed this matter could not be pursued any further. 26/11/1990 it was reported that the commissioned by BMC of the Association's founder Miss Tilly Aston, was officially unveiled by Mrs Jean Ross and Mrs Diana Jones at the 95th Birthday Celebration Concert. The portrait was then hung in the foyer of the Vision Resource Centre. Suitably framed photographs of the founder's portrait to be circulated to all branches. The visits to primary schools by BMC members continued as part of the School's program as did the BMC radio program on 3RPH. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

Sephia-toned photograph of May D. Harrison from the shoulders upwards. Nameplate at base of photograph reads 'May D. Harrison / First / Hon. Secretary & Librarian / 1894-1912'. Mrs Harrison looks to the right of the frame, and is wearing a dress with gathered bodice, puffed sleeves and lace neckline. Her small drop earrings are visible, as her hair is swept up, with two brooches on the bodice and neckline. A length of chain is worn around her neck, although its base remains out of shot. May Harrison was one of the first Braille transcribers trained by Tilly Aston and undertook the position of Honorary Secretary at the formation of the Victorian Association of Braille Writers (VABW) in 1894. Offering use of a room in her home in St Kilda for the storage of Braille books, she became the first librarian for the VABW. Mrs Harrison also taught Braille to other participants and her house became a meeting point for readers and transcribers alike. Her death in 1912 was greatly mourned, and a Memorial Fund set up in her honour, as well as a grave marker and tablet at the Braille library. Her niece Minnie Crabb, who assisted her work, assumed the role of librarian after Mrs Harrison's death. Inscribed in the lower right 'J O'S & Co, Melbourne'.Photograph in frame of woman in 19th century dressvictorian association of braille writers, may harrison

Carbon copy of a letter to State Savings Bank of Victoria accompanying copy of agreement between the Trustees of the Kooyong Club House and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, requesting that the same is returned after perusal.1 single sheet of typed paperA female dressed in a loose gown holds a lantern from which the words 'Association', 'Advancement', 'of the Blind' and 'For the' are written in the rays coming from it. Below her feet are the words "Light of the Blind". 'Founded 1895' is written below the lantern, whilst in the top right hand corner is filled with: Homes at Brighton Beach Bendigo Hostels at South Yarra Windsor Offices: MU 4189 118 Queen Street, Melbourne C.1. All communications to be addressed to Secretary. Below the female figure, in the lower left hand side of the page: President: Miss Tilly Aston General Secretary: G.R. Fowler Objects: To promote the welfare of the Blind intellectually, physically and socially. To grant financial assistance in cases of necessity. To provide permanent or convalescent Homes and Hostels of an unsectarian character for the Blind. To visit the Blind.association for the advancement of the blind, kooyong club house

Five men in suits with high collars and bow ties pose with three ladies in evening dress. To the far left are Aaron Solomon and Annie Rose Drummond, and to the far right is John Irwin. Aaron Solomon (1870-1936) was enrolled at the RVIB school in 1878, after losing his sight at 6 years of age. He first began participating in concerts in September 1884, at an exhibition of talent that was held by the Institute and the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute, to raise awareness of their work and achievements. He then became a regular performer with the entertainment troupe and travelled around Victoria singing and playing piano, even after his discharge from the Institute in 1892. In 1894 he formed his own troop of players and toured around Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand. This consisted of two females (Tilly Aston and Maggie Mulvogue) and three males (Charles Bartlett, John Irwin and himself). In 1896, Annie Drummond, Nellie Andrew and William Snell replaced the Aston, Mulvogue and Bartlett, and W.W. Spicer was appointed as manager with his wife acting as an assistant to the ladies of the group. In 1897-1898, H Forder replaced William Snell. On a return tour to New Zealand in late 1898, Thomas Andrews - brother to Nellie - joined the troop and Fred Hunter replaced H Forder. This was the first time the troop numbered eight people, who were also present when Annie Drummond married Aaron Solomon in Hamilton, New Zealand on Feb 3, 1899. This image could have been taken in 1898 before they left as a promotional card, or in 1899 when they returned, as a memento of the happy occasion.1 cardboard postcard size image with silver writingA. Marks & Co Elgin Street Carltonaaron solomon, annie rose drummond, w.w. spicer, nellie andrews, thomas andrews, fred hunter, john irwin, a. marks & co

Framed portrait of John Wicking who was President of the Association for the Blind 1973-1984 as well as a generous benefactor. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Wicking wears a navy suit, white shirt and navy blue Kiwi tie. John Wicking served as President of Vision Australia from 1973 to 1984 and as Vice President in 1990. He was Managing Director and Chairman of Kiwi International when he was introduced to the Committee in 1971. With a natural air of authority, he was known to be both strong and wise. One of the first hurdles Mr Wicking faced following his election as President in 1973 was understanding the health service system and sorting out the differing views of committee members over recommendations for projects costing hundreds of thousands of dollars with no funds to implement them. The ten years of his Presidency were a time of exceptional growth and expansion. He was instrumental in acquiring an adjacent property to those already owned in Glenferrie Road in 1974 at a cost of $120,000, on which the Low Vision Clinic was erected – the first of its type in Australia. Land was also bought in both the metropolitan and country areas for future expansion. Day care centres were opened in Ballarat and Bendigo and new metropolitan services commenced. Mr Wicking formed a committee to explore the possibility of a radio station people unable to read standard print. As a result 3RPH commenced broadcasting in 1981. Mr Wicking was also involved in the incorporation of Vision Australia under the Companies Act in 1990. After his retirement as President Mr. Wicking continued as a committee member until 1994. In 1995 he was instrumental in the establishment of the Tilly Aston Heritage Collection, on which he served as Chairman until sadly passing away in 2002. 1 art original in old gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr John O. Wicking AM / President 1973-1984 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, vision australia, john wicking

Framed portrait of Diana J. Jones who the first female president of the Association for the Blind since Tilly Aston. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mrs Jones sits facing the painter with both hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing a black double breasted blazer, white shirt, blue beaded necklace and earrings and a gold bracelet . A white kerchief sits in her breast pocket. Diana Jones served for 8 years on the General Committee before being elected President. During this time she was deputy chairman of the Reach Out Appeal to raise funds for the building program and President of the Honorary Services Group which co-ordinated volunteers and gave them a spokesperson on the General Committee. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. She passed away in July 2009.1 art original in gold frame The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Dame Diana J. Jones, AM DSJ / President 1984- 1992 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, diana jones

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.Bound, fourteen page 'sticky' photo album with yellow vinyl cover containing thirty six black and white commercially produced photographs capturing activities and events attended by Alec Sandner during his time as Councillor and Shire President with the Shire of Strathfieldsaye. Each photograph has handwritten annotation with details including date, event and people present. Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.0135b Alec – planting a tree at / Flora Hill High School – Arbor Week / 12th April, 1984 0135c Alec – Michael John / May 7, 1984 0135d Mr Sinclair, Jeff Kennett, Michael John and Alec / inspecting Sinclair Foundry / May 17, 1984 0135e Alec – christening ‘Eugene Sandner’ scull / Bendigo rowing Club / Sunday, June 24, 1984 0135f Alec (standing) with Micahel John, / Andrew Peacock – Marisa D’Agnostina / Bendigo – Thursday August 2, 1984 0135g Bruce Reid, Alec, Jeff Kennett and Michael / John. Bendigo Wednesday August 8, 1984 0135h Mr Alan Hunt M.L.C, Michael John, Bill Ebery and alec / Sunday Sept 9, 1984 0135i t; Alec – Prue Sibree, Castlemaine, Oct . 84 m; Jeff Kennett, Alec and Bill Ebery / 1984 l; Belinda John, Mr Hunt, Alec & Bruce Reid 0135m Max Drechsler, Alec, David Wright / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire Wed 7th August / 1985 0135n Wendy Drechsler, Helen / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire / Wed 7th August / 1985 0135o Doug Stevenson, Alec, Joan Kirner, David Kennedy / Strathdale Community Centre / Thursday 8th August 1985 0135p Alec with members Bendigo Pony / Club – Spring Gully / Saturday 17th August 1985 0135q Alec / Opening Strathfield -/ saye bowling / Club / Sunday October 13, / 1985 0135r Honor Walters and Helen (President / Laura Clarke Auxiliary / Tuesday, October 29, 1985 0135s Mirridon Christmas Part 1985 / Aux. L to R Tilly Aston, Bendigo, Laura Clarke. / Mirr. Social Club, Strathfieldsaye, Huntly, Mc Ivor 0135t Alec presenting Atsuko Yajima / with spoons. / Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Jan 27, 1986 0135u Alec with Thomas / Bendigo Advertiser / Fri June 27, 1986 0135v Alec & Helen with / Emma Kelcher – Hannah Every / Flower Girls / Shire Presidents Ball / June 20, 1986 0135w Alec & Cr Ron Alexander, adressing (sic) / Public Meeting, Sat 19th July, 1986 0135x Alec, Wendy Drechsler & Helen / Red Cross Centre, July 1986 0135y t; Alec – Final Council Meeting / July 1987 0135z Alec – Merv Trimper / Shire of Strathfieldsaye / March 20, 1988 sandner collection, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, alec and helen sander

From its beginning in 1866, the Victorian Asylum for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind) has been a prominent resident in St Kilda Road. Intended to provide work and education, the RVIB has adapted and changed according to the staff and people who passed through, lived, laughed, learned and languished in it, as well as societal expectations. In this history of the building, its services and personalities, up until the closure of St Kilda Road.284 pages without illustrations in etext filenon-fictionroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib burwood school