These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, correspondence, subscriptions, donations, legacies and general business. Reports are also included from Auxiliaries, Auditors, Library and Home teacher, Directors, The Black and White committee, Victor Maxwell House, Helen Keller Hostel, The Victor Maxwell Kindergarten, The Sandy Robertson Kindergarten, Alexis Albert House, Silver Lighthouse committee, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 20/1/1958 it was noted that considerable developments were taking place with respect to the recording of books on discs to tape and the Society will adopt system of recording set out by R.N.I.B. 24/2/1958 an order for 100 small silver plated lighthouses had been decided on to be presented to outstanding benefactors of the Society. 15/8/1959 'Lighthouse', home for aged Blind women was opened. 5/9/1958 The President welcomed the first 6 residents to Alexis Albert House, home for aged Blind men. 6/9/1958 The Newcastle Blind Centre was opened. 23/9/1963 it was unanimously resolved that 5 Lots comprising of the estate left by the late Mrs F. I. Skovronksi were to be sold. 1 volume with sheets pasted on to pagesroyal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert hostel, victor maxwell kindergarten, sandy robertson kindergarten, helen keller hostel

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 6/9/1993 The General Manager reported on the Strategic Overview and Implementation Plan. The core services would be Library Services, Rehabilitation Services and Technology Services. RBS would withdraw from providing Mobility Services and Talking Magazines unless by contract. In both cases there was existing services of a comparable standard and hence clients would not be adversely affected. RBS reduce its staff by 38 positions. 25/11/1996 Council members agreed that the Library Services Department be merged into the Information Technology Services Department. 28/1/1997 The CEO stated an opportunity for RBS to become a member of an international consortium known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information SYtem). Whose main goal is establish a World Standard Digital Talking Book System for people who are blind and vision impaired. 1/4/1997 it was reported there are now 6 agencies including RBS comprising the Australia & New Zealand Group, as member of the DAISY consortium. Council approved that the CEO attend the first meeting of the Consortium on April 18-20. 1 volume of printed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, audio books

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

In 1894 the Victorian Braille Writers Association was established in order to create a braille lending library. Such an endeavor also meant a need of space for storage. At first the library was accommodated in the home of Mrs May Harrison before moving to the home of Mrs Dickinson two years later. Eventually, with the help of donors, a space was rented in the Block Arcade to house the 1300+ volumes it held and the yearly increase produced by its braille transcribers. Fortunately in 1918 the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate provided 4000 pounds to pay for a new building in Commercial Road. Despite some misgivings from the RVIB at the time, this building was home to both braille volumes and talking books (albums and cassettes) for many years.1 b/w photograph of people on a stageFree Lending Library for the Blind. Senator G. Fairbairn, on behalf of the Edward Wilson Trust, presenting the key of the building to Miss Aston, a Braille reader, representing the Braille Writer’s Association. 26th April 1919. (Label on mount board)tilly aston, braille and talking book library

The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary was formed on February 13, 1933 by Mr Birtchnell. This collection of papers includes the minute books from 1944 until 1998. It was noted in correspondence that Geelong and surrounds had been the most outstanding financial contributor to RVIB's revenue. Collections from the Geelong community had provided high donations every year. The Geelong Auxiliary posted 301 pounds on their first return in 1934, easily topping any of the other 200 auxiliaries in the state at that time. The Annual Report from July 31, 1995 noted that with regret due to health reasons and the passing of many members The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary had no option but to go into recess. The certificate reads: Centenary Certificate of Appreciation presented to Geelong Auxiliary for outstanding service. Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind babies, children and adults. (Signed by) President (Charles Bennett) Executive Director (F.G. Turley).5 minute books -- 2 accounts books -- 1 book of newspaper clippings --various loose papers and letters -- 1 certificate of appreciation Certificate: white paper with light turquoise thick border and gold and blue thin borders. The RVIB official seal is at the base of the right hand side and a coloured image of the RVIB logo, with the words 'Centenary year 100 1866/1966' in the bottom left corner.royal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

The Walking Stick was owned by Dr. Samuel Reynolds- the first Mansfield Doctor This item is significant because Dr. Samuel Reynolds was Mansfield's first doctor who established the local hospital and contributed to many aspects of the social life of the town.'Colonial Doctor and His Town' by Joan Gillison, Cypress Books, 1976 is the Doctor's Story.The Walking Stick has remained in the Reynold's family until it was donated to the Society.A Victorian Bamboo horse measuring stick with a horn handle unscrewing to reveal brass measure and extending to 17 hands.walking stick, dr. reynolds, mansfield, horse racing, reynolds family, colonial doctor and his town

H25.7 cm; 362p;non-fictionBruce experienced first-hand life at the top of Melbourne's social strata in the early 20th century. In rich detail, he describes his childhood years living at Harrison House in Spring Street, and paints a vivid picture of inner-city Melbourne in the early to mid- 1900s. His family's social standing gave Bruce a rare perspective on Melbourne life, as illustrated through his many brushes with iconic politicians and celebrities over the years.melbourne, social life and customs, australian football - history, history- 20th century

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: embedding the new philosophy 'that all may read', VIP Tours began with tour of library and lunch at 'Onions' restaurant afterwards, increased loans but also a 5 month waiting list for new borrowers, Children's Christmas Party conducted, Barrett Reid, Joyce Nicholson and Dr Stephen Murray-Smith continue to be the literary panel for Braille Book of the Year, Annual Garden Party at Benalla, 63rd work anniversary of Alice McClelland, computerisation of card catalogue has received funds and should be completed by early 1986, and have the added benefit of eliminating wait times for new borrowers, resignation of Clare Lovegrove and Beverley Johnson and appointment of Seija Makinen and Alana McCann, first joint commission of braille books from RIDBC by Library and 8 state organisations, and purchase of an electric conveyor belt to help load the Australia Post truck with the daily 30 bags of mail received and the same outgoing.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: the 8% decrease in salaries until December saved $28K, first issue of Brailletter magazine, 6 month delay for new borrowers to receive service, growth in loans and books from Maxene Hewitt Children's Collection, End of Year Party not held due to financial constraints but Children's Christmas party did proceed, Jan Smark invited to overseas workshops, Employment Initiatives funding used for cassette cataloguing and talking book maintenance, resignation of E. Haynes and Hector Bathurst, and appointment of Michael Zifcak and Don Schauder.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Articles include the production of Christmas cards using a drawing by Lady Casey, death of Captain Semmens who was a member of many sub-committees, relocation of library, cupboard to be built in kitchen and Mr Skaftouros continues to be an excellent hirer, Bird and Bottle restaurant raised money with a special dinner and entertainment night, some difficulties with Stainsby and Perkins Braillers have been overcome, thermoform machine is on order, tape recorder/talking book project still under consideration, Tellatouch machine has been received and will be evaluated, loss of Mrs Simpson who was the leader in the Honour Roll this year, St Paul's School are assisting with binding books for students, resignation of Mrs Weir and appointment of Mrs Hearn as Librarian, revision of policy to only teach Braille to adults and first junior student taken on in Geelong, potential of more auxiliaries being established and need to increase income from Hall requires suggestions from the public.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Articles include the death of R. Bigwood, a committee member for 40 years and former Vice President, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Patron) launched the library's first Open Day, large print and Moon books are becoming more in demand, four Tellatouch machines have been ordered, a sample tape recorder has been received from England, an electric Braille typewriter has been acquired, Mrs Weir has left the flat but Mr and Mrs Hood are now keeping an eye on the garden and building, Perkins Braillers are in high demand, a new auxiliary has been established in Altona, and Christmas card sales were higher than previous.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: official opening of a new library building at Enfield, over 1 million items circulated in the library, passing of Sir Robert Drew and Nola Dekyvere, first production of Il Globo and launched by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, launch of Bookline - a telephone ordering service for talking books and winning the first Australian Audio Book Award for Children's Books for The Clinker narrated by Bill Conn. 1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Book

p.255.fictionWhen Bert Smallways is accidentally whisked off to Germany in a balloon carrying plans for a top-secret aeroplane, he gets involved in Prince Karl Albert's massive airship raid on New York ... first step in a war which soon flares into world wide catastrophe.air warfare - fiction, science fiction - english

Record Series 13. Enrolment Books comprises two enrolment registers and lose pages (for males), that were used to record the details of each new student starting at Lauriston. These volumes date back to the inception of our school and are Lauriston’s first system of documentation used to record student information. Both the enrolment entries and alphabetical index at the start of each book are handwritten into a hard bound volume that was commercially produced at the time as school stationery to record student enrolments. The first volume dates from 1901 to 1919, and the second from 1920 to 1930, but holds further details of the academic results of the students already enrolled up to 1933. The two registers are arranged in a double page column format. The column headings are as follows: • Name • Date of Birth • Name and Address of Parent • Occupation [sometimes empty] • Elementary [First year level for students] • I. • IIA. • IIB. • IIIIA. • IIIB. [annotated to become IVa] • IV. [annotated to become IVb] • VA. • VB. • VI. • Date of Leaving. • Remarks [includes such details as: academic results for student’s last couple of years such as Matric or Leaving and their individual subject results; where they went to if another school; reason for departure if no further education; also some accolades such as “Head of School”. The first column that held the student’s name was annotated with the year date and term. Below the student’s name in some of the early enrolment entries, extra information was added such as “died” and the date, or the student’s married name. The details of male students who went to Lauriston’s kindergarten from 1911 are also in the registers. There are details of male students also recorded separately in loose pages that detail the enrolments from 1922 to 1930. Up until 1944, Lauriston used school year level titles used within English Public Schools. In the registers the first year is “Elementary” (Prep) and the final year is “VI” (Year 12). The first girls who wanted to go to university sat their Senior Public Exam in their fifth year of secondary school. Students could take an extra year of study called Leaving Honours. In 1944 university entrance requirements were raised and this sixth year of secondary school became the Matriculation exam. In 1970 it was renamed High School Certificate and since 1991, the Victorian Certificate of Education.

"The Mechanics Institute movement flourished in Victoria from 1839 to 1950. It was based on the development of Mechanics’ Institutes in Scotland and England from the 1820s, which were intended to educate and enlighten the working classes. The term ‘mechanic’ in those days meant an artisan, craftsman or working man, especially those who had moved from rural areas to work in new city factories during the Industrial Revolution. The early Institutes were usually equipped with a reading room, a library and a lecture room. Although enjoying mixed success in Britain, they contributed to the development of public education and library services. The movement was adopted more enthusiastically in the colonies. It began slowly in Victoria but its expansion after the gold rushes population influx was rapid, especially in rural areas. Every suburb and town wanted to have a Mechanics’ Institute. During the 1850s approximately forty Institutes were established, with even greater growth in the period 1860 to 1900. By 1900 there were 400 Institutes in Victoria. The establishment of a Mechanics’ Institute was often a great achievement for a local community, requiring organising committees to raise substantial funds for a building site (where this had not been granted by the Government), and the building. Once built, the committee then had to purchase books, provide a caretaker or librarian, and finance the ongoing use of and improvements to the building. ‘The history of many Institutes is a story of tremendous community effort, and often, financial difficulties’. In addition to being monuments to local enterprise and community life, the Mechanics’ Institutes played a vital role as an intellectual forum, and in contributing to an informed and participatory democracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They provided journals and other reading matter on local, state, national and international issues, and hosted of lectures and held debates about wider issues such as Federation, colonial nationalism, defence, female suffrage, the price of land and labour. With the development of the school and technical education in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the need for community technical and adult education declined. As a result of the introduction of government library grants in 1867, many Mechanics’ Institutes incorporated a free library in their buildings to finance collection of their books. By 1884-85, there were 257 free libraries in Victoria. However, government support and library grants dropped off in the 1890s depression. Entertainment took on a greater role in the 1890s, with the introduction of moving pictures, billiards rooms, games rooms (chess), concerts and dances. The First World War had a devastating impact on many rural communities, and some Mechanics’ Institutes were no longer viable. On the other hand the early twentieth century was also a time of agricultural development, and many country towns were growing in this period. The 1930s depression further limited growth of many libraries and reduced grants substantially. In response many Mechanics’ Institutes were renamed, for example as memorial halls, in order to retain and attract more patrons (eg at nearby Sunbury). The diminishing role for Mechanics’ Institutes and the preference for larger and better appointed halls (with supper rooms, cloak rooms etc) resulted in demolition of some small Institutes. The advent of cars, radios, and television also provided other opportunities for recreation, learning and entertainment. The greater role of municipalities in providing library services also eroded the need for free libraries. While over 500 Mechanics’ Institutes or halls are extant, very few of these retain their original role as ‘diffusers of useful knowledge’. Most are still available for community purposes, as venues for meetings, socials, civic occasions etc, while others are employed as museums, shops and theatres. Most buildings are on Crown land, and managed by a delegated committee of management, who are responsible for raising revenue to maintain aging buildings. Many of those which were originally established on private land, such as Melton, have since reverted back to the Crown, and municipal Councils. The most common Mechanics Institute building form is the simple weatherboard gable building with iron roofs, notable for their ‘honest simplicity’ rather than as ‘monuments of the ancients’. At the other extreme there are some magnificent two storeyed brick and stucco structures with elaborate ornamentation (as was apparently envisaged by some in Melton in 1905-10)". The future of Melton Mechanic Institute Gazette articlelocal architecture

A fact sheet on Ron Barassi compiled by the MCC Library for the State Memorial Service held on 10 November. It lists Ron Barassi's football career. Australian football legend, former ‘Legacy Boy’ and Ambassador, Ronald Dale Barassi, AM passed away at the age of 87 on 6 September.  Ron was forever grateful for Legacy’s support to him and his mother Elza. Throughout his life, as a Legacy Ambassador, Ron generously used his well-respected status and networks to promote the important work of Legacy.   Ron came into Legacy’s care as a child when his father Ronald James Barassi was killed in action at Tobruk in 1941. Ron’s father was the first VFL footballer killed in World War II. Only 5 years old at the time, Ron later rose to be a star footballer for the Melbourne Football club like his father. Legacy assisted with his education and health expenses and supported him in attending youth camps and other recreational activities.   A State Memorial Service for Ron was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 10. Staff from Legacy assisted at the service by handing out programmes and encouraging attendees to sign condolence books which have since been presented to the Barassi family.  Legacy was honoured by the Barassi family’s request, in lieu of flowers, that members of the public make a donation to Legacy to assist families of veterans in need, a cause very dear to Ron’s heart. A record of the life of a man helped by Legacy.White A4 paper with printing created by the MCC Library for the State Memorial Service on 10 November 2023.ron barassi, football

A programme for the State Memorial Service held on 10 November 2023 for Ron Barassi at the MCG. It lists the order of service and some facts on Ron's life. Australian football legend, former ‘Legacy Boy’ and Ambassador, Ronald Dale Barassi, AM passed away at the age of 87 on 6 September.  Ron was forever grateful for Legacy’s support to him and his mother Elza. Throughout his life, as a Legacy Ambassador, Ron generously used his well-respected status and networks to promote the important work of Legacy.   Ron came into Legacy’s care as a child when his father Ronald James Barassi was killed in action at Tobruk in 1941. Ron’s father was the first VFL footballer killed in World War II. Only 5 years old at the time, Ron later rose to be a star footballer for the Melbourne Football club like his father. Legacy assisted with his education and health expenses and supported him in attending youth camps and other recreational activities.   A State Memorial Service for Ron was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 10. Staff from Legacy assisted at the service by handing out programmes and encouraging attendees to sign condolence books which have since been presented to the Barassi family.  Legacy was honoured by the Barassi family’s request, in lieu of flowers, that members of the public make a donation to Legacy to assist families of veterans in need, a cause very dear to Ron’s heart. A record of the life of a man helped by Legacy.Coloured A5 booklet x 8 pages with printing created for the State Memorial Service on 10 November 2023.ron barassi, football

Golliwog dolls were enormously popular in the first half of the 20th Century, but became socially incorrect during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960's. A lot of people owned them in their childhood and remember them with affection. The stories of "Little Black Sambo" and "Epaminondas" similarly were books loved by children but have since disappeared from the shelves for the same reason.Two knitted Golliwogs. 1. - Green pants, yellow belt, red top, green cravat and blue eyes, black face hands and feet. 2. - Red, blue and yellow striped pants, red jacket, blue cravat, blue eyes and red shoes, black face, hands and feet.golliwogs, soft toys, leisure objects

A blue cloth covered book with the title Robin of Pliny House: A School Story and the author H.E. Waterhouse printed in black lettering at the front top. There are black and white illustrations throughout.fictionA children's fiction book about a boy named Robin whose special needs force him into some tough decisions. It has black and white colour plates throughout.children's books, fiction

Belonged to Mr. J.L.B. Wandin, Teaching No. 14638. First appointment at Brunswick West. He was appointed pupil teacher at Wandin Yallock Primary School on July 1 1903. (see Historical Documents of WYPS - Centenary 1985).1 soft cover book (112 pages) with introduction notes by Walter Dent.books

Printed in French, in Amsterdam 1729. First Family entry 1731. Mr. B. Janes is great-grandson of Mrs. Henry Sebire (nee Rihoy). The Bible was restored by members of the Sebire family. It is understood to be 'rag' paper.Brown leather bound Family Bible."The Rihoy Family Bible 1732. This Bible has been restored by the 3rd and 4th Generation Descendants of Martha "Rihoy" Sebire 1835-1909. April 10, 1983 Law Bindery-Melbourne.religious books, bibles

H.C.E. Stewart , who first visited the plateau in 1919, produced the booklet, Flower and Feather, the Chalet has two copies. Published in the 1950's by the Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board, it is still an accepted guide on the the mountain bird's annd plants." (pg 132. Historica) The writer first visited Mt Buffalo in 1919 - & then after the war he decided to show all the unique flowers of Mt Buffalo through this book.Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items . Appendix A.3. Natural History. (Pg 169. Historica).2 x Yellow & white books with an eastern Rosella and a red & white flower on it. 21 pages of text & photos. Front page has a picture of an Eastern Rosella and flower, the Melbourne Bay. (.2 has holes punched in it.Yes

Two black miniature leatherette softcover books in a leatherette carry case with a twisted cord and tiny ball decorated handle.: Hymns Ancient and Modern for use in The Services of the Church and The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments. On the front cover of all three items are nine oak leaves stamped on the diagonal and set inside two striped diagonal bands. On the spine is stamped in gold Hymns A & M. At the back there is an Index of First Lines. The pages have gilt edges. 469p. On the opposite page to the title page is written in small handwriting in black ink - 'To Flo, from R A. 21/7/96' The Book of Common Prayer has written in black small ink writing the inscription - 'With love from R. A . 21/7/96' On the spine stamped in gold is Common Prayer. There is no pagination, but it is a much thinner book with gilt edged pages.non-fictionTwo miniature books - A Hymn book and a Common Prayers book in a black embossed carry case with a cord handle.religious books, hymns, prayers

A thick black Methodist Hymn - Book with self texture and embossed lines around the edges of the front and back covers. It has a black and pink handmade embroidered bookmark with a black beaded tassel included. The title is printed in gold lettering on the spine with four bands of indented stripes. On the endpapers at the front is The Lord's Prayer printed inside a red ornate frame and opposite is the hymn, Gloria with music similarly framed. The back endpapers have the hymn music for Dorology and the prayer, Benedictions - both are framed in red lines. The edges of the pages are gilt. At the back of the book there is an Index of first lines, an Index to the first line of every verse, except the first, in each hymn and an Index of authors. On the title page as well as the title - The Methodist Hymn - Book, there is included, For use in Australasia and New Zealand. 992p.non-fictionA Methodist Hymn - Book with It has the words for 1035 hymns and includes at the back an Index of first lines, an Index to the first line of every verse, except the first, in each hymn and an Index of authors.religious books, hymns

A small faded green hardback novel, The Sketches of Boz by Charles Dickens. The front cover has no title but the spine has faded gold lettering of the title, author and publisher as well as decorative symbol. 558p.At the front is a page with an inscription in black ink handwriting and a date.fiction Charles Dickens' first published book, Sketches by Boz is a funny and touching observation, fancy and fiction showing the London he knew in all its complexity - its streets, theatres, inns, pawnshops law courts, prisons and of course the river Thames.books, fiction books, historical fiction

A light tan small rectangular paperback handbook: Sho' card Lay-outs. The front cover has decorative writing of the title and author with a highly patterned lined and black background. 246 designs - 24 plates, 5 pages of Expert Instructions is written at the bottom in black lettering with the price 1/- in a black circle at the bottom. One Shilling is underlined. National Handbooks No. 3. On the back cover are five Beauty in Adornments designs with a monogram of the title in the middle. Pp.32non-fictionThe booklet is the fruit of 40 years first-class practical experience by one of Australia's leading Show Card Writers, W.L. Mitchell to assist retailers to effectively improve displays for the promotion of their products. There were costly books available for showcard writing, but there were very few publications which devoted much attention to the art of the lay-out of the showcard. advertising material, advertising booklets, advertisements, designs