From it's beginning in 1867, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

This staff newsletter aimed to keep staff members up to date with what was happening around RVIB, with its often informal manner and chatty style. A Rebel Chronic was produced at times, which consisted of two A3 folded pages. 1 v. of illustrations and textAlso titled: The RVIB Chronic, The newsletter of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, The Rebel Chronicroyal victorian institute for the blind, newsletters

Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas concert held at the Sidney Myer Music bowl. Programs and candle holders were sold, and collections made during the event to raise money for the Austin Hospital and the Red Cross. 3KZ also recorded the concert, which was played on radio on Christmas Day with a phone number to ring to donate. Prior to the Carols program at 10pm, the Red Cross organised an International Peace Pageant of various cultural groups as a prelude to the event.1 volume with photographs and illustrationscarols by candlelight, austin hospital, red cross, margot sheridan, melbourne aboriginal choir, max balderson, ann boulton, robert simmons, robert payne, mary miller, joan arnold, rex barber, university string orchestra, lawrence warner, coburg girls choir

In 1969, 3KZ advised that would hand over organising the event to RVIB, and negotiations began with Channel 0 and Radio Australia. In 1970, Carols by Candlelight® was televised for the first time on Channel 0. Channel 9 took over in 1979 and has continued ever since. In 1979, Brian Naylor took over from Philip Gibbs who had hosted since 1952. 37-47 pages, illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight

Program showing songs and performers of the 1981 Carols by Candlelight, televised by Channel 9. 1 volume with colour illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, carols by candlelight, julie anthony, stella axarlis, simon gallaher, bram manusama, dianne manusama, joan mcinnes, brian naylor, daryl somers, denis walter, jim watsford, colin woods, graeme lyall, david johnston, janet perkins, tony borg, blair edgar

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: Miss Alice McClelland was invited to read the Honour Roll in recognition on her 51 years and 7 months of service with the library, appointment of Joan Simmonds as Chief Librarian, retirement of Ivan Molloy, Mrs Hearn, Peter Sumner and Heather Bedson, the first Braille Book of the Year presented to Keith Dunstan as decided by the literary panel of Barrett Reid, Stephen Murray Smith and Lloyd O'Neill, the revival of the Annual Fair, and the work of the Sixty-Niners, Benalla, Reservoir and Altona auxiliaries.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

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: a picture of the 'The Greatest Thing in the World' - the oldest Braille book in the library, acknowledgement of the work of May Harrison, Joyce Cunnington, Joan Armytage, involvement in the Library Promotion Committee of Victoria to increase visibility, and receipt of Hear A Book's from Tasmania.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

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 launch of 'In charge of the mess' cookbook with the Gas & Fuel Corporation of Victoria, fundraising cocktail party at 'Onions' restaurant (opposite the Library), Life Governor's Certificate to Edward Webb, production of Braille VFL and Cricket fixtures, subsidy of 33.33% on production of Braille and audio books, doubling of qualified librarians, continued increase in loans, retirement of staff members Elsa Wiltshire and Charlotte Riley, and committee members Norma Brumley and Dr John Foster, and appointment of Barbara Johnson and John Cockayne.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 structural re-organisation, increased borrowing has required increase in staffing, the entire share portfolio has been sold however 4 staff were retrenched and remaining staff undertook an 8% pay cut for 8% less hours (with many continuing to work the same hours), decision to phase out Clarke & Smith machines in favour of cassettes, due to lower staffing a waiting list for borrowers need to be established with up to an 8 week delay to join, braille interleaved books developed to allow sighted parents of blind children (or vice versa) to enjoy a book together, establishment of LBA allows for segregation of alternative production and sales of book to other organisations, Braille Book of the Year panel of Barrett Reid, Joyce Nicholson and Lloyd O'Neil, opening of Benalla Studio on 7 December 1982, and as library declared a free public library in May 1980, library receives state government funding at 3% of the state budget.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: 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

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: naming the computer which will store the book catalogue for the library 'Tilly', RVIB declared a public library and Minister for the Arts has determined for services to rationalise with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman meeting their counterparts with meetings ongoing, first time borrowers asked to nominate their choice of winning title for Braille Book of the Year, with the literary panel of Stephen Murray-Smith, Joyce Nicholson and Barrett Reid making a short list from which borrowers voted, first time presentation held in the afternoon (with increased attendence) and inaugural Narrator's Award (The Bathurst in honour of former President Hector Bathurst) to Eirene Pappas, Hector Bathurst to receive OAM, Jan Smark Nilsson appointed to National Advisory Committee on Library Services to People with Disabilities and Australia Post approval to change cassette mailing pouches.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: CEP (Community Employment Programs) allowed for duplication of master tapes for storage off-site and development of computer catalogue records, budget estimate requires raising $600,000 in funds which has resulted in 1987 facing serious financial challenges, negotiations with RVIB broken down as print-handicapped philosophy not shared, Braille Book of the Year judges (Joyce Nicholson, Barrett Reid and Stephen Murray-Smith) shortlisted titles for readers to vote upon (John Bryson, Evil Angels) and best narrator (The Bathurst) went to Sean Myers, organisational restructure, resignation of Barbara Johnston and David Blyth, appointment of Jill Keeffe, new borrowers now waiting 11 months to receive first book due to limited staffing levels, bright orange cassette containers introduced (replacing pouches), Otari duplicating system first year in use, 'In Future' and 'Australian Geographic' began, 45 audio magazines including 1 Greek and 3 Italian now circulating, Braille Reading Marathon held, large print collection expanded due to Fitzroy Public Library discarding stock, Versapoint embosser purchased and link with Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia through Braille book catalogue.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: consultants used to streamline structure to reduce costs, take advantage of computer catalogue and resignation of Iris Whittaker and Seija Makinen, legacy from Valmai Jean Grey Bequest, Anne Barca, David Scott and Peter Walsh joined the Board, Braille Book of the Year panel (Joyce Nicholson, Stephen Murray-Smith, Barrett Reid) continue to short list titles for readers to vote on and Australia Council funds production of these titles, increased wait times to 18 months for new borrowers, introduction of computerised Profile matching for readers, full audio rights secured for six titles by LBP Ltd (Louis Braille Productions) and tone indexing introduced on to magazines at beginning of 1988.1 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 legacy of Mary Daly (consisting of 2 houses), launch on March 5 of LBP LTD by Minister of the Arts Ian Cathie, the death of Stephen Murray-Smith, the revaluation of land and buildings from 1918 value of 18000 pounds to $1,250,000, purchase of small property at 46 Commercial Road (opposite Library) to alleviate over-crowding, Mike Janes joins Board, Referendum materials produced for the AEC, purchase of Versabraille, acquisition of a fax machine, implementation of computer in technical services halted, new shelving purchased for the library, and Clarke & Smith books actively being phased out.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 continuing financial underfunding by government, Paul Carter joined Literary Panel of Joyce Nicholson and Barrett Reid for Braille Book of the Year shortlist, property purchased opposite library was sold as expected monies did not come through, David Scott appointed and later resigned as Treasurer, Mike Janes has taken appointment, Fred Gaze resigned, Peter Corrigan and Ron McCallum have joined the Board, appointment of Robert de Graauw to audio production, continued fundraising by Benalla Auxiliary, removal of wait list time for borrowers, and only 16 people receiving Clarke & Smith books since movement towards cassette.1 volume of text and illustrationsannual report, braille and talking book library

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: inability to merge with RVIB and ratified agreement to merge with Association for the Blind, 21st year of fundraising of the Benalla Auxiliary, low morale and productivity prior to merger, ongoing issue with staff turnover, continued delays with computer system and decision to purchase Urica system, toll free number for borrowers as well as advisory groups introduced to insure Library remains consumer focused, Rose Blustein appointed Chief Librarian, automated circulation system introduced which has decreased backlog in processing mailbags, and the Braille and Talking Book Library ceased trading 4 October 1990 due to the merge.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

President's report including shortages of staff and suitable dogs, the work of the Stawell (founded in 1966) and Beeac (founded in 1970) Auxiliaries, working with Kua Cheng Hock and his dog Stacy in both Australia and Singapore, donation by Rodney Haig of his prize money for Tattersalls award, the purchase of a caravan and workshop to provide services in Queensland, and the success of the hostel and day centre programs. Articles on 'How a Seeing Eye Dog is Trained' by Kim Gration, profile of Phyllis Gration and the establishment of Lady Nell, as well as Patti Gration losing her mobility due to an accident, as well as images of various people with Seeing Eye dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, harry vanderjagt, phyllis gration, patti gration

President's overview of how the school started and it's relationship with Guide Dogs over the years, with references to AFB and Malvern residents, resulting in the publication of untruths about the school and how this has negatively impacted upon it's primary objective of training and supporting Seeing Eye dogs. The proposed freeway through the five acre property purchased for expansion and other challenges faced throughout the year are also mentioned.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of defamatory media and government investigation of the school, reopening of the hostel at 2 Derril Avenue, Malvern, difficulty in obtaining pups, difficulties in not being able to expand at Thanet Street site and inability to use the Dingley site as intended due to the proposed freeway, inability to fundraise due to bad publicity, court action against Herald-Sun journalists, discussion over cases where dogs were removed and profiles of some people and their dogs. 1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

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

President's overview of the year including: the beginnings of the school at Wonga Park, Arthur McKay being the first person to receive a dog, the scarcity of funds after training the first dog and the joy of receiving the first substantial donation from the Sunshine Foundation Trust, opposition from some quarters, Kim Gration and Dennis Gration involvement with the school, the work of Pat Mallaney in Tasmania, support and assistance from vet Dr Rowan Blogg, opening the activity centre in 1962, seeing eye dog trainer Judy Oakenfell, the sale of Wonga Park and transfer to Malvern, threats to dismiss Harold Gration working due to involvement with the school, overview of growth of Queensland branch, working with Jeff Mowat who developed the Mowatt sensor, training of people around Australia and from New Zealand, return of 'Stacey' from Singapore due to not being accepted on public transport, restaurants, etc, diverse age range of people trained, less people volunteering, loss of 3 auxiliaries due to lack of members, and opening of shop and welfare centre in Cairns.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: completion of reception room which joins 16 and 18 Thanet Street, thoughts on the success of the school, attendance at International Dog Guide Conference in London, over 27 years the school has trained over 800 dogs, deaths of Jack Franks and Thelma McKenniariey, assisted actor Robert Menzies portray a blind character in the movie 'Cactus', difficulties in running the hostel and day centre with few qualified people to fill vacancies for the former and lack of volunteer drivers for the latter, decision to close Cairns shop, resignation of Kevin O'Mahoney and difficulties in replacing him, long cane training in Queensland, demand for guest speakers, thank you to work experience students, welcome to Ray Owens, presentation of Anzac Award by Lt Governor at Government House, beginning of in-house breeding program - rather that rely on donations of suitable puppies - with Roz McNaught, Alf Krummel and Dawn Robinson providing and housing these dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: despite obstacles 10 people graduated with seeing eye dogs this year including some who had suffered health issues and required re-training or delayed training, this was a good achievement given the departure of 2 senior trainers and the lack of suitable puppies, the onslaught of unjustified media attacks has wrecked public relations work, the distinction that the Guide Dog Owners and Friends Association conducts the Seeing Eye Dog School (and not the other way around) as well as other activities which take time and money, hostel continues to provide accommodation, case against The Herald newspaper for defamation for it's very damaging article in 'The Herald and Weekly Times newspaper', litigation with Government due to biased investigation, disbanding of two auxiliaries due to age of members and adverse publicity about the school, thanks to Barbara Peach and her husband for their support during difficult times, Faye Rea for her devotion to the work in Queensland, and various other individuals. Annual Report for Guide Dog Owners and Friends Association is also included with list of committee members, net surplus, auditor's report, biographical notes of Executive Director and Facts about Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School and Rehabilitation Centre.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: discussion about the government investigation and those who gave negative testimony, withdrawal of Government's case and clearance of accusations, full disclosure of Terms of Settlement, inaccurate comparisons made with Kew facility, reflection on how investigations were conducted, resignation of Greg Cooper due to harassment by investigators, opening of a handicraft and rehabilitation centre in Annerley, article on Alf Kemmel and his involvement with the breeding program, mini profiles of some people with their dogs, 12 people graduated this year, request for more homes for breeding dogs, enlargement of day centre, and purchase of goodwill of St Leeor Nursing Home (freehold bought in 1985) to extend nursing home facilities to blind and visually impaired. Annual Report for Guide Dog Owners and Friends Association is also included with list of committee members, net surplus, auditor's report, biographical notes of Executive Director and Facts about Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School and Rehabilitation Centre.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the success of the Reach Out Appeal to partially fund the establishment of a Low Vision Clinic, the continuing care of 33 residents, the increase of day centre clients and activities, replacement of bedroom furniture and the deficit experienced this year restricting improvements.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, kelaston home (ballarat)

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the need to increase the size of Kelaston through new and redeveloped buildings, Maureen Davey winning the Tattersall Achievement and Enterprise Award, retirement of Harry Hitchcock, opening of a new day centre in Avoca, floral art introduced to the Kelaston Day Centre by Trish Zukauskas, six residents attended a holiday in Queenscliff, four residents celebrating their 100th (or more) birthday and profiles of a Kelaston resident (Joan Elliott), staff member (Shirley Richards), volunteer (Alan Wright) and three Day centre attendees (Clare Searle, Vi Munro and Jeanne Prior).1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the transition in funding model, launch of the Centenary Appeal to raise $1M to rebuild Kelaston, a staff team won the Ekiden Relay around Lake Wendouree, new service opened in Warracknabeal, long time committee member David Baird received an OAM, four residents enjoyed a holiday to Tye Estate at Romsey, two residents sailed on the tall ship 'Alma Doepel, two bantam hens and one rooster to the existing Cam and Sam cats as pet therapy, National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss chose Kelaston to be the location for it's training video, development of a attendant button when in the lounge of an evening when there is less staff, companion visiting program has begun, a Kelaston team won the Victorian A Grade Blind Bias Bowls in regional and state finals, and 'Keloca' Day centre in Avoca officially opened by Hon Rob Knowles, Minister for Aged care and Housing.1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the closure of the laneway behind Kelaston in preparation for the expected rebuilding, appointment of Dawn Veale, Rod McDonald, Deborah Hoover, Jane Brownfield and Anne Johnson, challenge issued to other centres to find the longest serving volunteer with no one beating Avenel McClure's record of 59 years with the Ballarat Auxiliary starting as a driver, Terry Fraser seconded to Mirridong, farewell to Teresa Skyrpko who use to carry bags of coal to fuel the stoves when she began 34 years ago, 4 residents attended a holiday at Halls Gap, Port Phillip Bay cruise for 2 residents, three people celebrated turning 100 (or more), establishment of an awareness program of vision impairment for Ballarat primary school students and the Low Vision Clinic in Horsham began operations.1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: the opening of the new Craft, Recreation and Activities Centre at Mirridong and Kelaston Community Day Hospital, 60 bed nursing home at Mt Eliza almost nearing completion, waiting for approval for 30 bed nursing ward at Shepparton, block of land secured at Warragul for future day centre, loss of Stan Middleton and retirement of Alex Cook.1 printed volume with illustrationsannual reports, association for the blind