Portrait photograph of singer Julie Anthony, most likely supplied for inclusion into a Carols by Candlelight program.B/W portrait of Julie Anthonycarols by candlelight, julie anthony

Children hold candles as they sing along at the 1968 Carols by Candlelight concert.B/W photograph of children singing at Carols by CandlelightB7487carols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Portrait photograph of performer Daryl Somers, supplied for inclusion in the 1981 Carols by Candlelight program.B/W photograph of Daryl Somerscarols by candlelight, daryl somers

A male and female hold candles in the Carols by Candlelight audienceB/W photograph of two people at Carols by CandlelightBA7485carols by candlelight, fundraising

Brian Naylor stands behind a podium on stage as he hosts the 1985 Carols by Candlelight performance.Col. photograph of Brian Naylor.carols by candlelight, brian naylor

Performers at the 1981 Carols by Candlelight concert, including Daryl Somers, Brian Naylor, Humphrey B. Bear, Denis Walter, Joan McInnes, Dianne and Bram Manusama and Santa.12 x col. photographs of Carols by Candlelight performerscarols by candlelight, daryl somers, brian naylor, humphrey b bear, denis walter, joan mcinnes, bram manusama, dianne manusama

Sister Elizabeth Lindsey worked at the RVIB Nursery from it's inception in 1933. During this time, she took photographs of the children, whom she had care of, documenting their life at RVIB as well as the wartime displacement to Olinda when the army took over the St Kilda Road building. Adopting one of her orphan charges, Sister Lindsay left RVIB in 1945. 58 digital files of photographs.rvib nursery, monty james, angelo harris, jimmy schultz, ian cooper, bertie glenister, alan crotty, harry parsons, shirley devine, helen boyd, alan woods, joan morice, david ditchfield, elaine dean (later leahy), cynthia walker, matron jessie morrison, barbara spencer, mae rita, margaret russell, jessie rita, pearl tropman, margaret seary, heather stewart, mrs jenkins, gwen baird, hilda gammon, bobby bolter, judith king, joan ryan, olinda

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

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

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 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 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

Carols by Candlelight is a Melbourne institution, and these pins were sold to concert goers as a way of raising funds. The pin consists of a silver candle and candlestick with a red flame, surrounded by green holly leaves and red berries. Beneath the candlestick are the words 'Carols by Candlelight' in silver against a blue background.1 metal pin with painted colourscarols by candlelight, badges

To honour the commitment by its volunteers, the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales provided badges to commemorate 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. The badge consist of the relevant number in a centre circle, with the words 'Royal Blind Society' around the outside of the circle.Metal pins in various tones with numbersRoyal Blind Society Volunteerroyal blind society of new south wales, badges

To honour the commitment of its Auxiliary, badges were awarded to commemorate 10, 20 and 25 years of service. These consisted of a circle or oval with a gold lighthouse on a blue/green 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, with the relevant number of years at the base of the badge or lighthouse.Metal pin with gold lighthouse and number of years servedroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Lapel pins were struck to recognise Association for the Blind volunteers. These consisted of the Association for the Blind symbol of a square (filled with horizontal lines crossed by two diagonal lines), in gold and a circle in the middle against a contrasting background. Around the outside in gold lettering is written 'Association for the Blind' and 'Volunteer' on a a dark background. Red background - 3 years of service Green background - 5 years of service Gold background - 10 years of serviceMetal pins of various coloured backgroundsassociation for the blind, badges

To recognise volunteers, lapel pins were struck by the Association for the Blind. These consisted of the Association for the Blind symbol of a Guiding Light (a round circle with two uneven triangles either side and a single line passing either side of the circle), in gold against various backgrounds. Around the outside in gold lettering is written 'Association for the Blind' and 'Honorary Service' on a a royal blue background. Red background - 3 years of service Green background - 5 years of service Gold background - 10 years of serviceMetal pin with Guiding Light image and writingAssociation for the Blind Honorary Serviceassociation for the blind, badges

To signify the various positions within the organisation to the sighted community, an assortment of badges were created identifying individuals and the roles they played. These consist of a rectangle with the position written in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written vertically in gold against a blue background to the side of the badge. People volunteering their time were called 'Voluntary Helper'Metal pin with gold writing on blue backgroundRVIB Voluntary Helperroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

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 white light, against a silver background. The words 'Association for the Blind' sit around the symbol, in silver lettering, on a black background. Silver and black guiding light logo with silver name plate underneath, some with paperMr. John Wicking (typewritten) Mrs. Janet Wicking (typewritten)association for the blind, badges

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

To honour the commitment of its staff, badges were awarded to commemorate years of service or honorary positions. These consisted of a circle with a gold lighthouse on a contrasting background. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold' against various backgrounds, with '50 years' or 'Life Governor' at the base of the badge.Metal pin with gold lighthouse with shining lightRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind 50 years Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Life Governorroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

A tie clasp and badge remembering Tilly Aston, the founder of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, was created. It has a cameo of Tilly Aston in gold, against a roughened gold background. A circle surrounds the head and above this "Tilly Aston" and below it, "Association for the Blind" in gold lettering. Metal tie clasp and metal pinTilly Aston Association for the Blindtilly aston, association for the blind, badges

To identify staff members, badges were provided. These consisted of a circle with a gold lighthouse on a mid-blue background. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in mid-blue against a gold background.Metal pin with enamel image of lighthouseRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To honour the commitment of its staff, badges were awarded to commemorate years service. These consisted of the Vision Australia Foundation symbol of an eye (flat surface for the iris and areas immediately below and above the eye, and roughened surface for the background of the iris), in gold. A number reflecting the years of service was attached by a loop below the badge in gold. Service was commemorated at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th year. Life Governor, Area Leader and Friend could also be attached to the badge. Metal pin of an eye with attachments1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, Life Governor, Area Leader, Friendvision australia foundation, badges

Designed to signify bequest donors, the Iris Club badge consists of a light and dark blue Iris flower with dark centre and green stalk.1 metal pin depicting an iris attached to white cardboard'Iris Club' 'Vision Australia Foundation'vision australia foundation, badges

To identify members of its Auxiliary, badges were provided. These consisted of a oval with a gold lighthouse on a pale blue background and the words 'For the Blind' in gold across the middle, either side of the lighthouse. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold against a royal navy blue background, with 'Auxiliary' at the base of the badge. 1 metal pin depicting a golden lighthouse'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' 'Auxiliary'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Participants of the 1966 RVIB Centenary Conference were provided with a name badge. It consisted of a golden coloured metal, with the blue lighthouse logo of the Royal Victorian Institute of the Blind, and the dates '1866' and '1966' either side of the centrally placed symbol. Below this, also in blue, is 'Centenary Conference'. A paper card can be inserted into the badge for the wearer's name. 1 gold coloured metal name card holder with name card'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' ' Centenary Conference' '1866-1966' 'Mrs Wertheim'royal victorian institute for the blind, badges

Bequest Honour Board. Many projects which provide invaluable assistance to children and adults who are blind or vision impaired have been funded by the generosity of the following people. Mr Leslie John Beard. Mr Oriel John Grattan. Vica & Mitia Yavitch1 wooden tablet with 4 engraved gold coloured nameplatesBequest Honour Board. Many projects which provide invaluable assistance to children and adults who are blind or vision impaired have been funded by the generosity of the following people. Mr Leslie John Beard. Mr Oriel John Grattan. Vica & Mitia Yavitch.royal victorian institute for the blind, leslie beard, oriel grattan, vica & mitia yavitch

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