Plaque commemorating the opening of the Dickinson Centre, named in honour of Harold and Mercy Dickinson, both totally blind since childhood, who never let challenges stand in their way. Mercy was the first woman who was blind to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Queensland, and received her Masters Degree in the Education of Blind People with Additional Handicaps in New York, and an Honorary Doctorate for Education from the University of Queensland in 1994. Mercy and Harold established the Queensland Training and Placement Centre for the Blind, the first establishment of its kind in Queensland. Harold, who was a prolific writer, was appointed the Director and Mercy was the first volunteer at the Centre. Together they gave a lifetime of dedication and commitment ensuring that people who were blind or had low vision had the same opportunities as those with sight. The Centre later merged with other organisations and in 2006 became part of Vision Australia. The second plaque provides a background to how Harold and Mercy met, and their roles in expanding the the opportunities for everyone around them.Rectangular metal plate with inscriptionThe Dickinson Centre This refurbished centre was Officially opened on 9 November 1990 by The Hon. Ben Humphreys M.H.R. Federal Member for Griffith and Minister for Veterans Affairs and Blessed by Br. Alan Barnabas S.S.F. So named by the QLD Foundation for Blind People Inc (Est. 1956) to Honour The Contribution Made by Harold and Mercy Dickinson 1990 Committee of Management Don Cameron President Mercy Dickinson Vice President Rex Stevens Secretary Moira Solomon Treasurer Del Donaldson Bruce Miller Bob Faulconbridge Justice Bill Pincus Jenny Finch Ken Scells Garry Macdonald Kevin Standish Ian Stewart David Henderson Patron: His Excellency The Governor of QLD Sir Walter Campbell A.C. Q.C.queensland foundation for blind people, nameplates, harold dickinson, mercy dickinson

Plaque from Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. No other information is currently known.Metal plate in brown with gold writingAmy Dawn Memorial Hallroyal blind society of new south wales, nameplates

To honour the contributions of donors, plaques were often installed in buildings. Initially these were made of metal, but later other materials such as glass and plastic were used. Unfortunately buildings do not stay in their original condition, nor are they necessarily meet the needs of changing organisations, and these plaques were removed during to the organisation moving into new premises. It is unknown to which organisation these donors contributed to, however given the wording, it could be the RVIB.Digital image of two plaquesIn Memory of Margaret Victoria Christian A Generous Benefactor To the Institute To the Memory of the late Winifred Tylerroyal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

To celebrate the work undertaken by various members on the Centenary Appeal, the Association for the Blind presented wooden shields as mark of recognition and respect.Wooden shield with engraved gold and blue coloured plateAssociation for the Blind Centenary. Tom Dery. In appreciation of your support as Vice President of the successful $7.5M Centenary appeal 1994-1997.association for the blind, nameplates

As a way of recognising contributions by agencies and individuals outside of the organisation, commemorate plaques were struck and presented as part of an awards ceremony.1 wooden shield with engraved gold coloured plate, with blue Vision logoVision Australia Foundation. QuanTum Information Technology / Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust In recognition of your outstanding contribution towards vital services for people who are blind or have severe sight loss. August 1999.vision australia foundation, nameplates

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. These plaques were on the walls of Kelaston then later the Vision Australia office in Ballarat until it closed in 2021. Anna Jane Bolte was a resident of Kelaston whose son, Sir Henry Bolte became the longest serving Victorian Premier. William Buckland Trust supported safe housing for vulnerable Australians, such as the residents of Kelaston. Other generous local donors who were also acknowledged are Thomas & Cora Turnbull and the work of Mrs C.M. (Edith) Nunn, who joined the Ballarat Auxiliary in 1949 as they sought development of a home for the blind.Digital images of cast bronze plaquesThe Anna Jane Bolte Room Named in memory of the late Anna Jane Bolte, a resident of Kelaston, in recognition of the service given by her son, the Honourable Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G., as Chairman of the Guiding Light Appeal 1974. 20 April, 1979 In recognition & appreciation of the financial assistance received from the William Buckland Estate, 1979. This plaque acknowledges outstanding service to the blind people of the Ballarat district from 1948 until her death in 1975 by the late Mrs C.M. (Edna) Nunn, 1979. This room commemorates the generous support to Kelaston by Thomas & Cora Turnbull.nameplates, kelaston

This shield was presented by 3KZ to the hotel which raised the most funds on Christmas Day in 1955. This money was distributed between the Ausin Hospital and RVIB. The shield has some detailing at the top, and the gold coloured centred plate is surrounded by a chain of laurel which is overlapped in four corners by the inner part of the shield. On the plate is written: 3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies. Beneath the plate is inscribed: Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955.Tin shield with a centre piece coloured gold3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955carols by candlelight, nameplates

To assist in offsetting the costs for building works, some donors made a provision in their will. In this instance Betty Ross-Wyatt contributed to the recording studios in Kooyong, where books and magazines are recorded for dispatch across Victoria. 1 wooden tablet with engraved gold plate These recording studios were constructed with assistance of a major contribution from the estate of the late Betty Ross-Watt M.B.E. Member of Gisborne Auxilliary 1932 to 1989.association for the blind, nameplates

The plaque believed to have been attached to the Guiding Light structure, which was installed at AFB's Brighton office due to the efforts of President Bruce Small. Although removed some years ago, the structure was a symbol used by the Association for the Blind as a visual way to represent it's work within the community. 1 metal plate with engraving "This Guiding Light symbol of the Association for the Blind was donated by Bruce Small, Esq. Member of Committee 1944-1954. President 1954-1964. Honorary Counsellor 1964-"association for the blind, fundraising, nameplates

Room sign for 'Presenters' in white lettering, with a burgundy coloured background. Most likely used at Enfield studios. A braille label 'Reserved for Presenters' is attached to the right-hand side of the sign.Burgundy coloured sign with Braille attachedPresentersroyal blind society of nsw, nameplates

Narrow rectangular sign for 'W.H. Paterson Hall' on a white plastic base with raised black lettering. Holes have been drilled into each corner for screw attachments. Possibly attached to the building in 1966.White sign with black letteringW.H. Paterson Hallassociation for the blind, nameplates

Narrow rectangular sign for the 'Hamish Mackenzie Room' on a white plastic base with raised black lettering. Holes have been drilled into each corner for screw attachments. Possibly attached to the building in 1966.White sign with black letteringHamish Mackenzie Roomassociation for the blind, nameplates

Copper coloured sign for the Association for the Blind. Most likely used in the later 1990s and removed from the wall during the name change to Vision Australia Foundation.Digital image of metal plaqueAssociation for the Blindassociation for the blind, nameplates

Association for the Blind symbol of a square (filled with horizontal lines crossed by two diagonal lines), in black and blue and a circle in the middle with lines inside it on a white background sits to the left of the block. An outline image of the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong in bronze is to the right of the plaque. It also has the AFB symbol and the words Association for the Blind above and below the symbol. It is unknown where this plaque was located.1 digital image of two plaques on a boardAssociation for the Blindassociation for the blind, nameplates

Constructed in 1996, the new wing at Elanora Nursing Home was named after John Wicking, President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and a strong supporter of the Association and it's work.1 round metal plate with raised inscriptionThis plaque commemorates the turning of the first sod in the construction of the John Wicking Wing, 21st October 1996. This building recognises the outstanding contribution by J O Wicking AM President of the Association for the Blind 1972-1984 and long time friend of blind and vision impaired people throughout Victoria.association for the blind, john wicking, elanora home (brighton), nameplates

Vision Australia Foundation This plaque commemorates the official opening of Vision Australia Foundation Bendigo Community Services Centre by the Hon John Brumby MP, Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation, 25 October 2002.Digital image of bronze coloured plaquevision australia foundation, nameplates

1 wooden boomerang shaped shield with engraved silver plates and bronze coloured man holding an image of a female lawn bowls player The central large silver plate is edged with wreaths and inscribed "Presented by E. & N. Maxwell 1976" and a long silver plate banner with "V.B.L.B.C. Most Improved Player" surrounded by multiple small silver shields with the names of individuals and the year that they won the award. A bronze coloured figure stands in front of the banner, holding a black, silver and green coloured picture of a female lawn bowls player taking a shot whilst two others look on. The smaller shields are engraved with the following: 76-77 Edna Wratten, 77-78 Michael McGuire, 78-79 Colin Johnson, 79-80 Mrs H. Conroy, 80-81 Mr L. Tester, 81-82 R. Teague, 82-83 H. Eustace, 83-84 Kate Smith, 84-85 George Hardham, 85-86 Laurie Hoskins, 86-87 Bill Martin, 87-88 Frank Bartoli, 88-89 Clarrie Greening, 89-90 Ron Jones, 90-91 Jean Moore, 1991-92 Marjorie Goodall. Digital Image of wooden trophySee descriptionroyal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

Wooden plaque in the shape of Victoria with the Victorian Police symbol (5 point star, surrounded by green leaves, topped with a red crown, round circle in the middle of the star containing the words 'Victorian Police' around a blue cross on a red background with 5 stars on the cross, and 'Uphold the Right' under the circle), to the left. The inscription to RVIB is on the right.Wooden plaque in shape of Victoria with police emblem on left sideTo the Staff of RVIB With Thanks Crime Department 1989royal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

To recognise the dedication of volunteers, acknowledgement were made via plaques or other memorabilia. This brown board has a small RVIB logo at the top in enamel and in the bottom third is the plaque to Edith Perrett and her years of service.Digital image of wooden shield with enamel badge at top and metal plaque near the base.RVIB Kongwak Auxiliary Edith Perrett 45 Years Dedicated Service 14th March 2002royal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. In this example a sun lounge, at an unknown location, was funded through the Bennett family.Digital image of cast bronze plaqueThis sun lounge was provided through the generosity of Roy, Linda & Lorraine Bennett, November 1983.nameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

In recognition of the support from the Lions and Lioness Clubs, the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland named a meeting room in their honour at the Kent Street offices.Digital image of plaque with Lions logo in cornerThe Lions Room So named on 20th March 1991 In recognition of the years of support by numerous Lions and Lioness Clubs in the State of Queensland and in appreciation of their collective effort in financing the refurbishment of our office facilities.royal blind foundation of queensland, nameplates

A metal street sign with a black background and white writing and a white pointing tip at the end, indicating which direction the Association for the Blind was located.Black and white road signAssociation for the Blind Centreassociation for the blind, nameplates

In recognition of the support from various Qld senate parties, the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland named a meeting room in their honour at the Kent Street offices.Digital image of gold coloured plaque with brown writing"The Senatorial Suite" In a display of genuine unity, Queensland's 12 senators of four political persuasions contributed equally toward part of the cost of the 1990 restoration of our premises. This is, in all likelihood, the first occasion in our nations history of such a unified act of giving of this kind. This room was officially named "The Senatorial Suite" on 20 March 1991 by Qld's longest serving current senator, Senator Mal Coulson.royal blind foundation of queensland, nameplates

In recognition of the support from Ethel Sheil, the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland named an area in her honour at the Kent Street offices.Digital image of brown plaqueEthel Sheil Unit In gratitude for her generous financial assistanceroyal blind foundation of queensland, nameplates

A silver plated cup with five leaf clover and small flower in in the middle, as well as handles with engraved leaves. Inscribed on the mug is: 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament. G. Hoppitt. Leicester 1981. A plastic cup rests in the middle of the trophy, possibly a candle holder. When Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration of blind bowling, he immediately offered his services to teach blind people how to play. His wife Grace was just as impressed and also began teaching, leading to her attendance at the 2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament and this cup as a souvenir of her participation in the event.1 silver plated cup with plastic insert2nd World Blind Bowls Tournament G. Hoppitt Leicester 1981nameplates, royal blind society of new south wales, grace hoppitt

A metal mug with an enamel badge for the Blinded Soldiers Bowling Club Victoria. Logo is blue, gold, white and red and features a gold torch with red flames against a blue and white background. 1 silver mug with metal badgeblinded soldiers bowling club, nameplates

A metal cup engraved with 'Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set' sits on top of a plastic base, which has a dark coloured plate attached to the front side. On the front plate is engraved "Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams". On the rear side are engraved the winners of the trophy: 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYS. The Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set were an auxiliary of RVIB that helped provide awareness and raised funds for services. Swish is a form of table tennis that is played without sight. The ball contains a bell and is hit with a rectangular bat under the board that acts as a net. This cup represented the annual game between the Auxiliary and RVIB players.1 pewter cup resting on top of a plastic platform with an engraved plate Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYSnameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

As part of it's member recognition program, National Disability Services (formerly known as ACROD), presented a plaque to Vision Australia recognising their 40 years of membership. It reads: NDS National Disability Services - 40 years - Presented to Vision Australia. Recognising 40 years of membership with National Disability Services, December 2012. www.nds.org.auSilver sheet on black board with blue, green and yellow writingvision australia, nameplates

To assist in providing services, Vision Australia Foundation needed to raise additional funds through donor relations, particularly for building or renovation projects. In 2001 and 2002, the following donors were recorded as providing a substantial amount of funding towards this and were commemorated with a glass plaque displayed in the building. The following names (estates) were listed: 2001 - Henry Edward Bird Estate, Jakob Bursztyn Estate, Ian Sloan Hamilton Estate, Harold Charles Hill Estate, Kathleen Mary Johnston Estate, Jean Learmonth Shoosmith Estate, Ena Lemon Estate, Frederick Francis Percival Thornton Estate. 2002 - Betty Rae Collie Estate, Ivy May Horne Estate, Elaine Millicent Lewes Estate, Elsie Lorraine Lynch Estate, Patricia Marian Macfarlane Estate, Andrew John Watson Estate.Major Vision Australia Foundation donors vision australia foundation, nameplates

Life Governorships were awarded to individuals who undertook significant work or monetary donations to Vision Australia Foundation. This Honour Board was located in the Warrnambool office, and recognises the names of these people. 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkin1 wooden board with letteringHonour Roll Vision Australia Foundation Warrnambool Centre Life Governors 1985 J. Amoore 1985 M. Officer 1985 M. Coulthard 1990 G. King 2001 M. Godkinnameplates, vision australia foundation