Showing 1615 items
matching home service
-
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Alan Judge Holt at the piano
His dates: 1913-1993. ‘Kenilworth’, 9 Beatrice Avenue was home of Edmund Holt, his wife and 3 sons Ray, Fred and Alan who attended Surrey Hills State School in their primary years. The family were very involved with the Methodist (Uniting) Church. Alan became organist and for some years also played at the Canterbury Presbyterian Church. He was well-liked from his days as a newspaper delivery boy, and after marriage lived at 62 Broughton Road and then 2 Earle Street taking part in various local activities with his wife Edna and three boys. After completing his secondary education at University High Alan joined the Public Service and after a time in the Premier’s Department moved to the Lands Department. He became Secretary of that department and after retirement moved to 13 Berry Street, Box Hill. He keenly researched the history of Surrey Hills. He left his collection of Surrey Hills history to the people of Surrey Hills. A black and white photograph of a man playing at a piono. He is dressed in a suit and has his back to us. There is a planter stand to the left of the photo.kenilworth, beatrice avenue, surrey hills, mr alan judge holt, lands department, organist, surrey hills methodist church, canterbury presbyterian church, mrs edna holt, broughton road, earle street, pianist -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Surrey Hills: in celebration of the centennial 1883-1983, 1983
A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.surrey hills, railways, land use, migrants, spanish communities, transport, houses, wattle park, festivals and celebrations, churches, education, water supply, fire stations, hospitals, (mr) george klepper, ainger family, (mr) john woodhead, (mr) h. breedon, medical services, real estate agents, businesses, musical events and activities, entertainment, parks and reserves, scouts, guides -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Surrey Hills: in celebration of the centennial 1883-1983, Reprinted November 1992
A pictorial history of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert based on information collected by the history group at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes information about early rural properties and dairies, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, doctors, schools, churches, parks and recreation facilities.A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.1992surrey hills, railways, land use, migrants, spanish communities, transport, houses, wattle park, festivals and celebrations, churches, education, water supply, fire stations, hospitals, (mr) george klepper, ainger family, (mr) john woodhead, (mr) h. breedon, medical services, real estate agents, businesses, musical events and activities, entertainment, parks and reserves, scouts, guides -
Brighton Historical Society
Uniform, NSW Mounted Rifles waistcoat, circa 1899
NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat worn by Lieutenant William Augustine Newman (1873-1955) during the Second Boer War. Born in Campbelltown, NSW, William began working in the colonial public service at the age of eighteen. In 1899 he travelled to South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War as an officer of the 1st NSW Mounted Rifles. Returning to Australia in time for Federation on 1 January 1901, William rejoined the public service and was appointed to the original staff of Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton, attending the first opening of Federal Parliament in Melbourne as Barton's private secretary. He went on to serve as the chief clerk of the Home Affairs Department, Commonwealth Electoral Officer for Victoria and official secretary to the Governor-General. In 1927 he was appointed Administrator of Nauru, a position he occupied until his retirement at the end of 1932. He retired to Brighton, where he lived with his family at 43 Martin Street until his death in 1955.Black NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat. Black superfine wool front, with black cotton back and cream cotton lining. The neck, front and bottom front edge are edged with gold metal lace and gold cording in an Austrian knot style. Two front pockets are edged in the same looped cording. The left front opening is edged with a row of decorative gold metal studs, with hook and eye fastenings underneath.Handwritten in pen on lining: "MESS WAISTCOAT / BOER WAR / LIEUT. NEWMAN / Gift of Mrs. D. Kelly, daughter".military uniform, nsw mounted rifles, boer war, william augustine newman -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, circa 1920
This dress belonged to Ellen Davis, nee McLaughlin (1870-1956), great-grandmother of Margaret Lake. Ellen was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She married George Washington Davis in 1890 and the couple moved to South Africa, where George owned a bicycle store. During this time, Margaret says, Ellen "had a life of luxury, having servants at her beck and call and even sleeping at the foot of her bed to protect her from any harm". She was a "tiny lady of 5 foot tall" and George "could put his hands around her waist of 18 inches". On coming to Australia they opened a garage and taxi service in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. They lived here until Ellen's death in a road accident in 1956. Ellen gave the dress to her great-granddaughter when Margaret was ten years old. Aged 62, Margaret told BHS, "I have worn it on several occasions, mostly to costume parties and fancy-dress balls when I was younger. I have loved it all this time and displayed it on a dress model in my last home". As she had no granddaughter of her own to leave it to, she decided to donate the dress so that it would continue to be cared for.Sleeveless black silk crepe dress with V-neck and scalloped hem. Covered with black beaded designs, with white bead and iridescent pink sequin accents.margaret lake, ellen davis, ellen mclaughlin, beading, 1920s -
Brighton Historical Society
Table linen, Table runner, 1916
This table runner was made by Corporal Herbert Burdekin during the First World War around 1916 while he was recovering from a bullet wound. Herbert joined the 8th (Reserve) Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment (Leeds Rifles) in November 1914 and was deployed to France in April 1915. In July 1916 he received a gunshot wound to the arm and was sent home to England to recover, during which time he crocheted this table runner. He returned to France in early 1917 and was wounded a second time by a gas shell on 23 July 1917. Herbert likely never fully recovered from his exposure to gas during the war. He received a medical discharge in November 1918 due to "debility caused by war service" and died only a few years later in 1922, aged 26. His widow Mary and young daughter Hilda moved to Australia and settled in Brighton, with Mary living at 4 Collins Street until her death in 1966.Hand crocheted table runner featuring an interlocking diamond pattern in cream, pale purple and pale yellow. Bordered by pale yellow fringe.first world war, world war i, herbert burdekin, crochet, table runner, army -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Association for the Blind 90th annual report 1985, 1985
... , Domiciliary services, Recreation programmes, Nursing homes, Community..., Domiciliary services, Recreation programmes, Nursing homes, Community ...Articles in annual report include: President's report, Philosophy, Objectives and Goals, Blind members, Finance report with Balance sheet, Auditors' report, How help is provided, Service highlights, Low Vision Clinics, Rehabilitation services, Day Centres, Domiciliary services, Recreation programmes, Nursing homes, Community education and In-service training, 3RPH, International links, Volunteer service group. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Vision 1993 : Association for the Blind annual report 1992/93, 1993
Articles in annual report include: President's Report: First in line. Profiles include "At Home on the Farm", "A New Day Dawns", "Two Little Maids from School", "Peer's Progress". Yearly update subjects include Volunteers, Blind members' report, Services updates, Executive Director's report: Progress Despite Recession, Treasurer's report: Costs Controlled, Financial statement, Donors, Office holders.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind annual report 1982-1983, 1982-1983
Activities in annual report include: retirement of Ralph Lightfoot, appointment of Frances Warren, opening of Wangaratta regional office, family group home in second year providing home environment for three children, establishment of self contained flat within residential services at Burwood, bushfires threatened but did not destroy Wahpeton at Romsey and ski lodge at Mt Baw Baw, and support from hotels through 80 Lucky Envelope machines.1 volume of printed material with imagesannual report, royal victorian institute for the blind -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 68th Annual Report 1963 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1964
Articles in annual report include: Brighton home annual report, Blind citizen's community centre annual report, Ballarat home annual report, Bendigo home annual report, Association for the blind balance sheet, welfare services, voluntary services, auxiliaries report, the limitations experienced by a lack of funds, Victorian Governor-General Sir Rohan Delacombe has agreed to become Patron, and his wife Lady Delacombe, Patroness of the Auxiliaries, the visit of Dr Richard Hoover and the delays to modernising the Blind Citizens Community Centre caused by the vagueness of the final siting of the Eastern Freeway,.15 pages of text with black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, joan rundle, austin anderson, theresa spalazzi, h.m. lightfoot, mrs g rose, n. young, j.w. hutton, matron i bussell, e kelson, mrs gerlach, cr. c.e. brown, mr and mrs frank opie, mrs williams, gwen glenn, evelyn muirden, barbara glanville, mary roberts, mrs e jones, mrs h scott, mrs j cooper, mrs r floyd, mrs g leeson, annual reports -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 71st Annual Report 1966 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1967
Articles in annual report include: President's report, treasurer's report, Association for the blind balance sheet, life governors, Ballarat home report, Bendigo home report, Brighton home report, Blind citizens community centre, welfare report, auxiliaries, facts about blindness. Discussion includes the continuing deficit problem, establishment of a Volunteer Services Group, visit by Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe to Bendigo (Mirridong) to launch the Lions Club appeal for funds, celebration of Granny Carson's 103rd birthday, the erection of a new wing at the Blind Citizens Community centre and hope that the second stage will be completed when additional funds are secured, the cessation of the North Fitzroy Good Companions Auxiliary and the success of the Children's Fair at Kooyong.1 volume of text and black and white photographsassociation for the blind, sir rohan delacombe, annual reports, katharine (kitty) rose -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 73rd Annual Report 1968 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1969
Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, community centre, welfare, volunteer service group, auxiliaries, life governors, guiding light appeal, Isadore Smith's bravery, Prime Minister Hon. J.G. Gorton opening the Ballarat section of the Guiding Light Appeal, Victorian Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe the Bendigo section and Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte the Metropolitan section, Hubert Opperman being knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, waiting list time for admission is 18 months - two years and are almost exclusively nursing cases as the peak for active aged recedes, erection of the two storey wing at Brighton thanks to grant from estate of the late Herbert Engelbert, the demolishing of the 100 year house at Brighton required for the extension, Mrs Laura Clarke - a resident of Mirridong - celebrated turning 102, and the need for additional room and accommodation for a resident caretaker has necessitated the purchase of a block of flats facing Glenferrie Road, with the assistance of the William Buckland Trust.16 pages of text and photographsassociation for the blind, isadore smith, e.a. soderstrom, miss tobias, annual reports -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 74th Annual Report 1969 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1970
Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, blind citizens' community centre, welfare, auxiliaries, volunteer service group, life governors, opening of the new hospital wing at Brighton by Premier Sir Henry Bolte, Mrs Laura Clarke celebrating her 103rd birthday, closure of the Hostel at Brighton due to lack of applicants able to care for themselves, continued demand for hospital care, expansion of 20 hospital beds planned for Mirridong and increase of Welfare staff with two appointed in Geelong and Latrobe Valley.16 pages of text and photographsassociation for the blind, dorothy hamilton, h.m. lightfoot, elanora home (brighton), laura clarke, w.h. coakley, k.f. hosken, mrs j.e. howard, mrs h.s. nunn, mrs j. harrington, mrs h. lindhe, mrs i jennings, john wilson, mrs c.v. moore, mrs h.a. shannon, s.o. rogers, r.a. pearson, annual reports, katharine (kitty) rose -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 76th Annual Report 1971 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1972
Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, auxiliaries, volunteer service groups, in answer to your questions, senior staff, life governors, building of Katharine Rose wing at Bendigo, donation by G.W. Vowell of a 20 acre farm at Mt Eliza, new auxiliaries formed at Brighton, Kooyong, Bendigo and Mt Eliza with Guiding Light Group comprised of solely men, thanks to Flora Douglas for use of her home at Frankston and Audrey Moffat accepting responsibility for volunteer recruitment, and John Watson, a resident of Elanora, turned 100. 1 volume of text, photographs and illustrationsassociation for the blind, john watson, sir rohan delacombe, h.m. lightfoot, mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), annual reports -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 77th Annual Report 1972 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1973
Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, welfare, hospital homes, day centres, auxiliaries, volunteer service group, senior staff, life governors, formal establishment of the Low Vision Clinic which had been begun with discussions with Professor Gerard Crook in 1970 and supported for a year by the Hecht Trust, John Wilson accompanied Hugh Jeffrey, Australia's delegate on the Executive Committee for the Welfare of the Blind and IFB, businessman John Wicking joined the committee, plans for the future development of the George Vowell Centre are being formulated, Derek Nimmo entertained at multiple Auxiliary functions, the Toorak Auxiliary closed but two new ones at Kyneton and Narcoonah (Hampton), were formed, introduction of training course for volunteer workers and Mrs H.M. Lightfoot, who organised drivers for home visitor Elsie Henderson, has stepped down after fourteen years of service.1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, john wilson, hugh jeffrey, derek nimmo, iris barnier, annual reports -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 85th annual report 1980 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1981
Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on the Olympics for the Disabled and the opening of the George Vowell Centre.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 86th annual report 1981 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1981
Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, balance sheet, auditors' report, nursing home, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, sport and recreation, blind members, life governors.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, 88th annual report 1983 Association for the Blind of Victoria, 1984
Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, balance sheet, auditors report, nursing homes, day centres, rehabiliation, low vision services, honorary workers, auxiliary income, service highlights, blind members, life governors 1982/83. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records -
Federation University Art Collection
Work on paper, 'Sun and Moon Nature' by Kees Hos, 1964
Kees HOS In 1956 Kees and his wife Tina made a new life with their two children in the arts community of New Zealand. In Australia Kees established the art school at Gippsland College of Advanced Education in 1971 with a radical multidisciplinary approach to art education. He generously delivered encouragement and opportunities to many people including lecturers, visiting artists and students. His small team literally built an art school from zero. Temporary accommodation in an old factory and service station in Morwell moved to three student-built studios on the Gippsland Campus. His highest recognition was 1997 when the names of Kees and Albertine Hos were added to the Wall of Honour in the Garden of the Righteous at Yad Vasheem in Jerusalem along with many others who put their lives on the line against the biggest killing machine the world had known. The ‘hiding-place’ in Kees and Tina’s home was discovered but Tina managed to rescue a baby as her own while the Jewish parents were transported to Auschwitz and Dachau. Kees was on the run using his printmaking skills to forge passports but was eventually captured and jailed, the war’s end saving his life. Gippsland Director's Collection, Acquired 1973.Signed and dated lower right in pencil "Kees Hos '64"artist, artwork, kees hos, gippsland campus, gippsland director's collection, printmaking, wall of honour in the garden of the righteous -
Vision Australia
Award - Text, John Wilson Award citation - Elizabeth Inez Lindsey, 10/10/1980
In 1980 the John Wilson Award was given to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff of the Association for the Blind pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the sustained love and devotion of Elizabeth Inez Lindsey to the blind children entrusted to her care between 1935-1945 as the first Matron of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Nursery, and her continuing influence for good in their lives hereafter. In particular, at his request, we recall her greatness of heart in applying for the guardianship of Barry Farnsworth, despite his serious disability, and her acceptance of him into her own home where she lavished affection and cared for him physically, mentally and spiritually as long as she was able and thereafter to this day continued faithfully and unwaveringly to serve and protect his interests. We present our respects to Sister Lindsey who has consistently reflected, in and through her life of service, enduring love and compassion and now honour her in the presentation of the John Wilson Award. 1 A3 cream page in gold frameassociation for the blind, elizabeth lindsey -
Vision Australia
Image, 1984
Mr Keith Stratton, Mr Stekelenburg and Mrs Hamill awaiting transportation for the day centre. To assist people in accessing service, volunteer drivers were used to facilitate transport to and from Kelaston. They were provided with a sticker for their front window to advise other people of this service when they were collecting people from their homes.1 x col. photographs1984association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat) -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Kelaston: Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune, June 1996
Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune, Kelaston volunteers who have contributed 103 years of service between them.1 x col photograph of Chairman Rob Jones with Avenal & Evelyn McClune,association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat) -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, AFB Kelaston home photographs taken by Ballarat Courier
Local newspaper photographs taken at the Association for the Blind's Kelaston home in Ballarat. 044 - View of the Kelaston sign and grounds in Howitt Street. 045 - Mr Roy King presented with a plaque in honour of his service. 046 - L to R: Lynne Klien, two residents, Mona Dynon, Laurie Hay (day centre coordinator) upon the occasion of Laurie's retirement. 052 - L to R: Ruby Blake, Don Dunstan (manager of Kelaston) and another nursing home resident. 054 - L to R: unknown, Dianne Kerr, Bob de Little and a visitor look on in the craft room.5 x B/W photographs of Kelaston nursing homeassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), dianne kerr -
Vision Australia
Text, Association for the Advancement of the Blind Home Committee November 1941 - May 1950, 1941-1950
... ), an Adventist service conducted in the home being too large and needed...), an Adventist service conducted in the home being too large and needed ...Minutes of the monthly meetings of the AAB Home Committee held at 7 Mair Street, Brighton to discuss items related to the running of the Brighton home for the Blind (later named 'Elanora'). A brief index of names preceeds the minutes. Agenda topics included Accounts, Matron's Report, Applications for Admission and Official Visitors, appointment of a special nurse (p.39), an Adventist service conducted in the home being too large and needed to reduce number (p.92), and that bread for tea should be buttered late in the afternoon and not be in a melted condition (p.154). 1 paper registerassociation for the advancement of the blind, elanora home (brighton) -
Vision Australia
Text, Association for the Advancement of the Blind Finance and Executive minutes from 17/6/1944 to 19/5/1948, 1944-1948
At the front of the minutes is an index of names for some of the people referred to in the minutes of the Finance/Executive Commitees, with relevant page numbers. Held at the office of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, these minutes contain information on bank balances, correspondence received and replied to, receipts expenditure, accounts and other business discussed. This included a report on the metropolitan visiting service (p.99) and the issue of wages discrepancy between Award and AFB salaries, including a listing of all staff surnames and brief duty description at Brighton, Windsor and Bendigo homes (p.47).1 paper registerassociation for the advancement of the blind, elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo) -
Vision Australia
Text, AFB Bendigo Branch Committee minutes: 9/2/1981 - 25/9/1986, 1981-1986
Held at the 'Mirridong' Home for the Blind, McIvor Rd, Bendigo which was also the Bendigo Regional Centre, these minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, confirmation of minutes, reports including from Auxiliaries and the Building, house and grounds, matters arising from reports, recommendations, Life Governors awards, general business and the date of the next meeting. They include from 4/10/1984 meeting that Mrs K. Rose advised of the impending resignation of Mr J.O. Wicking as President of the Association for the Blind (AFB) and paid tribute to the close interest he had taken in 'Mirridong' and the support offered during his twelve year term as President. She also reported the resignation of Mr J.W. Wilson from the position of Executive Director of AFB paying tribute to his 32 years of service and particularly with his personal interest and assistance during the development of 'Mirridong'.1 volumemirridong home (bendigo), association for the blind -
Vision Australia
Text, AFB Bendigo Branch Committee minutes: 16/9/1991 - 9/10/1995 (later Loddon Mallee Regional Committee), 1991-1995
Held at the 'Mirridong' Home for the Blind, McIvor Rd, Bendigo which was also the Bendigo Regional Centre, these minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, confirmation of minutes, reports including from Auxiliaries and the Building, house and grounds, matters arising from reports, recommendations, Life Governors awards, general business and the date of the next meeting. 11/9/1995 it was noted regarding the naming of the Region, consistency is required when referring to 'Loddon-Mallee' unless specifically referring to the nursing home. Some minutes now include the joint names from late 1995-1996. Includes 'Mirridong' Home for the Blind Residential Services Business Plan 1995-1996. 1 volumemirridong home (bendigo), association for the blind -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Sydney Industrial Blind Institution Committee minutes: 8/9/1937 - 28/8/1939, 1937-1939
These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, recommendations, correspondence, subscriptions and donations and general business. Reports are also included from the Auxiliaries, Appeal funds, Auditors, Library and home teacher, the Blind Workers workshop, and the Women's Hostels located at William St and "The Haven" at Woollahra. 8/7/1937 it was acknowledged that Mr. Henry J. Hedger, the Superintendent of the Institution had passed away on the 5/7/1937 after 57 years of service. 19/7/1937 it was reported that the Library teacher, Miss E.A. Campbell who had been with Institution 30 years had met with a tram accident and died on 16/7/1937. 17/12/1937 it was proposed that the Record Talking Book machines be loaned out on a nominal rental fee of 2/-.1 volume with glued in typed pagessydney industrial blind institution, henry j. hedger -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Royal Blind Society council meeting minutes 25/3/1968 to 22/11/1971, 1968-1971
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, Lighthouse, Silver Lighthouse committee, Sheltered Workshops, Newcastle and Wollongong branches, 'Heathfield' and other Woollahra properties. 25/3/1968 it was resolved that Braille services be reorganised to Library, Transcription and Braille instruction for blind persons. This plan created 2 new positions for blind persons. 20/7/1969 it was resolved that a Burwood Building Fund would be opened with the donation of $2,000 by Mr. W. G. Waterhouse. 27/10/1969 it was resolved that sheltered workshop employees who retired after 25 years service would be presented with a gold Braille watch. 19/1/1970 it was resolved that the Society agrees to accept a first mortgage on the security of the William Street property. 22/3/1971 The General Manager had reported that Burwood Council had arranged to purchase the Palatial Theatre and had agreed to lease the building to the Society for 12 months. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports -
Vision Australia
Painting - Artwork, Portrait of Tilly Aston, 1990
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