In this scanned image, from the 1955 RVIB Annual Report, five blind saxophone players hold their instruments on a stage. L-R: Barry Palmer, Arthur Tyzack, Alan Campbell, Dick Sutcliffe (?), John Levercha. They won acclaim for their radio performances in 'Swallows Parade' and 'Floor Coverings Talent Hour,' and its recordings with the A.B.C., and performed in night clubs.B/W scan of saxophone quintetdick sutcliffe, barry palmer, arthur tyzack, alan campbell, john levercha

Scanned image taken from annual report of an orchestra consisting of blind students, advertising their availability to play at social occasions for hire.Scanned page of annual report on Blind Orchestrarvib orchestra, fundraising

Scanned image of the RVIB orchestra, dressed in tuxedos and playing on a stage, from the 1930 annual report. In contrast to a similar advertisement in 1923, where the orchestra was seated outside and in day clothes, this line up consists of males in black tuxedos and bowties with white shirts, to emphasis the professionalism of the musicians and their ability to play in more formal settings.Scanned page from annual report of blind orchestrarvib orchestra, fundraising

As buildings were updated and additions made in line with changing needs of clients, plaques are often used to recognise and pay tribute to the benefactors that have enabled this to occur. These plaques were located in the Kooyong building and removed during its refurbishment in 2017.2 plaques acknowledging donors on wallThese services & facilities were made possible by the generous support of the estate of the late Betty Isabel Huon. These services & facilities were made possible by the generous support of the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust.betty isabel huon, percy baxter, fundraising, vision australia foundation

The Barwon Heads RVIB Auxiliary formed on September 11, 1942. This small collection contains index cards which were maintained by RVIB and contain the amount of donations made by the Auxiliary between 1973-1978, as well as the presentations delivered by RVIB employees to Auxiliary meetings between that time. In 2003, the RVIB awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Barwon Heads Auxiliary for their continued support of the organisation.Various loose papers and letters, including a Lifetime Achievement Awardroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. RVIB eventually closed down it's workshop production of materials in 2009 with the sale of the warehouse in High Street, Prahran and the movement of staff to Macaulay Road, Kensington.6 scanned images of basket making from RVIB annual reportsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A group of males play a game of blind cricket, possibly on the front lawn of the RVIB buildings in St Kilda Road. Three fieldsmen stand close, as a bowler prepares to underarm throw towards a man holding a bat. Behind a small box, acting as a wicket, another male partially crouches with his arms outstretched to clasp the incoming ball. As the bowler's arm is just out of shot, it is unknown if he holds a cane wicket ball (with bells inside) or another small object which makes a sound.Lantern slide of males playing cricketroyal victorian institute for the blind, recreation

In this undated image, a group of approximately 26 people (mostly female) sit or stand in front of the RVIB building in St Kilda Road. Dressed uniformly but in a variety of poses and expressions, the group pose for the photographer.Lantern slide of a group of blind workersroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

In this shared classroom at the RVIB, three teachers are busy instructing their pupils in various subjects. At the front a female teacher is seated as she reads Braille from a book at the head of the junior class. In the middle, a mustached man also reads Braille with older children, whilst furthest from camera, a bearded man stands during a lesson with older children.Lantern slide of three teachers and their pupils at RVIBeducation, royal victorian institute for the blind

A young man plays the organ on the stage of Ormond Hall at RVIB in St Kilda Road. Behind him sits an 'R. Lipp & Sohn' piano and against the wall, some chairs.Lantern slide of boy playing organroyal victorian institute for the blind, blind musicians

A blind woman plays the organ with one hand, whilst the other reads Braille music from a sheet in front of her, on the stage at Ormond Hall.Lantern slide of women playing organroyal victorian institute for the blind, blind musicians

Image taken of a lamp outside the reception door of the RVIB St Kilda Road building.1 col. image of lamp outside St Kilda Road buildingroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel

Mrs Augusta Tutton was the president of the Council of Auxiliaries for the RVIB for over 12 years, an Auxiliary member for 27 years, and undertook hundreds of speaking engagements and met with thousands of people at charity events, openings and auxiliary meetings. 8 B/W images of Augusta Tuttonroyal victorian institute for the blind, augusta tutton

Harry van Assche was the organiser of the RVIB's auxiliaries during the 1930's and until his death in 1942. In this letter to the Auxiliary Secretary's, Stan Hedger (Superintendent and Secretary for the RVIB) advises of Mr van Assche's death and the alternative arrangements to keep the work ongoing. Attached to the top of the letter is a newspaper article from The Sun (22/7/1942) paying tribute to this work. The letter reads: Dear Auxiliary Secretary, You will all be distressed and grieved as we are over the untimely death of our beloved friend, Mr van Assche, and I am enclosing a tribute to his memory. I think I was in a better position than anybody connected with the Institute for knowing his real worth and of the noble way in which he faced life anew in his brave unflinching determination to conquer disabilities of blindness. How well he succeeded is evidenced in our wonderful Auxiliary movement, in the multitude of friends he made wherever he went, in his never complaining attitude towards his affliction. We are heartbroken over what to me is an irreparable loss, for in my life-long experience among the blind, I have never met his peer. Other representatives will carry the torch lit by him (and he would not have liked to have thought we would fail him), and we feel that Auxiliaries will continue to do their best in memory of one who did his best for those who were sightless like himself, and for the cause for which they have so wonderfully worked in response to his appeals. Mr van Assche's Secretary and friend, Mr Webber, will act for the present, and I am sure you will all do your best to encourage him and those who may accompany him, in their desire to express the gratitude of everyone connected with this Institute for your loving kindness to Mr van Assche and to our blind babies, children and adults, who now depend upon you even more. With our kindest thoughts, Yours faithfully, Superintendent & Secretary1 letter with newspaper cutting pasted to top left edgeroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries, harry van assche

RVIB brushware was a source of income and some items were packaged under the name 'Blindcraft' to indicate their origin. In this collection the journey of the millet through its storage, selection, binding and attachment to other sections to make brooms and brushes.7 B/W images of workers making brushesroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Aerial photo of the RVIB St Kilda Road buildings and grounds, scanned from an unknown printed source. On the image are written descriptions of buildings, including the width and length of those erected in 1920's, the isolation hospital and the segregation of boys and girls playing areas. 1 scanned image of RVIB St Kilda Road from airGirls playground School & residential buildings Boys playground Isolation hospital This building, erected in 1926 - is 200 ft long & 40 ft wide Each floor of this new two storied building erected in 1926 is 100 ft long & 40 ft wide These recently erected factories measure 20,000 sq ft Ormond Hall for socials, etc. St Kilda Road frontageroyal victorian institute for the blind, buildings

Singer Rhonda Burchmore holds a red candle whilst standing next to a boy wearing a Jangle Kids t-shirt and a Santa hat. In the background th 1994 Carols by Candlelight program sits upon a tinsel covered tree.1 x col. photograph of Rhonda Burchmore and Jangle Kids childcarols by candlelight, rhonda burchmore

Marina Prior holds a microphone and sings to crowds at the Carols by Candlelight crowds in this undated photograph.1 x col. photograph of Marina Priorcarols by candlelight, marina prior

Two graphic images of a candlelight, with radiant heat/light coming from the flame. Above the candle is written 'Carols by Candlelight'. Discovered in an envelope with the description 'C x C bromide' written on the front.2 B/W images of heat radiating from lit candlecarols by candlelight

A group of school aged choir girls sing in this image from the 1988 Carols by Candlelight dress rehearsal.1 B/W photograph of children singingcarols by candlelight

Mark Holden, Judith Henley and George Hegan sing on stage at the 1976 Carols by Candlelight event in this series of images. In the fourth image, RVIB President E. Hanlon and Mrs Hanlon, Deputy Premier Lindsay Thompson and Joan Thompson, conductor Harold Badger, compere Bruce Mansfield and two other couples sing along to carols upon the stage. In the foreground the Salvation Army band plays, whilst in the background various choirs join in. Usual compere Philip Gibbs was taken ill at late notice, with Bruce Mansfield kindly replacing him on the night.4 B/W photographs of performers and special guests at the 1977 Carols by Candlelight performancecarols by candlelight, mark holden, judith henley, george hegan, edward (ted) hanlon, lindsay thomspon, harold badger, bruce mansfield

Philip Gibb and Choirmaster Lawrence Warner sit on the stage, surrounded by choirs at the RVIB Carols by Candlelight performance in 1974. B/W photograph of choirs and special guests at Carols by Candlelightcarols by candlelight, philip gibb, lawrence warner

As part of the Carols by Candlelight program, performers were required to submit a photograph that could be used in the program. This image of Ross Skiffington was provided by his agency Famous Artists.B/W photograph of Ross SkiffingtonRoss Skiffington Famous Artists Tel: (03) 722 1344 Fax: (03) 722 1887carols by candlelight, ross skiffington

These proof sets cover the launch of Carols by Candlelight. In one set, Marina Prior and Santa launch the Carols ticket sales, whilst in the other a group of people stand outside RVIB St Kilda Road building, with glasses in their hands. Rhonda Burchmore and Geoff Harvey smile and laugh for cameras.2 x B/W proof sheets from the 1992 Carols by Candlelight launchcarols by candlelight, marina prior, rhonda burchmore, geoff harvey

This printed philosophy served to remind sighted people what the organisation was working towards and how it sought to achieve it.A3 printed page on cream coloured paper with black writing and black and blue logoThe Association for the Blind was founded in 1895 by 8 blind people of strong spirit as a self help group and in protest against discriminatory attitudes and practices of society at that time. This small group sought and obtained the assistance of sighted citizens. Together they achieved reforms which greatly enhanced the status and rights of blind people. Today, this tradition of self help and active involvement of both blind and sighted citizens continues, with an overriding concern for the welfare of the individual. Philosophy The work of the Association for the Blind is based on the philosophy that all people in our society should have equal opportunity, with the freedom to express themselves and participate in the community to the extent of their desire and interest. To achieve this the Association is a grouping of local community resources which have come together voluntarily to serve people who are blind or visually impaired, and in partnership with government ensure the necessary services are provided. The Association for the Blind functions as an extended family, with blind members, volunteers, contributors and staff working together with mutual respect towards common goals. Objectives These are - to promote the welfare of blind and visually impaired people; - to provide welfare, counselling, rehabilitation, accommodation, nursing care, recreation and other support services; - to minimise the harmful effects of blindness whether physical, psychological, social or economic; - to facilitate the prevention of blindness; - to utilise the experience and talent of blind people in the community in assessing needs, evaluating and improving the value of services to the blind. A wide range of services is necessary to achieve these objectives, the outcome of which is greater independence, security and opportunities for blind and visually impaired Victorians.association for the blind, corporation records

Supported by volunteers and friends, and with some members accompanied by their guide dogs, the Illawarra Troopers was a drama group for visually impaired people. Their first concert was held in 1977, and the group continued to entertain local audiences for many years. Illawarra Troopers: a visually impaired drama group (inauguarated 1977) Members Roll: Geoff Cortous, Dulcie David, Les Littleton, Gladys Downs, Hester Whiteside, Eileen McDonald, Peg Clark, Ralph Chamberlain, Albert Smith, Nora Cooper, Arthur Williams, Pat Baum, Ivy Mallet, Mary Chettle, Ethel Jardine, Peter Tapp, Jack Lambert, John Philipson, Len Hoyle, Rob Archibald, Daisy Stepnell, Neville King, Alice Sloan, Ada de Medici, Eric de Medici, Patricia Harrison, Llona Smith. Guide Dogs: Inga, Yvette, Igor, Rene, Leonardo. Producer: Jo Kirtley. Assistants: Judy Phillips, Val Anderson, Maisie Littleton, Dorothy Nicholls, Florence Mlodawski. Troopers Theme Song: Words by Olive FoleyPicture of wooden board with engraved names of the Illawarra Troopersassociation for the blind, nameplates