John Kendrick Blogg was born in Canada and migrated to Victoria in 1877. In 1884 he established a successful industrial chemistry business, which included extracting perfume from Australian native trees and plants.liquid ammonia for refrigeration, acetic acid, perfumes, shoe polish, baking powder and non-alcoholic drinks. Other products were He lived at 'Balmoral' in Albany Crescent, Surrey Hills; his woodwork was produced here. Family oral history has that he took up woodcarving after his 1st wife, Annie, died in 1893. His earliest known piece is a music cabinet of 1901; the latest is a panel of 1932 when Blogg was 81 years of age. He was a member of the Victorian Artists Society and exhibited there between 1920 and 1924. Much of his work incorporates motifs of Australian flora, particularly gum leaves. John and his family were members of St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Surrey Hills. The present church building was dedicated in December 1910 and J K Blogg's contribution to the new building was the Hogg Memorial pulpit which is comprised of 13 panels. Blogg carved more than 300 pieces for churches, schools, royalty, family and friends. Many of J K Blogg's pieces remain with family members, but he is represented in municipal (City of Whitehorse), state and national collections. In addition to work in the St Stephen's Presbyterian Church within the Surrey Hills area his work was produced for Surrey Hills Primary School, Surrey Hills Bowling Club and Surrey Hills Methodist Church, however perhaps his most famous local work is the honour board at the Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. Blogg was also a poet. Ref: Legacy in Sculptured Wood - An appreciation of the work of John Kendrick Blogg, 1851-1936 by Marjorie Morgan, 1993.Black and white photo of an urn on a pedestal contianing stems of wattle with leaves and blooms.woodcarving, surrey hills shrine, monuments and memorials, john blogg, john kendrick blogg, r falconer

The house has been demolished but was associated with the Jacobs family. The Jacobs family lived in Surrey Hills from c 1895-1903 (ref: electoral rolls); by 1909 they were in Gippsland at Toora where Henry Atwood Jacobs was a storekeeper. They had returned to Surrey Hills by 1924 (ref: electoral roll) and were living at 22 Suffolk Road. Family details: Capt Jacobs was appointed to the Nunawading Roads Board in 1900; in 1902 he as a member of a deputation to the Minister of Public Works regarding municipal severance. He was in favour of Surrey Hills being a separate municipality. Amy (Amelia) Jacobs was the daughter of Capt Jacobs and his first wife, Eleanor Dobson Mills, who died shortly after the birth of her daughter. Winifred Atwood Jacobs was born c 1900; Mildred Adelaide Jacobs was born 1902, both at 'Spencycroft' in Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. Winifred married Stephen Edwin Yarnold (1903-1978), a Presbyterian & Uniting Church minister, on 26 July 1946. He had a notable career in the ministry and has an ADB biography. Black and white photo of a Victorian style home with a slate roof, 2 chimneys and a veranda across 3/4 of the front. Construction is possibly block-fronted timber or bluestone and render; not brick. The house sits behind a picket fence with a lattice screen to one side. There are mature trees, possibly eucalypts in the background.warrington, house names, fences, surrey hills, architectural features, victorian style, vegetation, verandas, capt henry atwood jacobs, mrs amy lilian jacobs, miss amy lillian scales, miss amelia allan jacobs, miss winifred atwood jacobs, mrs winifred atwood yarnold, miss mildred adelaide jacobs

The Jacobs family lived in Surrey Hills from c 1895-1903 (ref: electoral rolls); by 1909 they were in Gippsland at Toora where Henry Atwood Jacobs was a storekeeper. They had returned to Surrey Hills by 1924 (ref: electoral roll). Capt Jacobs was appointed to the Nunawading Roads Board in 1900; in 1902 he as a member of a deputation to the Minister of Public Works regarding municipal severance. He was in favour of Surrey Hills being a separate municipality. Amy (Amelia) Jacobs was the daughter of Capt Jacobs and his first wife, Eleanor Dobson Mills, who died shortly after the birth of her daughter. Winifred was born c 1900; Mildred Adelaide b 1902, both at 'Spencycroft' in Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. Winifred married Stephen Edwin Yarnold (1903-1978), a Presbyterian & Uniting Church minister on 26 July 1946. He had a notable career in the ministry and has an ADB biography.Black and white photo of 2 young girls identified as Winifred (b c1900) and Mildred (b 1902) taken in a garden, probably at 'Spencycroft'. Both are wearing dresses and dark stockings. The older girl is holding her sister's arm.spenceycroft, house names, gardens, surrey hills, children, winifred jacobs (miss), stephen edwin yarnold, winifred yarnold (mrs), mildred adelaide jacobs (miss), henry atwood jacobs, capt, eleanor dobson mills (miss), eleanor dobson jacobs (mrs)

John Kendrick Blogg was born in Canada and migrated to Victoria in 1877. In 1884 he established a successful industrial chemistry business, which included extracting perfume from Australian native trees and plants.liquid ammonia for refrigeration, acetic acid, perfumes, shoe polish, baking powder and non-alcoholic drinks. Other products were He lived at 'Balmoral' in Albany Crescent, Surrey Hills; his woodwork was produced here. Family oral history has that he took up woodcarving after his 1st wife, Annie, died in 1893. His earliest known piece is a music cabinet of 1901; the latest is a panel of 1932 when Blogg was 81 years of age. He was a member of the Victorian Artists Society and exhibited there between 1920 and 1924. Much of his work incorporates motifs of Australian flora, particularly gum leaves. John and his family were members of St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Surrey Hills. The present church building was dedicated in December 1910 and J K Blogg's contribution to the new building was the Hogg Memorial pulpit which is comprised of 13 panels. Blogg carved more than 300 pieces for churches, schools, royalty, family and friends. Many of J K Blogg's pieces remain with family members, but he is represented in municipal (City of Whitehorse), state and national collections. In addition to work in the St Stephen's Presbyterian Church within the Surrey Hills area his work was produced for Surrey Hills Primary School, Surrey Hills Bowling Club and Surrey Hills Methodist Church, however perhaps his most famous local work is the honour board at the Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. Blogg was also a poet. Ref: Legacy in Sculptured Wood - An appreciation of the work of John Kendrick Blogg, 1851-1936 by Marjorie Morgan, 1993. The images derives from an early brochure. The number of panels has been increased having been updated on at least 2 occasions. Whereas the date 1914 is at one end of the boomerang, the other end is not dated reflecting that the dedication of The Shrine before the war ended.Black and white photo of the Soldiers' Memorial Honour Board housed in The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. The wooden part of the board was carved by John Kendrick Blogg. A large boomerang forms part of the apex underneath which is an emblem with the rising sun. Under this are 8 panels on which are the names of service personnel. The supporting timber is carved with designs including varied flora. At the base are 2 larger carved panels; on the LHS a sprig of eucalyptus leaves and on the RHS a sprig of wattle. surrey gardens, world war, 1914-1918, woodcarving, monuments and memorials, surrey shrine, john blogg, john kendrick blogg

"The bonfire at Beckett Park was the culmination of the EMPIRE DAY/CELEBRATIONS in Surrey Hills in 1935 and 1936. In 1937 vandals lit the fire prematurely but residents hastily rebuilt it - about / 100 tons including old tyres. A volunteer fire-watcher had his caravan close by until lights-up time on Saturday night. / Courtesy Ian Barkla. / see 180 (handwritten on backing board)." / "BONFIRE BUILDING at BECKETT PARK/EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN 1930s/ The celebrations were centred on the/ shopping centres in Surrey Hills and/Mont Albert to boost local business (and/ the spirits of residents) after the Depression./ - from a glass negative - Mr Ian Barkla."Image depicting the building of a large bonfire made primarily from rubber tyres, supported by a wooden frame c1937/8. There is a significant crowd of people watching the erection of the pyre from ground level. Several members of the crowd are seated or holding bicycles. There are multiple persons situated on the pyre or on a ladder propped up against the mound of tyres. The area containing the pyre has been fenced off with rope (?). A white coloured caravan in situated to the right (facing) of the bonfire in close proximity to a dark coloured car. Two stone towers and a park bench are also visible in the image.Black and white, W 25.3 cm x H 20.3 cm, landscapeparks and reserves, beckett park, balwyn, bicycles, crowds, empire day, depression 1929-1939, economic depression, frank leslie barkla, bonfires

This bag belonged to by Mrs Alice "May" Moss CBE (1869-1948), Australian suffragist, social welfare campaigner and longtime resident of 59 North Road, Brighton. Born Alice Frances Mabel Wilson in Ballarat, in 1887 May married Isidore Moss, the son of Norwood's builder Mark Moss. While her children were young, she began to campaign for the rights of women and served as vice-president of the Australian Women's National League in 1906-14, during which time she actively campaigned in Victoria for women's suffrage. She was an Australian delegate at the League of Nations Assembly at Geneva in 1927, where she was the first woman to sit on a finance committee. She attended the International Council of Women in Geneva in the same year and in 1928 was elected as vice president of the ICW, a position she held until her death. She was the first president of the National Council of Women of Australia, serving from 1931 to 1936. May was active in many other community organisations and causes, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the Collingwood Crèche and the Free Kindergarten movement. She served on the board of management of the City Newsboys' Society in 1906-48 and was the first woman lay-member of the National Health and Medical Research Council in 1936-45. She was also member of the International and Lyceum clubs, with an interest in the theatre, painting and woodcarving.French petit point tapestry bag featuring seven people in a bucolic scene, with trees and buildings in the background. Black border. Gold metal hinged opening with ornamental clasp and gold chain.may moss, petit point, 1930s

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, The president's report, Nursery and school, Employment - the means of independence, Training and rehabilitation centre the rebirth of confidence and skills, Multi handicapped children, Our senior blind citizens the aged are not forgotten, Finance, Our auxiliaries and other helpers, Welfare -an increasing need, Melbourne traditional carols by candlelight, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1969 : Alexander Mair died, he was a member of the board of management since 1952, RVIB faced a deficit, to date they did not have to restrict the scope of any of the services available to blind people and it was hoped with increasing support from all sections of the community that they would not have to do so, after 31 continuous years radio station 3KZ decided to discontinue its association with the Melbourne traditional Christmas festival carols by candlelight but in doing so offered the RVIB the rights to continue. It was the first time RVIB hosted and they offered thanks to television channel 0 and radio station 3AW.1 volume of printed text with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Events that occurred in 1967 : Eight suburban craft centres for elderly blind people were established allowing a half day each week for people, the institute's secretary E.E. Petersen went on a study tour overseas, F.F. Knight senior Vice President and member of the board for more than seventeen years was honored for his work with a CBE, and the Insurance Institute of Victoria met the cost of a 16mm version of the film "A matter of independence".1 volume of printed and illustrated materialannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

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: Colvan Charity Cup Golf Day raffle winner receives car from Bib Stillwell, Frank Moorhouse wins Braille Book of the Year with Barrett Reid, Dr Stephen Murray-Smith and Lloyd O'Neil making up the judging panel, luncheon to celebrate Alice McClelland's 54th year of service to the library, rationalisation of Moon books with RBS NSW, popularity of Fraser Twins Sound magazine, retirement of published Lloyd O'Neil from judging panel and appoint of Joyce Nicholson, death of Joan Armytage, former auxiliary organiser then committee member and renovation of library and construction of talking book room and recording studios (in notes to accounts).1 volume of print and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: board of directors 1994-95, surging into the next century, president's report, a year of achievement, Tilly Aston, the looming need, preparing for the second century of service, centenary appeal, blind members report, volunteers, services, treasurer's report, supporters, office holders. 31 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

This board was constructed to provide information about the history of Lorna Lodge and to display some photographs and a newspaper cutting relating to this. The photographs are (clockwise): Photograph of Lorna Lodge on December 26, 1969 with a man standing outside and three children on the ramp leading to the front door. Photograph of Miss Elizabeth Skene, oldest member, at the 60th anniversary of the Barwon Heads auxiliary. Newspaper cutting: Ocean Grove News. Luncheon to help the blind. Ocean Grove has its fair share of fundraising groups. And the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Ocean Grove Auxiliary is up there with the most hardworking. Pictured at the auxiliary's recent meeting are president Lorna Walker, secretary Vera Montgomery and treasurer Grace Brown. Talking of fundraising, the auxiliary will hold a casserole luncheon at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club on Monday, June 6 at noon. Tickets are available at the door at $5. Photograph of 60th anniversary in 2002 of RVIB Barwon Heads Mrs Grace Brown President and Yvonne Conners of Geelong West with a cake marking the occasion. Photograph of Bonnie Cameron and Vera Montgomery, RVIB Members holding a picture of the boat shed at Barwon Heads. Photograph of RVIB Life Members Achievement Award, awarded in recognition of support from Barwon Heads Auxiliary. Presented by Governor of Victoria John Landy at Government House on March 26th, 2003. L-R: Lorraine Gleeson, Jill Smith, Bonnie Cameron, Alice Donally, Wyn O'Brian, Una Harding and Dawn White. Photograph of Mrs Lorna Walker. In 1979 a 7.2 sq holiday home on exhibition at the Melbourne Home Show was donated to the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind by Eureka Budget Homes Pty Ltd. The Ocean Grove - Barwon Heads Lions Club transported this home from Melbourne to it's present site in Barwon Heads, where since 1980, it was planned to be made available as a holiday home for the blind and visually impaired clients. Mr Keith Rikards the then president of Ocean Grove - Barwon Heads Lions Club and another member Mr John Van Den Eykel volunteered to carry out all maintenance. In 1942 Mrs Eric Russell formed an auxiliary for the blind in Barwon Heads and amongst these foundation members was Mrs Lorna Walker. Mrs Walker was married to the local butcher who also had trotting stables on their property. Of their two children, Nola and Barry, Nola had developed an eye problem, noted by Mrs Walker's friend Mrs Alberta Tutton, the then Victorian President of RVIB, with whom she met to play tennis with each week. Through this friendship Lorna became a valuable member of the RVIB and enjoyed 48 years with Barwon Heads, 18 of those years as President. Tragically killed in a car accident in 1990, the local auxiliary made the decision to name the holiday home 'Lorna Lodge', in memory of their hardworking member Mrs Lorna Walker. Today December 2004, The Barwon Heads RVIB Ladies give of their time to maintain this home and garden for the benefit of all visually impaired people.Image of board with photographs, text and newspaper cuttinglorna lodge, royal victorian institute for the blind

Commemorative plaque for Mrs James Angus, who was the inaugural Combined Auxiliary President from 1927-1930. Metal boardTo the Memory of Mrs James Angus President of the Combined Auxiliaries 1927-1930 Erected by The Board of Management of the R.V.I.B. and Members of its Auxiliariesroyal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

The building a Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was made possible through donations made by a large number of people. To honour this commitment, a board was constructed listing those individuals and businesses who had contributed. During the various refurbishments of the Kooyong site, this board was taken down and is no longer retained.Large wooden board with vinyl lettering"The Vision Resource Centre was made possible by the vision and generous support of the Victorian community, including many individuals, Business leaders, Trusts, Blind members, volunteers and staff. The Association for the Blind gratefully acknowledges the financial support of all contributors, including the following major donors and supporters:" thereafter follows a listing of 93 namesassociation for the blind, fundraising

Diana NIKKELSON (c1943-30 December 2022) Diana Nikkelson is a Ballarat-based Gunditjmara elder. Her grandfather was Watchobaluk. A part of the stolen generation, Diana Nikkelson was one of 10 children, and she had nine children of her own. A founding member of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative in the late-70s, Diana Nikkelson was a board director for 16 years and chair for six years. She worked on the Bunjil the Eagle installation at the Koorie Playground at Lake Wendouree, and designed the goanna which was etched into the paving along Police Lane in 2006, and has painted murals across Ballarat. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.AboriginalThis work by Ballarat-based Gunditjmara elder Diana Nikkelson was commissioned by the University of Ballarat (later Federation University) for use on the Aboriginal Employment Strategy brochure. The central figures in this painting represent the artist and the fathers of her children. The outer groups are Diana Nikkelson’s children and their families. art, artwork, diana nikkelson, aboriginal, dreaming, nikkelson, gunditjmara, aboriginal employment strategy

David ALEXANDER (27 March 1915 - 17 March 2015) David Ancrum Alexander was a well known Ballarat doctor, he was also committed to art production. David Alexander was a one time member of the University Board, and Chair of the Art Acquisition Committee.A framed landscape painting. david alexander, landscape, artist, artwork, available

David Ancrum ALEXANDER (27 March 1915 - 17 March 2015) A well known Ballarat doctor, David Alexander was also committed to art production. David Alexander was a one time member of the University Board, and Chair of the Art Acquisition Committee. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed watercolour landscape by David Alexander.art, artwork, david alexander, watercolour, landscape, available

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

Life Governor certificates were given to those who supported the RVIB either through certain levels of financial contribution or by activities undertaken to support the institute. This is to certify that Mrs. Eileen Kempster has been appointed a Life Governor of the Institute. Charles Bennett, President S. Hedger, Executive Director1 x cream coloured page with brown writing and images (front view of St Kilda Road building across top, and pictures of children playing with boat, male working on carpet, female weaving rug and a nurse holding two babies along left-hand edge)Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children and Adults St Kilda Road, Melbourne Patron: His Excellency The Governor of Victoria General Sir Dallas Brooks, K.C.B, C.M.G., D.S.O Patroness: Lady Brooks President: Dr Charles Bennett Vice-Presidents: G.H. Grimwade, Esq. G.E. Newton, Esq. Hon. Treasurer: Percy W. Briggs, Esq. Members of Board: Harold E. Brookes, Esq, JP C.L. Kimpton, Esq. Mrs C.H. Tutton W.H. Cowper, Esq Joseph Taylor, Esq E.V. Willis, Esq. Leighton Irwin, Esq. F.F. Knight, Esq. Superintendent & Secretary: Stannus W. Hedger, M.B.E. Secretary: Kenneth R. Bunn Recreation, Industry, Education, Nurseryroyal victorian institute for the blind, eileen kempster

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

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 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 Diana J. Jones who the first female president of the Association for the Blind since Tilly Aston. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mrs Jones sits facing the painter with both hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing a black double breasted blazer, white shirt, blue beaded necklace and earrings and a gold bracelet . A white kerchief sits in her breast pocket. Diana Jones served for 8 years on the General Committee before being elected President. During this time she was deputy chairman of the Reach Out Appeal to raise funds for the building program and President of the Honorary Services Group which co-ordinated volunteers and gave them a spokesperson on the General Committee. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. She passed away in July 2009.1 art original in gold frame The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Dame Diana J. Jones, AM DSJ / President 1984- 1992 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, diana jones

On 30th August 1901 The Chronicle, an Adelaide newspaper, announced that J.W.Hosking was leaving Terowie to establish a business in Port Fairy. He had lived in Terowie for 25 years and had been chairman of the District Council, a member of the school board and a Justice of the Peace. He was also a keen supporter of the cricket and other sporting teams. On leaving Treowie he was presented with a Gladstone bag and an illuminated address signed by 47 residents. Hosking had a wife and daughter and it was reported that with his brother, he had bought the drapery and furnishing business of W.T.Hattam in Port Fairy. Trading as G.E.Hosking &Co., the brothers already had branches in N.S.W. South Australia and Western Australia. By 1905 J.W.Hosking was President of the Port Fairy Hospital and, although in July of that year he announced that he was resigning because of pressure of business, he was obviously persuaded to stay on. Indeed, he remained President until 1907. In September 1907, the brothers were bought out by D.E.MacLellan, late of MacLellan & Craig of Mount Gambier. So when the silver cigar/cigarette case was presented to Hosking, he was not only ceasing to be President of the Hospital but was almost certainly leaving the town. On February 1908 he resigned as a JP for the Western Bailiwick of the State of Victoria.Typical of the type of item given to express gratitude for voluntary work especially in positions such as Presidents and Secretaries.silver cigar case, chased hall marked, interior gold washto J W Hosking Esq/ from the Committee/Port Fairy Hospital/14/11/07civic mementoes, presentations, hospital, hosking, g.e.hosking&co, port fairy, president, jp, western bailiwick, state of victoria, demaclellan, wthattam

Students and Staff Member in the Library. Mounted on boardstudents, staff, 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: 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