These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 6/9/1993 The General Manager reported on the Strategic Overview and Implementation Plan. The core services would be Library Services, Rehabilitation Services and Technology Services. RBS would withdraw from providing Mobility Services and Talking Magazines unless by contract. In both cases there was existing services of a comparable standard and hence clients would not be adversely affected. RBS reduce its staff by 38 positions. 25/11/1996 Council members agreed that the Library Services Department be merged into the Information Technology Services Department. 28/1/1997 The CEO stated an opportunity for RBS to become a member of an international consortium known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information SYtem). Whose main goal is establish a World Standard Digital Talking Book System for people who are blind and vision impaired. 1/4/1997 it was reported there are now 6 agencies including RBS comprising the Australia & New Zealand Group, as member of the DAISY consortium. Council approved that the CEO attend the first meeting of the Consortium on April 18-20. 1 volume of printed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, audio books

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 members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups, White Cane Day October 15th promoted. Some highlights include: 3/12/1982 the film, 'A world that is dark', which was made by AFB for television release is now available on video. 31/8/1984 the Blind members' brochure includes sections titled 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' which outlines the history, present position and the aims for the future of the AFB, 'Information about Blind Members' and Blind Members' Council', List of AFB homes and centres' and 'An invitation from Bryan Sitlington to be a Blind Member accompanied by an application form. It will be available to all visually impaired people, their family and friends, AFB staff and suitable for distribution at doctor's surgeries. 14/12/1984 it was reported 29 new Blind members were elected at the September meeting and the 1,000th member was among them. 8/6/1984 Mr John Blanch reported that the General Committee had approved, although rather reluctantly, Mr John Wilson's resignation and had appoint Mr John Cook as his successor. 13/9/1985 Mr John Blanch reported that following Mr Pat Lightfoot's resignation he had contacted Mr John Wicking to offer him the position of sighted representative on Blind Members' Council. John Wicking had been approached for role on the BMC however he was unable to attend Fridays. It was moved to move the meetings to the last Monday of the Month, after approaching John Wicking again. Council members agreed that if John Wicking took the position it would be good as would have been held by Pat Lightfoot and John Wicking, both past Presidents of AFB. Mrs Margaret Canavan and Mr Alan Cooper had been selected to attend a garden party at Government House with Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburg on Thursday March 6. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

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

Framed portrait of John Wicking who was President of the Association for the Blind 1973-1984 as well as a generous benefactor. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Wicking wears a navy suit, white shirt and navy blue Kiwi tie. John Wicking served as President of Vision Australia from 1973 to 1984 and as Vice President in 1990. He was Managing Director and Chairman of Kiwi International when he was introduced to the Committee in 1971. With a natural air of authority, he was known to be both strong and wise. One of the first hurdles Mr Wicking faced following his election as President in 1973 was understanding the health service system and sorting out the differing views of committee members over recommendations for projects costing hundreds of thousands of dollars with no funds to implement them. The ten years of his Presidency were a time of exceptional growth and expansion. He was instrumental in acquiring an adjacent property to those already owned in Glenferrie Road in 1974 at a cost of $120,000, on which the Low Vision Clinic was erected – the first of its type in Australia. Land was also bought in both the metropolitan and country areas for future expansion. Day care centres were opened in Ballarat and Bendigo and new metropolitan services commenced. Mr Wicking formed a committee to explore the possibility of a radio station people unable to read standard print. As a result 3RPH commenced broadcasting in 1981. Mr Wicking was also involved in the incorporation of Vision Australia under the Companies Act in 1990. After his retirement as President Mr. Wicking continued as a committee member until 1994. In 1995 he was instrumental in the establishment of the Tilly Aston Heritage Collection, on which he served as Chairman until sadly passing away in 2002. 1 art original in old gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr John O. Wicking AM / President 1973-1984 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, vision australia, john wicking

Two people wait in a line to board to double-decker bus in Sydney, holding their white cane and feeling the side of the bus. A female in a white coat looks on from the side of the bus near the person about to board. A man (possibly Wally Urgacz) and a woman use their canes to alight from the bus, with the guidance of a woman in a white coat. 4 B/W photographs of two people boarding a bus1967 - Mobility - historical - Bus orientation Bus orientation, locating doorways, safe ways of mounting steps, RBS V NB: Inefficiency of short collapsible cane in descending bus steps. Women aged 67 with some peripheral vision. RBS IV Learning bus orientation with long cane. Man aged 65 (light perception only) RBS VI Mobility training for doorways and seating arrangement in bus. Annual report 1968 Royal Blind Society of New South Wales royal blind society of nsw, white cane day, orientation and mobility, wally urgacz

A folder of newspaper cuttings about White Cane Day in 1994. These include personal stories about people who use white canes and the various schools and organisations who helped the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales sell confectionary white canes to help raise money for the Society.Various pages of newspaper cuttings royal blind society of nsw, white cane day

In 1894 the Victorian Braille Writers Association was established in order to create a braille lending library. Such an endeavor also meant a need of space for storage. At first the library was accommodated in the home of Mrs May Harrison before moving to the home of Mrs Dickinson two years later. Eventually, with the help of donors, a space was rented in the Block Arcade to house the 1300+ volumes it held and the yearly increase produced by its braille transcribers. Fortunately in 1918 the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate provided 4000 pounds to pay for a new building in Commercial Road. Despite some misgivings from the RVIB at the time, this building was home to both braille volumes and talking books (albums and cassettes) for many years.1 b/w photograph of people on a stageFree Lending Library for the Blind. Senator G. Fairbairn, on behalf of the Edward Wilson Trust, presenting the key of the building to Miss Aston, a Braille reader, representing the Braille Writer’s Association. 26th April 1919. (Label on mount board)tilly aston, braille and talking book library

A bearded man walks on a grassy area next to the RBS building in Enfield, having just walked past a couple holding hands.2 B/W photographs of man using white caneFile: Skills Training - O&M 88-7 A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. S-129, bottom picture of page 3 Gordon Tibbles, PR Officer RBSroyal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

A mid-twenties male uses a white cane to navigate a footpath on a busy road.1 x B/W photograph of man using white caneFile: Skills Training - O&M A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. Using a white cane for mobility.royal blind society of new south wales, white cane day, orientation and mobility

Andrew walks along an external building verandah using a sonic guide and white cane.1 x B/W photograph of man walking with assistive devicesFile: Skills Training - O&M A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles. (Andrew is also wearing a sonic guide in glasses.) Walking with the aid of sonic guide glasses. Technology for blind people at the Royal Blind Society. Credit: Rankin/1987royal blind society of new south wales, white cane day

The land for the original building was granted to the Benevolent Society by James Atkinson in 1850. Tenders were being called for a new "Benevolent Asylum" in 1855, the foundation stone having been laid and by 1856 the first part of the Hospital was completed These extensions opened in November 1934 People possibly builder and contractorBlack and white photographs of the side extension added to the Port Fairy Hospital in 1934hospital, public buildings

Samuel came to Belfast with his parents Benjamin and Maryanne on the ship 'Oithona' arriving at Portland on January 30th 1855 when he was 11 years old. In 1865 he marries Selina Ann Daughter of William and Mary Oaff who arrived in Australia on the 'Clara' on the same day as Samuel. They had 6 children. As a stonemason by trade It is probable that he helped his father build the wall around the Consolidated school in 1875. They lived in a stone cottage next door to the Port Fairy Hospital. It was demolished when the new wing was built in 1976. He joined the Manchester Order of Oddfellows in 1863 and was elected Grand Master in 1880. He died when he was 37 in 1881.Early settlerPosed portrait black & white photographpioneer, settler, portrait, people, family, bowyer, samuel, stonemason, clara, oithona, selina ann, william oaff, mary oaff

The donor George Lister Coop was about 21 years of age when he took this photo in 1958. This photo is of Annesley Home for the Aged at 692-694 Whitehorse Road. It was originally a Methodist, later a Uniting Church facility. The new section in the photo was part of an extension built in 1958. The Queen Anne / Edwardian brick attic home was built in c1908 for William Pilkington, a manufacturer and was called 'St Martins'. Ownership stayed in this family until c1950. A new brick veneer 2 storey building sits adjacent to a red brick Edwardian home. Elderly-looking people can be seen sitting behind the window of the new section.george l coop, whitehorse road, mont albert, annesley home for the aged, uniting church, st martins, pilkington family

Articles include the decision to add a talking book collection to the library, including sponsorship for players, a survey conducted into reading habits of blind people, former Chief Cataloguer at State Library has volunteered to undertake reclassification work, highest number of Braille volumes produced this year than ever done previously in 77 years of operation, four Braille Proficiency Certificates awarded, resignation of Joan Armytage, new fire service installed, Christmas card sales boomed but rents from hall fell due to stricter control over late night functions.25 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

President's overview of the year including: the beginnings of the school at Wonga Park, Arthur McKay being the first person to receive a dog, the scarcity of funds after training the first dog and the joy of receiving the first substantial donation from the Sunshine Foundation Trust, opposition from some quarters, Kim Gration and Dennis Gration involvement with the school, the work of Pat Mallaney in Tasmania, support and assistance from vet Dr Rowan Blogg, opening the activity centre in 1962, seeing eye dog trainer Judy Oakenfell, the sale of Wonga Park and transfer to Malvern, threats to dismiss Harold Gration working due to involvement with the school, overview of growth of Queensland branch, working with Jeff Mowat who developed the Mowatt sensor, training of people around Australia and from New Zealand, return of 'Stacey' from Singapore due to not being accepted on public transport, restaurants, etc, diverse age range of people trained, less people volunteering, loss of 3 auxiliaries due to lack of members, and opening of shop and welfare centre in Cairns.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

Articles in the annual report include: launch of Vision Assist service to help people use their remaining sight, providing advice on Olympic and Paralympic accessibility and providing an audio description service to the associated arts festivals, establishment of VocalEyes Productions, became an RTO (Recognised Training Organisation), joining with RVIB library service, launch of JobPhone, and piloting of Braille Week.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Square dancers enjoying a session at Langwarrin. Previously known as the Guiding Light Square Dance club, the death of one of the founders and move to a new dance studio in Langwarrin with a new partner, allowed the formation of a new club. Wanda Egerton sitting in front row, fourth from left.1 color photograph of people smiling towards the camerarecreation, margaret fox, wanda egerton, guiding light square dance club

Copies of the Proclamation of understanding between the Association for the Blind and the Lighthouse Inc. These agreements were a symbol of the exchanges of each organisation, and the growing trend of agencies to link more to compatriots overseas as telecommunications improved.1 digital image of memorandum of understanding between Association for the Blind and Lighthouse IncProclamation Whereas the Association for the Blind, Melbourne, Australia and Lighthouse Inc, New York, New York are organizations that: - promote the welfare of people who are blind or visually impaired; - provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired; - strive to enable people to overcome problems associated with blindness and vision impairment, whether physical, psychological, educational, social or economic; - provide appropriate rehabilitation services to enable people to use their capabilities and to develop their skills so that they can participate as fully as possible in the community; - promote the interests of people who are blind or visually impaired and provide information and education to the general community and other professionals; and - provide at all times services to a high professional standard, with an appreciation of each individual's capabilities and goals. Therefore let is be known publicly that the Association for the Blind and Lighthouse Inc. formally establish an organizational affiliation to strive towards these common objectives for people who are blind or visually impaired. In Witness Thereof the Association for the Blind and Lighthouse Inc. cause their representatives to set their hands hereto on the 16th day of July 1992. (John Cook) For the Association for the Blind, Melbourne Australia (Barbara Sil??) For The Lighthouse Inc., New York, New York, USAassociation for the blind, lighthouse inc

Male sits at a desk, wearing a headset, with his hands on a telephone switchboard and another device to his right. A small black radio sits to his right, as does a pen attached to the desk itself and a piece of paper. Switchboard training was provided to many blind and vision impaired people, who could adeptly operate the switch to connect callers through to employees.Digital image of man operating a telephone exchangeemployment, royal blind society of new south wales

An older female and male sit either side of a desk. The lady holds a pen and a sheet of large print music in front of her, with a small pile of similar sheets to her right. The man holds a pen and looks at sheets of paper (presumably music) whilst sitting next to a box with the title 'Family Fun Box Organ course' to his left. In the background are filing racks, The Australian Hymn book and Braille volumes in various bindings. Over time, the RBS built up a considerable music collection thanks to the work of its dedicated supporters such as Dulcie Magnus.Digital image of two people working together to produce braille music Second century 24royal blind society of new south wales, braille music

This badge has 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' written in gold against a dark blue background around an oval shape, with the words 'Rifle Club' in the same lettering at the base. Inside the oval, on a light blue background, is a lighthouse and a rifle either side of it, the butts crossing at the apex. In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968, and had the support of ICIANZ which provided them with free munitions as well as teams to compete against. In 1977, George Glover passed away and some of the skills required for maintenance of the equipment was lost, however the club continued until the late 1980's/early 1990s.Lighthouse with two rifles either side and crossed at top on blue backgroundRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Clubroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges, rvib rifle club

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the boxes were placed in a semi-permanent location, such as a shop counter or bar, for people to donate money. Periodically it would be emptied by a collector, who either unlocked the padlock that was usually attached or replaced it with a new box.2 wooden boxes with paper label, perspex or glass,metal hinges and locking mechanism.Blind Babies, Children & Adults Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Phone 51 1381 All services provided by the RVIB are free - thanks to your helproyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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

The duplication of services between state based blindness and low vision agencies was not viable in the long term, with telecommunications and technology improving rapidly in the late 20th century. In 1999, a decision was made to merge the library and alternative production services of the RVIB and RBS, as a precursor to a possible larger merger in the future. Thus the National Information Library Service (NILS) was created. As part of establishing a new culture between staff who had retained their positions, a vision, mission and values statement was created under the new service name.1 digital imageNational Information Library Service Mission statement: NILS provides a recognised and specialised gateway through which people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability access dynamic information and recreational reading. Vision: to enable unhindered access to knowledge, information and recreational reading for people who are blind, vision impaired or who have a print disability. Key strategic themes: Know our clients current and future needs and expectations. Explore opportunities for collaboration with other agencies, government and enterprises to source, organise and make available materials and resources of an acceptable quality. Optimise digital technology for the production and delivery of materials in an equitable, cost effective and timely way, identify opportunities for innovation by anticipating social and technological trends in the wider community. Enhance our internal capability. Establish and develop a positive and healthy NILS culture. Values: our values inform our policy, work practices, recruitment and service delivery ethic. Integrity - we are open and honest with all our stakeholders. Excellence - we strive to be superior in all we do. Innovation - we learn continuously in order to lead the way. Responsiveness - we actively listen to all our stakeholders. Equity - we focus on inclusiveness and participation for all our clients and staff. A joint venture between the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales. royal blind society of new south wales, royal victorian institute for the blind, national information library service

Tilly Aston was a writer, educator and social reformist for blind and visually impaired people. Her desire to overcome the limitations in her own life, and that of others, led to the establishment of the Victorian Braille Writers Association (later the Braille Library of Victoria) and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (later Association for the Blind). When the Kooyong site of the AFB required redevelopment due to the success of activities at Paterson Hall, a new building was constructed and named the H.M. Lightfoot Centre. As part of their contribution to acknowledging the work of Miss Aston, as well as two of the men who later worked with her, this plaque was struck and presented by the Blind Members' Council of the AFB.Brown metal plaque with gold writing"All noble things we do and dare, Must be fruitful, sometime, somewhere" Tilly Aston 11.12.1873 to 1.11.1947 Founder of The Association for the Blind Ltd. A gift to the H.M. Lightfoot Centre from The Blind Members' Council November 1991association for the blind, tilly aston, h.m. lightfoot

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

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the growth of membership to 219, over 400 visits were made to people in their homes, all items designed for blind in England and have sold and a new order will be drawn up with members invited to add their items, the Correspondence Club continues to flourish with Brazil and Chile, via Esperanto, now involved and there are insufficient correspondents to keep up with demand from American writers.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including 240 members, decision to establish a home for the indigent blind, 800 visits have been paid to people in their homes, more than 90 pounds has been lent to members in distress, provision has been made in the new Electoral Bill for the Blind to record their votes and the loss of Mr Norris from Mackay, who had become of the first members of the Braille Correspondence Club and contributed articles to magazines.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Vision Australia Enterprises was the division that provided employment opportunities and training for people who are blind or have low vision. It continued the initial approach that began with the formation of the first workshop in 1867. In these images, packaging items for external vendors, office skills and woodwork are shown. In 2009, the Prahran building was sold, and a new centre opened at Kensington. 52 digital images of workers in the Prahran buildingvision australia, employment, mary pipczak, norm richards, alan binginic, gena kacowicz, adrian smith