This letter was sent by The State Savings Bank of Victoria to General Secretary for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, dated 9th March, 1943. It reads "Dear Sir, re: Mortgage: The Trustees of Recreation Ground for the Blind to this Bank. With reference to your letter of 1st instant, we herewith return agreement - the Trustees to the Association - which has been duly noted. Yours faithfully, G. Cartwright, Acting Secretary. 1 typed bank with State Savings Bank of Victoria letterheadassociation for the advancement of the blind, kooyong club house

Framed portrait of Howard (Pat) M. Lightfoot (1904-1991), who was the President of the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Lightfoot is seated, with his hands clasped, and wears a gray jacket, grey collared shirt, green woolen vest and red tie. There is a name plate attached at the base of the painting with his name and dates of appointment. Signed by the artist in the lower, right-hand corner.1 art original in gold frameMr Howard (Pat) M. Lightfoot OBE President 1952-54, 1964-72 Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot

To honour the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Association for the Blind (then Association for the Advancement of the Blind), sister organisation Seimei Association for the Aged Blind sent this plaque.1 digital image of metal letter to AFB from Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged BlindMr John Moule President Association for the Blind In celebration of the Centenary of The Association for the Blind. A Seed of Love planted one century ago has grown to the commendable and universal Association for which I pay my hearty respect. I feel honored of our Sisterhood Agreement which marks the 10th Anniversary this year and wish this agreement of our mutual reliance will enrich advanced care and services for the blind and also to develop mutual friendships between two countries. 8th December 1995 Akio Honma President Director The Seimei Association for The Welfare of the Aged Blind, Tokyo (Japanese characters)seimei association for the welfare of aged blind inc., association for the blind

The growing need for assistive equipment and the increased demands upon the Association for the Blind, bigger premises were needed to house these services. In 1987 the Victorian Premier ceremonially layed the foundation stone for the new building that would become the Vision Resource Centre designed to meet this need. It was built using funds from the Vision Victorian Appeal and completed in 1989.2 digital images of metal plaqueAssociation for the Blind The foundation stone for the Vision Resource Centre was graciously unveiled by the Honourable John Cain, M.P., Premier of Victoria, on the 16th October, 1987. Association for the Blind The official opening of the Vision Resource Centre was performed by His Excellency, Dr. Davis McCaughey, A.C. Governor of Victoria, on the 3rd May 1989.association for the blind, john cain, dr davis mccaughey

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

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

To recognise the funds donated to help set up the Baringa Centre in Shepparton, this donor board was displayed in the foyer. It contains names of major donors.Wooden board with vinyl letteringbaringa (shepparton), 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

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

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 3RPH tin could be used gathering coins at events such as outside broadcasts or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrap1170 Radio 3RPH For the print handicapped A service of the Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, 3rph radio station

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

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

Newsletter created to share information between branches, staff and volunteers on achievements at the AFB. This issue includes: Wendy Bateman and her role as an Elanora nurse, volunteer June Day receiving the Citizen of the Year award for Murchison on Australia Day, Victoria's triumphant blind bowls team who, when tied with their SA competitors, decided to share the Catchpole trophy by keeping it for 12 months then sending it back to South Australia for 12 months, Julie Deutscher has won the tender to clean Kelaston, staff members Margaret Caldwell, Ada Fox, Maureen Gleeson and Lorelle McGain have completed five years of service with the AFB, Gale Burns, Glenys Drewitt, Fiona Jackson, Gena Kyne, Anne Menzel and Margaret Tozer have completed 10 years of service and Margary Paynter has completed 15 years of service with the AFB, Dennis Smith from the George Vowell Centre helping out as barman and waiter, RPH volunteers David Ditchfield and wife Janet received a special award for their service to the station, Judy Sutherland, Chrisi Tsafso and Jo Sisley were present for awards handed to police who had held a self defence course for vision impaired, the AFB boat in the Moomba Dragon Boat Race, Sherry Cuthbert and James Nevein toast to Ernie Stewart's 102nd birthday, Susan Marshall with her children, Dorothy Cleeland and John Dowdle hand of a $25,000 cheque, Easter Bunny promoting the world's largest Easter Egg hunt as part of the Tattersall's Kooyong fair, Elenoar Scott and her mum Julie and Roberta Ashby, the use of teleconferencing by Palm Mitchell, with Shane McCarthy and Joy Lindsay in the background, aims for the year ahead including a possible name change, staff members Esther Lalor and Alex Capporilli learning Braille, and the Braille and Talking Book Library party with Mieke Mellars, Rose Blustein, Julia Simmons, Beryl Simmons, Emma Pritchard, Lorna Hayter and Alison Forbes.8 pages of text and images about AFB clients, staff and volunteersnon-fictionFor Staff & Volunteers of the Association for the Blind Inter Link Print Post No. 327855/00001 Association for the Blind A.C.N. 007 428 284 7 Mair Street, Brighton 3186 Autumn 1998elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind, palm mitchell, shane mccarthy, mieke mellers, emma pritchard, lorna hayter, alison forbes, rose blustein, julie simmons, beryl simmons, stephen jolley, allan heywood, esther lalor, alex capporilli, elanoar scott, julie scott, roberta ashby, dorothy cleeland, john dowdle, susan marshall, sherry cuthbert, james nevein, david ditchfield, janet ditchfield, judy sutherland, christi tsafso, jo sisley, dennis smith, julie deutscher, june day, wendy bateman

Alex Mamot was a White Russian immigrant from China, sponsored by the Association of the Blind. Despite initial language barriers, his determination to succeed was an inspiration to those around him, who developed new ways of teaching which took into account his growing knowledge of English. In these images Alex Momot is showing with a Russian typewriter, being shown how to make stools by Mollie McDowell, feeling texture of a new suit held up by Matron Agar, being taught English by Carole Laird, learning the alphabet with H. Mackenzie and greeted at Brighton reception by Ms A. Mann. In addition, there are two typed notes without images: - The ship Tjiluwak, carrying Alexander Momot and other White Russian refugees approaching the wharf in Melbourne. - On the wharf, Alex 2nd from left, is greeted by Mrs W Christian (left) a blind Committee member of the Association for the Blind and Miss Constance Duncan of the Australian Council of Churches. At the right is Sergie Bankovski, also a blind White Russian who acted as interpreter. Miss Duncan also initiated the move which resulted in the Association for the Blind giving refuge to Sergie and his mother. Standing at the rear is Major General S.F. Legge, Director of Public Relations for the Association of the Blind.12 b/w photographs of Alex Mamot1 - No 4, 3" wide all in full depth, Hayer top + Bottom, #85, 3178 3 - P14. Reduce to 3" wide. Hayer top + Bottom, #85. 3178 4 - Volunteer Carole Opperman teaches English to White Russian refugee Alex Momot, who has been sponsored by the Association for the Blind. 2/8 9 - Celine Mann & Alex Mamot at point of arrival. No 1. 3" wide all in, full depth, Hayer top + Bottom, 3178, 45, 16B. 12 - 3181association for the blind, elanora home (brighton), alex mamot

The William Buckland Trust (now Foundation) provides support for disadvantaged Victorians through support for four key areas. The growing need for space at the Association for the Blind's offices in Kooyong was constraining the amount of people who could benefit from it's programs. With the assistance of the William Buckland and Hecht Trusts, the adjoining blocks of flats fronting Glenferrie Road were acquired and eventually demolished to make way for the Vision Resource Centre. The support from the Buckland Trust in 1968 was not forgotten however, and this plaque acknowledges the support gained in purchasing the land.Digital image of metal plaques attached to a boardThis historic plaque recognises the outstanding contribution that the Buckland Foundation made to the purchase of the site on which the Vision Resource Centre now stands. The purchase of this building was made possible by a substantial gift from the William Buckland Trust 1968. The Buckland Foundation's continuing support of the Association for the Blind is gratefully acknowledged. November 1994.association for the blind, h & l hecht trust, william buckland trust

Upon his retirement in 1993, this clock was presented by the grateful community at Kelaston, to honour the work done for vision impaired people in Ballarat and across Victoria by John Wicking. Made by resident Jack Jones, it had a lacewood base and Huon pine centre.1 x wooden clock with plaque attachedTo John O Wicking AM in grateful recognition of the outstanding care and time devoted to the Association for the Blind 1972-1993association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), john wicking, jack jones

Three older women sit in lounge chairs, along a wall covered with a trailing leaf design. On the right, the lady is dressed with a scarf and a rug on her lap as she feels something between her fingers. To the far left, a similar rug appears on the lap of a woman who is speaking to a visitor or possible staff member. In the middle, a lady sits with hands in her lap, looking directly towards the camera. This image was used for publicity purposes, as per the imprint on the back.1 B/W photographs of three older females sitting inside58/8 Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach 3188 Please return to P.R. Departmentassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

This agreement between the Association for Advancement the Blind and J. W. Wilson, Secretary lays out the terms and conditions the hire-purchase of a motor vehicle at 16 pounds per month totalling 1039 pounds. The agreement is Dated 18th November 1953, and is signed and Sealed by members of the General Committee and J. W. Wilson. 5 pages of typed legal agreementassociation for the advancement of the blind, john wilson

Life Governor certificates awarded to Elizabeth Maxwell (1989) and Neil Maxwell (1992). Elizabeth's certificate has black and gold writing, with a golden AFB Guiding Light symbol, and is signed by Diana J Jones and John Cook. Neil's certificate has black writing, with a black and blue AFB logo, with horizontal lines and a black 'Pacman', and is signed by John Moule and John Cook.2 styles of Life Governor certificates, awarded in 1989 and 1992non-fictionAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is to certify that Elizabeth Maxwell Glen Iris was elected a Life Governor on the Twenty-Eighth day of August 1989 by Order of the Committee Diana J Jones - President John Cook - Secretary Association for the Blind Life Governor This is to certify that Neil Maxwell Glen Iris was elected a Life Governor of the Association for the Blind on the Eighteenth day of September 1992 by Resolution of the Committee John Moule - President John Cook - Secretaryelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the well attended picnics and the need to continue the work as outlined in the League of Nations which acknowledged the large number of blind people not yet employed.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Part of the AFB network of fundraising involved the use of opportunity shops in various locations. The Top Opp was a large contributor and the work of those who volunteered is acknowledged in this plaque.Gold coloured metal plate with black writingAssociation for the Blind gratefully recognises the financial contribution made by the Top Opp at the Chadstone Shopping Centre through the efforts of its many volunteers August 1995association for the blind, fundraising

Arthur Wilkins was a tireless advocate and campaigner for the AFB, and this centre in Essendon was named in his honour. As demand for more services grew with the aging population, extensions were required, and in 1995, a low vision clinic and rehabilitation facilities were added.Metal plate with black writing and four screw holesThe official opening of the Low Vision Clinic and Rehabilitation Facilties at the Arthur Wilkins Centre was performed by John Moule President Association for the Blind 31 August 1995association for the blind, nameplates

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1980, it was presented to Sister Elizabeth Lindsay, who cared for children in the RVIB from 1935 until 1945 as the first Matron of the RVIB nursery, and her guardianship of one particular child, whom she took in and cared for.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey 10th October 1980association for the blind, sister elizabeth lindsey

John Blanch was on the Board of Directors for the Association for the BlindCol. photograph of John Blanchassociation for the blind, john blanch

Association for the Blind treasurer Robin Pleydell at KooyongCol. photograph and negative of Robin Pleydellassociation for the blind, robin pleydell

Portrait of Association for the Blind treasurer Graeme UptonB/W photograph of Graeme Uptonassociation for the blind, graeme upton

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the continuance of the concert parties, a trial massage course was held with two students graduating, the loss of Mrs Grimwade who was a Patron of the Association, and thanks to the Automobile Club residents took a road trip to Mordialloc for some afternoon tea.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

The H. & L. Hecht Trust was established in 1970 to provide support for community development projects. One such project was the establishment of services so that people with low vision had access to the devices and equipment that could assist them. Digital image of gold coloured metal plaqueAssociation for the Blind gratefully recognises the financial contribution made by the H and L Hecht Trust to provide low vision services in the Western Metropolitan Region August 1995association for the blind, h & l hecht trust

Association for the Blind treasurer Mr Robin Pleydell at an Annual General MeetingCol. photographs and negatives of Robin Pleydellassociation for the blind, robin pleydell