F2 - Coir matting loom is expertly handled by this blind operator. F5 - Machine cold binding of a millet broom. F7 - Final trimming of a special mat. F9 - Checking and packaging of brush ware is easy to this tradesman.4 B/W photographs of workers in the mat and brush shopsF2 - Mat Shop 1 1964 F5 - BFactory 3 F7 - Pic N123, 6846# F9 - Brush Factory 5 6846# 1964royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Three workers wearing RVIB white aprons on a production line for toy trucks. The two men seated either side of the table, add wheels to the cabin bases, whilst a third man holds the completed truck (cabin and trailer) at the end of the line.1 B/W photograph of three men on toy production line3060royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A man wipes dust from a car under repair, somewhere in Queensland.1 x faded B/W photograph3 (circled)vision qld, employment

Broom making machine at the Queensland Institute for the Blind. Image is also located at Queensland State Archives with creation attribute to Lands Dept.2 x black and white photographsqueensland institute for the blind, employment

Interior view of a building owned by Queensland Industrial Institute for the Blind, and used to store cane and make cane baskets. Several examples of partially finished product sit in each of the work areas used by individuals.1 x B/W photograph of cane area at QIIBqueensland industrial institute for the blind, employment

An unknown QIIB worker using a brush making machine.1 x B/W photograph of man using machine that puts bristles into broom headsqueensland industrial institute for the blind, employment

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

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

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

The sewing palm was used by visually impaired workers in the mat making workshop at the Royal Victorian for the Blind Institute during the binding of mats to protect their palms from the 17cm-long curved mat making needle.1 leather folded band with indented metal square attached and leather lacing fastening at back assistive devices, employment

This poster is advertising 'Royal Packaging and Assembly Ind' coir mats. There is a line drawing of a jester's legs and shoes and the tip of a jester's staff on a coir mat. 1 rectangular white poster with red and black text with illustration Royal Packaging and Assembly Ind. Coir Mats For the Home, Office, Factory, Hall, School. Woven Business Logos, Monograms, Lettering. Standard Sizes or Made to Order Acknowledged as Top of the Range Manufactured at our factory from the finest Indian coir Packaging and Assembly Ind. - the Industrial Division of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Telephone: 5292211royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

QBIC Sales Manager Herb with staff in hardware stores, promoting the great range of products produced at QBIC.6 col. photographs of QBIC Sales Manager Herbqbic industries, employment

Collection of photographs taken of goods produced by QBIC Industries.29 col. photographs of brush and cane ware produced by QBIC Industries.qbic industries, employment

Students on a Traineeship Access course are video-taped to asses their interview skills. In this image a male is speaking to a female, whilst a video camera is recording the mock interview.B/W photograph of male talking to a interviewer with cameraStudents on a Traineeship Access course are video-taped to asses their interview skills.royal blind society of nsw, employment

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. This basket was made at RVIB, possibly during the 1980s due it's lack of discolouration and good condition. 1 cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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. 1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institution for the blind

A female secretary sits at a typewriter with earphones on, attached to a dictaphone. In the background are filing cabinets, a typewriter and shelves. Whilst the person is unknown, from her watch, glasses and typewriter, she could be a sighted volunteer or staff member.Digital image of woman seated at a typewriterroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

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

1. Male sits at a desk with a Wang computer terminal in front of him and Optacon device to his left. The Optacon was a device that allowed printed material to be turned into Braille through the use of a small camera connected to a vibrating array that produced the Braille. To his right is a cassette recorder, another computer and recorder, whilst a long cane rests against a wall. The man is possibly wearing a sonic guide and listening to the cassette whilst he types on to the screen. 2. Male sits in an office with an Opticon to his left, which he is using, and a manual typewriter in front of him. The typewriter has the camera of the Opticon clamped into position over the typewriter. Behind the man is a reception desk, with a bell and small switchboard visible on upper counter of the desk, and a coffee mug, portable cassette recorder, telephone books and piles of paper stacked neatly under the upper counter.Digital image taken from pictures on chipboard15 - Group with 13, 14 please - no caption available 12 - Group with 13, Optacon captionemployment, royal blind society of new south wales

Two material mats that were made in the workshop at RVIB2 matsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Although basketry and weaving work was discontinued at RVIB, workers were employed to undertake a new range of activities. Once of these involved assembling goods and re-packaging them. Showbags, cutlery for airlines and other items were handled by the workshop teams at RVIB, who could put together different components to make a shelf ready product. In this example, workers are using plastic to create an unknown item, which could then be shipped out to the warehouse.royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Printed leaflet of four pages setting out working conditions of men employed on main roads by the Country Roads Board. Two copies.Text: " Duties and Responsibilities / OF / PATROL MEN / EMPLOYED ON MAIN ROADS BY THE / COUNTRY ROADS BOARD. "country roads board, employment

Saw used in the RVIB workshop. It has wide teeth on one edge and narrower teeth on the opposite side of the blade. The handle is made of resin with three rivets holding the handle to the blade.1 metal saw with wooden handle and dual bladesroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Workers unloading bags of chicken pellets in Solomon's Lane. This lane was supposedly named after Aaron Solomon, who ran up and down it constantly for exercise.1 B/W photograph of men unloading a truckroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

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. This cane basket was used at QBIC for transporting heavy items. The side has been reinforced with wood and four metal bands to help the cane keep it's shape and take the weight of heavy items. The base has two pieces of board and rotating wheels are attached to the middle of the lower board which allows it to sit above ground level and be wheeled over flat surfaces. A rope handle is attached to two sides as well.1 deep cane basket with two wheelsQBIC Industries - Asset Number: 1430-1 Description: Push Trolley 7 Location: 18R Block Cane Shop employment, qbic industries

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. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

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. Generic style basket that would have been used for shopping or any household task requiring movement of multiple items. Cane baskets were the original green alternative to plastic shopping bags. Note that the handle is deliberately askew, for easier carrying against the hip.1 cane basket with askew handleemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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. This style of washing basket was commonly used by families until the introduction of cheap plastic baskets.1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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. This cane basket was used for storage as well as transporting heavier items. The base has been reinforced with two thick boards that allow the basket to hold more weight than regular baskets, and this also allows it to sit higher and the contents slightly above ground level.1 deep cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind