Activities in annual report include: beginning to plan for centre for multi-handicapped children, expansion of home care program for deaf/blind children, continued to provide secretariat for the Australian National Council for the Blind, past President Dr Charles Bennett was awarded an OBE in June 1969, teacher George Findlay awarded an MBE in June 1968, formation of a ski club which conducted a ski camp, continuance of interest-free home purchase loans for blind workers, death of Bert Merrick who led the Blind People's Social Club for many years and the creation of the Bert Merrick Memorial Picnic and two prizes for Burwood School children to honour him.1 volume of print and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

Articles in annual report include: Office bearers of the institute/officers, President's report - 100 years, Residence nursery and school for blind children - in 1866 first nine blind children were accommodated in temporary premises in Commercial Road Prahran, the budget was $822 pounds, now the facility in Burwood can house 70 children and the, budget is $160,000, New found confidence after rehabilitation, Blind welfare work increases, Our factory now serves industry, Employ opportunities are widening, Our loyal auxiliaries and other supporters, What of the future, Income and expenditure, Where there's a will there's a way to help blind people. Events that occurred in 1966 : Millet broom making was discontinued and mat and industrial brush making and packing and assembly began, the Governor of Victoria and Lady Delacombe brought their dog to visit the children at the school, the Institute began two vital new projects - providing a residential geriatric facility and to establish the RVIB foundation for research and education.1 volume of print and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

Articles in annual report include: President's report, treasurer's report, Association for the blind balance sheet, life governors, Ballarat home report, Bendigo home report, Brighton home report, Blind citizens community centre, welfare report, auxiliaries, facts about blindness. Discussion includes the continuing deficit problem, establishment of a Volunteer Services Group, visit by Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe to Bendigo (Mirridong) to launch the Lions Club appeal for funds, celebration of Granny Carson's 103rd birthday, the erection of a new wing at the Blind Citizens Community centre and hope that the second stage will be completed when additional funds are secured, the cessation of the North Fitzroy Good Companions Auxiliary and the success of the Children's Fair at Kooyong.1 volume of text and black and white photographsassociation for the blind, sir rohan delacombe, annual reports, katharine (kitty) rose

Appeal poster for people to include a bequest to the RVIB in their wills. It features a kneeling boy, holding flowers, with his eyes partially closed and dressed in a jacket and short pants. At the base of the poster is written: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran, Phone 5113811 yellow and grey poster with red, white and black text with grey illustrationWhen you make or amend your Will include a Bequest to HELP the Blind Babies and Children of Victoria ...royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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

This collection of papers provides various information on blind bowls and the charity work undertaken by the Mentone Bowls club. In 1980, Clarrie Hoppitt attended a demonstration at his local club and was so impressed, that he offered his services to help teach blind people to play lawn bowls. This enthusiasm was shared by his wife Grace and together they travelled to Perth and other places to teach as outlined in both the newspaper article and Grace's recollection in this file. Grace's involvement in the 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament held in Leicester is demonstrated in the programme, alongside the signatures that were collected from the players, coaches and helpers. Also included is a menu from the British Airways flight taken to the tournament, which was signed by the crew, and Clarrie Hoppitt's copy of 'To Teach a Blind Person to Play Bowls'. Additionally there is a photograph of Grace in her Australian team uniform, taken outside a house. in 1959, Albert Henry established the NABA (firstly in jest in response to a unfulfilling game of bowls, then as a charity organisation). All monies were to be directed to sick children, and the Blinded Babies fund received a good proportion of this. Over time the NABA raised $34, 683 during over 20 years of operation (1963-1982) and became a definable part of the Mentone Bowls club.Various loose papers including a newspaper article, 1981 World Blind Bowls Tournament programme, British Airways flight menu signed by the crew for the Blind Bowls team, a photograph and a history of the NABAmentone bowls club, clarrie hoppitt, grace hoppitt, royal blind society of new south wales, albert henry

Royal Children's Hospital, Patron Her Majesty the Queen, certificate of appreciation presented to H. M. Lightfoot Centre in grateful recognition of the your generous support. Signed by Rosemary Derham, President, on April 19, 1983, certificate no. 945. This was mostly liked given in response to the funds donated by the Centre in response to the Good Friday appeal. 1 coloured certificate of appreciationSymbol for the Royal Children's Hospital (a boy and girl dressed in Roman togas stand looking at a pelican nesting on a shield with a golden lion, two snakes twined around staffs and white stars on a blue background) at the head of the page. A gold and red border is present around the edge of the page.association for the blind, fundraising

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

Funds were raised for RVIB in the during the 1940's and 1950s by putting on concerts called 'Variety on Parade'. The ticket reads 'As a Thanksgiving for sight! Proceeds in aid of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children & Adults, St Kilda Road, Prahran, Melbourne'. It was held at the Public Hall, Buckrabanyule on Tuesday 2nd Sept. 1952 at 8pm. Admission was 3/6 and it was advised that 'New! Non-stop Variety Entertainment of Music, Mirth and Sensational Acts' would be experienced. 1 rectangular shaped concert ticket with black ink text Ticket no. 56 Ticket no. 57royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary was formed on February 13, 1933 by Mr Birtchnell. This collection of papers includes the minute books from 1944 until 1998. It was noted in correspondence that Geelong and surrounds had been the most outstanding financial contributor to RVIB's revenue. Collections from the Geelong community had provided high donations every year. The Geelong Auxiliary posted 301 pounds on their first return in 1934, easily topping any of the other 200 auxiliaries in the state at that time. The Annual Report from July 31, 1995 noted that with regret due to health reasons and the passing of many members The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary had no option but to go into recess. The certificate reads: Centenary Certificate of Appreciation presented to Geelong Auxiliary for outstanding service. Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind babies, children and adults. (Signed by) President (Charles Bennett) Executive Director (F.G. Turley).5 minute books -- 2 accounts books -- 1 book of newspaper clippings --various loose papers and letters -- 1 certificate of appreciation Certificate: white paper with light turquoise thick border and gold and blue thin borders. The RVIB official seal is at the base of the right hand side and a coloured image of the RVIB logo, with the words 'Centenary year 100 1866/1966' in the bottom left corner.royal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Articles in the annual report include: death of General Manager Ian Burnet, expenditure exceeding income, need to sell Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel) property, goal of opening 20 new Day centres by the end of 1975, plans to establish Occupational Therapy Training unit, review of aging hostels and restructure workshop, growth of Mitchell Street Theatre, increase of children with more than sight loss at nursery, decision to establish reading competition in memorial to Barbara Rutherford and awarding of Churchill Fellowship to Joan Ledermann for a review of Braille production units overseas.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: increased funding from state government, possibility of sustained funding in providing a public library service, success of low vision clinic and need to increase opening times to accommodate demand, decision to move to standard cassette, change in direction by providing support for children to stay in family unit and community kindergartens rather than placement in a separate kindergarten program or residential care, introduction of Closed Circuit TVs into the workshop, winning a 2 year contract with Australia Post to provide bicycles and an order from Dubbo Zoo for family cycles and tandems, formation of RPH with a trial broadcast and radio license application made, and the Society held it's first Open Day.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

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 structural re-organisation, increased borrowing has required increase in staffing, the entire share portfolio has been sold however 4 staff were retrenched and remaining staff undertook an 8% pay cut for 8% less hours (with many continuing to work the same hours), decision to phase out Clarke & Smith machines in favour of cassettes, due to lower staffing a waiting list for borrowers need to be established with up to an 8 week delay to join, braille interleaved books developed to allow sighted parents of blind children (or vice versa) to enjoy a book together, establishment of LBA allows for segregation of alternative production and sales of book to other organisations, Braille Book of the Year panel of Barrett Reid, Joyce Nicholson and Lloyd O'Neil, opening of Benalla Studio on 7 December 1982, and as library declared a free public library in May 1980, library receives state government funding at 3% of the state budget.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

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 8% decrease in salaries until December saved $28K, first issue of Brailletter magazine, 6 month delay for new borrowers to receive service, growth in loans and books from Maxene Hewitt Children's Collection, End of Year Party not held due to financial constraints but Children's Christmas party did proceed, Jan Smark invited to overseas workshops, Employment Initiatives funding used for cassette cataloguing and talking book maintenance, resignation of E. Haynes and Hector Bathurst, and appointment of Michael Zifcak and Don Schauder.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Articles in the annual report include: retirement of Graham Lawrence and appointment of Jon Isaacs, death of Dr Sandy Robertson, pilot Traineeship Access Course for school leavers was developed, library involved in organising IFLA Specialist section meeting, introduction of face to face proofreading for talking books, Dr Max Lang donated his personal collection of optometry books, Maths Braille Code revised with input from Betty Smith and RBS staffers, increase of braille produced through microbraille program, Paul Cullen Centre opened on October 28, 1987 with two levels of care via Burgess Hostel and Roselands Nursing Home, closure of Lighthouse Hostel in Burwood and small cottage style hostels in Enfield and Strathfield, introduction of new lines in manufacturing (skirthanger, Miyata bicycle), Variety Club of Australia continue their support for a national children book collection, 3M Australia sponsored upgrade of studios and Talking Book of the Year award, Jillian Hallam won Sports Girl - for all Women in Sport award and Inge King's 'Awakening' won the Bicentennial RBS Sculpture award.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: official opening of a new library building at Enfield, over 1 million items circulated in the library, passing of Sir Robert Drew and Nola Dekyvere, first production of Il Globo and launched by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, launch of Bookline - a telephone ordering service for talking books and winning the first Australian Audio Book Award for Children's Books for The Clinker narrated by Bill Conn. 1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Overview of events that occurred in 1963-4 : six children in residence at Deaf-Blind unit, a Residential Rehabilitation Centre for blind adults was opened and has catered for more than 20 clients, visit from Dr Richard Hoover, school children have participated in camps, visiting a Russian whaling ship and a poultry farm, and performing in a radio program, 10 students gained Honours in pianoforte AMEB, and one former student graduated with a Bachelor of Law from Melbourne University. Everton Soccer team visited the school, Swish was introduced and APEX adopted talking books as it's Association Service.1 volume of text and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

Events that occurred during the year : further expansion of nursery with 3 children under the age of 3 admitted, first Aboriginal child (Alexander Marks) was admitted, children gained 23 swimming certificates, some Scouts met Lady Baden Powell, Board approved revised sketch plans for 42 acre site at Box Hill, doubling of Talking Book Library service with additional 60 machines purchased at a subsidised cost courtesy of the Nuffield Foundation, Alberta Tutton is taking a break from Auxiliary President duties with J. A. Duncan filling the temporary vacancy, thanks to Mabel Nelson for acting as accompaniste to concert artists, resignation of Alban Whitehead as a Country Concert Party manager and appointment of Denis Bandel in the position, outgoing Council member Cr. W.J. Wrens was recognised as Companion of the Order of the British Empire, and Captain Semmens and crew of 'Triaster' provided play equipment for playground. Dick Sutcliffe led the blind orchestra as it played 'There'll Always Be An England" as Queen Mother drove by the Institute and stopped when she saw the crowd of blind children and workers waiting for her, accepting a bouquet of gardenias from Margaret Oliphant.1 volume of text and illustrationsannual reports, royal victorian institute for the blind

"RVIB is grateful for Mrs Janet Conn for her generous support of our work with children who are blind or vision impaired. Mrs Conn's donation was made in loving memory of her late husband, Mr Charles Conn. June 1999." Beneath this script is the Braille text of the above. Digital image of plaque with writing and BrailleRVIB is grateful for Mrs Janet Conn for her generous support of our work with children who are blind or vision impaired. Mrs Conn's donation was made in loving memory of her late husband, Mr Charles Conn. June 1999.royal victorian institute for the blind, janet conn, rvib burwood school

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. In this example, William Hughes was awarded a governorship in March 1949.1 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 General of Victoria, Major-General Sir Winston Dugan, G.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O Patroness: Lady Dugan President: C.L. Kimpton, Esq. Vice-Presidents: Chas. W. Bennett, Esq. M.R.C.S. (Eng), F.R.A.C.S., R. Ramsay, Esq Hon. Treasurer: Percy W. Briggs, Esq. Members of Board: Harold E. Brookes, Esq, JP Mrs C.H. Tutton G.E. Newton, Esq G.H. Grimwade, Esq. W.H. Cowper, Esq Joseph Taylor, Esq E.V. Willis, Esq. Leighton Irwin, Esq. Superintendent & Secretary: Stannus W. Hedger, M.B.E. Recreation, Industry, Education, Nursery This is to certify that William Hughes Esq. has been appointed a Life Governor of the Institute. C.L. Kimpton President S. Hedger Superintendent & Secretaryroyal victorian institute for the blind, awards

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including a membership of 276, nearly 1000 visits made to people in their homes with several taking the opportunity to learn Braille, leasing of 'Woodburn' to accommodate those who were unable to provide for themselves or convalescent rather than provide short term financial help, an extension of the Railway Permit was secured so that the holder is able to travel with a guide and pay only one fare on the Brighton Electric Tramway and Williamstown Ferry Boat club, commitment by the Federal Government to extend the invalid pension to blind persons, the Department of Education is improving lighting which will help some children with eye difficulties and the loss of Sir Malcolm McEachern, F.S Grimwade, Mr Quayle and Dr McBurney, (the latter for whom a portrait will be placed in the Home for the Adult Blind due to his professional and personal support of the Association).1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Program showing songs and performers of the 1983 Carols by Candlelight, televised by Channel 9.1 volume with colour illustrationscarols by candlelight, jim watsford, graeme lyall, david johnston, janet perkins, tony borg, philip gould, suzanne johnston, karen knowles, john lidgerwood, jackie love, colette mann, jackie trent, tony hatch, denis walter, australian children's choir, colin wood, brian naylor

In March 1985, Merle Reid past away. She had worked for RVIB at Burwood since 1963, first as a cleaner but later as a laundry supervisor and childcare assistant. Encouraged by Matron Dunnell, she began her teacher qualifications and went on to become a teacher at the school. With her positive outlook, she became a firm favourite with children and staff alike, and to honour her impact, a proposal was made for a new outdoor playground was made bearing her name.Album of images and text as a tribute to Merle Reidrvib burwood school, merle reid

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual reports were both a way of informing benefactors as well as generating new ones for charitable organisations. In 1867 an asylum and school for blind children began in Melbourne. Between that first intake and 1891, the asylum went through a great many changes, including the building of the St Kilda Road building, growing in size and developing a workshop for blind workers. 1 bound volume with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports