To honour the commitment of its Auxiliary, badges were awarded to commemorate 10, 20 and 25 years of service. These consisted of a circle or oval with a gold lighthouse on a blue/green background and the words 'Auxiliary' in gold across the middle of the lighthouse. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold' against a navy blue background, with the relevant number of years at the base of the badge or lighthouse.Metal pin with gold lighthouse and number of years servedroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To honour the commitment of its staff, badges were awarded to commemorate years of service or honorary positions. These consisted of a circle with a gold lighthouse on a contrasting background. Around the outside, 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' was written in gold' against various backgrounds, with '50 years' or 'Life Governor' at the base of the badge.Metal pin with gold lighthouse with shining lightRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind 50 years Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Life Governorroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

To honour the commitment of its staff, badges were awarded to commemorate years service. These consisted of the Vision Australia Foundation symbol of an eye (flat surface for the iris and areas immediately below and above the eye, and roughened surface for the background of the iris), in gold. A number reflecting the years of service was attached by a loop below the badge in gold. Service was commemorated at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th year. Life Governor, Area Leader and Friend could also be attached to the badge. Metal pin of an eye with attachments1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, Life Governor, Area Leader, Friendvision australia foundation, badges

To honour 15 years of service provided, a bronze coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Vision Australia Foundation Tilly Aston Award' and below this '15 Year Award'. On the back of some awards is a printed panel: 'Tilly Aston, at the age of 21 years and herself blind, founded the Association for the Blind in 1895. Visionary, administrator, teacher and poet, Miss Aston brought together sighted and blind people in a partnership of action to improve the lives of blind people. This award recognises the continuing accord and tradition of friendship and selfless service which she initiated.'1 maroon wooden stand with bronze tone inlaid medallion, with illustrations15 Years Awardvision australia foundation, awards, john wicking

To honour 25 years of service provided, a silver coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman (Tilly Aston) wearing a pendant and an old-fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Vision Australia Foundation Tilly Aston Award' and below this '25 Year Award'.1 maroon wooden stand with silver tone inlaid medallion, with illustrations25 Years Awardvision australia foundation, awards

To honour 15 years of service, a gold coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Ltd. Tilly Aston Medal' and below this '15 Year Honorary Service'. On the back of some awards is a printed panel: 'Tilly Aston, at the age of 21 years and herself blind, founded the Association for the Blind in 1895. Visionary, administrator, teacher and poet, Miss Aston brought together sighted and blind people in a partnership of action to improve the lives of blind people. This award recognises the continuing accord and tradition of friendship and selfless service which she initiated.'1 blonde wooden stand with gold tone inlaid medallionJohn O. Wicking, Presented 17.9.93 Mardi McCann 18.5.2000 Neil Maxwell 27.02.98 Elizabeth Maxwell Presented 16.10.92association for the blind, awards, john wicking, mardi mccann, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

As a way of recognising contributions by agencies and individuals outside of the organisation, commemorate plaques were struck and presented as part of an awards ceremony.1 wooden shield with engraved gold coloured plate, with blue Vision logoVision Australia Foundation. QuanTum Information Technology / Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust In recognition of your outstanding contribution towards vital services for people who are blind or have severe sight loss. August 1999.vision australia foundation, nameplates

To celebrate 100 Years of operation, a Centenary Garden Party was held at Government House and volunteers were presented with tokens of appreciation for their involvement with the Association for the Blind. The Honorable Richard McGarvie, Governor of Victoria, and Lady McGarvie handed out pins to the many volunteers from around the state who have given service.1 photo album of colour photographsVolunteer Awards (100 years)association for the blind, john wicking, janet wicking

The Association for the Blind was honoured with many awards for its achievements. This one from radio station 3MP, was gained because of the services the organisation provided to the community.Wooden shield with two metal nameplates attached1377 3MP Melbourne's Bay City Radio Presented to Association for the Blind For Outstanding Community Service 8 June 84association for the blind, 3mp radio station, nameplates

Articles in the annual report include: establishment of the Charter for the Eighties committee to develop on the role and direction for the organisation, decision to close Alexis Albert Hostel and move residents to Lighthouse Hostel Roselands or cottage style accommodation due to increasing repair costs, increased demand for field service (but not funding) and standard cassettes from the library, new Braille production unit shared with RIDBC, further bicycle order for Dubbo Zoo, large order for PVC sleeves justified new PVC welding equipment, Talking Book of the Year award and "Art in Touch" exhibition (both created to celebrate 100th birthday in 1980) will continue, and departure of Graeme Bradshaw, Jack Chamberlain and Mavis Threlfo.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

The Association for the Blind was honoured with many awards for its achievements. This one from radio station 3MP, was gained because of the services the organisation provided to the community.Wooden shield with two metal nameplates attached1377 3MP Melbourne's Bay City Radio Presented to Association for the Blind For Outstanding Community Service 8 June 84association for the blind, 3mp radio station, nameplates

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 2000 it was presented to Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell who have contributed over 40 years of service to blind sports (cricket, bowls, swish), governance (with various auxiliary and council positions), fundraising and public awareness.1 wooden block with two metal insertsVision Australia Foundation John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to people who are blind or vision impaired Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell 6 October 2000association for the blind, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

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: naming the computer which will store the book catalogue for the library 'Tilly', RVIB declared a public library and Minister for the Arts has determined for services to rationalise with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman meeting their counterparts with meetings ongoing, first time borrowers asked to nominate their choice of winning title for Braille Book of the Year, with the literary panel of Stephen Murray-Smith, Joyce Nicholson and Barrett Reid making a short list from which borrowers voted, first time presentation held in the afternoon (with increased attendence) and inaugural Narrator's Award (The Bathurst in honour of former President Hector Bathurst) to Eirene Pappas, Hector Bathurst to receive OAM, Jan Smark Nilsson appointed to National Advisory Committee on Library Services to People with Disabilities and Australia Post approval to change cassette mailing pouches.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

President's report including shortages of staff and suitable dogs, the work of the Stawell (founded in 1966) and Beeac (founded in 1970) Auxiliaries, working with Kua Cheng Hock and his dog Stacy in both Australia and Singapore, donation by Rodney Haig of his prize money for Tattersalls award, the purchase of a caravan and workshop to provide services in Queensland, and the success of the hostel and day centre programs. Articles on 'How a Seeing Eye Dog is Trained' by Kim Gration, profile of Phyllis Gration and the establishment of Lady Nell, as well as Patti Gration losing her mobility due to an accident, as well as images of various people with Seeing Eye dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, harry vanderjagt, phyllis gration, patti gration

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

Report from individuals and agencies forming the Illawarra Community Centre, including: the retirement of Flo Dodge and Joyce Lake, awarding of 32 Tilly Aston awards for 15 year or more voluntary service, the 'Illawarra Tigers' Day Centre bowlers winning the State Blind Indoor Biased Bowls Competition, telephone support groups established in Colac and Portarlington, and involvement in a local Taxi Driver training day with other agencies, running a successful 'Banking and Budgeting Program' with Gordon Technical College.1 volume of printed materialassociation for the blind, illawarra community centre

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

To honour 35 years of service provided, a bronze coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Vision Australia Foundation Tilly Aston Award' and below this '35 Yeard Award'. On the back is a panel: 'Presented to John Wicking, 39 Years Volunteer Service, Board Member 18 years, President 12 years.' 'Elizabeth Maxwell 2004' 'Neil Maxwell OAM 2004' 1 maroon wooden stand with bronze tone inlaid medallion, with illustrations35 Years Award Back: Presented to John Wicking, 39 Years Volunteer Service, Board Member 18 years, President 12 years. Back: Elizabeth Maxwell 2004 Back: Neil Maxwell OAM 2004vision australia foundation, awards, john wicking, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

First established in 1922, the British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to subjects of the United Kingdom who had provided meritorious service at a management or non-commissioned officer level. It consists of a silver coloured medal depicting a seated 'Britannia' with the sun above her left shoulder. Around the edge of medal is written 'For God and The Empire for Meritorious Service'. On the reverse of the medal is a crown above the letters 'ER II Instituted by King George V'. Four heraldic lions surround the edges and is hung from a pink ribbon with pearl-gray edges. This medal was presented to Hugh Jeffrey, date unknown, for his service to people with visual impairments. 1 silver medal with rose pink and grey ribbon inside burgundy boxmedals, hugh jeffrey

To recognise the dedication and service of non-military persons, the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (civil order) was established. Shortened to MBE, the award consists of a silver cross with a circular centre and a fleur de lis attached on four sides. Above the north facing fleur de lis is a crown which is connected to a rose pink crossgrain ribbon with pearl grey edges, and tied into a bow. In the central part is the profile of King George V and Queen Mary, and the words 'For God and Empire' in raised letters against a roughened background edging the portrait. On the rear are the copperplate letters 'GRI' (which stand for Georgius Rex Imperator) and an image of a crown directly above this. It is designed to be worn on the left hand side by the female recipient. In 1974 this medal was awarded to Miss Elsie May Henderson for services to blind persons.1 silver coloured medallion in black frame association for the blind, medals, elsie henderson

To recognise the dedication and service of non-military persons, the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (civil order) was established. Shortened to MBE, the award consists of a silver cross with a circular centre and a fleur de lis attached on four sides. Above the north facing fleur de lis is a crown which is connected to a rose pink crossgrain ribbon with pearl grey edges, and tied into a bow. In the central part is the profile of King George V and Queen Mary, and the words 'For God and Empire' in raised letters against a roughened background edging the portrait. On the rear are the copperplate letters 'GRI' (which stand for Georgius Rex Imperator) and an image of a crown directly above this. It is designed to be worn on the left hand side by the female recipient. In 1937 this medal was awarded to Miss Millicent Frances Ritchie for her service as Secretary of the Braille Association of Australia.1 silver coloured medallion attached to ribbon in black case millicent ritchie, victorian association of braille writers, medals

To recognise the dedication and service of non-military persons, the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (civil order) was established. Shortened to MBE, the award consists of a silver cross with a circular centre and a fleur de lis attached on four sides. Above the north facing fleur de lis is a crown which is connected to a rose pink crossgrain ribbon with pearl grey edges, and tied into a bow. In the central part is the profile of King George V and Queen Mary, and the words 'For God and Empire' in raised letters against a roughened background edging the portrait. On the rear are the copperplate letters 'GRI' (which stand for Georgius Rex Imperator) and an image of a crown directly above this. It is designed to be worn on the left hand side by the female recipient. The medal from this box was presented to Katharine (Kitty) Margaret Rose in 1975 for her tireless work with the aged blind, and is on display at the Bendigo office.1 burgundy box (with silver medal on display at Bendigo VA office)association for the blind, medals, katharine (kitty) rose

Takeo Iwahashi was the founder of the Nippon Lighhouse for the Blind in Japan. He made an enormous contribution to the lives and progress of blind people around the world, and was a great friend of Helen Keller. The annual Takeo Iwahashi Award was founded in his memory and is awarded to a "worker for the blind whose contribution to work for the blind in the fields of education, training, rehabilitation, placement, prevention and cure of blindness, administration of services for the welfare of the blind or any other program related to the welfare of the blind has been outstanding." Hugh Jeffrey won this award in 1988. This intricate and delicate presentation envelope is made from a heavy guage paper/fabric blend. It features a small addition of origami on the front, as well as Japanese calligraphy and a gold and silver knotted ribbon holding it closed. Originally the envelope unfolded to a large size with a red liner, and contained the Award certificate and cheque for the prize money.Handmade paper envelope with red edging and gold and silver ribbonshugh jeffrey, awards

This is a coin shaped gold coloured medal sitting upright on top of a small plastic pedestal. On the front the coin contains representations of leaves, and a white cane across the top. Around the sides is an inscription: ' Alex Johnson Memorial Medal for devoted service to the blind' and across the bottom 'Blind Workers Union of Victoria'. On the back is inscribed in signature style ' Hugh H Jeffrey' 1972' inside a circle of leaves. 1 coin shaped medal on pedestalawards, hugh jeffrey

"In Memory of the Late FRED BROMLEY First President and Life Member of Narbethong Welfare Association for Visually Handicapped Children and Young Adults Inc 1975-1984. He was made a Life Member in recognition of his tireless services. IN APPRECIATION There is also a digital image of the Braille version of the plaque. Fred Bromley was a Queensland MP (1960-1974) and in addition to the above role in the Welfare Association, was also an executive member of the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School, and was awarded an Order of Australia in 1984 in "recognition of service to the community, particular the welfare of disabled people".Grey flecked plastic sign with white letteringfred bromley, nameplates

Framed certificate. "This diploma is awarded to Tonkin Zulaikha Harford, client: Royal Blind Society of NSW for new Library services building, Royal Blind Society of NSW, Enfield in recognition of an architectural work of outstanding merit by the jury appointed to select buildings which most deserve this recognition among those nominated for an award in the year 1990 in the area of the New South Wales chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects." Embossed with the seal of the chapter and signed by the Chairman of the Jury and the President of the NSW chapter.Digital image of framed award for architectureroyal blind society of new south wales, award

To celebrate the work undertaken by various members, the Association for the Blind presented wooden shields as mark of recognition and respect. Glenis Pitson 1996-1999 John Lodge 1997-1998Wooden shield with engraved gold and blue coloured plateAssociation for the Blind Presented to .... for distinguished service as Volunteer Area Leader 19... - 19 ..association for the blind, volunteers, awards

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

A metal cup engraved with 'Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set' sits on top of a plastic base, which has a dark coloured plate attached to the front side. On the front plate is engraved "Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams". On the rear side are engraved the winners of the trophy: 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYS. The Melbourne Red Cross Younger Set were an auxiliary of RVIB that helped provide awareness and raised funds for services. Swish is a form of table tennis that is played without sight. The ball contains a bell and is hit with a rectangular bat under the board that acts as a net. This cup represented the annual game between the Auxiliary and RVIB players.1 pewter cup resting on top of a plastic platform with an engraved plate Memorial SWISH - Trophy, Commemorating Annual Contests between the R.V.I.B. and Younger Set Teams 1975 - RVIB, 1976 - RVIB, 1977 - RVIB, 1978 - MRCYSnameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind

Certificate awarded to the Arthur Wilkins Day Centre for it's work with the blind and visually impaired people of Essendon, awarded on November 8, 1988.1 certificate of service from the City of EssendonCity of Essendon Certificate of Service This Certificate presented by The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Essendon in recogition of the fine service given in a voluntary capacity to the Citizens of the Municipality by Association for the Blind Arthur Wilkins Memorial Centre. The Common Seal of the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the City of Essendon was hereunto affixed in the presence of (signature illegible) Mayor (signature illegible) Councillor (signature illegible) City Manager On this .... day of .... , 19....association for the blind, city of essendon