A girl holds and feels the face of a doll, as she sits in front of a Christmas tree with wrapped and unwrapped presents underneath. This image was used for a Christmas card sent out by RVIB.Col. photograph of girl holding a dollNo. 43289 Take C-Aroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Confidential report from Frank Y Turley about the multi-handicapped unit at RVIB Burwood school, including rationale for its establishment and some guidelines about enrolment.2 type written sheets with no letterheadroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib burwood school, frank turley

A detailed memo from Frank Y Turley about the multi-handicapped unit at RVIB Burwood school, including rationale for its establishment and some guidelines about enrolment.3 type written sheets with no letterheadroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib burwood school, frank turley

A President badge was struck to identify this important role in the sighted community. These consisted of a rectangle with the words 'President' in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written in gold against a blue background. Enamel blue badge with gold writingroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

A Secretary badge was struck to identify this important role in the sighted community. These consisted of a rectangle with the words 'Secretary' in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written in gold against a blue background. 1 metal pin with gold writing on blue backgroundroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

A Treasurer badge was struck to identify this important role in the sighted community. These consisted of a rectangle with the words 'Treasurer' in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written in gold against a blue background. 1 metal pin with gold writingroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

View from St Kilda Road of driveway to newly completed RVIB building. Believed to be taken around opening in 1868, there are no trees visible except for one on the side road (Moubray Street).royal victorian institute for the blind, buildings

Unknown RVIB worker wearing a dust jacket, sits as he places something into paper packets. His guide dog stands next to him, out of harness, with his lead in the man's lap. 1 B/W photograph of man at a worktableAR 1964royal victorian institute for the blind, dogs

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

A young person navigates their way down a staircase inside the RVIB building at St Kilda Road. Ahead of them, a male staff member stands, verbally guiding them in using their cane to find the next steps.royal victorian institute for the blind, orientation and mobility

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

To enhance communication between RVIB head office and the various talking newspaper sites around Victoria, a newsletter was established. Articles from on technical issues, information sessions, what newspapers were being recorded and profiles of clients were distributed to keep the group informed.1 v. (in various pagings)royal victorian institute for the blind, newsletters

192 - James Murphy at the RVIB Brush factory. 193 - unknown worker inspects the millet heads. 195 - unknown worker stacks the newly made brooms together for delivery. From the annotation on the back of 193, these images may have been taken for the 1964 annual report.3 B/W photographs192 - Brush Factory 1 193 - Brush Factory 2, AR 1964 195 - Brush Factory 4royal victorian institute for the blind

The RVIB staff newsletter was produced to keep staff members informed of what was occuring around the RVIB. It contains articles on events, courses and individual staff members and volunteers, as well as reproductions of newspaper articles about RVIB, poems, artwork, jokes and stories from RVIB staff. Title was produced monthly, with the occasional bi-monthly issue, later reducing over time. 1 v. in various pagingsAlso subtitled: RVIB Staff newsletter and RVIB Staff news and viewsroyal victorian institute for the blind, newsletters

Musicianship was a pursuit encouraged by the RVIB, who then established orchestras as a way of raising funds for the organisation. To this end, tours were often given around the state, so that the general populace could appreciate both wonderful musical talent and the work of the institution. In these images, various ensemble members and their instruments are displayed. Digital files of blind orchestra membersrvib orchestra, fundraising

Image of boys and men around and in a grassed area at RVIB, that is bordered by wooden railing. A single-storey bluestone building and two wooden buildings surround the grass. Some children rest on the railing whilst others play in the grass or walk around the area. Three adults talk amongst the boys. Boys and men standing behind or by a fence bordering a grassed arearoyal victorian institute for the blind, education

Scanned image of the RVIB orchestra, dressed in tuxedos and playing on a stage, from the 1930 annual report. In contrast to a similar advertisement in 1923, where the orchestra was seated outside and in day clothes, this line up consists of males in black tuxedos and bowties with white shirts, to emphasis the professionalism of the musicians and their ability to play in more formal settings.Scanned page from annual report of blind orchestrarvib orchestra, fundraising

This card provided the bearer with the ability to park on the RVIB grounds. It reads as follows: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia Telegraphic address: 'Royalblind". Telephone: (03) 529 3544 Fax: (03) 51 4735 Parking Authorisation Vehicle Reg. No. Date Time Authorised by Please display this card on dashboard1 white card with blue writing and spacing for handwritten detailsroyal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies

A certificate from Community Services Victoria to the volunteers at the RVIB Burwood school. It reads "Awarded for all Volunteer Workers at R.V.I.B. Burwood in recognition of their highly valued contribution to community services in the Inner East Region." Signed by the Chair of the Inner East Regional Advisory Council, Mark Longmuir and Minister, Community Services Victoria, Kay Setches, dated 10th April 1992.1 A4 sized certificate of appreciationrvib burwood school, awards

The 3 items in this display - bell, crystal vase and cake server- were presented to the Wodonga Auxiliary of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) marking 50, 60 and 70 years of service respectively. This auxiliary was formed in March 1932 with K.D. Watson as the Inaugural President. Its purpose was to raise funds to assist blind and visually impaired people across the state of Victoria. The volunteers over 70 years spent countless hours door knocking in the annual fundraiser, and selling raffle tickets at street stalls. As the City of Wodonga expanded the areas to be door-knocked increased, creating a challenge for the mainly elderly members of the Auxiliary. Eventually it closed down in 2002 when the RVIB amalgamated with Vision Australia. The longest serving member of the Auxiliary was Mrs. Jean Burbidge.These items have local and state significance as they represent the work carried out by a local group of volunteers to support an important state wide institution.3 awards received by the RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary for recognition of their service. They include a crystal vase, a gold bell and a silver cake server. 18/10 is stamped on the reverse of the cake slicer. This relates to the percentage of chrome and nickel within the steel.On the bell: 'Presented to Wodonga R.V.I.B. Auxiliary 50th Anniversary" Around the middle of the vase: 'Presented to RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary 60th Anniversary, 1992" On the cake server: "Presented to RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary for 70 years service March 1932 to March 2002" On back of cake server:" 18/10 and initials FK inside 2 circles.royal victorian institute for the blind, rvib wodonga auxiliary

Silver hand bell with 'RVIB 1935-1945' inscribed. Unsure of origin, however assuming that this was made as a commemorative piece as Neil Maxwell arrived at the RVIB in 1945.1 silver hand bell with clear plastic bed on handle and inscriptionRVIB 1935-1945royal victorian institute for the blind, neil maxwell

Undated cardboard sign for the RVIB. In use possibly around the 1980s or early 1990s.Digital image of RVIB sign on cardboardThe Royal Victorian Institute For The Blindroyal victorian institute for the blind, signage

Boys scramble over a 1920's style car, in the front gardens of RVIB St Kilda Road. One sits on the roof and another on the bonnet, both reaching to feel the windscreen wipers. Three boys are at the front, touching the engine, whilst two more touch the front of the tyre and another boy touches the rear of the tyre. The final three boys sit on the running board with various components in their hands.royal victorian institute for the blind, education, children

From its beginning in 1866, the Victorian Asylum for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind) has been a prominent resident in St Kilda Road. Intended to provide work and education, the RVIB has adapted and changed according to the staff and people who passed through, lived, laughed, learned and languished in it, as well as societal expectations. In this history of the building, its services and personalities, up until the closure of St Kilda Road.284 pages without illustrations in etext filenon-fictionroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib burwood school

On Wednesday 23rd February 2005, after a two year project of research and interviews with pupils, workers and staff, 'The Lighthouse on the Boulevard' (a history of the RVIB) was launched. MC Michael Walsh introduces Vision Australia CEO Gerard Menses, author Dr Judith Buckrich, participants Reuben Ryan, Steven Herd, David Blyth and Deputy Mayor of Melbourne Gary Singer who spoke at the launch. Afterwards books were signed and the crowds mingled.Sunday Special radio program on the launch of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'royal victorian institute for the blind, michael walsh, gerard menses, judith buckrich, reuben ryan, steven herd, david blyth, gary singer, dorothy hamilton, michele prentice, don draffin