Plaques recognising the funds donated by AFB supporters as part of the Vision Victoria Appeal, that helped build the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong 1987-1989. The need for services for people with low vision was recognised by the AFB, who undertook to provide a range of services including diagnosis of low vision, advisors on how people with low vision could best utilise their existing sight, and objects designed to assist in everyday living. Initially operating out of a flat facing Glenferrie Road, which the Association had purchased, the growing demand demonstrated that a larger dedicated area was required. Thus began the project to develop a Low Vision Clinic on the land previously occupied by flats eventually purchased by the Association. 2 digital images of wooden board with white etched writingIn recognition of the assistance given the to the Low Vision Clinic by the many generous friends of the Association for the Blind The Association for the Blind acknowledges with appreciation the contribution made to the Low Vision Clinic by the following major donors: The Victorian Government Springfield Auxiliary Kooyong Fair Committee Mr Claude Kingston O.B.E. Mr A.T. Marriott Mr W. P. Fleming Mr A.J. Jennings-Smith H. and L. Hecht Trust Collier Trust William Buckland Foundationassociation for the blind, h & l hecht trust, william buckland trust

Board member Hubert Opperman speaks with Matron Rosewall and Katharine 'Kitty' Rose at Mirridong, the Association for the Blind's home for the elderly blind in Bendigo.B/W photograph of Hubert Opperman, Matron Rosewall and Kitty RoseMr Hubert Opperman visits Bendigo Home. Also pictured Matron Rosewall and Mrs G.R.Roseassociation for the blind, mirridong home (bendigo), hubert opperman, matron rosewall, katharine (kitty) rose

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

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 299, 1000 visits were paid during the year, the Public Works department erected a set of steps from the top of the cliff to the sands so that Home residents may be able to access the beach, Railway Permits will now also be honoured on the Prahran-Malvern Electric Tramway and Bay Excursion Steamers, a concert party toured to Egerton, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong and Toolern Vale for the dual purpose of raising awareness and funds for the Association, Mr A Solomon has been appointed as a second Collector to visit Country Towns and with the support of the wife of the Minister for Public Works, Miss Aston and Miss Munce waited on the Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, gave her full support to organise a fund to purchase the land and buildings in Mair Street for the Association.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Association for the Blind President John Wicking receives his Member of the Order of Australia medal from the Governor General of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke.B/W photograph of John Wicking receiving his award at Government House (Victoria)john wicking, sir henry winneke, association for the blind

Newspaper article about Maurice Gleeson and Marj Goodall, who undertook an overseas trip together after becoming acquainted through the Association of the Blind. 1 photocopied newspaper article from Herald Sun, 1 May 1995non-fictionassociation for the blind, elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, maurice gleeson, marj goodall, caroline van de pol

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including continued support through donations despite abnormal conditions caused by the war, less attendances at Country Concert Party events however it remains in a sound financial position, a bequest of 200 pounds was received from Jean Bickford for the purpose of accommodating blinded soldiers at Brighton, the work of the Association has largely been limited in area however with the Secretary's visit to both Bendigo and Ballarat it is hoped that more is possible, a new trade of plaiting bark to make small floral baskets has been added, a near miss was incurred at the 'Re-union' at Woodburn after the hot afternoon helped generate a violent tornado which fortunately missed the Home but created havoc a few hundred metres away, and the loss of several members and supporters, including Mr Young who was killed in a tram accident and Mrs G W Paterson, who along with her husband W Paterson, an active supporter of the Home.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Order of Service and prayers offered in memory of Marj Lane, a long time Association for the Blind volunteer who also inaugurated the Audio Description service for theatre.3 double sided pages folded into a bookletnon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, marjory lane, association for the blind

Invitation card reads as follows: The President John Moule and Board of the Association For The Blind have pleasure in inviting Mr & Mrs N Maxwell to the 100th Annual General Meeting to be held at the Camberwell Centre 340 Camberwell Road Camberwell on Friday 20th September 1996 at 11.00am Book launch of No Sight - Great Vision 100 year history of the Association for the Blind Guest Speaker: Rt Hon Sir Zelman Cowan former Governor-General of Australia Facing the Future Lunch 12.30pmInvitation card for Mr and Mrs Maxwell to 100th Annual General Meetingnon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind

Certificate of Honour presented the to Helen M. Schutt Trust for significant support towards the Visitor Resource Centre at the Association for the Blind. Diana Jones stands between two males.1 x col. & 1 B/W photographFil #7/90association for the blind, diana jones

Association for Advancement of the Blind picnic on Saturday November 6, 1943 1 - Handwritten note, "Pole Number 102 - Blind association sports ground. 2 - Letter from GR Fowler, General Secretary, Association for Advancement of the Blind to Superintendent of Traffic, Malvern Depot, advising of picnic to be held at club house in Glenferrie Rd Kooyong. About 300 blind people to attend, mostly by tram.trams, tramways, instructions, events, malvern depot

Arthur Wilkins, Hubert Opperman, Murray Mountain (in brown suit), possibly Bill Cosby, Association for the Blind staff and two schoolgirls try out tandem cycling, near the AFB offices in Brighton.Col. transparencies of various people riding a tandem bicycleassociation for the blind, hubert opperman, arthur wilkins, murray mountain, bill cosby

Fundraising for the work of the Association for the Blind took on many forms. On May 24, 1989, a auction of sports items was held with guest celebrity auctioneers Lou Richards, Bob Davis and Ray Lord at Elanora.16 col. photographs and 2 B/W photographsassociation for the blind, lou richards, bob davis, ray lord

In 1990, the Braille Library and Talking Book Library merged with the Association for the Blind, to ensure library services were maintained in Victoria. This plaque recognises the assistance provided to the new entity by the Port Phillip Rotarians.1 digital image of plaque with inscriptionRotary International (symbol) The Talking Book Library greatly appreciates the support received from the Rotary Club of Port Phillip - Melbourne March 1991association for the blind, braille and talking book library

In 1964 the first White Cane Safety Day was proclaimed in the United States, to recognise the white cane as a method of independence for blind people and increase awareness by motorists to pay extra consideration to white cane users. Since then the recognition of White Cane Day has spread around the world including Asia, Africa and Europe. In Australia, Queensland was the first state to celebrate White Cane Day in 1978, followed by Victoria in 1979.Typewritten letter in brown frameOn the back: This proclamation of October 15, each year, as White Cane Day throughout the State of Victoria, was made by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable R.J. Hamer as the result of a deputation by blind people from the Association for the Blind on Thursday October 12th, 1978.rupert hamer, association for the blind, white cane day

Framed portrait of Elsie Henderson who was a tireless worker for the Association for the Blind. From 1934 until the 1960s Elsie Henderson worked at the Association for the Blind as a home visitor for women who were blind or vision impaired. Blind herself, Ms Henderson had 300 women on her visitation list and would visit three to four women daily. She wears a mid-blue jacket with a floral shirt, pearl necklace and her MBE attached to her jacket. This painting hung in the former Kooyong Day Centre until it was demolished in 1999.1 art original in frameelsie henderson, association for the blind

Framed portrait of Tilly Aston who began the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, a forerunner to the Association for the Blind. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Tilly sits with one hand resting against a table, and the other in her lap. She is wearing a black collared dress with a white lace neck ruff held with an opal pin. Two medals (the Jubilee medal and Coronation medal) are pinned to the chest, each consisting of a red and white bowtie with a brass medallion. Tilly Aston was born in Carisbrook, Victoria, in 1873. When she was very young her parents noticed she was having problems with her vision. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with no sight in her right eye and the prognosis of loss of vision in the left eye. As a result of this she was totally blind by the age of 7. Despite this her parents endeavoured to give Tilly as many of life’s advantages that their limited means could supply. From an early age she was taught singing, music, poetry, arithmetic, encouraged to read and observe the natural world around her and be independent. At the age of 8 she was sent to the Asylum and School for the Blind (later called the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind). She excelled in a wide range of subjects and matriculated in 1889. With the help of a public fund was able to attend Melbourne University, being the first blind Australian to do so. Unfortunately the lack of Braille text books made it impossible for Tilly to continue her studies and she left in second year. Tilly was determined that other blind people would not have the same negative experience she had had. In 1894 she organised a meeting to form the Victorian Association of Braille Writers with the aim of producing and supplying Braille to blind Victorians. Braille was produced by trained volunteers with ? recruited in the first six month. Other rights and services for blind people remained very limited. In 1895 Tilly organised a meeting, which formed the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia). The Association was instrumental in obtaining many benefits for blind people including a blind pension, voting rights and transport concessions. It also established the first nursing homes for blind people, at a time when many blind people were homeless and destitute. Tilly went on to be Australia’s first blind teacher. She was also a very talented musician, author of seven books and was very gifted at arts and crafts. She knew Esperanto and corresponded with people all around the world including Helen Keller. Tilly passed away on November 1st 1947. Her legacy continues through the work Vision Australia which provides services for thousands of blind Australians. A memorial bell dedicated to her is also situated in the King Domain Gardens. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Miss Matilda (Tilly) A. Aston / President 1904, 1910, 1943 to 1947/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind, tilly aston

Howard Murray (Pat) Lightfoot (1904-1991) served as President for the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. He joined the Association in 1938 as a sighted member of the General Committee, and was part of the group that dealt with the breakdown of a uneasy financial agreement that existed between the RVIB and AAB, the incorporation of the AAB under the Charities Act and the development of a rehabilitation centre at Kooyong for those who wished to have support without a residential component. After losing his father at an early age, Pat Lightfoot began working as an office boy for Nicholas Pty Ltd, later studying and becoming an accountant - such skills highly needed by the newly incorporated Association. According to 'No Sight, Great Vision', he was a highly skilled communicator, whose friendly and approachable manner won over most of those who opposed his presence on the general committee due to his sight. His support for and recognition of the work done by Mr Paterson led to him standing aside for the position of President and nominating his friend until the Committee overrode him in 1952. His appointment signaled a change in how the organisation was run, and introduced John Wilson as Secretary as well as Stan Horsfall as Treasurer in 1953, which helped move the administration style from social volunteering to business thinking. Health concerns caused him to resign in 1954, however when his health improved he rejoined the Committee in 1958 and again became a key worker in keeping the organisation financially healthy. The "H.M. Lightfoot Centre" - a two storey building attached to Paterson Hall was named after him. This image was provided when J Balmain was approached to paint a portrait of Mr Lightfoot, for the centenary celebrations of the AFB, as per the letter.1 portrait photograph of Howard (Pat) Lightfoot and 1 associated letter regarding usage for a portrait by Balmain.Mr H.M. (Pat) Lightfoot - (Past President) 1" Deep (No. 2) Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach, 3188 Please return to PR Department (arrow pointing to left) 14 ems (arrow pointing to right) 1.95 .1 100# Ticket No: 5230 Client: Abaris 100# Wanted: Tues 19th AM Mounted: as layout and sticker 43 1/4% Please Quote No: BA 9105 Laurie Richards 4 Tower Ave, Alphington 3078 489-8528 48-5541h.m. lightfoot, association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind

Images from possibly two award ceremonies, both held at the Association for the Blind offices in Kooyong. In one, celebrity chef Gabriel Gate presents some awards from a stage, whilst in the other awards are presented from a podium.27 negativesassociation for the blind, jennifer gibson, gabriel gate

Janine Morrison raises a golf club, which Peter Rickards slightly adjust before she swings, down the fairway. Behind Peter is Maurice Gleeson. All 3 staff members wear Association for the Blind t-shirts.association for the blind, recreation, janine sadhu, peter rickards, maurice gleeson

039 - Rex Hollioake, appeal chairman, shows Minister for Health Rob Knowles and another man the plans for a redeveloped Kelaston. 043 - Minister for Health Rob Knowles with Terry Fraser, Kelaston manager, and John Cook, Association for the Blind CEO.2 x col. photographskelaston home (ballarat), john cook, rex hollioake, association for the blind

The Guiding Light structure 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. 2 black and white images of the Guiding Light at Elanora Guiding Light symbol presented by Sir Bruce Small, connected with AFB's new wing Elanora S.E.C. of Victoria Printing and Photography Centre 23 Oct 1969 Neg No: E.E. 336/2, 336/3.association for the blind, state electricity commission of victoria

Association for the Blind board member Hubert Opperman in his role as the Australian Minister for Immigration, visited the new Day Centre of the Jewish Blind Society at Stamford Hill, London. He discusses handwork with Mr Lew Dobrin and an instructress Mrs K. Amaral.B/W photograph of Hubert Opperman looking at a wicker basket made by a blind man.hubert opperman, association for the blind, jewish blind society

The Board of the Association for the Blind. Backrow: Graham Upton, ?, Malcolm Daubney, Henry Malycon, Terry Cocks, Marjorie West, Norma Crook (?), Michael Gorton, John Cook (CEO) and Jeremy Wurm. Front row: Don Draffin, Eve Lustig, John Moule, Claire Proctor, ?Col. transparencies of AFB Boardassociation for the blind, graeme upton, malcolm daubney, henry malycon, terry cocks, marjorie west, norma crook, michael gorton, john cook, jeremy wurm, don draffin, eve lustig, john moule, claire proctor

Three people stand in a kitchen. The gentleman on the left wears a white coat, the younger male in the middle wears a chefs jacket and checked pants, and holds a platter, whilst the older female at the right holds a certificate. A Cooking Apprentice award was given to a person employed at the Association for the Blind.1 x B/W photographassociation for the blind

Letter reads as follows: Sir, M.A. Aston Estate To enable me to completed the Declaration required by the Commonwealth Bank please let me have: - 1. Full names of Messrs, Paterson and Worrall 2. Amount of stock held Yours truly, V.S. Hollow Handwritten in blue pen at top: Bickford Trust Handwritten in black pen at base: 12.15pm Stamped at base: 16 Feb 1951 A carbon copy of the response reads: 16th February 1951 Mr V.S. Hollow, M.A., LL.B., Solicitor 140 Queen Street Melbourne C1 Dear Sir, M.A. Aston Estate Your letter dated 20th December was hand delivered to me at 12.15 today. In answer thereto, I have to advise: 1. Mr Paterson is William Henry Paterson. Mr Worrall is Albert Victor Worrall. 2. The stock comprises two blocks 300 (pounds) and 200 (pounds) totalling 500 (pounds). Yours faithfully, General Secretary1 white page and 1 blue page (cc)In top left hand corner: V.S. Hollow, M.A., LL.B. Solicitor, etc. Commissioner for Affidavits, High Court, Vic., Qld., Sth A., W.A., Tas., NZ. Telephones: Office MU 1926, Private XA 1933 On the right hand corner: 140-146 Queen Street, Melbourne, C1association for the advancement of the blind, tilly aston

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Trustees (namely Dudley William Fielding Lucas, Howard Murray Lightfoot and George F. Henning) lays out the terms and conditions surrounding the Association's access and usage of the Kooyong recreation grounds and club-house. The agreement is undated except for the year, and unsigned.3 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, george henning, dudley lucas, kooyong club house