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

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

An older female and male sit either side of a desk. The lady holds a pen and a sheet of large print music in front of her, with a small pile of similar sheets to her right. The man holds a pen and looks at sheets of paper (presumably music) whilst sitting next to a box with the title 'Family Fun Box Organ course' to his left. In the background are filing racks, The Australian Hymn book and Braille volumes in various bindings. Over time, the RBS built up a considerable music collection thanks to the work of its dedicated supporters such as Dulcie Magnus.Digital image of two people working together to produce braille music Second century 24royal blind society of new south wales, braille music

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1934. It is a copper badge with its frame shaped like a shield. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "Hugh Jeffrey" acoss the top, with "University Exam" on the left of the outlying shield, and "Sept. 1934" on the right. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Shield with Australian coat of arms and engraved writingAdvance Australia Hugh Jeffrey University Exam Sept. 1934hugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1933. It is a round copper badge with gold coloured filigree running around the outer edge. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "University Examination" acoss the top, with "won by Hugh Jeffries sic Sept. 1933" acoss the bottom. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Australia coat of arms inside circle with engraving around edgeAdvance Australia University Exam won by Hugh Jeffries (sic) Sept. 1933hugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This Dux award pin was presented to him during this time, but is undated. It is a gold badge with its frame shaped like a shield, carrying heavy engraving. Inset into the shield is an other smaller shield in copper, with "HJ" in stylised copperplate engraving on the front and "Dux" on the back. It features a loop on the top, but no chain or safety pin.Gold shield with 'Dux' engraved in middleHJ Duxhugh jeffrey, badges

After an unsuccessful attempt to gain a seat for the Australia Party in the 1974 Hugh Jeffrey ran again in 1977 for the newly-formed Australian Democrats in one of 5 Victorian electorates. This badge features a green background in enamel with Australian Democrats in gold lettering surrounded by a gold border. A gold Southern Cross and Federation Star feature on the right hand side, next to the lettering. The rear features a pin and MD and Co Badges stamped into the base.1 badge with writing and gold Southern Cross stars on green backgroundAustralian Democratshugh jeffrey, badges

This badge has 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' written in gold against a dark blue background around an oval shape, with the words 'Rifle Club' in the same lettering at the base. Inside the oval, on a light blue background, is a lighthouse and a rifle either side of it, the butts crossing at the apex. In the 1960's, the RVIB approached engineer George Glover to produce equipment to allow blind people to shoot, based upon that made available at St Dunstan's Hospital in the UK. The rifle range opened in February 1966 at the rear of St Kilda Road with 30 members, and soon became involved in matches with sighted rifle clubs in the area. The club had many successful years, competing against teams from Canada and New Zealand in 1968, and had the support of ICIANZ which provided them with free munitions as well as teams to compete against. In 1977, George Glover passed away and some of the skills required for maintenance of the equipment was lost, however the club continued until the late 1980's/early 1990s.Lighthouse with two rifles either side and crossed at top on blue backgroundRoyal Victorian Institute for the Blind Rifle Clubroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges, rvib rifle club

Small round badge with white background and 'Australia Day' written in blue on the upper edge and 'Citizen Award' on the lower edge. In the middle an Australian flag with a single star beneath the Union Jack, and the left side of the flag has a stylised outline of Australia, with the Southern Cross constellation inside it. The edge of the flag is also shaped to a point. Citizen Awards are presented by local councils to individuals to recognise their outstanding contributions to the community.Round badge with Australia flag on arrow and 'Australia Day Citizen Award' around edgeAustralia Day Citizen Awardhugh jeffrey, badges

Founded in 1891, the Ellams Duplicator Company produced drum and flat duplicators that copied a stenciled sheet and allowed multiple copies to be made. Considered desk top, this rather heavy machine was operated by turning the handle and could turn out 100 copies a minute. This would have been useful for donation request letters or large print newsletters.1 black case holding a black drum and metal platesEllams Rotary Duplicator Self Feeding Ellams Duplicator Co Ltd 12 King Street London E.C. Alfred Street, Brisbane, Australiaoffice equipment, ellams

A smiling school girl plays a piano, whilst reading the music with a high magnification pair of glasses.Digital image of girl playing piano with glassesrvib burwood school, education

A young blond haired child in overalls moves carefully down a staircase and at the top/base of the stairs.Digital image of a young boy in overallsrvib burwood school, occupational therapy

A schoolboy sits at a table, with a tin of cut plastic straws in front of him as he threads them on to a plastic cord. This activity is used by many teachers to enhance fine motor development.1 black and white image of a boy threading itemsrvib burwood school, education

A metal cup with handles and lid sits on top of a plastic mound. Inscribed on the cup are the words "River Run, Winner of Perpetual Trophy, Health Fitness & Vitality, Presented by Golden Bowl Sports Centre". At the base of the award are listed the names of past winners: 1978 Rob Wallace, 1979 Eric Sigmont, 1980 Rod Pitt, 1981 Robert Gilfillin, 1982 Eric Sigmont, 1983 Max Little, 1984 Dennis Clark, 1985 Michael Hillardt, 1986 Robin Rishworth, 1987 Malcolm Norwood. Image of tarnished metal cup with lid and two handlesRiver Run, Winner of Perpetual Trophy, Health Fitness & Vitality, Presented by Golden Bowl Sports Centreassociation for the blind, awards

A brown wooden award with the words 'Arthur Nothing Shield' inscribed at the top and, in white paint, 'For competition between Friendship Swish Club & Brighton Staff'. At the base is inscribed 'for Perpetual Competition'. There are 10 smaller silver plates, however only 3 of these are inscribed: Association Staff 1966, Friendship Swish Club 1967, Friendship Swish Club 1968.Image of wooden shield with metal plaquesArthur Nothling shieldassociation for the blind, recreation

"Presented to the Royal Victorian Institute of the Blind by Visually Impaired and Blind Bowlers of Victoria in grateful thanks and appreciation for financial assistance to the Australian Championships 1990". Two coloured plastic badges consisting of a wreath of native flowers in dusty pink against the letters V I B B V in gold and a lawn bowls ball against a royal blue background, surrounded by a second wreath that forms the edge of the badge, are located at the left and right base of the plaque. Image of rectangular award consisting of one coloured rectangle with engraving and two smaller round onesroyal victorian institute for the blind, awards

An elderly man listening to a Clarke & Smith talking book machine, whilst sitting on a lounge chair. In the background is a wooden sideboard. The man is smiling and has raised his hand to his mouth as he becomes enveloped in the story. Digital image of man sitting in a chair listening to talking booksroyal victorian institute for the blind, talking book machines

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

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. In this example, the boxes were placed in a semi-permanent location, such as a shop counter or bar, for people to donate money. Periodically it would be emptied by a collector, who either unlocked the padlock that was usually attached or replaced it with a new box.2 wooden boxes with paper label, perspex or glass,metal hinges and locking mechanism.Blind Babies, Children & Adults Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Phone 51 1381 All services provided by the RVIB are free - thanks to your helproyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

1. A female assists a boy cut his hot dog on a plate. 2. An elderly female and older man engage with each other, in black and white. 3. A young child looks at a brightly coloured book. 4. A Christmas gift exchanges hands.4 digital images originally printed on to oversize blocksvision australia, carols by candlelight, kodak

The award reads as follows: Australian Institute of Management 38th Annual Report Award presented to Braille and Talking Book Library Bronze Award for Distinguished Achievement in Annual Reporting, May 1988 (Signed by) Chairman of Annual Report Award Committee (and) Chief Executive of Institute New South Wales Limited Digital image of rectangular wood block with paper certificate laminated to front:Australian Institute of Management 38th Annual Report Award presented to Braille and Talking Book Library Bronze Award for Distinguished Achievement in Annual Reporting, May 1988 (Signed by) Chairman of Annual Report Award Committee (and) Chief Executive of Institute New South Wales Limitedbraille and talking book library, awards

When the Victorian Blind Cricket Association approached Mr Paterson for assistance in gaining access to a permanent cricket pitch upon which games could be played, it set in chain a series of events that remain in place today. Mr Paterson had been heavily involved in the formation of the Association for the Blind and saw this as a problem to be solved. Raising money through public donation and door knocking, Mr Paterson arranged the purchase of land on the banks of Gardiner's Creek, and adjacent to the tram and train lines. The land was raised, to avoid flooding, and a surface prepared. The sportsground was adjacent to the AAB, however due to the interest of Malvern Council in the land and knowing that the AAB at that time was in financial difficulties, a Trust was set up to handle the management with Mr Paterson, Mr Gould the Malvern Council Town Clerk and George Maxwell as trustees. A clubhouse was also needed to allow players to take shelter during matches and once again, Mr Paterson came to the rescue. Using their personal funds, Mr and Mrs Paterson loaned the Trust the monies required for the building. This plaque recognises the dedication and support that Mr Paterson gave to help establish the first blind cricket playing ground in Australia.Digital image of metal plaqueErected to the Memory of W.H. Paterson, M.B.E. Obit. Feb. 19 1957 By his personal efforts and sacrifice these playing fields were obtained and this clubhouse erected The first for blind cricket in Australia Erected by the Blind Cricketers of Victoria October 22nd 1957william paterson, victorian blind cricket association

Volunteering has been an integral part in providing services. This award was presented to the Loddon Mallee (Bendigo and Swan Hill) offices for their active use of volunteers in providing recreational programs. It reads as follows: Volunteer Involvement Program - Sport and Recreation Victoria State Recognition Award 1996 Association for the Blind Loddon Mallee Region For outstanding achievement in the management and recognition of their volunteers Australian Sports Commission Sports and Recreation VictoriaDigital image of bronze inscribed plate on marbled surfaceassociation for the blind, awards

Eva Fisher was a valued member of the AFB and wished to commission a sculpture for the grounds in the front of Paterson Hall. Noted sculptor Ian Bow was commissioned and created Urban Cycle, a six panel metal sculpture that follows the development of the local area. This plaque was placed near the sculpture and removed when Paterson Hall was renovated.Digital image of metal plaqueUrban Cycle Sculptor: Ian Bow Gift from Evangeline Anne Fisher 17th September, 1975.association for the blind, eva fisher, ian bow

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 1988, the Kelaston Community Day Centre won an award for providing accessible communication for deaf clients. These awards were developed to encourage and recognise programs that provided accessible communication for a wide variety of groups.1 digital image of blue and silver plaque1988 Access Communication Award Presented to the Kelaston Community Day Centre A project of Deafness Foundation (Victoria) Sponsored by the Quota Club of Moorabbinassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

To give shape to a basket, this frame was used by the weaver to keep the wicker in shape. Basket weaving was an integral part of many blind workshops, and this frame comes from the RVIB workshop in St Kilda Road.1 metal frame for weaving basketsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

Saw used in the RVIB workshop.1 metal saw with wooden handleroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment