Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including 240 members, decision to establish a home for the indigent blind, 800 visits have been paid to people in their homes, more than 90 pounds has been lent to members in distress, provision has been made in the new Electoral Bill for the Blind to record their votes and the loss of Mr Norris from Mackay, who had become of the first members of the Braille Correspondence Club and contributed articles to magazines.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 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

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 333, with the support of Mrs W.H. Edgar and the Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, 'Woodburn' was purchased and there were sufficient funds to reconstruct a wing to the present brick building, and plans are being drawn up under the supervision of Mr Paterson for some necessary extensions, the North Melbourne and Essendon Electric Tramway and Northcote Cable Tramway were added to the Railway Pass concession scheme, a successful concert tour was made of the Goulburn Valley from Alexandra down to the Murray, the loss of Mr Bacon - who was the first Blind Collector appointed by the Association - and Mrs May Harrison, VABW secretary who tirelessly promoted the welfare of the blind.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 the inception of a series of conferences attended by representatives of various interstate and local blindness agencies, as part of an exchange of ideas with a deputation to Federal Ministers and the Premier of Victoria being favourably received, decision to form a regular concert party due to successful endeavours over the past two years, the issue of postal rates for Braille will be brought under notice at the next Postal Conference with the hope that change will eventuate in this area, a Memorial Fund has been established to perpetuate the memory of May D Harrison with a tablet placed in the Braille Library and a marble cross erected on her grave, and an obituary for W H Campbell, former President..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 the opening of the new wing at the Adult Home for the Blind by Lady Denman, removal of a 300 pound debt due the combined efforts of the Police, Military and Fire Brigades who hosted a monster carnival at Luna Park to raise funds for this, and with the help of the Minister of Railways - Hon. Donald Mackinnon - free suburban train for guides has now been granted.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 the continued success of country concert tours in providing both an income for performers and raising awareness of the Association, return of wounded soldiers has prompted the need for support for those who have been blinded and the Minister of Defence has been approached to provide a list of those such affected so that the Association can provide assistance, advice and possible accommodation at Mair St, a sub-committee has been established to determine if massage training could be provided as an employment option, passing of active members Miss Faulkner and Rose Josephs, and the Honorary physician to the Adult Home for the blind (Dr Gray) has departed his position for overseas war service.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 the continuance of the concert parties, a trial massage course was held with two students graduating, the loss of Mrs Grimwade who was a Patron of the Association, and thanks to the Automobile Club residents took a road trip to Mordialloc for some afternoon tea.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 the continued support for Country Concert Parties, the addition of the Brunswick and Coburg Tramway Trust to the Railways Pass concession scheme, appointment of two lady collectors in lieu of a single male collector with very gratifying results, the Association wishes to compile statistics on the sources of blindness with the aid of its visitors, a committee has been formed to inquire on the possibilities of cigarette and cigar making as a light handicraft, a garden party was held to celebrate the 'coming of age' of the Association since it was formed 21 years ago, and the passing of Mr W Hall, who was a vice-president of the Society and placed his devotion to the cause above his physical disabilities, and will remembered by a lasting memorial at the Home.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 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

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including withdrawal of the Country Concert Party due to the influenza epidemic, efforts being made to develop a Sewing Guild, continuation of Bark Plaiting to make small baskets, introduction of a French Polishing and Boot Repairing classes, the need for a separate building at Brighton to house the ill and the establishment of fund towards this with a 100 pound donation from the Felton Bequest, and the unfortunate increase in deaths amongst members due to the epidemic including past President T. Lowe, Country Concert Party singer Miss N Gray, and the return from active service of Dr Grey.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 the amendment of the Constitution to admit sighted officers to take up Committee positions and the election of the first sighted President Mr G A Mexwell, who had been with the Society since its beginning, the provision of wool from the Department of Defence at wholesale rates for blind knitters as well as the distribution of clothing surplus to need, a social evening held to farewell Mr D Blackely (one of the founders of the Association) as he moves to Western Australia, the new pass issued by the Metropolitan Tramways Board covers all lines and allows free travel for blind persons, and W.H. Paterson has stepped down from the Home Committee due to business and health reasons, however will still continue as a Trustee.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

From its beginning, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. In this report praise for both the school and the work of the Insitute by external agencies is mentioned, the program of allowing children to handle exhibits courtesy of the Museum of Victoria, Hugh Jeffrey has just attained his degree as a Bachelor of Music (only the second to do so), honours also to Arthur McKay and other pupils who received Honours passes at university, over 1000 piano tunings were carried out this year by RVIB trained specialists, the Institute classes in cooking and hand and machine sewing have proven useful to single and married women of Melbourne, the Institute supports two cricket teams as well as other physical culture, and providing advisc to the Post Master General concerning telephone dials.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

From it's beginning in 1867, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. These include the acquisition of Ormond Hall, nursery and school buildings by the Commonwealth and the transferal of infants and pupils to 'The Georgian' at Olinda with the need for more staff due to more residential staff required, blind pupils formed a 'Junior Red Cross Circle' raising money and also contributed knitwear and splints for mine-sweepers, the loss of Headmaster Garnet Dent, Miss Lenna Bryson and Mrs E Dunkerton on or after the move to Olinda, the appointment of Headmaster Geoffrey E Green, Miss Betty De Huggard and Miss Dulcie Allen, with Mrs Rita Nightingall and Miss Vera Hopton visiting Olinda to provide lessons, Arthur McKay passed his Diploma of Music, 1400 pianos and harmoniums were tuned this year, as most sighted employees are engaged in war work an application was successful with the Director of Manpower to keep some sighted workers in key positions as they may be required to help those blinded by war action, around 25 partially sighted workers have been placed in other factories, several workers passed the Junior First Aid Certificate of St John's Ambulance, and the loss of Dr W.B. Vance who was Honorary Medical Officer for 39 years.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

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

Group photos of the AFB Blind Members Council of 1994-95. Seated from right: Kenneth Gunning, Eve Lustig (Chairman), Val Cook, Norma Crook. Back: Marilyn Knight, Malcolm Daubney, Don Draffin, Shirley Admans (Manager), Elizabeth Judd, John Cook. Absent: Clive Lissenden.8 x Col. transparencies of AFB Board membersassociation for the blind, norma crook, don draffin, malcolm daubney, eve lustig, elizabeth judd, john cook, kenneth gunning, val cook, marilyn knight, shirley admans

Minutes of the Queensland Society of Blind Citizens committee including centre activities, staffing changes, fund raising appointment and resignation of committee members and life governorships. Some events include: 25/1/1972 - approaching the Townsville branch to ask if any applications for assistance for cyclone damage have been received, no benefits be paid to relatives doing work for members, the payment of 20 cents a week to the Queensland Musical Literary and Self Aid Society for rent of building until the Qld Society of Blind Citizens is formed and incorporated. 24/9/1974 - due to increasing utilities an increase to hostel board from $17 to $21 per week for all residents in employment. 22/10/1974 - call for special general meeting concerning dissolution of QML SAS and transferring assets and liabilities to QSBC, free use by the Coo-ee Fishing Club of the downstairs hall on Fridays and send a 'notice to fence' to the adjoining property in Stephens Road, South Brisbane. 1 book with typed pages stuck inqueensland society of blind citizens, queensland musical literary and self aid society for the blind

Minutes of the Queensland Society of Blind Citizens committee including centre activities, staffing changes, fund raising appointment and resignation of committee members and life governorships. Some events include: 23/11/1971 - addition of committee's approval for the purchase of a house to be used as a men's hostel, 14/12/1971 - collector Donnelley to be advised to divorce his religious activities from his collections and the Executive Committee inspect a house in Gladstone Road for potential purchase.1 book with handwritten and typed pages stuck inqueensland society of blind citizens, queensland musical literary and self aid society for the blind

Used to raise both funds and awareness, this matchbooks were produced with colourful illustrations on the front (a lamp shining above the octagonal Braille Library building) and rear (a female brailling at home). Inside a message 'As a Thank-Offering for my sight I give this gift to the Honorary Treasurer, Braille Library, S.E.1', as well as matches printed alternately with 'Braille Library' and 'South Yarra'.1 book of red headed matchesThe Light That Never Fails Free Lending Library For The Blind, Commercial Rd, S. Yarra The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Braille is a series of tiny raised dots by which the blind can readfundraising, marketing

Letter from Government House advising that Neil Maxwell is under consideration to be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, with pamphlet advising on the award and requiring his signature on an acceptance form for the award.A4 white page with Governor-General letterhead and 4 page pamphletnon-fictionneil maxwell, awards

Letter from Government House advising that Neil Maxwell will be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, congratulating him on this achievement and outlining the steps of his investiture.A4 white page with Governor-General letterheadnon-fictionneil maxwell, awards

Details of the investiture program sent to Neil Maxwell, who received a Member of the Order of Australia. This included an outline of awardees, paperwork required to attend the event and information on the details of the ceremony.A4 white page with Government House letterhead, 1 A4 page of advice on the ceremony, 2 entry cards to the event and the program of investitures taking placenon-fictionneil maxwell, awards

Letters and cards sent to Neil Maxwell congratulating him on his Member of the Order of Australia award, including those from Premier Steve Bracks, MPs Peter Costello, Julie Bishop, Andrea Coote, David Davis, Johan Scheffer and Senators Ron Kemp and Kay Patterson.Various cards and letters sent to Neil Maxwell congratulating him on his awardnon-fictionneil maxwell, awards

Letter sent to Neil Maxwell during Peer Appreciation Week, acknowledging his role as Peer and involvement in the Peer Program.Letter on VAF letterhead from Jayne Gallonon-fictionneil maxwell, vision australia foundation

Three letters sent to Neil Maxwell regarding his potential membership of the Order of Australia Association, and subsequent joining. Two letters from Diana Jones have handwritten notes, indicating her pleasure at his award and becoming an Association member.3 letters on The Order of Australia Association letterheadnon-fictionneil maxwell, order of australia association, diana jones

Order of Service for the life of Janet Ramsay Wicking at St John's Church, Toorak.1 booklet of 8 cream coloured pagesnon-fictionassociation for the blind, elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, janet wicking

Order of Service and prayers offered in memory of Peter Baker, Victorian Blind Bowler's Association President and lifelong supporter of the Melbourne Football and Cricket clubs. Please note: missing second page of service through omission.8 pages with picture of Peter Baker on covernon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, peter baker

Article showing sighted staff members Esther Lalor and Alex Capporilli wearing blindfolds and goggles during their Braille lesson with Neil Maxwell.1 page with black and white photographnon-fictionneil maxwell, association for the blind, esther lalor, alex capporilli, braille

Brochure advertising a ride to and from Ballarat on a vintage steam train to raise funds for Talking Book Library relocation from South Yarra to Kooyong, and the Kelaston Day Centre. The Tilly Aston Fund was part of the Centenary Appeal, and it was hinted that the lady herself may appear.Brochure advertising ride to Ballarat to raise funds for Talking Book Librarynon-fictionneil maxwell, association for the blind, fundraising

Newsletter advising that VAF CEO John Cook has announced that he will retire on December 1, 2000.1 page with coloured photograph and headingsnon-fictionneil maxwell, vision australia foundation, john cook