Upon his retirement in 1993, this clock was presented by the grateful community at Kelaston, to honour the work done for vision impaired people in Ballarat and across Victoria by John Wicking. Made by resident Jack Jones, it had a lacewood base and Huon pine centre.1 x wooden clock with plaque attachedTo John O Wicking AM in grateful recognition of the outstanding care and time devoted to the Association for the Blind 1972-1993association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), john wicking, jack jones

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. These boxes were designed to be reused, with a pop out section in the base.2 x metal coin collection tins with printed sidesFront: The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road The only Institute in Victoria for teaching blind adults trades & professions educating & maintaining blind children & babies (Lighthouse with words radiating out from light) Modern cottage homes Pensions - after care & sick fund Prevention of blindness lectures, etc. Free wireless radio for needy cases Boat shed & club house Professions & trades Blind babies nursery Wireless sets Social club Happiness for the blind every day & night Musical education Higher education Domestic science classes for blind women & girls A free education Maintenance of blind children The Lighthouse! As a thanksgiving for sight Please place a coin in this box and help to keep the Beacon Light flashing for the Institute's Blind Adults, Babies and Children Side: (Picture of two girls playing with dolls house) Our blind babies and pupils will probably spend 70 years in our Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road As a thanksgiving for sight please help make their years very happy ones by placing a coin in this box! Reverse front: (Drawing of a man holding his hand to his eyes as a blast occurs in front of him, pushing small objects towards his body.) It might hit You or Me! Please! Will You? As a thanksgiving for the sight you and your dear ones possess, please place a coin in this box to assist the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road, and its Blind Adults, Children and Babies! Reverse side: (picture of workshop at RVIB) One of our many spacious workshops provided by public subscription! The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is faced with the problem of employing and otherwise assisting its blind workers. It gives them charitable allowances in addition to their earnings, amounting to approximately 15,000 (pounds) every year, to enable them to support their wives and families! No profits can therefore be made! This 15,000 (pounds) is distributed because the great handicap of blindness prevents blind persons from earning as much as their more fortunate sighted fellows. Please! Ask Storekeepers for our Baskets, Mats, Brooms, etc. And as a thanksgiving for Your Sight place a coin in this box for our blind adults, children and babies! Embossed on the top of the box is Royal Victorian Institute for the Blindfundraising, royal victorian institute for the blind

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 basket was made at RVIB, possibly during the 1980s due it's lack of discolouration and good condition. 1 cane basket with two side handlesemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

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. 1 cane basket with 2 side handlesemployment, royal victorian institution for the blind

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)

Constructed in 1996, the new wing at Elanora Nursing Home was named after John Wicking, President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and a strong supporter of the Association and it's work.1 round metal plate with raised inscriptionThis plaque commemorates the turning of the first sod in the construction of the John Wicking Wing, 21st October 1996. This building recognises the outstanding contribution by J O Wicking AM President of the Association for the Blind 1972-1984 and long time friend of blind and vision impaired people throughout Victoria.association for the blind, john wicking, elanora home (brighton), nameplates

A brown wooden award with a banner engraved 'Ronald George Trophy' at the top of the shield, a large metal plate inscribed 'Victorian Blind Ten Pin Association State Championship' in the middle and 'Donated by Marjorie Goodall' in a banner at the base of the shield. 14 smaller plates, with the year and team winners are located around the middle plate: 1990 Shepparton, 1991 Geelong, 1992 Geelong, 1993 Geelong, 1994 Geelong, 1995 Kooyong, 1996 Geelong, 1997 Kooyong, 1998 Elanora, 1999 Kooyong, 2000 Geelong, 2001 Kooyong, 2002 Elanora, 2003 Kooyong.Wooden shield with 14 mini shields and banners at top and bottomassociation for the blind, ronald george, marjorie goodall, elanora home (brighton), illawarra (geelong), baringa (shepparton)

Illawarra was the name given to the Geelong office of the Association for the Blind. These physical photographs were unfortunately too damaged to be retained in the collection, so a digital image was taken. 1. 1977 - Unnamed people undertaking carpentry at Illawarra. 2. 1970 to1980's - The Illawarra building in Pakington Street, Newtown. 3. 1970 to 1980's - A seascape mural with raised sea animals and corals was presented by the Embroiders Guild for the benefit of AFB members. An unknown female is feeling the mural. 4. 1970 to 1980's - A fragrance garden at Illawarra completely maintained by the Geelong Pelargonium Society, enables AFB members to enjoy the plants by their distinctive perfumes of lemon, lime, nutmeg and peppermint. A female stands in front of a garden bed and smells a pelargonium leaf. 5. 1982 - To encourage independence from costly and impersonal health services, diabetics attend Illawarra to learn self-management of their condition at home. A dietitian speaks with diabetics on treatment. 6. 1976 - The Geelong office of the AFB at Illawarra.6 digital images of Illawarra and the people involved with itillawarra (geelong), association for the blind

The annual report outlines the achievements of the year, financial position and client stories. Other articles outline centenary celebrations and appeal, the launch of No Sight, Great Vision by John Wilson, the proposed National Information Centre and the changing needs of nursing homes.33 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

2 photographs of residents (one unknown with a volunteer and the other of Evelyn Grace Bryant and Terry Fraser, and 1 photograph of Terry Fraser and Carole O'Reilly at the launch of the Australian Large Print cookbook. Terry Fraser was the manager of Baringa and Carole O'Reilly a public relations officer with the AFB.3 black and white images of various sizesnon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, association for the blind, terry fraser, carole o'reilly, evelyn grace bryant

Articles in annual report include: a short history of the AFB, President's Report, report on Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton Homes, financial information, the work of the Welfare Service division, opening of two flatlets for aged blind at Ballarat, resignation of Celeste Baird as choirmaster after 17 years and A Williams stepping into the role, need for a better clubhouse which has been little changed since it was built over 30 years ago, students from Ballarat Teachers college read to home residents, publication of 'Courage' magazine to keep everyone up to date on Association events, and a profile on Russian migrant Alex Momot and how the AFB assisted him settle into Australia.1 printed volume with black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), alex momot, rosalie tyers, e irvine, l adamson, mrs r clarke, matron e mcleod, a sharry, matron rosewall, mrs s mcenroe, celeste baird, e goulding, mrs a bulluss, mrs a n roach, mrs m macdowell, mrs t carson, mrs j stanley smith, pam barker, mrs l thomas, mrs a mansfield, mrs l rogerson, elsie henderson, mrs murphy, mrs w christian, h h mackenzie, sister b agar, 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 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 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

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

An unknown nursing home resident sits as she reads 'Stories for a Prince', outside in the shade. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 black and white photograph of older woman reading a bookelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

An unknown couple are outside the nursing home. A man holds a wooden handle, possibly a croquet mallet, while a female in a blue cardigan smiles as she looks on and holds his elbow. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 colour photograph of man holding wooden stick whilst female smiles and looks onelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

A woman perches on the edge of a chair as she fingerspells on the palm to an older, deaf-blind woman who is seated. In the second picture, an older female pulls a thread taut as she sits in front of a long table. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.2 black and white photographs of elderly female residentselanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

Residents sit as various people speak with them or as they pat dogs. Jennifer Gibbons appears chatting with residents and sitting in a small group. The page has been cut in half.1 page of 36 negatives showing residentselanora home (brighton), jennifer gibbons, association for the blind

Professional portrait of unknown man wearing a pin striped suit, white shirt and tie. 1 B/W portrait of man in pin stripe suit, white shirt and tie26 2917 C.3association for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

An older man sits on the floor, his back resting against the wall where nearby a mural of koalas and a gum tree have been painted. On his right leg he holds a young possibly Aboriginal girl who smiles as she plays with a teddy bear and watches as he holds up other items. A blonde curly haired boy stands as he watches the man, whilst an older child sits as he plays with a rattle. There are 5 photos in this sequence, which takes place at an unknown location.5 B/W photographs of an older man who holds a young girl in his lapassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

In the intersection of corridors at a nursing home, three men navigate their way along. The first man has only his lower half and back showing but appears to be guiding his companions. The middle man, dressed in a jumper, shirt, pants and polished shoes walks to his outer left, possibly holding the elbow of the man in front of him. The last man, wearing a jacket, shirt, tie, pants and a pair of snazzy plaid slippers, lightly holds the edge of jumper of the man in front of him, who has turned the corner.1 B/W photograph of three men in a corridor at a nursing home26 2917 C1association for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

1. A woman sits a wheelchair as she watches to the right of camera. Her hands are poised in the air, as she waits to clap them together. 2. A man sits on the edge of a hospital bed and looks to camera. 3. Seated woman holds her fingers as she moves them, possibly during a therapy session. 4. Near the window looking towards a large bush, a woman fiddles with her beaded necklace. 5. A man sits on the edge of his made up bed, with a small television, cassette player and cassettes stacked in his bedside table. A family portrait hangs on the wall. 6. Sunlight warms a woman talking to another whilst seated. 6 B/W photographs of nursing home residentsassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

An older woman sits on an outdoor chair, smiling to camera. She wears a cardigan and a floral dress.1 B/W photographs of older female sitting outsideassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

Three older women sit in lounge chairs, along a wall covered with a trailing leaf design. On the right, the lady is dressed with a scarf and a rug on her lap as she feels something between her fingers. To the far left, a similar rug appears on the lap of a woman who is speaking to a visitor or possible staff member. In the middle, a lady sits with hands in her lap, looking directly towards the camera. This image was used for publicity purposes, as per the imprint on the back.1 B/W photographs of three older females sitting inside58/8 Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach 3188 Please return to P.R. Departmentassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

Mrs Laura Clarke, aged 103, sits upright in her nursing home bed for her photograph to be taken. She wears a robe with flowers over her nightgown, and has a ribbon in her hair. She was the oldest resident at Bendigo when this image was taken. 1 B/W photograph of older woman sitting upright in bedNo 5 5" wide Ticket No 4765 Clients Tooronga 120# Wanted Tuesday 19th 52 3/4% .12 1.10 association for the blind, mirridong home (bendigo), laura clarke

Female staff member smiles at an elderly female resident seated beside her, as they enjoy the sunny day. Believed to have been taken at Kelaston.1 colour photograph of two women sitting outside a buildingYellow post it note: F Caption Storyassociation for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Miss Lucy Baldwin turned 100 years of age on December 2, 1992 whilst living at Kelaston.1 b/w photograph of Lucy Baldwin sitting in a chairMiss Lucy Baldwin 100 Years 2.12.92 Miss Lucy Baldwin, Kelaston Home Ballarat - 100 on 2/12/92 50% P2 (3)association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), lucy baldwin

Mrs Peggy Bateson, a Mirridong resident, with her great granddaughter Tina Howe and great great granddaughter Stephanie.1 b/w photograph of two woman and a babyMrs Peggy Bateson, Mirridong Home, Bendigo, with great great granddaughter Stephanie and great granddaughter, Mrs Tina Howe. L122a/B13 2440-90% P.2association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), peggy bateson, tina howe, stephanie howe