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 3RPH tin could be used gathering coins at events such as outside broadcasts or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with handle and paper wrap1170 Radio 3RPH For the print handicapped A service of the Association for the Blindassociation for the blind, 3rph radio station

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 older Blind Babies tin has been wrapped with a modern RVIB wrapper, which could be used at Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapWrapper: Your Donation Supports the Work of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind RVIB lighthouse logo 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Telephone 9577 3341 Old label Front: For the Blind Babies Children and Adults of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (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! Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Elaine Leahy facing towards the RVIB gates). The gates of the Institute are always open to welcome all eligible blind babies, children and adults who seek, and never fail to receive, its aid.royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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 Blind Babies tin could have be used at Carols by Candlelight, White Cane day or other special marketing days.3 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapFront: For the Blind Babies Children and Adults of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Prahran Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (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! Side: As a thanksgiving for sight! (Elaine Leahy facing towards the RVIB gates). The gates of the Institute are always open to welcome all eligible blind babies, children and adults who seek, and never fail to receive, its aid.royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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 Vision Australia tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapPaper wrapper around tin: Help me to break down the barriers and achieve greater heights Vision Australia blindness and low vision services Paper on top of tin: Thank you for your support Vision Australia blindness and low vision servicesvision australia, fundraising

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

Handwritten list of Life Governorships awarded to various people from the RVIB during the 1930s until the 1950s. Entries include the name and address or township of recipients, and later a date column was included. No information is included on why a Life Governor was granted however this was usually in recognition for the funds donated to the institution. This amount was dependent upon the time of the contribution. In the Constitution and Rules section of the 1872 Asylum and School for the Blind Annual Report: Membership - Every Subscriber of 10s., and upwards per annum shall be a Member of the Institution, and every donor of 20 pounds and upwards, a Life Member. Auxiliary members who were appointed Life Governors were usually involved in helping organise some of the many fundraising activities, such as the Auxiliaries Annual Three Day Fair. A Life Governorship also meant that the person would have a vote when it came to some decisions made by the Committee of Management. RVIB Life Governors are listed cumulatively in the annual report until 1935 when, due to reasons of space, it was altered so that names appeared only in the year that they were granted. This continued until 1999/2000 when these were no longer awarded.Vinyl covered record book with alphabetical listing of some Life GovernorsR.V.I.B. Life Governersroyal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

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

Tilly Aston was a writer, educator and social reformist for blind and visually impaired people. Her desire to overcome the limitations in her own life, and that of others, led to the establishment of the Victorian Braille Writers Association (later the Braille Library of Victoria) and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (later Association for the Blind). When the Kooyong site of the AFB required redevelopment due to the success of activities at Paterson Hall, a new building was constructed and named the H.M. Lightfoot Centre. As part of their contribution to acknowledging the work of Miss Aston, as well as two of the men who later worked with her, this plaque was struck and presented by the Blind Members' Council of the AFB.Brown metal plaque with gold writing"All noble things we do and dare, Must be fruitful, sometime, somewhere" Tilly Aston 11.12.1873 to 1.11.1947 Founder of The Association for the Blind Ltd. A gift to the H.M. Lightfoot Centre from The Blind Members' Council November 1991association for the blind, tilly aston, h.m. lightfoot

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

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

Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: launch of the Life Ready program and Big Visions book series, departure of Andrew Moffat as director and Chair, acknowledgement of Dorothy Hamilton's 40 year involvement with AFB/VAF/VA, partnership with ACMI to conduct audio-described tours, expansion of Seeing Eye Dogs in NSW, and held 100K Your Way and Bay of Fires trek fundraising campaigns.1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementsvision australia, corporation records, alessandra dimarco, andrew moffat, ron hooton, bill jolley, graeme craig, natalie kaine, sekinda senan, dorothy hamilton, ellie hudson, craig shanahan, matt formston, sam rai, alex lonsdale, jacqui birchall, bill shorten, chris edwards, john barlow, nicola cotton, rolf geerlings, kylie gersch, abi howes, jess mckenzie, ashleigh reeves, koa reeves, jake reeves

Paterson Hall Story is told through the reminiscences of 23 people who played an active part in the life of a popular recreational and entertainment hub from 1929 to 1999. They relate how a simple concrete structure in Glenferrie Road, Kooyong became a 'home away from home' for people who were blind or vision impaired, their families and friends. The hall was originally built as a clubhouse for blind cricketers in 1927, but by 1929 it had been extended to include a social hall and other facilities including a verandah where spectators could watch the cricket. Over the years the hall was used for activities as diverse as square dancing, singing, craft classes, ball games, art and craft shows, drama groups and annual meetings.60 MP3 sound files of oral history interviews and book excerptsNarrated by Maurice Lockie, Bill Charles and Norah Tooheypaterson hall, association for the advancement of the blind, victorian blind cricket association

Carols by Candlelight required the assistance of the general public around Melbourne to sell programs and other items, assist ticket sales and other activities. Various avenues were used to call for this assistance, including the circulation of Help Wanted signs at newsagent kiosks at metropolitan railway stations. In this image, a woman buys something from a newsagent kiosk, whilst another person waits behind her. The newsagent smiles from behind his stack of papers, beside a Life Savers rack and in front of cigarette towers behind him. Above him is an advertisement for Goldstream tobacco. The sign attached slightly over the tobacco advertisement reads: Help Required for Carols by Candlelight commencing 27th Nov. 5 1/4 hours daily. 6 day week inc. Saturday. For 4 weeks. 80 cents per hour. If interested phone Mr Burke 511381.carols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind

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

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it documents the activities of a prominent family in Falls Creek, VictoriaA photo of Ray Meyer at the Kiewa River near Blairs Hut. The original hut, built by cattlemen Frank and Tim Blair in 1923-24, was burnt down around 193o. It was rebuilt by Frank and his son in 1932. It is constructed of Alpine Ash.ray meyer, blairs hut, falls creek, victorian snowfields

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts activities in the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek area.A black and white photo of Phil Gabillot and Ray Meyer looking towards Mt. McKay and the High Plains. Phil Gabillot was in charge of "Trois Es', the French tunnel construction company and Ray Meyer was Chief Surveyor of the Kiewa Scheme at this time.falls creek, victorian snowfields, mt kckay, bogong high plains, ray meyer, phil gabillot

The late W.F. “Bill” Waters, Rover Commissioner of Victoria, was introduced to skiing in November 1930 at the International Scout Chalet at Kandersteg in Switzerland. He believed it would be a good activity for Victorian Rovers to be involved in to learn more about the Victorian Alps The first Rover ski trip to the Bogong High Plains was in the August of 1932 when a group of four crossed the High Plains from Omeo to Harrietville via Tawonga Huts, Cobungra Gap, Mt Loch and Mt Feathertop. In 1933 the Bogong Rover Crew was formed and in 1938 funds were collected and life memberships offered to raise funds to build a Rover Chalet for the purposes of skiing. During February and March1940, the Chalet was built at a cost of £700 using volunteer labour. It was the first ski lodge in the area and was built long before there was a road over Watchbed Creek. After the road to Rocky Valley was finished it was easier for the scouts to walk in from there instead of from Shannonvale. During the spring thaw the creek became almost impassable. Joe Holsten who was an SEC employee who worked with Martin Romuld out of Wilkinson’s Hut built a bridge across the creek made entirely from snow gums which he had to haul about 300 metres from the nearby hills. It became known as the Harbour Bridge as it arched over the water just like the Sydney Harbour Bridge.These images are significant because they depict an early bridge structure to enable easier travelling across the Bogong High Plains.Three black and white photos taken at the Harbour Bridge, Watchbed Creek.harbour bridge bogong high plains, watchbed creek, joe holsten

This article highlights the popularity of Lake Wendouree for leisure time activities and the account of a suicide in 1884.Elizabeth Murphy's suicide at Lake Wendouree contrasts with the usual happy reports of activities at the Lake and was selected over 100 years later perhaps to give another perspective on Ballarat Life.2/3 of a page of newspaper print with a large black and white picture, mid- page of people paddling in Lake Wendouree in 18884Nonejohn garner, doctor john garner, ballarat botanic gardens, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, lake wendouree, boating, picnicking, paddling, suicide, elizabeth murphy, william pritchard, 1884, ballarat star, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat