John Mitchell was born c. 1830 in Cornwall and travelled to Victoria with his father in 1853. Arriving in Bendigo they both worked as blacksmiths before his father returned to Cornwall. John plied his trade in Mundy Street, Bendigo before selling the business in 1865 after 11 years. Upon the discovery of gold in Western Australia, John travelled there and back three times before dying in Bendigo in 1902. He lived in Violet st., and left a wife, Elizabeth Hannah, and daughter, Mrs E Morris. Early business in Sandhurst in 1850s.An account book used by the John Mitchell to record the purchases and services made with his business. Records date from 1859 - 1868. The book has lost its front cover, but the back cover is still attached. The book is made up of several sections stitched together and bound with three pieces of cotton cloth. The pages are light blue with ruled columns. There are alphabetical tabs at the front of the book with lists of names. Individual customers are allocated a double page entry. Pages numbers are written at the top of pages. The book is in very poor condition having obvious signs of water and insect damage with visible patches of mold. The writing in the first quarter of the book is barely legible, remaining pages can be read.bendigo businesses, blacksmith, horse shoer, wheelwright

In about 1888 William George Ashman (1871-11/2/1944) began a tailoring business in High Street, Eaglehawk. In 1890 he admitted his brother Arthur Thomas Ashman to the business and they traded as Ashman Brothers. In 1936 the company of Ashman and sons was registered at 265 Hargreaves Street. They specialised in made to measure, hand tailored suits. William married Clara Hunkin (1871-25/11/1944) in 1894. Their sons, John, Eric, Basil and Charles followed into the family business.Woolen fabric trousers, part of Dress Suit. A decorative strip runs down each leg. The waistband can be adjusted on either side by belt/buckle attachments. Trousers fasten with two buttons and there are four buttons at the fly opening at front. There are two deep lined pockets either side and one top pocket at rear on LHS. There is a maker's label stitched to the lining of the Rear pocket which reads "Ashmans, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo 'The Home of Better Suits'". A name written in ink below the maker's label is 'Mr M. Suurpaa, 28-3-1961 7252." Leather strips have been sewn inside edge of each leg cuff for garment protection.men's clothing, formal wear, trousers

Black and white photograph glued to cardboard. The photograph captures a moment of a procession that took place on Monday April 1, 1918. There is a banner on the windscreen of the car that reads: Australia 1818-1918, a man in a suit is in the driving seat. An aboriginal man is standing on the back holding a boomerang and a sign: "Australia what it was 1818" another man is standing next in farmer's clothes holding wheat and a sign: "Australia has it is 1918". A child is standing near the car while two men on horseback can be seen in the background. Sticker on the back: John Gill in his car parade in 1918. Manager of Unity mine, Long Gully.W.H. Robinson photo Bendigoaustralia, 1918, photograph

Rae's School was opened on the 22nd April 1861, with 22 students. Mr. John Rae was the Headmaster. By 1919, it was an adjunct of the Violet Street State School.Sepia coloured postcard . Image on front shows twenty-eight male and female students and two young male teachers seated at front. Sign in front of students reads: Central School, Rae's Hill, Form E. 9th February 1919. Students are standing in front of a brick building, with verandah immediately behind them. On back 'Post Card, correspondence and address only'. Kodak printed around space for stamp. Text donated with the photo relates to Sir John Michael Higgins (1862-1937) a metallurgist, government adviser and company director who attended Rae's School, Sandhurst and then Bendigo High School. This photo is not of his era at the School. Written in black pen on back of postcard: 'Rae's Hill School 9th Feb. 1919'rae's common school, rae's school, rae's hill, john rae, barbara rae, 1919

24 June 1883 is recognised as the establishment of St John Ambulance in Australia. St John Ambulance is a community-driven organisation with a 140-year history of providing First Aid in Australia.St John's Ambulance Association triangular fabric bandage with a number of illustrations of entire bodies or faces, showing how this bandage could be used in the event of injuries to various body parts. The fabric is labelled (black capital letters) BASE / ENDX / SIDEx2? POINT and two drawings of face and body read "FRONT VIEW and BACK VIEW. Numerals indicate different bandaging techniques and full figure or partial figure drawings that show how these bandages are applied to injured limbs or torso.Symbol of St John's Ambulance Association in dark black on top point of bandage.first aid, bandage, st john's ambulance

Small glass jar with lid. The label reads: new De Witt's pills relieve the pain of rheumatism, backache, fibrositis, sciatica. E.C. De Witt & Co. (Aust.) Pty Ltd, St Kilda, Melbourne. The jar is empty. Aileen and John Ellison CollectionDe Witt on the bottom of the jarmedical, de witt, pills

Eight programmes for the Lyric Theatre: 1) ''Cloistered'' A living document of faith relating the exquisite simplicity of convent life. Opening Saturday, 13th August, 1938. 2) ''The Road Back'' with John King, Richard Cromwell, Barbara Read, Slim Summerville. 3) ''Anne of Windy Poplars'' with Anne Shirley and James Ellison. 4) ''Victoria the Great'' with Anna Neagle, Anton Walbrook. 5) '' Tin Pan Alley'' with Alice Faye, Betty Grable, JACK Oakie, John Payne. 6) ''The Robe'' the first cinemascope film to be screened in Northern Victoria opens at the Lyric Friday, 3rd September. 7) ''The Three Musketeers''. 8) Municipal band supported by Miss Pauline Bindley at the Lyric Theatre.entertainment, theatre, lyric

World War 1 1917 embroidered postcard from nephew of Jim Purcell to his aunt and uncle.Embroidered post card from 1917 WW1 'Home Sweet Home'. Additional small Christmas card included in an inside pocket.To Mr John Purcell / Clearview / Birregurra / Victoria / Australia All well from your ever loving nep (sic) (nephew) Christmas card reads A Merry Xmas to all Jim postcard, world war 1, birregurra

Kennedy and sons, Roselea Dairy operated in Kew (<1930-1945>). In 1945 Thomas Kennedy, Michael Kennedy and Patrick John Kennedy traded as Kennedy and sons, Roselea Dairy at 80 Pakington St, Kew. (Victorian Government, 07 December 1945). Tom Kennedy, Jnr, and his wife, Lucy, lived at 109 Pakington St Kew. Tom Kennedy Jnr. died 02 November 1963. Lucy Kennedy died 28 November 1987. "CONTEMPT OF COURT. MILK-CARTER GUILTY. Breach of an Injunction. A Supreme Court writ has been issued by Thomas Kennedy, sen., Thomas Kennedy, jun., Patrick John Kennedy, and Michael Kennedy, trading as Kennedy and Sons, Rose Lea Dairy, against Gordon Allberry Shepherdly, of Barnard street, North Kew, milk-carter, claiming an injunction and damages. Plaintiffs carry on business at Pakington street. Kew, and Melville street, Hawthorn, and they claim In their writ an injunction restraining the defendant from soliciting or endeavouring to obtain the custom of people who were customers of plaintiffs when Shepherdly was employed by them under an agreement dated March 13 1928. Plaintiffs also claim damages. Mr Read (instructed by Messrs. Moule, Hamilton, and Derham) appeared for plaintiffs before Mr. Justice Macfarlan in the Practice Court yesterday, to ask for an order for the committal of Shepherdly to prison, or alternatively, for an order that plaintiffs be at liberty to Issue a writ of attachment against him for contempt of court in soliciting or endeavouring to obtain the custom of plaintiffs' customers. The affidavits set out that Shepherdly was employed by plaintiffs from March I3, 1928. until June 6. 1930. An Interlocutory injunction had been granted pending trial of the action for a permanent injunction. Shepherdly, who appeared in person yesterday, said that he had a sick wife and two children. He had not served any of the customers referred to since the granting of the injunction. He had passed them over to another man for whom he was working. Mr Justice Macfarlan - In doing that you have committed a breach of the injunction, and I have no alternative but to order that you be sent to gaol. I will make an order that you be committed to prison until further order of the Court. I will direct, however, that the order be not executed until Tuesday next. If you can then satisfy the Court that you have ceased to serve, or take any part in serving, the customers of Kennedy and Sons, the order will not be executed. (The Argus, 11 July 1930) Rare, if damaged milk bottle from an historic Kew dairyMilk bottle produced for and retailed by Kennedy & Sons Kew. The dairy operated under various names, and at one stage was described as the Rose Lea Dairy. The dairy was situated on the corner of Eglinton and Pakington Streets, Kew. "Kennedy & Sons / Kew / Nursery Milk / This bottle is the property of T.Kennedy & Sons, Kew/ and cannot be legally used by others."kennedy's dairy, kennedy and sons, dairies - kew (vic), milk bottles - kew - melbourne - victoria, thomas kennedy, michael kennedy

Sir Robert Menzies and his family lived in a number of houses in Kew. He was the local MHR for Kew and for many years Prime Minister of AustraliaTwo colour photographs, mounted in a single gilt frame of the exterior of 74 Charles Street, Kew. During the 1920s, the house was the home of [Sir] Robert and [Dame] Pattie Menzies. The framed photographs were donated by subsequent owners of the property.The annotations to the photographs read: "74 Charles Street Kew / Home of Sir Robert and Dame Pattie Menzies / Early 1920s / Presented by John and Mary Curtin / May 2016".sir robert menzies, dame pattie menzies, 74 charles street (kew)

Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book

A collection of papers presented to the Box Hill Historical Society as talks, covering medical care, the clay industry, memories of Surrey Hills, the Brewer family, Box Hill Post Office, the sim family, tennis clubs, Girl Guides, Shire of Nunawading, Iris Roderick and the Bovill's of Balwyn. Deepdene crescent outer circle railway A collection of papers presented to the Box Hill Historical Society as talks, covering medical care, the clay industry, memories of Surry Hills, the Brewer family, Box Hill Post Office, the sim family, tennis clubs, Girl Guides, Shire of Nunawading, Iris Roderick and the Bovill's of Balwyn.box hill city historical society, (ms) iris roderick, bovills of balwyn, box hill, girl guides, tennis clubs, sport, surrey hills rose society, (mr) james henry simpson, beatrice avenue, (mr) james allan, (mr) thomas hogg, box hill post office, brewer family, surrey hills, clay industry, health services, (mr) john k blogg, (miss) kitty mcewan, empire day, festivals and celebrations, albany crescent, fires, 1935, box hill medical centre, (dr) (mr)john de la roche bragge, vaughan, alfred purdue (dr) (mr), (dr) (mr) walter joseph craig, fairbank hospital, (dr) b.n. gandevia

A collection of papers presented to the Box Hill Historical Society as talks, covering medical care, the clay industry, memories of Surry Hills, the Brewer family, Box Hill Post Office, the Sim family, tennis clubs, Girl Guides, Shire of Nunawading, Iris Roderick and the Bovill's of Balwyn.A collection of papers presented to the Box Hill Historical Society as talks, covering medical care, the clay industry, memories of Surry Hills, the Brewer family, Box Hill Post Office, the Sim family, tennis clubs, Girl Guides, Shire of Nunawading, Iris Roderick and the Bovill's of Balwyn.Title page: Alan Holtbox hill city historical society, (ms) iris roderick, bovills of balwyn, box hill, girl guides, tennis clubs, sport, surrey hills rose society, (mr) james henry simpson, beatrice avenue, (mr) james allan, (mr) thomas hogg, box hill post office, brewer family, surrey hills, clay industry, health services, (mr) john k blogg, (miss)kitty mcewan, empire day, festivals and celebrations, albany crescent, fires, 1935, box hill medical centre, (dr) (mr) john de la roche bragge, (dr) (mr) alfred purdue vaughan, (dr) (mr) walter joseph craig, fairbank hospital, (dr) b n gandevia, windsor crescent, deepdene outer circle railway

Framed dark blue tie with embroidered pattern of red Kiwi birds and white flaps with 'N' in blue. Description beneath the tie reads: The Nicholas Kiwi Limited company tie was worn by John Wicking AM and Malcolm Daubney and is portrayed in their paintings. The tie symbolises the strong bond and history that existed between them as friends and colleagues at Nicholas Kiwi Limited and as Presidents and Board Members of Vision Australia Foundation. 1 gentleman's neck tie in old gold frame vision australia foundation, john wicking, malcolm daubney

Betty Brown was a student of the Ballarat Technical Art School when she completed this work, most probably for the Wiltshire Poster Competition. In the 1936 Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report it was stated: "It is my pleasure to report a most successful year in the Technical Art School. I the Annual Poster Competition for Technical Schools, organised by Wiltshires Pty Limited, 16 prized valued at 33 pounds 8 shillings - out of 23 prizes valued at 56 pounds - were won by our students. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.A framed original gouache poster depicting a box of mixed fruits with whole fruits such as pineapple, oranges, cherries, lemons, apples and grapes at the top of the box, and dried fruits and a fruit cake at the bottomAt the lower edge of the work are the words "John Macleod & Co Pty Ltd. 122 Lydiard Street Ballarat" A sticker on the lower right hand side reads "Exhibit No 8547 Class No 1736"art, artwork, betty brown, brown, fruit, poster, ballarat technical art school, wiltshire poster competition, available

aFramed portrait of William Paterson who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1948-1952. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Paterson is dressed in a 3 piece gray suit, white shirt and wearing a blue tie and black hat. He sits outside a house reading a red coloured book, whilst in the background an elderly man takes a step out on to the gravelled driveway. Two women, one with a white cane, rest on chairs under the verendah of the building. The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr William H. Paterson / President 1948-1952 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr William H. Paterson / President 1948-1952 / Association for Advancement of the Blind'association for the advancement of the blind, william paterson

In 1980 the John Wilson Award was given to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff of the Association for the Blind pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the sustained love and devotion of Elizabeth Inez Lindsey to the blind children entrusted to her care between 1935-1945 as the first Matron of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Nursery, and her continuing influence for good in their lives hereafter. In particular, at his request, we recall her greatness of heart in applying for the guardianship of Barry Farnsworth, despite his serious disability, and her acceptance of him into her own home where she lavished affection and cared for him physically, mentally and spiritually as long as she was able and thereafter to this day continued faithfully and unwaveringly to serve and protect his interests. We present our respects to Sister Lindsey who has consistently reflected, in and through her life of service, enduring love and compassion and now honour her in the presentation of the John Wilson Award. 1 A3 cream page in gold frameassociation for the blind, elizabeth lindsey

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Reports for Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council Committee, Information Services, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Marketing, Administration Support and Personnel. 25/8/1997 The President read a letter from the CEO, Mr. J. M. Isaacs formally advising of his resignation to take into effect from 31 December 1997. 24/11/1997 The President reported that Mr. John Landau was to be appointed to the position of CEO. 8/7/1997 The CEO advised the telephone based daily new service using interactive voice response technology developed by RBS was launched. 10/8/1997 it was reported the Queensland Talking Book Service (QTBS) was launched. 21/3/2000 The CEO reported that Ms. Jane Evans had been appointed as General Manager of the National Information Library Service (NILS). 18/4/2000 The CEO reported that one of the reasons for the creation of NILS was to combine the resources of RVIB and RBS to ensure an economical and smooth transition of both collections. 12/11/2001 The CEO reported that a meeting was held to discuss the merger of NILS and Vision Australia Foundation. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, national information library service

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

Framed portrait of Thomas Marks who was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind 1900, 1935-1937. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Marks sits at a table, wearing black tails and pants, a white pleated dinner shirt and black evening dress bow-tie. One hand rests next to a cup and saucer, the other rests on his lap. Tom Marks was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. He was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia) at its establishment in 1895. He went on to serve as President of organisation in 1900 and was later appointed as a part time paid secretary – an office he occupied from 1904 to 1927. He again served as President from 1935 to 1937 during which time he celebrated his 80th birthday. As the living conditions of many blind people were deplorable at this time – they were often confined to a room or shed without any social contacts – it was realized that support for blind persons was needed to serve as a refuge for the oppressed, a home for the indigent, a rest home for the sick and a convalescent home to provide both respite care and permanent accommodation. Mr Marks had a reputiation of having good contacts and being able to use people with more knowledge than himself. An able musician, Tom Marks was often employed in the homes of wealthy families. As a result he met Mr and Mrs Grimwade who were already supporters of Vision Australia. They organized a gymkhana to raise money for the nucleus of a building fund. From this time Tom Marks was involved in the finances of the centres at Brighton, Ballarat and Bendigo, which were the ultimate result of the fund. He was also part of a team that negotiated the financial agreement between the RVIB and Vision Australia over fund raising and the allocation of money, which lasted from 1930 to 1939. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Thomas Marks / President 1900, 1935-1937/ Association for Advancement of the Blind'. association for the advancement of the blind, thomas marks

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

Framed portrait of Malcolm Daubney who was President of Vision Australia Foundation 1999-2002. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB/VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Daubney wears a navy suit, pale blue shirt and navy blue Kiwi tie. Mr Malcolm Daubney has worked closely with blind and vision impaired people for many years. In the 1980s Mr Daubney was “volunteered” by John Wicking to the Vision Australia’s Kooyong Committee. Shortly after his appointment he was posted to Singapore for business, where he served on the committee of the Singapore Association for the Blind for five years. Upon his return he rejoined the Kooyong Branch Committee. Later he was appointed to the Vision Australia Board of which he was President from 1999 to 2002, and then Chief Executive Officer from 2002-2005.1 art original in old gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Malcolm Daubney / President 1999-2002 / Vision Australia Foundation'.vision australia, malcolm daubney

Framed portrait of John Wicking who was President of the Association for the Blind 1973-1984 as well as a generous benefactor. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Wicking wears a navy suit, white shirt and navy blue Kiwi tie. John Wicking served as President of Vision Australia from 1973 to 1984 and as Vice President in 1990. He was Managing Director and Chairman of Kiwi International when he was introduced to the Committee in 1971. With a natural air of authority, he was known to be both strong and wise. One of the first hurdles Mr Wicking faced following his election as President in 1973 was understanding the health service system and sorting out the differing views of committee members over recommendations for projects costing hundreds of thousands of dollars with no funds to implement them. The ten years of his Presidency were a time of exceptional growth and expansion. He was instrumental in acquiring an adjacent property to those already owned in Glenferrie Road in 1974 at a cost of $120,000, on which the Low Vision Clinic was erected – the first of its type in Australia. Land was also bought in both the metropolitan and country areas for future expansion. Day care centres were opened in Ballarat and Bendigo and new metropolitan services commenced. Mr Wicking formed a committee to explore the possibility of a radio station people unable to read standard print. As a result 3RPH commenced broadcasting in 1981. Mr Wicking was also involved in the incorporation of Vision Australia under the Companies Act in 1990. After his retirement as President Mr. Wicking continued as a committee member until 1994. In 1995 he was instrumental in the establishment of the Tilly Aston Heritage Collection, on which he served as Chairman until sadly passing away in 2002. 1 art original in old gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr John O. Wicking AM / President 1973-1984 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, vision australia, john wicking

Framed portrait of Diana J. Jones who the first female president of the Association for the Blind since Tilly Aston. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the AFB Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mrs Jones sits facing the painter with both hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing a black double breasted blazer, white shirt, blue beaded necklace and earrings and a gold bracelet . A white kerchief sits in her breast pocket. Diana Jones served for 8 years on the General Committee before being elected President. During this time she was deputy chairman of the Reach Out Appeal to raise funds for the building program and President of the Honorary Services Group which co-ordinated volunteers and gave them a spokesperson on the General Committee. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. She passed away in July 2009.1 art original in gold frame The plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Dame Diana J. Jones, AM DSJ / President 1984- 1992 / Association for the Blind'. association for the blind, diana jones

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

Images of John Wicking at the Association's Christmas Party held at the Malvern Town Hall. In the first picture Mr Wicking reads from a prepared speech on the stage, with a Christmas model of a reindeer and sleigh behind him as well as seated people. In the second image John and Janet Wicking are talking to another couple in the foyer of the Malvern Town Hall, with the Gilbert/Montford war memorial in the background. The third image is of John Wicking and John Wilson, sitting side by side at long tables, talking to the people around them.3 x B/W photographsXMas Party 77 40A/3, 10, 15john wicking, janet wicking, john wilson, 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

Framed print of painting by John Young entitled "Spitfires over London" showing three Spitfires flying over London with Tower Bridge in the background.Inscribed plaque reads " SPITFIRES OVER LONDON BY JOHN YOUNG PRESENTED TO LILYDALE RSL BY GORDON ANDERSON 1997.

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 aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Three black and white images taken on a trip to Mt. Bogong in 1951. 1. At Staircase Spur Memorial 2. Rime on snow pole Mt. Bogong Ray Meyer 3. Staircase Spur Memorial dedicated to lost skiers. Staircase Spur Memorial is dedicated to skiers who died near this spot in 1943. The dedication on the Memorial reads:- Sacred to the Memory / of Georgine Gadsden / Edward Neave Welch / John McRae / who perished here during a blizzard / about August 2nd 1943 falls creek, bogong high plains, staircase spur memorial, ray meyer, wal johnson