A man assists a blindfolded person to use a white cane to descend a staircase. This was (and is) a common activity that blindness agencies undertook with sighted staff, to demonstrate (or to practice how to demonstrate) mobility devices.B/W photograph of blindfolded person using a white caneMobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day

RBS client Kevin Stapleton uses a white cane as he descends church steps, crosses a road and walks along the footpath. Another RBS client, Wally Urgacz, walks behind Kevin as he crosses the road in the Sydney CBD. Wally Urgacz steps off the Bondi Beach bus and up a flight of stone stairs using his Hoover long cane, under the purview of Margaret Rihr.5 x B/W photographs of men using a white caneMobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day, kevin stapleton, wally urgacz, margaret rihr

A young lady and man use white canes to navigate Hyde Park North in Sydney, in front of the Archibald fountain.B/W photograph of two people using canes10/70103 M&O - Historical Mobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day

Mrs Walker and Mrs Mealing using their white canes as they walk along a sloping footpath.B/W photograph of two women with white canesMobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day, mrs mealing, mrs walker

An older man uses a Hoover (long) cane to descend a wooden stairway.B/W photograph of man using white cane on wooden stairway3/68049 Mobility - historicalroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day

Two trouser legs and soft pair of leather shoes descend steps, along with a white cane.B/W photograph of man walking down steps with white caneSkills Training - O&M A white cane provides blind people with early warning of obstacles 5A inset into Pic 5 CJ 481/C/4royald blind society of nsw, white cane day

An elderly man walks with a white cane along the path outside the RBS offices in Enfield, followed by an O&M instructor.B/W photograph of man using a white cane90002 FF/3royal blind society of nsw, white cane day

Ettore Cipellone with RBS Northern Region Team Leader Bill Casey.B/W photograph of man holding a white cane and using a sighted guideroyal blind society of nsw, white cane day, ettore cipellone, bill casey

Rehabilitation teacher Lynn Gorrie with RBS employee Rob McQuillan in the stairways of RBS Enfield.B/W photograph of man ascending stairs with white caneRehabilitation teacher Lynn Gorrie showing Rob McQuillan how to use the long cane effectively.royal blind society of nsw, white cane day, lynne gorrie, rob mcquillan

Samuel came to Belfast with his parents Benjamin and Maryanne on the ship 'Oithona' arriving at Portland on January 30th 1855 when he was 11 years old. In 1865 he marries Selina Ann Daughter of William and Mary Oaff who arrived in Australia on the 'Clara' on the same day as Samuel. They had 6 children. As a stonemason by trade It is probable that he helped his father build the wall around the Consolidated school in 1875. They lived in a stone cottage next door to the Port Fairy Hospital. It was demolished when the new wing was built in 1976. He joined the Manchester Order of Oddfellows in 1863 and was elected Grand Master in 1880. He died when he was 37 in 1881.Early settlerPosed portrait black & white photographpioneer, settler, portrait, people, family, bowyer, samuel, stonemason, clara, oithona, selina ann, william oaff, mary oaff

After years of precursory surveying, debate and proposals the most ambitious civil engineering project of the day, the Overland Telegraph Line, began construction in September 1870. Superintendent of Telegraphs, Sir Charles Todd led the construction through “terra incognita,” guided by the precursory surveys of John McDowall Stuart and technologies such as his prismatic surveying compass. The unknown and hostile landscape claimed the lives of several men and scores of transport animals in the dogged pursuit of telegraphic connection to the rest of the world. Completed in August 1872, the Line connected Australia to the world via telegraph wires running 3,200 kilometres from Port Augusta in South Australia, to Darwin, then connecting via submarine cable to Java and beyond. The “earth [had been] girdled with a magic chain” according to the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Hercules Robinson. How does it work? For use in surveying, the sight vane and prism are turned up on their hinge and the instrument is held horizontally either in the palm of one's hand or on a tripod. Two small discs of red and green glass attached to the prism can be flipped down over the sight line to reduce glare. The objective is to bring the subject into the sightline created by the prism, aligning with the thread of the sight-vane until the subject is bisected evenly. Once aligned, the division on the card may be read through the prism. This reading provides the magnetic azimuth, used for calculating the bearings of distant landmarks. Circular instrument mounted in a brass case with glass window and brass lid. The compass card face four black compass points printed on mint green paper; on the underside the magnetic needle would be affixed, all held in place by a brass knob at the centre. The arched labels of "Sawtell" and "Adelaide" and the Prince of Wales feathers appear to have been affixed with adhesive which has since yellowed in the areas of application on the compass card. The compass face is printed with numbers, every 10 degrees from 10 - 360, printed in reverse indicating this compass would have once held a mirror at the sighting bracket. On one side of the brass case is a brass hinged sighting-prism, possibly of ebonite. The sighting-prism is mounted in a hinged brass bracket on one edge of the brass case. It has two flip-type filter glasses (red and green) and folds down into a retracted travelling position. A hinged brass bracket on the opposite edge would have held the sighting bracket - carrying the sighting vane and mirror - which is now missing or removed. Under the hinge is a lever, possibly related to the movement of the bracket. Underneath the brass case is an indented circle with screw threads, possibly for attachment to a tripod, and indistinguishable marks scratched into the surface.Etched on to the centre of the lid, "Sawtell ADELAIDE / No 792." Affixed to the paper compass face, possibly from separate pieces of paper, "SAWTELL / ADELAIDE" with the Prince of Wales Feathers above "SAWTELL". Underneath on remains of white tape in red: "159."surveying, compass, charles todd, overland telegraph line, telegraph

Photocopy of the advertisement in the "Argus" 24.12.1862. Horticultural Society of Victoria - Opening, Exhibition of Flowers and Fruits, Admission, Grand Floral Fete and Collation.the australian, horticultural society of victoria, opening day, flower show, survey paddock, burnley gardens, horticultural society's gardens

War Savings Cards were a popularist and accessible means of encouraging the ordinary citizens and children to contribute to the war effort by buying stamps to adhere to cards such as this. The stamps were valued at 6d and were of a blue and white image of a WW2 Spitfire plane. In addition there were war savings certificates, a type of promissory note, which were sold to hundreds of thousands of Australians during World War I and World War II.A beige card (unfolded and unused) printed in navy blue. The front is illustrated with the Australian coat-of-arms, space for the owner's personal details, information about the collection of war saving stamps, and the words "Sixpence a day keeps invaders away". On the back is "Don't be an onlooker - be in the fight". There are 32 spaces in which to adhere a war savings stamp and 3 illustrations - a plane in battle, search lights and a soldier in profile wearing a tin hat. The spaces each contain a letter - SPEED / VICTORY / BUY WAR / SAVINGS / STAMPS. Nilww2, mrs kate brennan, mrs kathleen brennan, war savings cards, l f johnson, commonwealth government printer, war savings stamps

Articles in the annual report include: the expenses incurred due to increased client numbers and wages rises, the need and inability to sell the Woollahra (Helen Keller hostel) site, the success of the fledging Reference Library seen as a model for other organisations, Matron Scott (Victor Maxwell nursery) received an M.B.E., plans to develop 3 more day centres to add to the five already operating, operations undertaken in the workshop, continued demand for places at Alexis Albert and Lighthouse hostels, recognition through the renaming of 2UW Blind Appeal to the 2UW Lions Blind Appeal which has been run since 1952, blind bowlers looking forward to being on the green at Enfield, Cricket club looking forward to when tip in Mitchell St is filled in so that it can be made into a home ground, and the collaborative relationship had with other blindness related organisations.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: death of General Manager Ian Burnet, expenditure exceeding income, need to sell Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel) property, goal of opening 20 new Day centres by the end of 1975, plans to establish Occupational Therapy Training unit, review of aging hostels and restructure workshop, growth of Mitchell Street Theatre, increase of children with more than sight loss at nursery, decision to establish reading competition in memorial to Barbara Rutherford and awarding of Churchill Fellowship to Joan Ledermann for a review of Braille production units overseas.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: rising costs, reduced subsidies, first ever statewide 'Door Knock' appeal conducted, 15 Day Centres now running, Occupational Therapy student unit established, play group and toy library established at Enfield, decision to conduct regular Art Unions, belief that some income should be forthcoming from disposal of Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel), winners of the first nation wide Braille reading competition and decision to make this a bi-annual event and success of three athletes (Szelko Mikulic, James Whitney and Michael Simpson) at the FESPIC games.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: increased funding from state government, possibility of sustained funding in providing a public library service, success of low vision clinic and need to increase opening times to accommodate demand, decision to move to standard cassette, change in direction by providing support for children to stay in family unit and community kindergartens rather than placement in a separate kindergarten program or residential care, introduction of Closed Circuit TVs into the workshop, winning a 2 year contract with Australia Post to provide bicycles and an order from Dubbo Zoo for family cycles and tandems, formation of RPH with a trial broadcast and radio license application made, and the Society held it's first Open Day.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

This shield was presented by 3KZ to the hotel which raised the most funds on Christmas Day in 1955. This money was distributed between the Ausin Hospital and RVIB. The shield has some detailing at the top, and the gold coloured centred plate is surrounded by a chain of laurel which is overlapped in four corners by the inner part of the shield. On the plate is written: 3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies. Beneath the plate is inscribed: Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955.Tin shield with a centre piece coloured gold3KZ XMas Day Appeal for Austin Kiddies and Blind Babies Presented to Patrons, Morrisons Family Hotel 1955carols by candlelight, nameplates

President's report including shortages of staff and suitable dogs, the work of the Stawell (founded in 1966) and Beeac (founded in 1970) Auxiliaries, working with Kua Cheng Hock and his dog Stacy in both Australia and Singapore, donation by Rodney Haig of his prize money for Tattersalls award, the purchase of a caravan and workshop to provide services in Queensland, and the success of the hostel and day centre programs. Articles on 'How a Seeing Eye Dog is Trained' by Kim Gration, profile of Phyllis Gration and the establishment of Lady Nell, as well as Patti Gration losing her mobility due to an accident, as well as images of various people with Seeing Eye dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, harry vanderjagt, phyllis gration, patti gration

Articles include the death of R. Bigwood, a committee member for 40 years and former Vice President, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Patron) launched the library's first Open Day, large print and Moon books are becoming more in demand, four Tellatouch machines have been ordered, a sample tape recorder has been received from England, an electric Braille typewriter has been acquired, Mrs Weir has left the flat but Mr and Mrs Hood are now keeping an eye on the garden and building, Perkins Braillers are in high demand, a new auxiliary has been established in Altona, and Christmas card sales were higher than previous.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Articles include adapting the porch side so that there was space for the electronic Braille typewriter, loss of regular hirers due to restriction on night hours however more enquiries received after ad in Pink Pages, publicity was a new focus with a display was held at Southland Shopping Centre, an Open Day promoted on 3AW by Norman Banks (who also attended), and a demonstration of Portrait Painting by Sir William Dargie. Surplus Christmas card stocks were sold through the Christmas Card Shop in the city, resulting in a healthy profit, all machines (Stainsby, Perkins, Tellatouch, Braille typewriter, thermoform and Crabb-Hulme Press) are regularly used, talking book machines are still under discussion, and Mrs Armytage has been engaged as an Auxiliary organiser with now four organisations raising funds.25 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

President's overview of the year including: completion of reception room which joins 16 and 18 Thanet Street, thoughts on the success of the school, attendance at International Dog Guide Conference in London, over 27 years the school has trained over 800 dogs, deaths of Jack Franks and Thelma McKenniariey, assisted actor Robert Menzies portray a blind character in the movie 'Cactus', difficulties in running the hostel and day centre with few qualified people to fill vacancies for the former and lack of volunteer drivers for the latter, decision to close Cairns shop, resignation of Kevin O'Mahoney and difficulties in replacing him, long cane training in Queensland, demand for guest speakers, thank you to work experience students, welcome to Ray Owens, presentation of Anzac Award by Lt Governor at Government House, beginning of in-house breeding program - rather that rely on donations of suitable puppies - with Roz McNaught, Alf Krummel and Dawn Robinson providing and housing these dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: discussion about the government investigation and those who gave negative testimony, withdrawal of Government's case and clearance of accusations, full disclosure of Terms of Settlement, inaccurate comparisons made with Kew facility, reflection on how investigations were conducted, resignation of Greg Cooper due to harassment by investigators, opening of a handicraft and rehabilitation centre in Annerley, article on Alf Kemmel and his involvement with the breeding program, mini profiles of some people with their dogs, 12 people graduated this year, request for more homes for breeding dogs, enlargement of day centre, and purchase of goodwill of St Leeor Nursing Home (freehold bought in 1985) to extend nursing home facilities to blind and visually impaired. Annual Report for Guide Dog Owners and Friends Association is also included with list of committee members, net surplus, auditor's report, biographical notes of Executive Director and Facts about Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School and Rehabilitation Centre.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

Report from individuals and agencies forming the Illawarra Community Centre, including: the retirement of Flo Dodge and Joyce Lake, awarding of 32 Tilly Aston awards for 15 year or more voluntary service, the 'Illawarra Tigers' Day Centre bowlers winning the State Blind Indoor Biased Bowls Competition, telephone support groups established in Colac and Portarlington, and involvement in a local Taxi Driver training day with other agencies, running a successful 'Banking and Budgeting Program' with Gordon Technical College.1 volume of printed materialassociation for the blind, illawarra community centre

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the success of the Reach Out Appeal to partially fund the establishment of a Low Vision Clinic, the continuing care of 33 residents, the increase of day centre clients and activities, replacement of bedroom furniture and the deficit experienced this year restricting improvements.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records, kelaston home (ballarat)

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the need to increase the size of Kelaston through new and redeveloped buildings, Maureen Davey winning the Tattersall Achievement and Enterprise Award, retirement of Harry Hitchcock, opening of a new day centre in Avoca, floral art introduced to the Kelaston Day Centre by Trish Zukauskas, six residents attended a holiday in Queenscliff, four residents celebrating their 100th (or more) birthday and profiles of a Kelaston resident (Joan Elliott), staff member (Shirley Richards), volunteer (Alan Wright) and three Day centre attendees (Clare Searle, Vi Munro and Jeanne Prior).1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: the opening of the new Craft, Recreation and Activities Centre at Mirridong and Kelaston Community Day Hospital, 60 bed nursing home at Mt Eliza almost nearing completion, waiting for approval for 30 bed nursing ward at Shepparton, block of land secured at Warragul for future day centre, loss of Stan Middleton and retirement of Alex Cook.1 printed volume with illustrationsannual reports, association for the blind