The Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind was established on 13 March, 1917. Many children who were blind and who had studied music with Mr Hebert Leon Newman at the 'Queensland Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution wished to continue after leaving school but could not afford to do so. Mr Olsen, the librarian, who was blind, conceived the formation of a Society to meet this need as well as providing an after work social centre and to address the limited job opportunities available for adults who were blind. The committee of the Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution encouraged the new Society by providing a grand piano and seating accommodation for 100 people in their library. In 1921 he established the John Olsen Literary Competition, then became the Edwin Dickinson Literary Competition and later the Vision Australia Dickinson Literary Awards.Photograph in frame with printed inscription below.John Olsen Founder Queensland Musical, Literary & Self-Aid Society for the Blind President 1919-1926 Died 9th Jan 1926john olsen, artwork, queensland musical literary and self aid society for the blind

The Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind was established on 13 March, 1917. Many children who were blind and who had studied music with Mr Hebert Leon Newman at the 'Queensland Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution wished to continue after leaving school but could not afford to do so. Mr Olsen, the librarian, who was blind, conceived the formation of a Society to meet this need as well as providing an after work social centre and to address the limited job opportunities available for adults who were blind. The committee of the Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution encouraged the new Society by providing a grand piano and seating accommodation for 100 people in their library. In 1921 he established the John Olsen Literary Competition, then became the Edwin Dickinson Literary Competition and later the Vision Australia Dickinson Literary Awards. When he died in 1926, this tablet was made to recognise his contribution to Braille literacy and work involved to encourage Braille in the community.Marble tablet engraved and with coloured lettingIn Affectionate Memory of John Olsen Founder Queensland Musical, Literary & Self-Aid Society for the Blind President 1919-1926 Died 9th January 1926queensland musical, literary and self-aid society for the blind, john olsen

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

Newspaper clippings from a variety of Australian and New Zealand newspapers regarding blindness, the work of Auxiliaries, RVIB, handbills, concert programs, blind entertainers, blinded soldiers, a Braille globe of the world large enough for a child to enter it, various concert programs, and the activities, accidents and experiences of blind people in the community. A page from the Victorian Parliamentary Debates (p89), an election pamphlet by Prahran Election nominee H.F. Smith and the British Medical Journal (Nov 3, 1917, p585, Welfare of the Blind) are also included. 1 book of newspaper cuttingsassociation for the advancement of the blind, sydney industrial blind institution, fundraising, blind soldiers, royal victorian institute for the blind, employment, braille and talking book library, recreation, education, charles goode, queensland musical literary and self aid society for the blind, south australian institution for the blind deaf and dumb, queensland blind, deaf and dumb institution, blind advance association, victoria institute and industrial school, alfred felton, edward wilson, n.s.w. institution for deaf dumb and blind, st dunstan's, helen keller, tasmanian society for blind deaf and dumb, auckland jubilee institute for the blind