Leatherwork was offered to clients at the Ballarat office of Vision Australia, involving the use of jigs to help align punch marks. This jig was donated by "G.A. Arnold P/L 98-106 Moray St, South Melbourne" and its users were advised to "Clean and oil weekly" according to the 2 metal plates attached to the base plate that the jig was affixed to. A small metal bar runs across the middle of the base plate, to assist in correct alignment, with a black ball handle situated above a metal rod to allow users to push downwards on to a secondary rod (held in place by a cylinder) at the end of which is a punch. The cylinder that holds the punch in place is attached to a broader black metal attachment that is screwed into the base plate. The punch remains at the centre, however this image was taken before the centre's refurbishment.Metal sheet with ridges to align items above a punch activated by a lever pushed downwardsG.A. Arnold P/L 98-106 Moray St, South Melbournerecreation equipment, vision australia

This cricket ball is made of cane wicker and was used in cricket games with visually impaired players by people who lived or were educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind from the 1920's through till 1972. It is a circular shape made of plaited strips of woven natural cane and is lighter than a conventional cricket ball. The hollow center of the ball contains pieces of twisted metal pieces which rattle as the ball is moved to aid players in tracking the ball's movement. The stumps also had bells attached so fielders knew when the batsman was out. Blind cricket was invented in Melbourne in 1922 when two blind factory workers started playing a game using a tin can containing rocks. The game soon gained popularity and the Victorian Blind Cricketers' Association was formed. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in acquiring and developing the sports ground and clubhouse in Glenferrie Road Kooyong, Victoria on behalf of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now called Vision Australia). In 1928 play began on the world's first sports ground for blind cricketers, in the first official blind cricket match. Blind cricket is now played internationally. This particular cricket ball was awarded to William Paterson Esq in 1928 in recognition of his support in establishing the world's first blind cricket ground in Kooyong. On the front of this ball is attached a small metal crest with an inscription: 'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq as a token of esteem for his interest in Blind cricket being the first ball bowled on the cricket ground for Blind Kooyong 7. 4.28'.1 wicker cricket ball with metal shield attached and metal bells in the hollow centre'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq / as a token of esteem for his/ interest in Blind cricket/ being the first ball bowled /on the cricket /ground for Blind /Kooyong / 7. 4.28'. recreation equipment, awards

This book contains the set up and clues for cross word puzzles that can be constructed with the RNIB crossword board. The board is contained inside a wooden box, which also has compartments for storing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into a grid that sits on the lower side. Red smooth markers are used for blanks, whilst the yellow markers have three turnable pieces, which can be adjusted to represent each letter in Braille.1 braille book and 1 wooden box containing yellow and red rubber markers that fit into the grid inset in the box.'From the Evening News book of crossword puzzles no. 18' Catalogue 29444recreation equipment, games

With large print numbers as well as Braille, these cards allow everyone to participate in Bingo. Originating in Italy, this competitive game is enjoyed almost the world over and has also been used as an educational tool to teach children numeracy as well as history. 2 blue bingo cards recreation equipment, games

Various playing cards with large print numbers and suit types. Playing cards with red and white design with numbers and suit in large print. recreation equipment, games

A set of UNO cards with printed instructions and a single Braille page. On the box is marked 'Braille UNO game 26787'. This set was used by Tilly Aston members when on holiday. UNO playing cards with braille embossed on top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners in red cardboard box recreation equipment, games

A set of Skip-Bo cards with printed instructions. On the box is marked 'Brailled Skip-Bo Card Game 10509'. This is an example of how popular card games can easily be made accessible by the use of Braille for those without vision. Skip-Bo playing cards with braille embossed on top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners in white cardboard box recreation equipment, games

Braille Scrabble was first produced in 1954, not long after the game was 'discovered' and popularised by Macys department store in the U.S. Braille letters and numbers are located on the left-hand side of the tile, with the large print letter in the middle. Scoring was kept through the use of metal pins which could be placed into slots located behind racks that hold each player's tiles. According to the printed booklet that forms part of the set, the Scrabble board had moulded ridges to hold the tiles and had a turning device that allowed the board to rotate easily between players. Cylindrical container containing 101 braille letters with 4 black plastic trays, box containing 16 metal pins and 11 page booklet. recreation equipment, games

A 52 playing card set (plus two jokers) with Braille designed by the leading firm of playing card manufacturers in England during this period - Thomas de la Rue & Company. Playing cards with red, black and white design with braille embossing at top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners in (red or blue) metal hinged box. recreation equipment, games

A strategy board game invented in England in the 1880's, it involves placing coloured discs in lines and capturing (or flipping) opponent discs that stand in the way. Sold these days under the name 'Othello' (which links the changing relationship between discs to the Shakespearian play), the red side of the disc is smooth and the white is ridged. RNIB Catalogue no. 9434. 1 wooden box with 64 red/white reversible pieces recreation equipment, games

This wooden board has two differently designed sides: one with four strips running the length of the board and the other with seven strips of wood running across the width of the board. These strips and various ridges around the edge and in the 'lanes' assist players as they play card games. The attached booklets describe the sides as Squares (4 strips) or Streets (7 strips), which could be used to play a variety of card games described. On the Squares side: Carpet, Count Nogo, Frames and Poker Patience and on the Streets side: Triangles and Henley could be played in addition to the traditional game of Patience. The board was designed to be used with a distinct sized card (RNIB no. 9087) that could fit between the strips. Wooden board with card dividers with accompanying printed and braille booklet. recreation equipment, games

A red circular plastic card holder with a yellow button in the centre. The holder can be leveraged apart so that cards sit comfortably between the two red discs. 1 red plastic playing card holderrecreation equipment, games

This game of strategy was played in the Roman Empire and medieval England. Each player has nine pegs and must use these to first fill the board then move their pieces to create a 'mill' (three linked points). For each 'mill' created, an opponent's piece can be removed. In this version of the game, a rule booklet in Braille is provided with the tactile board and pegs. RNIB catalogue number: 9212. 1 yellow and red board in purple box +1 Braille booklet. recreation equipment, games

This game of strategy was played in the Roman Empire and medieval England. Each player has nine pegs and must use these to first fill the board then move their pieces to create a 'mill' (three linked points). For each 'mill' created, an opponent's piece can be removed. In this version of the game, a rule booklet in large print is provided with the tactile board and black/white pegs. RNIB catalogue number: GB32. 1 wooden board in green/black box + 1 large print booklet and 17 pegs. recreation equipment, games

Large print crosswords reproduced by the Society with permission for the Daily Mail. Paper book with large print writingFirst published as the Daily Mail crosswords monthly no. 53.recreation equipment, games

A series of small cubes of wood joined in different ways are arranged together to form a large cube (7.5 cm) 7 wooden pieces in bagrecreation equipment, games

A 52 playing card set (plus two jokers) with large print numbers and suit types. Playing cards with red and white design with numbers and suit in large print in paper packet. recreation equipment, games

A 52 playing card set (plus two jokers) with large print numbers and suit types. Playing cards with William Grant's Scotch Whiskey printed on back and numbers and suit in large print in paper packet. recreation equipment, games

A 52 playing card set (plus two jokers) with large print numbers and suit types. A fact card is included about the death of Wild Bill Hickok during a game of poker. The Aviator brand of cards was released just after the first trans-Atlantic flight in commemoration of the crossing. Playing cards with with red and white design with numbers and suit in large print in paper packet. recreation equipment, games

A 52 playing card set (plus two jokers) with large print numbers and suit types. Playing cards with black and white design with numbers and suit in large print in paper packet. recreation equipment, games

Wooden box with one end open holds three wooden dice with raised brass dots. The number 19 is written on the side of the holder. 3 wooden dice in a wooden box recreation equipment, games

One pair of large print oversized dice. 1 pair of large print dice recreation equipment, games

An incomplete set of dominoes and a wooden box that may form part of a cribbage set. 8 dominoes with raised dots in wooden box with clasp and peg holes The number 368 is written on the side of the box.recreation equipment, games

This wooden set could be used by sighted people as well as those who are blind or visually impaired. A universal game played in ancient Egypt and Rome, noughts and crosses has also become known tic-tac-toe (popularised in the USA) and there are 362,880 possible ways to play the game. Light wooden block with darker wooden discs and crosses recreation equipment, games

RNIB sold a number of devices around the world, including games, clocks, brailling equipment and handicraft items. These are listed in this catalogue and some are found in this collection. 62 page booklet with black and white illustrationsroyal national institute for the blind, braille equipment, games, recreation equipment

Coloured photograph of children on the portable playground equipment that was used at the Nunawading Council functioncity of nunawading parks and recreation, playground equipment