Mat making was an essential part of many workshops staffed by blind or vision impaired employees since the 19th century. In Australia, it was a skill taught in along the eastern seaboard until the supply of cheaper mats from Asian sources rendered it financially non-viable as a source of employment. These examples were made in the RVIB workshops and demonstrate the variety that could be made, with a plain mat, one printed 'RVIB' in black on one side and in in reverse in various colours on the other, and the other with 'Welcome' on the front and 'Made by the blind' on the reverse.3 coir mats made by RVIB workersRVIB Made by the blindemployment, royal victorian institute for the blind

Five photographs of groups of staff members at RVIB. Image 1 - Maree Littlepage, Christine Harding, ?? Image 2 - ? and Sandie Mackevicius Image 3 - Group photograph in driveway: Blue letters: A - Chris Headland, B - Barbara Williams, C - Ramona Mandy, D - Barbara Royce, E – Tess Rousso, F – Robyn Gale, G – Peter Cronin, H – Chris Edwards, I – Glen Morrow, J – Graeme Craig, K – Barbara McKenzie, L – Marg Harvey, M – Judy Williams, N – Len Stephens, O – Nina Sutton, P – Sherry Cunningham, Q – Marissa Depitta, R – Uli Pfisterer, S – Rosemary, T – Maree Sheehan, U – Linda Rivette, V – Rachel Grealy, W – Fiona Pelusi, X – Maree Littlepage, Y – Danielle, Z – Sophie Tzoukalis. (Between Pelusi and Stephens, Christine Harding. Green letters: A – Emma Rogers-Wilson, B – Rory Fraser, C – Gary Stinchcombe, D – Alex Zolradkovic, E – Nicola Misso, F – Mary Barron, G – Barbara, H – Kathy Lazzaro, I – Linda Morris, J – Pam McAleese. Image 4 - ?? Image 5 - Robyn Gale, ??RVIB - St Kilda Road - 1998royal victorian institute for the blind, staff

Undated cardboard hand-made sign listing the variety of products made by RVIB workers available for purchase at the show. Given the taped over word before 'show' this sign was most likely utilised across a number of shows (Melbourne and regional).Digital image of sign displayed for RVIB EnterprisesRVIB Enterprises Quality Products Made By Workers of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Industrial Division. Show Special Prices On. Baby Gates Tissue Box Covers Door Stops Pot Plant Stands Folding Tables Ludo Mops Chopping Boards Hat Boxes Bread Boards Dominoes Solitaire Toy Boxes Jarrah Outdoor Settings Tapestry Frames Hookey Boards Treated Pine Out Door Settings Chinese Checkers Wall & Mantle Clocks Building Blocks Tapestry Frame Standsroyal victorian institute for the blind, signs

Volunteers for RVIB were kept informed about programs, activities and opportunities within the larger organisation via the RVIB Volunteer Update. 1 volume of printed pagesAlso titled: RVIB Volunteer update.royal victorian institute for the blind, newsletters

Pictures taken at RVIB 201 High Street building of Assist, RVIB Enterprises and Training and Technology staff members for their badge identification.114 digital images of staff at RVIB Burwood, mostly in low resolutionroyal victorian institute for the blind, steve beashel, daryl barnett, phil boyd, geoff crawford, adrian smith, alan berginc, annie cooper, anton rich, chris maskell, david weatley, don hoy, ernie dos santos, frank bauer, gena kacowicz, geoff paterson, geoff ralph, glen petrie, greg slorach, greg washington, jim doherty, jimmy nason, john martin, john nettelbeck, karen hope, keith weller, ken mcdonald, lisa watson, martin stewart, jim pipczak, mary pipczak, michael royals, norm richards, norm shepherdson, peter krnel, ray dunn, ray xhaferi, richard pryztula, robert toseland, roger poulter, terry lord, alan kelly, alan fowler, andrea cook, andrew white, anita sun, barbara cameron, brett shelton, brian gear, bruce loring, chris edwards, christine harvie, dale moore, david horsfall, elisa moralis, faye baxter, glen hobby, glen morrow, jeremy childs, jeremy king, kate stephens, kathryn cooke, katy shuttleworth, ken baker, lloyd smith, margaret kelly, michael williams, michael doherty, natasha brake, neil gillies, neil mathieson, nick allan, ranmali ratnachandra, rhonda patman, rob glenowski, robyn mckenzie, rod stewart, sean tyrell, steve lock, stewart hose, terri cameron, thavee lees, thong nguyen, damien mccormack, elaine brock, vince september

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. In 1998, this included a profile of Nancy Carney - long term member of Sorrento Auxiliary and OAM, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Skipton Auxiliary, listing of awards and certificates, the RVIB Out of Sight in the Sheds Expo at Wangaratta, staff changes at RVIB, the discontinuation of the Lighthouse Appeal and energies put into the White Cane Day Appeal, and the passing of various members.1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. In 1997, this included the Lighthouse Appeal, the RVIB Celebrity Ball, the closure of Whittlesea Auxiliary after 56 years of service, Boort and Charlton celebrating their 65th anniversaries and Dimboola it's 60th, a profile on Elvina (Con) Dalitz, and the passing of members from various auxiliaries.1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. A photocopied issue of the original 1956 newsletter is included. 1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. A photocopied issue of the original 1956 newsletter is included. 1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Metal candle holder with white candle given out as a souvenir of the 2000 Carols by Candlelight concert to official guests. The words 'RVIB Carols by Candlelight 2000' are engraved on the lid.1 silver plated candle holder with candleRVIB Carols by Candlelight 2000carols by candlelight, royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Lifetime achievement awards were presented to organisations, such as the Charlton Auxiliary and individuals for their invaluable support of RVIB.1 certificate with colour printingRVIB Lifetime Achievement Award awarded in recognition of support to Charlton Auxiliary. Presented by John Landy AC. MBE, Governor of Victoria, Patron of RVIB. Signed by the RVIB CEO Doug Kent, dated 26th March, 2003.royal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Pictures taken at RVIB Burwood School of staff members for their badge identification.47 digital images of staff at RVIB Burwood, including 1 low resroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib burwood school, sue coull, garry stinchcombe, sandie mackevicius, ulli pfisterer, rachel grealy

To signify the various positions within the organisation to the sighted community, an assortment of badges were created identifying individuals and the roles they played. These consist of a rectangle with the position written in gold writing on a pale blue background and 'RVIB' written vertically in gold against a blue background to the side of the badge. People volunteering their time were called 'Voluntary Helper'Metal pin with gold writing on blue backgroundRVIB Voluntary Helperroyal victorian institute for the blind, badges

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: continuing involvement with Project Nexus (to merge with RBS and VAF), NILS becoming a separate entity, launch of History Project, launch of Feelix at Melbourne Zoo with patron Sigrid Thornton, funding of "Little Steps to Learning" by Paul Newman Foundation, RVIB For Sight Week, RVIB Gold Ball, Dare to Date ball and hosting Southern Cross games.1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial yearroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, jade sanderson, trevor anderson, doug kent, sigrid thornton, rhonda burchmore, ray martin, hi-5, vanessa amorosi, chad kelly, kushbu lal, wanda egerton, russell short

In this shared classroom at the RVIB, three teachers are busy instructing their pupils in various subjects. At the front a female teacher is seated as she reads Braille from a book at the head of the junior class. In the middle, a mustached man also reads Braille with older children, whilst furthest from camera, a bearded man stands during a lesson with older children.Lantern slide of three teachers and their pupils at RVIBeducation, royal victorian institute for the blind

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. In 1996, this included the introduction of a duplicator at the Wangaratta library to create local cassette copies of the The Chronicle and the dial in service for the Talking Book catalogue, a new course to 'kick start' students for tertiary studies, award for Dorothy Hamilton, Dr Harry Cooper unveiling a bronze sculpture of a koala and her joeys at Healesville Sanctuary, 'More than just a Look' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, profile of Bea Doherty and Jessie Twaddle, disbanding of Moe Auxiliary, and the passing of members from various auxiliaries.1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

Pictures taken at RVIB regional office staff members for their badge identification, including Central Highlands, Eastern Region, Loddon Mallee, Northern Region, Southern Region (12 unnamed) and Western Region.52 digital images of staff at various RVIB offices, mostly in low resolutionroyal victorian institute for the blind, vivian bradbury, aleks zdrakovic, anna maghanoy, barbara forehan, barbara sunderland, bianca loiacono, catherine flynn, christine ballentine, graeme craig, kylie norwood, leigh chester, libby larsen, linda morris, magda mistarz, pam mcaleese, patricia peck, rosslyn wellington, amanda heighway, amanda hale, barbara mckenzie, beth glover, cathy costa, glen keane, julie lazaru, nicola misso, rob last, danielle bennett, lee fitton, lisa pastor, amanda pierini, anastasia sakellariou, brian hewat, jane rossiter, janet robins, malcolm fraser, sophie nugent, sophie tzourtzouklis, trudy neville

In November and December 1964 the All Negro Folk Singers began a run of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. School children from the RVIB School attended a meet and greet with some of the cast and a special presentation of some of the songs from the show. 8 digital images of RVIB school visit to 'Go Tell It On A Mountain'rvib burwood school, esther rolle, frank turley, joetta cherry, princess stewart

Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. RVIB eventually closed down it's workshop production of materials in 2009 with the sale of the warehouse in High Street, Prahran and the movement of staff to Macaulay Road, Kensington.6 scanned images of basket making from RVIB annual reportsroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: launch of Project Nexus (to merge with RBS and VAF), 'Egypt by Touch' exhibition, inaugural Dare to Date ball and Aqua Dance party, production of Braille and Large Print in Tetun language for Timor, publication of "I'm posting the pebbles", and the RVIB Fair held for the first time since 1985.1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial yearroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, trevor anderson, doug kent, chris baillie, lui palombi, debbie deshayes, jenny pring, chery kurnow, robyn guymer, chris edwards, jamie kelly, tim mitchell, molly meldrum, john so

This staff newsletter aimed to keep staff members up to date with what was happening around RVIB, with its often informal manner and chatty style. A Rebel Chronic was produced at times, which consisted of two A3 folded pages. 1 v. of illustrations and textAlso titled: The RVIB Chronic, The newsletter of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, The Rebel Chronicroyal victorian institute for the blind, newsletters

To recognise the dedication of volunteers, acknowledgement were made via plaques or other memorabilia. This brown board has a small RVIB logo at the top in enamel and in the bottom third is the plaque to Edith Perrett and her years of service.Digital image of wooden shield with enamel badge at top and metal plaque near the base.RVIB Kongwak Auxiliary Edith Perrett 45 Years Dedicated Service 14th March 2002royal victorian institute for the blind, nameplates

The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary was formed on February 13, 1933 by Mr Birtchnell. This collection of papers includes the minute books from 1944 until 1998. It was noted in correspondence that Geelong and surrounds had been the most outstanding financial contributor to RVIB's revenue. Collections from the Geelong community had provided high donations every year. The Geelong Auxiliary posted 301 pounds on their first return in 1934, easily topping any of the other 200 auxiliaries in the state at that time. The Annual Report from July 31, 1995 noted that with regret due to health reasons and the passing of many members The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary had no option but to go into recess. The certificate reads: Centenary Certificate of Appreciation presented to Geelong Auxiliary for outstanding service. Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind babies, children and adults. (Signed by) President (Charles Bennett) Executive Director (F.G. Turley).5 minute books -- 2 accounts books -- 1 book of newspaper clippings --various loose papers and letters -- 1 certificate of appreciation Certificate: white paper with light turquoise thick border and gold and blue thin borders. The RVIB official seal is at the base of the right hand side and a coloured image of the RVIB logo, with the words 'Centenary year 100 1866/1966' in the bottom left corner.royal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

19 pages in table format, of events that occurred and people who were involved with the RVIB, and 1 page showing an aerial view of an unknown area. Based upon the Nipper document, this table was created by Jo Ann Matthews and C.H. Nipper.19 pages in table format, of events that occurred and people who were involved with the RVIB, and 1 page showing an aerial view of an unknown areanon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, royal victorian institute for the blind

To recognise outstanding contributions to the Institution, Life Governor certificates were awarded. Signed by the President and Manager/Secretary of the day, they were worded as follows: "Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Life Governor. This is to certify that (blank) was this day appointed a Life Governor by the Board of Management." 28th August 1969 - signed by Charles Bennett and F.G. Turley Stanley Marsden Esq. 17th April 1975 - signed by E.J. Hanlon and E. Netson (?) Mrs Phyllis Marsden 20th November 1975 - signed by E.J. Hanlon and E. Netson (?) Mrs Lurleen C. Slaney John H. Weymouth, Esq Alan J. Murphy, Esq Mrs Phyllis Crook Christopher Williams Esq Dr. Alan Crook Adrienne N. Mursell November 19, 1981 - signed by E.J. Hanlon and E. Netson (?) Mrs Phyllis Wilson June 12, 1992 - signed by L. M. McCredie and Peter (?) Donald Gordon Boyle11 certificates with RVIB crest At the head of the page, a round circle with 'Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind' in Gothic typescript, a red crown atop the circle and a red cross with four white stars divides the inside of the circle into four areas. A picture in with and black, against a blue background, rests in each of these quadrants and a banner with the words 'I will lead the blind by a way they know not' is centred in between them. The pictures are: a harp, a bee hive, an open book and a flag with the words 'A.D. 1867'.royal victorian institute for the blind, awards, stanley marsden, phyllis marsden, phyllis crook, alan crook, john weymouth, christopher williams, adrienne mursell, alan murphy, lurleen slaney, phyllis wilson, gordon boyle

Financial information for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, presented as an appendix to the annual report of the institution.1 printed volume of financial information for the RVIBroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports