Gertrude Perry was born in California Gully in 1917. Her singing skills were recognized at an early age. She later sang with local choirs and sang on radio. She was involved with the Bendigo Operatic Society for many years. Gertrude began her working life in sales. After studying book keeping she worked at the Bendigo Ordnance Factory during WW2 and then worked for local solicitors and accountants. Gertrude was involved with many community and sporting organizations.Gertrude Perry Collection - certificate of appreciation for Miss Perry and her donation of two hours service to the 24 Hour National Freecall Crisis Line and the Margaret and Shane Foundations Inc.physical culture class, fitness, exercise, volunteer public service

This is a programme of the Warrnambool City Council Civic & Thanksgiving Official Service on November 1918. The service was held in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, conducted by the Ministers of the Churches in Warrnambool and led by the combined choirs of the churches. It was a public occasion held to offer thanksgiving for the end of World War One in November 1918. One of the hymns sung had the opening lines: ‘O God of Love, O King of Peace/Make wars throughout the world to cease’. The service was attended by the Mayor of Warrnambool and the City Councillors and Council employees. World War One was a signal event in the history of Warrnanmbool (as it was for all places in Australia) with so many young men volunteering for active service and so many dying overseas.This programme is of great interest as it records an important occasion in Warrnambool – the end of World War One and the official service of thanksgiving that commemorated this happening. This is a programme for the Warrnambool City Council Civic & Thanksgiving Official Service in November 1918. It is a sheet of buff-coloured paper folded in two to make four pages. There is blue printed material on three of the pages. The front page has the City of Warrnambool crest printed in blue with blue edging on the page and some ornamental patterns. The inside pages has a blue sketch of the flags of Australia and Britain. The programme is faded and creased and a little blotched.warrnambool city council, history of warrnambool, world war one

This tray was commissioned as a perpetual trophy for the Apex District 2 (south west Victoria) public speaking competition. The names of 27 winners from 1977 to 2003 are inscribed on the tray. Apex Clubs are service clubs that provide people with the opportunity to volunteer within their community. Members are aged between 18 and 45. The first Apex Club was formed in Geelong in 1931 and Warrnambool Apex Club was the fifth club established in 1931. It went into recess in 1941 and was re-established in 1952. The club closed in 2011. This tray is of interest as an example of the awards given by local Apex Clubs and is retained because the Warrnambool Apex Club closed in 2011. This is a rectangular-shaped silver-plated tray with an etched decorative pattern, two handles attached to the base by metal screws and two side railings also attached to the tray by metal screws. The base has a brown board (mock leather?) inserted through the metal screws. The tray has the names of the winners of the trophy inscribed around the edge of the tray. The tray’s silver is slightly rusted. ‘Apex District 2 Perpetual Public Speaking Trophy Donated by Murray Kelson’ warrnambool apex club, history of warrnambool

This badge would perhaps be attached to the uniform or blazer of a member of the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club. This club was established in 1930 with Fletcher Jones (President) and Bon Nutt being notable early members. A ladies’ club was also formed in 1930. As Warrnambool has a bathing and surf beach and is situated on a coastline with many popular surf beaches the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club is an important group with a proud history of service to the community. The current clubhouse, built by members and other volunteers in the 1950s, includes a public restaurant today. This badge is interesting as a memento of the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club, an important club in Warrnambool’s community. This is a diamond-shaped cloth badge. It is made of brown cloth with white cotton stitching and an image of a rescue reel and rope. ‘Warrnambool, S.L.S.C.’warrnambool surf life saving club, warrnambool

St John Ambulance of Victoria was founded in 1883 to teach public First Aid classes in Victoria. In 1887 it commenced the first ambulance service in Melbourne until 1916 when it was taken over by the state. In 1965 the first Search and Rescue Squad was formed in Victoria. St john Ambulance members are volunteers who are often on stand-by at public events and called out to natural / extreme disasters. This scarf may have been worn by a student learning first aid from a member of the St John Ambulance Association. It signifies that such classes were held in the Kiewa Valley. April 1940 a four stretcher ambulance was developed for use on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The design was modified for comparatively long and rough trips.Cream coloured triangular cotton scarf with 2 sides, a base and a point labelled. At the point is the logo of The St John Ambulance Association. The scarf has drawings all over it showing people and/or body parts bandaged with numbers on the bandages and the views labelled front, back etc.st john ambulance association. first aid. scarf. neck tie.

EDHS Newsletter No. 271 August 2023 Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the Archive of the State Government of Victoria. Established fifty years ago under the Public Records Act 1973, PROV at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne now holds around 106 kilometres of public records from 1836 to the present day. There are also PROV collections at Ballarat, Beechworth, Bendigo, Geelong and the University of Melbourne. Our next meeting will be about PROV and former PROV staff member Andrew Lemon, will briefly reminisce about his work there, in it’s early days. As Assistant Director Access Services at PROV, David Taylor oversees the management of, and access to, the State collection. David will be outlining PROV’s unique role in Victoria, the nature of the public records it holds and how researchers can use increasingly sophisticated online resources to discover more about their ancestors and Victorian history. Finally, our Society member Irene Kearsey will talk about her experiences as a long-time volunteer at PROV.1:21:12 duration Digital MP3 file; 27.8MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, david taylor, dr andrew lemon, irene kearsey, public records office victoria (prov)

Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

Ship to Shore was first printed in 1997. Inspired by the Jottings From Our Log, this modern version is generally published quarterly (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring) Articles are written by the mission's staff and give updates about shipping and seafaring news, staff, events, board Committee, heritage. It is sent by post or email to supporters, members, volunteers and friends of the mission. It is also available to the public in the Flying Angel club and online on the website.Ship to Shore is a valable source of informationship to shore, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, flinders street, melbourne, victoria, news, events, seafaring life, shipping, sailors, seamen, sponsors, marketing, flying angel, staff, chaplains, community, welfare, board members, rodney oliver, seafarers service, foreign bibles

The Pattison Collection: The ‘Pattison Collection’ comprises books and records that were originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was established in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886, the Institute had expanded significantly, boasting a Library, Museum, and Fine Arts Gallery. The collection included notable works of art and valuable specimens from various fields, as well as remarkable national curiosities and historic relics relating to the town and district. The Institute later incorporated a School of Design. Despite being popular with the public, the Institute struggled financially and, in 1911, requested that the City Council assume control. In 1935, Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise what was then known as the Warrnambool Library. When the Mechanics’ Institute building was demolished in 1963, a new civic building was constructed on the site, and the Warrnambool Library, managed by the City Council, acquired all the holdings of the WMI. It was during this transition that certain items were separated and designated as the ‘Pattison Collection’, in honour of Ralph Pattison. Over time, the various components of the WMI were distributed among different institutions, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society, and Flagstaff Hill. Some items were also sent to other regional branches of the Corangamite Regional Library, and their exact locations have become difficult to trace. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village typically bear stamps and markings from Pattison and various other institutions, including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. Ralph Eric Pattison: Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. In 1920, he married Maude Swan from Warrnambool, and the couple settled in Warrnambool. Pattison accepted the role of City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council in 1935. Tasked with transforming two rooms in the Mechanics’ Institute into a functional library, he diligently cleaned, sorted, and organised a disordered collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens, and assorted items previously reserved for the city’s museum. Pattison expanded and modernised the library, ensuring it catered to a broad range of interests, including providing reference books for students—a challenging feat in the years following the Depression. He converted the lower level of the building into a library, reference room, and reading room for both members and the public. Books were organised using a cataloguing and card index system that Pattison designed himself. He also prepared the upper floor, establishing both an Art Gallery and, later, a Museum to display the many historical relics collected over the years. Among these treasures was a beautiful antique clock, which Pattison restored and used in his office throughout his tenure. He was known as a meticulous gentleman, recognised for his punctuality, impeccable courtesy, and neat appearance. His restored clock regulated his daily routine and the precise opening and closing of the library’s doors. During 1942 to 1945, Pattison took leave to serve as a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve. A few years later, he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, which quickly became popular. In the 1950s, Pattison was appointed to the Victorian Library Board, where he gained further inspiration from monthly conferences in Melbourne. He retired in 1959, after more than 23 years of service, due to having surpassed the working age limit for council officers. Nevertheless, Pattison maintained a strong interest in the ongoing development of the Library until his death in 1969. Warrnambool Public Library: The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) originated from a voluntary community group in 1863, just six years after the founding of Warrnambool, with its Reading Room opening in 1854. The WMI remained in operation until 1963 and was among the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes provided essential public services, including libraries, reading rooms, and spaces for the exhibition and storage of curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886, a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI, and by the early 20th century, it also featured a billiards room and a School of Art. At this time, it was common for country Victorian Mechanics’ Institutes to have attached museums. Over the years, the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also referred to as the Warrnambool Public Library, the Warrnambool Library, and the Free Library. Early government funding was provided for the “Free Library”. For example, a book titled “Science of Man” was inscribed for the “Warrnambool Public Library” and donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another book, “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883”, was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903, the Warrnambool Public Library established a Juvenile Department, stocking hundreds of books suitable for young readers. In 1905, the committee updated the book collection by adding 100 new novels and arranging for the latest novels to be included as soon as they became available in Victoria. By July 1911, the Warrnambool Council had assumed management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum, and Mechanics’ Institute, with plans to double the size of the existing building. In 1953, under the stewardship of Mr. R. Pattison, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section contained 10,000 fiction books out of a total of 13,000. The children’s section held an additional 3,400 books, equating to one book per head of population and serving around 33 percent of the local reading public. The collection comprised approximately 60 percent reference books and 40 percent fiction, with the library lending out 400 books per day. In 1963, the Warrnambool City Council designated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building—which included the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery—for the new Municipal Offices, resulting in the dispersal of the collections until 1971. The Warrnambool Library subsequently assumed responsibility for the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the City Council. Since the closure of the Mechanics’ Institute, the precise location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Additional items have entered the collection over time, including materials from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House, and Customs House. Many books are now identified as part of the Pattison Collection, named after the librarian who catalogued and numbered them before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. When Warrnambool joined the Corangamite Regional Library, some books and materials were sent to its head office in Colac and later returned to Warrnambool, where they were stored at the Art Gallery for an extended period. Some items subsequently went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some remained at the Art Gallery, and others were transferred to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books at Flagstaff Hill reflect the diverse distribution and origins of the collection. The books currently held at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many are part of the “Pattison Collection”, named after Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison.Integration and Significance of the WMI Publication Collection: Many components of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute (WMI) publication collection serve to complement and reinforce other important cultural collections in the region, including those held by the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, the Warrnambool Art Gallery, and the Warrnambool Historical Society. Collectively, these collections provide a more comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute holdings. The presence and integration of these materials not only enhance the appreciation of the few remaining Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, but also contribute to the recognition of similar collections in New South Wales. Examining both the similarities and differences among these surviving collections offers valuable insights into the ways in which the people of Victoria—and the community of Warrnambool in particular—constructed a civic culture centred on adult education, ultimately fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Local and State Importance: The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is significant at local and state levels. Its value lies in its relationship to other cultural collections, its historical context, and its enduring role in supporting the intellectual and social development of the community.The Tilted Cross Author: Hal Porter Publisher: Faber and Faber. London Date: 1961 Hardcover bound book with gold embossed titles on the spine, and a pasted-on title on the front cover. Inscriptions are on labels on the spine and front loose endpaper, and on a stamp on the fly page. The book is part of the Pattison CollectionLabel with typed text": "PAT FIC POR" Sticker: "Corangamite Regional Library Service" Stamp: "Warrnambool Public Library"warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the tilted cross, hal porter

When Lloyd Campbell joined the AIF, he was underage and went to the Middle East with 2/17 Battalion. Later in New Guinea he made a major career change and volunteered for an unknown unit and special operations. What he had joined was the SRD – known as Z-Special Unit. Z Special Unit—also known as Special Operations Executive (SOE), Special Operations Australia (SOA) or the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)—was a joint Allied special forces unit formed during the Second World War to operate behind Japanese lines in South East Asia. Predominantly Australian, Z Special Unit was a specialist reconnaissance and sabotage unit that included British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese and Indonesian members, predominantly operating on Borneo and the islands of the former Netherlands East Indies. The unit carried out a total of 81 covert operations in the South West Pacific theatre, with parties inserted by parachute or submarine to provide intelligence and conduct guerrilla warfare. The best known of these missions were Operation Jaywick and Operation Rimau, both of which involved raids on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour; the latter of which resulted in the deaths of 23 commandos either in action or by execution after capture. Although the unit was disbanded after the war, many of the training techniques and operational procedures employed were later used during the formation of other Australian Army special forces units and they remain a model for guerrilla operations to this day. pp. 274, illusts, maps ww2, the australian special operations, special forces, z special unit

This certificate acknowledges 21 years of service given by James Patten, one of the original 1859 Lifeboat Warrnambool as a boatman and bowman. At the time, all retiring Volunteer lifeboatmen were honoured with this award. It was made as a lithograph that was created by F. W. Strahle at the request of the Department of Lands & Survey, Melbourne, Victoria. During his time of service, James Patten was awarded a medal and certificate by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for his bravery. Patten and his friend Joseph Lowe, who couldn't swim, were with their friend James Ferrier in a boat on the Hopkins River, Warrnambool, when their boat capsized. Ferrier made it to shore, and Patten tried unsuccessfully to hold onto Lowe and bring him to shore. The event occurred on 18th April 1890. The images on the Certificate show a collage of rescue events performed by the lifesavers; a shipwreck rescue in progress, lifeboat conveying five boatmen using two oars each, and a bowman standing at the bow, a linesman wearing a life jacket and holding a rescue line, a lifesaver ring with images of three sailing ships inside it, a shipwreck near shore, a woman and girl in shallow water, a rescue using a breeches buoy on the lifeline, two rescuers walking towards the survivor, rescue crew wearing waterproof clothing, a rocket machine with a pulley to bring the survivor in a breaches buoy to shore, and a rescue crew member holding a flare. Volunteers at the time received a small payment, or 'retainer'', for their practices and a payment of gratitude for the rescues they attended. Across the years between 1856 to 1979 the combined service in Victoria saved 260 lives. Amazingly, some of the volunteers could not even swim.This certificate shows the State and Local Government's appreciation for the years of service spent by in the endeavour to save lives in peril in and on the local waters in the early 20th Century. The lithographed design depicts the many skills and services performed by the lifesavers of the era.Certificate of Service, unframed, awarded to James Patten on 23rd August 1907, recognising his 21 years of service with the original Warrnambool Life Boat Service as a Boatman and Bowman. Certificate is on rectangular, cream paper, lithographed design, printed and handwritten. Letterhead with the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom and a French motto. Images depict lifesaving crew, lifeboat, rescue equipment and a rescue in progress. The border is waves inside of frame of looped rope. Signatures of Commissioner of Public Works, Secretary of Public Works, and Engineer in charge of Ports and Harbours, Melbourne. Printed from a lithograph produced by F.W. Strahle on 23rd June 1907.MOTTO: "Dieu Droit Et Mon, Ni Soit Qui Mal y" TREXT: "Certificate granted to James Patten as a mark of appreciation of his esteemed services of 21 years as Boatman and Bowman connected with the Departmental Life-Boat service at Warrnambool - dated the 23rd day of August 1907." SIGNATURES: [Commissioner of Public Works], [Secretary of Public Works], [Engineer in charge of Ports and Harbours Melbourne] "Lithographed at the Dept of Lands & Survey - Melb/ by F.W. Strahle, 23.6.07"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, james patten, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue, bravery, drowning, joseph lowe, james ferrier, hopkins river, boat accident, certificate of service, 1890, 1907, bowman, boatman, departmental life-boat service, life-boat service, lifeboat service, august 1907, commissioner of public works, public works, ports and harbours melbourne, lands & survey melbourne, f w strahle, lithograph, 1856-1979, 260 lives saved, victorian volunteers, lifeboatmen, retired lifeboatmen

Produced for the 50th anniversary of Ballarat Tramway Museum Heritage passenger services - 26/12/1974 to 26/12/2024 and thanking our volunteers and those who have helped to preserve our tramway history. Unveiled by Richard Gilbert an original member on 21/12/2024. See item 9667.Demonstrates an item produced by CK for the 50th anniversary of BTM passenger services.Plaque - engraved steel sheet, infill paint with plastic backing plate and four mounting screws. Plaque 297mm x 210mmplaques, btm, 50th anniversary, 50 years of electric trams, operations

Black and White photograph of Joan Harvey, Lynn Cann, Glad Metcalfe, Norma Thomas, Des Thomas, Betty Bryce, Margaret Wah, A Hill, Judy Jakins, President of Lakes Care, Pat Baird, Judy Young, Ute Wohl, Shirley Murray, Barbara Hughes at Lakes Care Group training course for volunteers Lakes Entrance Victoria health services, adult education

Black and white photograph of Community Health Clinic Day Care volunteers Lesley Nicholson Pat Probert Irene McMahon Jeanette Butling Judy Young Lakes Entrance Victoria.health services, volunteering

Black and white photograph showing Community Health Clinic day care volunteers Laurie Aldred Jeanete De Lange Ev Britton president of Auxiliary and Kath Booth at presentation of television to Jemmeson House Day Care clients Enid Westbrook Lillian Hunt Rita Sulich Lakes Entrance Victoriahealth services, volunteering

Black and white photograph of Brian Blakeman who performed and Joyce Robertson carer who did the introductions at concert for carers week held at Community Health Centre Lakes Entrance Victoriahealth services, volunteering, entertainment

Black and white photograph of seniors seated at tables at a luncheon held by Community Health Services Lakes Entrance Victoriahealth services, volunteering

Articles in annual report include: a public educational program speaking to doctors, nurses, teachers, occupational therapists, service clubs and rotated displays through public libraries, RVIB stand won a prize in Community and welfare section at the Royal Melbourne show, difficulties with Mr and Mrs Tye's estates are resolved and plans to build an educational complex at Romsey, acknowledgement of volunteer involvement with Cubs, Guides, Ham Radio and Model Train clubs available to residential children, and the United Kingdom Hotel in Clifton Hill raised over $8000 to become the top hotel fundraiser again.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

The Talking Book Library of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is celebrating its 50th anniversary during 1984. This service began in 1934 with 78 rpm records. These were later superceded by 33rpm records which remained in use until 1960. The first cassettes were imported from England and weighed 7 lb. along with the player which weighed 28 lb. These 18 track cassettes usually contained one whole book. In the early 1970's a change was made to smaller cassettes containing 12 hours of recorded material on 6 tracks. The latest system currently being introduced is the Library of Congress 4 Track System utilising cassettes which play for 6 hours and machinery which is adaptable to the conventional 2 track system cassette. The Talking Book Library today provides services to 2500 readers as opposed to only 500 in 1964. The service is free of charge to anyone who is visually handicapped and includes talking books, talking book machines, mail service, servicing of machines at regular intervals and any modifications that may be required. Over 1600 cassettes are handled daily. The library currently holds over 3500 individual titles. Catalogues are available in print, audio and braille format. Once selection is made, borrowers may receive at least 3 books at any one time. Other services include current magazines, foreign language books, newspapers and magazines and regional country newspapers. Many books are recorded at the R.V.I.B. by our volunteer readers while others are bought from similar agencies in Australia and overseas. The department of the R.V.I.B. relies almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public. Other services provided by the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Community Resources Section, Aids & Equipment Shop, Tertiary Resource Service, Industrial Department, Retired Personnel Allowance, Children's Services, Social Services, Housing Loans, Vocational Development1 digital image of typewritten pageroyal victorian institute for the blind, talking books

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

16mm colour film with no sound - the second B&W workprint not digitised. 13 min 24 sec. Begins with the flag raising ceremony at Somers Camp and then moves to Westernport Airfield where the boys are seen going for flights in Cessnas whilst others learn archery and play volleyball. Moves on to beach activities and dinghy sailing supervised by Legatees. Back at Somers there is a comic performance of Goldilocks in front of a large audience of younger Junior Legatees and the supervising Legatees, which ends with a bearded Goldilocks being taken away in a police car. A service in the bush chapel is then shown before we see the older boys throwing one of their number off a jetty. A volleyball game completes the film. There is no indication of date, but the clothes seem to be 1960s/70s. This film has been digitised to preserve its content. Melbourne Legacy gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making this possible.Depicts the work done by Legacy volunteers in helping Legacy families of the time. Volunteer groups such as Legacy supported those in need at a time when government assistance was much less than it is today.Two 16mm black and white films. One film is wrapped in brown paper. Under the wrapping the film is enclosed in a plasic wrap.Canister - patterned Agfa _ Gefaert Fine Grain. / Key No. 170627_02 'Not to be screened under any circumstances! Only to be handled by an expert with the approprate facilities for handling this type of film' on the brown wrapping paper, probably to keep a good copy.somers camp, camp

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public on Anzac Day and worn as a sign of remembrance. The trays say "Rosemary, A gift from Legacy". The lady in blue is Gwen Gunn who was one of the organisers of the Rosemary trays for many years. Other names unknown. The widows clubs have been preparing trays of rosemary sprigs In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller." A note on yellow paper from 01046 explains the source of the rosemary. It says the rosemary donated to Legacy each year for the sprigs of rosemary handed out to the public comes from nurseryman, Peter Hannah, who sourced a cutting from a bush in Frankston which was said to come from a cutting brought home by a wounded soldier.A record of widows preparing rosemary as gifts for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 3 of widows preparing trays of rosemary and Australian flags.widows, legacy promotion, rosemary, gwen gunn

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public and worn as a sign of remembrance. It is assumed to be 1999 as it was with a bunch of other photos with the label, "Legacy House 2nd Floor 1999". Names unknown. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to have a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller."A record of widows preparing rosemary for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 6 of widows preparing trays of rosemary.Handwritten "Legacy House 2nd Floor 1999" on a yellow post-it note. widows, legacy promotion, rosemary

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public and worn as a sign of remembrance on Anzac Day. This photo appeared in the June 1997 edition of The Answer. The caption said: "Legacy Ladies making the thousands of rosemary sprigs for the ANZAC Student's Service and ANZAC Parade marchers". The lady in purple is Inez Bruce, the other names unknown. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller."A record of widows preparing rosemary for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 2 of three ladies preparing rosemary sprigs.Printing on the back "widows, legacy promotion, rosemary

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public on Anzac Day and worn as a sign of remembrance. The trays say "Rosemary, A gift from Legacy". 00602.2 the lady in blue holding a Rosemary tray is Gwen Gunn who was one of the organisers of the Rosemary trays for many years. Other names unknown. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller." A note on yellow paper from 01046 explains the source of the rosemary. It says the rosemary donated to Legacy each year for the sprigs of rosemary handed out to the public comes from nurseryman, Peter Hannah, who sourced a cutting from a bush in Frankston which was said to come from a cutting brought home from Gallipoli by a wounded soldier.A record of widows preparing rosemary as gifts for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 3 of widows preparing trays of rosemary.widows, legacy promotion, rosemary, activities, gwen gunn

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public on Anzac Day and worn as a sign of remembrance. Names unknown. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller." A note on yellow paper from 01046 explains the source of the rosemary. It says the rosemary donated to Legacy each year for the sprigs of rosemary handed out to the public comes from nurseryman, Peter Hannah, who sourced a cutting from a bush in Frankston which was said to come from a cutting brought home from Gallipoli by a wounded soldier. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991.A record of widows preparing rosemary as gifts for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Black and white photo of widows preparing trays of rosemary.widows, legacy promotion, rosemary

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public on Anzac Day and worn as a sign of remembrance. Inez Bruce is the lady in apricot in all three photos, other names unknown. Date was probably 1989 or 1990. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller." Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991. A note on yellow paper from 01046 explains the source of the rosemary. It says the rosemary donated to Legacy each year for the sprigs of rosemary handed out to the public comes from nurseryman, Peter Hannah, who sourced a cutting from a bush in Frankston which was said to come from a cutting brought home from Gallipoli by a wounded soldier.A record of widows preparing rosemary with Australian flags as gifts for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 3 of widows preparing trays of rosemary and Australian flags.widows, legacy promotion, rosemary