Historical information

Plaque commemorating the opening of the Dickinson Centre, named in honour of Harold and Mercy Dickinson, both totally blind since childhood, who never let challenges stand in their way. Mercy was the first woman who was blind to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Queensland, and received her Masters Degree in the Education of Blind People with Additional Handicaps in New York, and an Honorary Doctorate for Education from the University of Queensland in 1994. Mercy and Harold established the Queensland Training and Placement Centre for the Blind, the first establishment of its kind in Queensland. Harold, who was a prolific writer, was appointed the Director and Mercy was the first volunteer at the Centre. Together they gave a lifetime of dedication and commitment ensuring that people who were blind or had low vision had the same opportunities as those with sight. The Centre later merged with other organisations and in 2006 became part of Vision Australia. The second plaque provides a background to how Harold and Mercy met, and their roles in expanding the the opportunities for everyone around them.

Physical description

Rectangular metal plate with inscription

Inscriptions & markings

The Dickinson Centre
This refurbished centre was
Officially opened on 9 November 1990 by
The Hon. Ben Humphreys M.H.R.
Federal Member for Griffith
and Minister for Veterans Affairs
and
Blessed by
Br. Alan Barnabas S.S.F.
So named by the
QLD Foundation for Blind People Inc
(Est. 1956) to Honour
The Contribution Made by
Harold and Mercy Dickinson
1990 Committee of Management
Don Cameron President
Mercy Dickinson Vice President
Rex Stevens Secretary
Moira Solomon Treasurer

Del Donaldson Bruce Miller
Bob Faulconbridge Justice Bill Pincus
Jenny Finch Ken Scells
Garry Macdonald Kevin Standish
Ian Stewart
David Henderson

Patron: His Excellency The Governor of QLD
Sir Walter Campbell A.C. Q.C.