Historical information
Financial information for the Association for the Blind, presented as an appendix to the annual report of the institution.
Physical description
1 volume of printed pages with financial information
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
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Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
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Financial information for the Association for the Blind, presented as an appendix to the annual report of the institution.
1 volume of printed pages with financial information
On November 25, 2005 the Kodak Carols by Candlelight launch was held in the browsing library at Kooyong with a large number of staff and guests in attendance. Speeches were made by Gerard Menses, Graeme Innes, Greg McKibbin, Marjorie West and Marina Prior. The crowd got to open Christmas crackers and hear some songs from Marina Prior before a cake was cut and shared. Afterwards everyone headed outside for the burying of the time capsule by Jarryd Clifford and an unidentified man, in the garden outside the cafe. Then Marina posed for some photographs and the Kodak printing kiosk was demonstrated in the browsing library.
119 images of attendees at the Carols launch and burying of time capsule
carols by candlelight, vision australia, gerard menses, marjorie west, graeme innes, greg mckibbin, jarryd clifford, ania zamecznik, sandra alder, andrew ferrarese, joanne, cherry johnson, tony clarke, lynne kells, rita townsend-booth, jennifer gibbons, roberta ashby, david blyth, margaret bashfield, colleen thom, peter lowrey, kevin murfitt, kodak, karen knight, tony shepherd, peter north, anna fairclough, ashley wood, stephen jolley, time capsule
The Victoria Today and Tomorrow radio show covered topics and businesses who have contributed to the story of Victoria's achievements. These two episodes highlight the work of the Royal Victorian Institute of the Blind. Through a series of interviews with children, adults, workers and staff, Bill Roberts looks at how the perception of blindness does not match the reality experienced by the blind or vision impaired.
1 CD with 26 tracks
royal victorian institute for the blind, bill roberts, margary rojo, neil westh, george findlay, frank nowlan, alan nuske, hilda gammon, h.n. acland
In this episode of Sunday Profile, Julia Baird speaks with Professor Ron McCallum, industrial relations specialist and the first blind person to gain a full professorship at any Australian university. They talk about the impact of Work Choices upon conditions, how evolving technology has expanded the flow of information and his life experiences.
1 sound file of radio show interview
julia baird, professor ron mccallum
Audio version of the 2012 Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight official souvenir program
1 CD with 17 tracks
carols by candlelight, julie houghton, james wright
Audio version of the 2008 Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight official souvenir program
1 CD with 26 tracks
carols by candlelight, cecily polson
Selection of songs recorded from the 1998 Carols by Candlelight concert.
1 CD with 21 songs
carols by candlelight, peter cupples, denis walter, marina prior, hayley aitken, chelsea gibb, roger lemke, cdb, michael cormick, cast of rent, lee kernaghan, tania kernaghan, combo fiasco
Selection of songs recorded from the 1998 Carols by Candlelight concert.
1 CD with 12 songs and typed song list
carols by candlelight, peter cupples, denis walter, marina prior, nissan cedrics, hayley aitken, troy cassar-daly, chelsea gibb, roger lemke, colleen hewett, cdb, michael cormick, david dixon
Selection of songs recorded from Carols by Candlelight concerts.
1 CD with 13 songs and booklet
carols by candlelight, debra byrne, robertson brothers, lee kernaghan, peter cupples, tommy emmanuel, terry gill, michael cormick, rhonda burchmore, hugh jackman, kate ceberano, tania kernaghan, past to present
Selection of songs recorded from Carols by Candlelight concerts between 1991 and 1995.
1 CD with 13 songs and booklet
carols by candlelight, debra byrne, robertson brothers, julie anthony, lee kernaghan, sylvie palladino, james morrison, peter cupples, suzanne johnston, denis walter, marina prior, tommy emmanuel, terry gill
Information on the Tilly Aston Heritage Collection held at Vision Australia Foundation, with some brief information about the formation of the collection, Tilly Aston Council, the collection strengths, volunteers, donations and outside exhibitions, achievements and future goals for the archive.
1 white sheet with blue, black and green writing
vision australia foundation, advertising
A celebration was held for Shirley Admans, in recognition of her service, at Kooyong.
3 coloured photographs of Shirley Admans at her celebration
shirley admans, graeme craig, john wicking
As part of centenary celebrations, portraits were commissioned of all previous presidents of the AAFB and AAB. William Quayle (1861-1910) was President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind in 1905. His grand daughter Coral Graham lent some family photographs to help the painter capture his likeness.
1 sepia and 1 black and white photograph of large group of family members
william quayle, association for the advancement of the blind
Newspaper article and image of unveiling of clock at the AAFB home in Brighton. Article reads: A Memorial Clock in Honour of a Blind Woman, Tilly Aston, who helped found the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, was unveiled at the new annexe of the Brighton Home for the Blind by the Minister for Public Works (Sir James Kennedy), centre, on Saturday. The Minister is seen with Mr W.H. Paterson, left, and Mr A.V. Worral.
1 laminated image of newspaper article
Reproduction Rights Reserved Copied by State Library of Victoria
william paterson, a.v. worral, sir james kennedy, association for the advancement of the blind, elanora home (brighton)
John Moule and Pam Longman having champagne in front of the Vision Australia Foundation sign. Two strips of negatives have not been scanned.
1 coloured photograph of John Moule and Pam Longman, with 10 negatives
john moule, pam longman, vision australia foundation
John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. John Moule and his wife Pam stand beside resident Frances Norris, at the opening of the 'Pam and John Moule Terrace' at Elanora, Brighton.
1 coloured photograph of Pam and John Moule, with Frances Norris
association for the blind, john moule, elanora home (brighton), pam moule, frances norris
John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. In this image, John Moule Man is dressed in striped shirt, dark jacket and striped tie.
1 B/W photograph of John Moule in striped shirt, dark jacket and striped tie
association for the blind, john moule
John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. In this image, John Moule Man is dressed in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie, and stands outside a building. A coloured version of an image taken during this photo shot appeared in the 1995 AFB Annual Report.
1 B/W photograph of John Moule in pinstripe suit, light coloured shirt and striped tie standing outside a building
association for the blind, john moule
Howard Murray (Pat) Lightfoot (1904-1991) served as President for the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. He joined the Association in 1938 as a sighted member of the General Committee, and was part of the group that dealt with the breakdown of a uneasy financial agreement that existed between the RVIB and AAB, the incorporation of the AAB under the Charities Act and the development of a rehabilitation centre at Kooyong for those who wished to have support without a residential component. After losing his father at an early age, Pat Lightfoot began working as an office boy for Nicholas Pty Ltd, later studying and becoming an accountant - such skills highly needed by the newly incorporated Association. According to 'No Sight, Great Vision', he was a highly skilled communicator, whose friendly and approachable manner won over most of those who opposed his presence on the general committee due to his sight. His support for and recognition of the work done by Mr Paterson led to him standing aside for the position of President and nominating his friend until the Committee overrode him in 1952. His appointment signaled a change in how the organisation was run, and introduced John Wilson as Secretary as well as Stan Horsfall as Treasurer in 1953, which helped move the administration style from social volunteering to business thinking. Health concerns caused him to resign in 1954, however when his health improved he rejoined the Committee in 1958 and again became a key worker in keeping the organisation financially healthy. The "H.M. Lightfoot Centre" - a two storey building attached to Paterson Hall was named after him. In these three photographs Pat and his wife Beth look or stand next to the portrait painted of Pat Lightfoot, for the centenary celebrations.
3 coloured photographs of Pat and Beth Lightfoot
h.m. lightfoot, association for the blind
Howard Murray (Pat) Lightfoot (1904-1991) served as President for the Association for the Blind in 1952-1954 and 1964-1972 respectively. He joined the Association in 1938 as a sighted member of the General Committee, and was part of the group that dealt with the breakdown of a uneasy financial agreement that existed between the RVIB and AAB, the incorporation of the AAB under the Charities Act and the development of a rehabilitation centre at Kooyong for those who wished to have support without a residential component. After losing his father at an early age, Pat Lightfoot began working as an office boy for Nicholas Pty Ltd, later studying and becoming an accountant - such skills highly needed by the newly incorporated Association. According to 'No Sight, Great Vision', he was a highly skilled communicator, whose friendly and approachable manner won over most of those who opposed his presence on the general committee due to his sight. His support for and recognition of the work done by Mr Paterson led to him standing aside for the position of President and nominating his friend until the Committee overrode him in 1952. His appointment signaled a change in how the organisation was run, and introduced John Wilson as Secretary as well as Stan Horsfall as Treasurer in 1953, which helped move the administration style from social volunteering to business thinking. Health concerns caused him to resign in 1954, however when his health improved he rejoined the Committee in 1958 and again became a key worker in keeping the organisation financially healthy. The "H.M. Lightfoot Centre" - a two storey building attached to Paterson Hall was named after him. This image was provided when J Balmain was approached to paint a portrait of Mr Lightfoot, for the centenary celebrations of the AFB, as per the letter.
1 portrait photograph of Howard (Pat) Lightfoot and 1 associated letter regarding usage for a portrait by Balmain.
Mr H.M. (Pat) Lightfoot - (Past President) 1" Deep (No. 2) Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach, 3188 Please return to PR Department (arrow pointing to left) 14 ems (arrow pointing to right) 1.95 .1 100# Ticket No: 5230 Client: Abaris 100# Wanted: Tues 19th AM Mounted: as layout and sticker 43 1/4% Please Quote No: BA 9105 Laurie Richards 4 Tower Ave, Alphington 3078 489-8528 48-5541
h.m. lightfoot, association for the advancement of the blind, association for the blind
Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In these images she wears a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earrings. As well as a proof sheet, the album also contains transparencies of the same photo shoot (not scanned).
Diana Jones in a pinstripe, double breasted jacket, patterned blouse, gold curb chain necklace and round earrings
Di Jones 4/7/91
diana jones, association for the blind
Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In this image she wears a blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badge
Diana Jones ina blue jacket, striped blouse, gold curb chain necklace, round earrings and elongated oval badge
P1405.2 1 Diana Jones
diana jones, association for the blind
Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In this image she stands inside, wearing a knit jumper with bow ties and a patterned blouse with tied neckline.
Diana Jones wearing a knit jumper with bows, and patterned blouse with tied neckline
General Committee President Diana Jones 1404.5
diana jones, association for the blind
Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In this image she stands inside, with a brick wall behind her, wearing a suede jacket, diamond pattern jumper, white shirt and a jewelled tennis racquet pin on her lapel.
Diana Jones wearing a jacket, diamond patterned jumper and tennis racquet pin on her lapel
1404.2 and 1404.3 on back
diana jones, association for the blind
Diana Jones (1939-2009) was President of the Association for the Blind from 1985 until 1992. In her 8 years as President a great deal was accomplished. New centres were opened or extended throughout Victoria and the Metropolitan area, volunteer services expanded and the Vision Resource Centre at Kooyong was built into which 3RPH radio was relocated. A Vision Information hotline, audiology services and the National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss were established, the Braille and Talking Book libraries was incorporated into the Association and the Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion opened at Kooyong. In 1990 Diana Jones became a member of the first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Association for the Blind Ltd which ushered in a new era, requiring strict observance of financial and accounting methods in order to ensure continued Government funding. Mrs Jones was highly regarded by clients, volunteers and staff as a capable hard-working leader. Her services to the Association and over many years to the wider community, were recognised in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. In these images she is standing outside Brighton (?) wearing a pleated skirt, a white top with banding on the short sleeve edges, across the neckline and mid-chest with a zig zag pattern between the lines. She has on thick hoop earrings and a long chain with a pendant possibly shaped like a genie bottle.
Portrait of Diana Jones in various sizes
diana jones, association for the blind
David Robertson (1855-1953) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president 1895-1899 and 1913. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.
1 A4 page cut into two with image and notes
David Robertson 1st President at AAB & Co-founder with Miss T Aston Held Presidency 5 times until Health gave way he carried out his Carried on his own Business until 59 yrs of age died at 96 yrs His sister Janet inaugurated the Visiting of the Blind & was treasurer for 8 yrs D.R. was responsible for getting the free pass & gave the AAB its name They both lost their sight in Gov homes as orphans Their Brother (William of New Zealand was champion Sculler of New Zealand for 20 yrs) (Hearn) called after step father Kindly acknowledge Warwick Studio, Albert Park
david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind
Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified. He poses for this studio portrait with his adopted daughter Hilda (1888-1981).
1 portrait photograph of Tom Marks with his adopted daughter Hilda
5. Tom Marks - Daddy & Hilda
tom marks, hilda marks
A large number of people sit at tables inside a tent/marquee. The men are dressed in three piece suits with ties and the ladies have floor length dresses and most wear hats. Two men wear darkened glasses. Vines and flowers are strung around the two tent poles in the centre,, with one vine attaching both poles and holding a Christmas bell shape between them. On the tables sit cups and small plates, with larger empty plates possibly holding sandwiches or slices, suitable for a garden party event. No people have been identified, although in an associated letter, Phyl Matthews puts forth that that one man is not her grandfather.
B/W photograph of group having tea inside a tent
association for the advancement of the blind, phyllis matthews
Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.
1 small photograph, taken in black and white and coloured
Mother & Daddy Printed by Harringtons
tom marks, mary cecilia marks
To commemorate the two anniversaries of prominent organisations, Australia Post issued two stamps, as well as first day covers, an accompanying card set and first day postmark. One card contains a photograph of young Tilly Aston, with the AFB 100 anniversary logo, a stamp of a person with a dog in harness playing the violin. The other card is a picture of Audrie and Neil Mc Leod, who founded the Spastic Centre of NSW as part of their efforts to assist their child and others access services for those who were born with cerebral palsy. The 50th anniversary logo of the centre is featured on the card, as well as a stamp of a person in a wheelchair flying a kite. Both cards have the postage mark of a kite and it's string framing the sun, and 'First Day of Issue 13 July 1995 Brighton Beach, Vic, 3188'.
2 colour post cards released as part of set
association for the blind, tilly aston, spastic centre of nsw, stamps, audrie mcleod, neil mcleod
Edna Adams was a member of the AFB and attended the Kooyong base. She was taught by Tilly Aston when she attended the RVIB School.
2 colour photographs with negatives
Edna Adams, student of Tilly Aston at RVIB School. Photographed at Kooyong 1995
edna adams, association for the blind
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.