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.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
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.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Around the Institute was a weekly program designed to keep clients and staff informed of events, activities and thoughts relating to low vision and blindness. It consisted of interviews undertaken by Jo Matthews, with sound engineer Ed Gamble, designed to inform, educate and explore on a variety of topics.
April 24: RVIB Bursary – Dean Calder, Adjusting to living in Melbourne from Deniliquin – Terri Cameron
Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1995, the award was won by 'Goodbye Girlie' by Patsy Adam Smith. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Beverley Dunn for the audio version of the same. Presentations were made by Rose Blustein, Patsy Adam Smith and Beverley Dunn.
8 colour photographs of the event
J614/20 J615/8 J614/6 J615/18 J614/9 J614/5 J615/2 J614/4
awards, association for the blind, patsy adam smith, beverley dunn, rose blustein, james condon, rebecca maxwell
To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988 and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market. In 1995 the winner of the Adult Literature Category and Overall winner was "Dark Places" by Louis Braille Production and its narrator James Condon.
5 black and white photographs of the event
National Library of Australia Photographic Services Photograph: Loui Seselja Date: 14.11.95 Film No NL 37827
louis braille audio, awards, kate grenville, rose blustein, james condon
To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988 and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market. In 1994 the winner of the Adult Literature Category and Overall winner was "White Eye: A Novel" by Louis Braille Production and its narrator Beverley Dunn.
4 black and white photographs of the event
National Library of Australia Photographic Services Photograph: Loui Seselja Date: 15.11.94 Film No NL 37599
louis braille audio, awards, karl hughes, robert de graauw, beverley dunn, blanche d'alpuget, rose blustein
Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1994, the award was won by (information needed)'. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Beverley Dunn for the audio version of 'White Eye: a novel', whilst 'Coming of Age' by Anne Deveson won 'Book of the Year'. Presentations were made by Anne Deveson and Beverley Dunn.
4 colour photographs of the event
awards, association for the blind, anne deveson
To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988 and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market. In 1993 the winner of the Adult Literature Category and Overall winner was "The English Patient" by Louis Braille Production and its narrator Stanley McGeagh.
8 colour photographs of the event
louis braille audio, awards, alison forbes, karl hughes, robert de graauw
Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1993, the award was won by Ruth Park for her book 'A Fence Around a Cuckoo'. The award was accepted by her literary agent Tim Curnow. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Irini Pappas for the audio version of 'Put Your Whole Self In', a story about the Northcote Self Group Hydrotherapy and Massage group, by Meme McDonald, which won 'Book of the Year'. Presentations were made by Arnold Zable, Lorna Hayter, Meme McDonald, James Wright and Jeremy Wurm.
25 colour photographs, 4 black and white, 1 single negative (behind P1540.13) and 7 strips of negative
awards, braille & talking book library, james wright, arnold zable, lorna hayter, meme mcdonald, jeffrey hodgson, paul karo, rose blustein, irini pappas, jeremy wurm, michael carman, eileen larkin, iris wileman, elsie warren, beryl grover, ida dolinko, estelle cother, peggy stenboig, marjorie oke, ada handyside, sheila baldwin, joyce spokes, stanley mcgeagh
In 1993, as part of the Melbourne Writer's Festival, a tent was set up so that people could come and listen to readings of books shortlisted for the Braille Book and Audio Narrator of the Year at lunchtime. These images show the audience and some selected presenters including Michael Carman.
8 coloured photographs and 7 strips of negatives
awards, braille & talking book library, michael carman, james wright, karl hughes
Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1992, the award was won by Arnold Zable for his book 'Jewels and Ashes. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to James Wright for the audio version of the same book. Presentations were made by Trevor Hay, James Wright and Arnold Zable.
4 colour photographs, 4 black and white and 1 proof sheet of negatives
awards, braille & talking book library, trevor hay, james wright, arnold zable
Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1991, the award was won by Trevor Hay for his book 'Tartar City Woman: scenes from the life of Wang Hsin-ping, former citizen of China'. The Narrator of the Year award went to Paul Karo for 'The Rise and Fall of Alan Bond'. Presentations were made by Wilma Bedford (Director of Life Be In It), John Blackman, Rose Blustein, Ross Gibbs, Paul Cotter (?), Trevor Hay and Paul Karo.
14 colour photographs, 3 black and white and 1 proof sheet of negatives
awards, braille & talking book library, wilma bedford, paul karo, trevor hay, wang hsin-ping, john blackman, rose blustein, john cook, peter walsh, ross gibbs, paul cotter
This card provided the bearer with the ability to park on the RVIB grounds. It reads as follows: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia Telegraphic address: 'Royalblind". Telephone: (03) 529 3544 Fax: (03) 51 4735 Parking Authorisation Vehicle Reg. No. Date Time Authorised by Please display this card on dashboard
1 white card with blue writing and spacing for handwritten details
royal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies
44 cards (A-I) featuring four members of the Doctor, Musician, Painter, Carpenter, Barber, Scientist, Gardener, Tailor and Motorist families. Produced by RNIB, these cards were designed for various kinds of players with both print and Braille upon each card.
36 playing cards with Braille across top of card in red box
Catalogue No. 9086
recreation, games
Silver wristwatch with inscribed cover and Braille watch face.
Silver wristwatch with Braille numbers
"CYMA" on watch face "The Fred Sutcliffe Watch 24-2-60" on watch cover
assistive devices, braille, fred sutcliffe
Wood and rubber stamp used by RVIB Charlton Auxiliary volunteers on documents and envelopes.
1 small wood and rubber stamp with wording
Royal Victorian Institute Charlton Auxiliary For the Blind
royal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies, auxiliaries
Created prior to the Mowat-Wormald development, this prototype emits a beam of ultrasonic sound that detects reflection from objects and obstacles as well as vibrate when the object is within range. The rate of vibration increases the distance reduces and was designed to be used in conjunction with other mobility aids such as a cane or a dog. With a simple toggle switch, it could be operated easily or stored safely away due to it's compact size.
A small black rectangular metal container with mesh on one aend and a switch and tuning dial on the other end.
Model MS01
assistive devices, orientation and mobility
This speaking calculator was designed to perform several functions as well as memory, in synthetic voice. With two modes - visual or visual plus voice - it was powered by a nickel cadmium rechargeable battery or by a special adaptor from mains supply voltage.
Dark brown rectangular box with numerical and mathematical keyboard
TSI
assistive devices, audio equipment, office equipment and supplies
This wooden frame is designed to sit over paper pages. The elastic strands provide a guide to the writer to maintain a straight line of writing, with the beads allowing indication of space between words or sentences. This frame allows those who have deteriorating sight to continue writing handwritten notes.
1 wooden frame with elastic and beads and metal corners
association for the blind, assistive devices
Swish rules as authorised by the Victorian Swish Council on July 9, 1983. This book was part of the Braille & Talking Library collection in Commercial Road. Swish is a game played with a bat, ball and barriers on a tennis-table like court.
1 spiral bound book of thermoform pages
recreation, swish
A wooden ruler with raised metal dots marking the spacings on the ruler. Made prior to 1971, when metric measurements were introduced, this 18-inch ruler is a demonstration of how easily a simple visual measuring tool could be adapted for varying degrees of sight by the use of tactile markings.
1 wooden ruler with metal pins as measurement points
assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind
"The Board, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to blind and vision impaired people in Victoria. This exceptional contribution was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner and continues Vision Australia's tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell in the presentation of the John Wilson Award on 6th October 2000." Signed by John Cook - Chief Executive Officer, ? Chairman, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Malcolm Daubney, President.
1 white A3 page with blue border around edge
vision australia foundation, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell
Wooden braille board with wooden header, hinged with brass hinges and small pins to clamp the paper to the board. Metal frames on each side hold a rod across the front of the board. The rod is fixed to two moveable parts which can go up or down the board as required.
1 wooden back board with metal flanges either side
royal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment
To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988, and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market. In 1995 the winner of the Unabridged Fiction Category was "Dark Places" by Louis Braille Books.
1 wooden cassette box shaped like a book and with ability to hold cassettes inside
1995 TDK Australian Audio Book Award Dark Places by Louis Braille Books
louis braille audio, awards, association for the blind
Financial report for the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales for the financial year ending 30 June 2000.
1 volume of text and images
royal blind society of new south wales, corporation records
Articles in the annual report include: establishment of Vision Assist service to help people use their remaining sight, creation of an Equipment Resource Centre at Enfield, a 1300 number set up to improve access to services, development of JobPhone to listen to employment classifieds in Fairfax newspapers, Talking Newspaper Service in Lismore, Narooma and Manly celebrated their 10th birthdays whilst the 29th title was launched in Lake Macquarie, introduction of an Audio Description Services for arts lovers, operation of several primary and high school aged camps for peer support, beginning of joint venture with RVIB to combine transcription and library services, and being named 'Australia's Best Run Charity' in 1999 by The Australian newspaper.
1 volume of text and images
royal blind society of new south wales, corporation records
Financial report for the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales for the financial year ending 30 June 2003.
1 volume of text and images
royal blind society of new south wales, corporation records
An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: opening two new offices in Coffs Harbour and Canberra, merging library services with RVIB and VAF, development of the "Do It Yourself" package with the University of Sydney and launched by Benita Collings, Behind the Budget luncheon with H.G. Nelson, Wendy Harmer and Peter Berner, a tactile art exhibition with the Sydney's Object Gallery, building a new volunteer Speakers Network and profiles of volunteers Clarys Churchill and Ian Carswell, and clients Emily McNeil, Tess Herbert, Nelson Rufatt, Jonathan Mondy, Fiona Williams, James Pittar, Rita Lucas, Noni Guthrie, Alexandra Sugis and Elizabeth Ford.
1 printed volume of information about the RBS during the financial year
royal blind society of nsw, annual reports, lauren rapley, emily mcneil, graeme innes, pearl stapleton, dick smith, clarys churchill, tess herbert, benita collings, erica chiandotto, nelson rufatt, natalie kaine, jonathan mondy, annette hayes, fiona williams, james pittar, rita lucas, cem oztan, noni guthrie, alexandra sugis, elizabeth ford, paula-jane robinson, ian carswell, andrew daddo, wendy matthews, tayla fitten, dion milton, peter berner, wendy harmer, h.g. nelson, marie bashir, walter bolin, victoria maggs, katherine purcell, michael simpson, john landau, denis lister, carol ireland, stephanie peebles, barry chapman, christopher cullen, charles cowper, frank martin, ivan cribb, keith barton, michael brown, john mumford, owen van der wall, roslyn lambert, tony miller
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 year
royal 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
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 year
royal 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
An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: acknowledgement of the passing of Dr Trevor Anderson (President) during the year, merge of organisations, equipment upgrade at Burwood School and transition of early education program out to Southern and Eastern offices and publication of "Little Steps to Learning" and 'Thanks Mate I'll Try That'.
1 printed volume of information about the RVIB during the financial year
royal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, trevor anderson, doug kent
Photograph taken by a staff member of the rear view of the Kooyong building, of 4 hot air balloons in the early morning and the moon still in the sky.
vision australia, buildings
Photograph taken by a staff member of the main entry of the Kooyong building, with 'Wicking Centre' signage.
vision australia, buildings, john wicking, janet wicking
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.
