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 consisting of interviews around a specific topic, undertaken by host Corey Nassau.
May 25: Volunteer trends and National Volunteer week – Janene Sadhu, Swan Hill office – Taryn McKerrow.
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 1990, the award was won by Alex Miller for his book 'The Tivington Knot'. Presentations were made by Paul Karsten, Joyce Nichols, Fran Awcock, John Cockayne, Judith Stolls and the recipient Alex Miller.
14 black and white photographs of the BBOY ceremony
awards, braille & talking book library, alex millar, paul karsten, joyce nichols, fran awcock, john cockayne, karl hughes, wilma bedford
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
"Dear Friends, At your request, I'd like this recording of my voice, so that when I am no longer with you in person, the tones you are now hearing may remind you that love and remembrance are more a matter of the spirit than of the bodily contact and presence. As I have drifted or struggled along through life, I have gradually acquired many things. Always I have greatly desired to be happy and to spread the same infection around me. This wish has been amply fulfilled. First, in a joyous fashion after the manner of the young, and later in an atmosphere of hope and serenity which I trust may remain with me 'til the end. Achievement was another aim with me from the beginning, and whatever effects my life attainment may have upon others, there has been a fair amount of personal satisfaction in my victories over circumstance." Thus begins Tilly Aston's recording 'With Love to My Niece", going on to read her poem 'Song of Old Age'. This recording was converted from a 78 acetate record and was originally recorded on 15th July 1937.
1 audio recording of Tilly Aston
tilly aston, audio books
Four beautiful artworks feature on this CD. An older woman with two lovely sculptures: one a mosaic wall using half teacups to create a 3D effect, some of which have plants in them, and a papier mache head on an elongated neck. A boy with a beautiful drawing of a person, and a dyed piece of material on a wall.
22 digital images of clients and their fantastic artworks
vision australia, recreation
Celebrating the amalgamation of Royal Blind Foundation Queensland with Vision Australia officially launched 14 February 2007. Guests included Sigrid Thornton, ambassador for Feelix, Andrew Parkinson, Bursary Award winners Caitlin McMorrow and Arthur Chawner and musician Lorin Nicholson.
27 digital images of the launch of Vision Australia in Queensland
vision australia, gerard menses, kevin murfitt, gerard gosens, trish egan, karen knights, nick carter, caitlin mcmorrow, arthur chawner, eileen bedford, lorin nicholson, renee williamson, andrew parkinson
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vision Australia and Blind Citizens Australia.
31 digital images of signing a MOU between Vision Australia and BCA
vision australia, blind citizens australia, gerard menses, kevin murfitt, owen van der wall, robyn gaile, nadia mattiazzo, michael simpson
Images of a Yellow Cabs taxi driver assisting a person with a cane and with a guide dog.
15 digital images of a taxi driver with a person who has a cane or dog
vision australia, yellow cabs, janene sadhu, jamie kelly
The Vision Australia Square Dance Club performed at the Kooyong Day Centre and got the audience up on their feet. Afterwards they posed on the oval with their flag.
32 digital images of square dancers and dancing
vision australia, wanda egerton, margaret fox, blind sports victoria, square dance club, virgil snyder, ian chapman
Tony Clarke and his family undertook a photoshoot for a Father's Day campaign.
23 digital images of a Tony Clarke and his family
vision australia, tony clarke, fundraising
On June 26, 2007 a presentation was made to David Blyth, upon his stepping down from the Board, and Maryanne Diamond.
27 digital images of a presentation to David Blyth and Maryanne Diamond
vision australia, stephen jolley, gerard menses, david blyth, maryanne diamond, kevin murfitt, paul bunker, ron mccallum, malcolm daubney, tony clarke, vince september, renae johnston, theresa smith-ruig, timothy griffiths, marj west
On May 28, 2007 Bert Newton visited Vision Australia for a radio interview with Stephen Jolley on VAR.
38 digital images of Bert Newton visiting Vision Australia Radio
vision australia, bert newton, stephen jolley, gerard menses, roberta ashby, lynne kells
On July 8, 2007, the Hon Gavin Jennings MLA visited Kooyong to view the different technologies offered by Vision Australia, to Victorians who were blind or had low vision.
77 digital images of Hon Gavin Jennings MLA visiting Kooyong
vision australia, gavin jennings, tim evans, rachel johnson, tony iezzi, karl hughes, kevin murfitt, jamie kelly, chris edwards, deborah mould, jim pipczak, christine harding, maria robinson, glenn foard
To celebrate White Cane Day in 2008, a group of cane users met at the Travellers Aid office at Flinders Street station, before walking down the escalators, along the platform and along the Yarra River and St Kilda Road at Southbank.
98 digital images of people participating in the 2008 White Cane Day event
vision australia, white cane day, cath caddis, tracy wright, kylie gerson, nicola misso, di seybold, flinders street station
Vision Australia Enterprises was the division that provided employment opportunities and training for people who are blind or have low vision. It continued the initial approach that began with the formation of the first workshop in 1867. In these images, packaging items for external vendors, office skills and woodwork are shown. In 2009, the Prahran building was sold, and a new centre opened at Kensington.
52 digital images of workers in the Prahran building
vision australia, employment, mary pipczak, norm richards, alan binginic, gena kacowicz, adrian smith
On September 18, 2008, Vision Australia staff and volunteers presented an information session to the students at Canterbury Primary School. Children were given kits with masks and braille to learn, and received presentations about how blind and visually impaired children use various services at Vision Australia.
170 digital images of attendees, presenters and support for the event
vision australia, tess rossouw, kate gniel, seeing eye dogs australia, di seybold, canterbury primary school
Based upon the story of 'The Three Little Pigs', children were invited to hear the story and see (and knock down) the house made of straw, the house made of wood and the house made of bricks, before heading back for snacks. As part of the day, a petting zoo with barnyard animals also allowed the opportunity to investigate other animals.
107 digital images of attendees at the Book Week celebration
vision australia, feelix, ed gamble, ella edwards, noah o'brien, dominic kennedy, matthew johnson, tommy papoutsidis, louise curtin
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.
