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.
Untitled image
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Vision Australia
Untitled image
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Vision Australia
Discussion of Newsline service provided by the AFB and how it is used by Neil Maxwell. Article includes an image of Neil holding a phone, whose base rests on a desk in a study, and turns towards camera.
1 cut out article from a suburban newspaper
non-fiction
Tilly Aston sits in this studio portrait, her outfit obscured by the oval framing of the image. Her hair has been tied back and around her crown, as per her adulthood. A collared top with long sleeves which have a band around the cuff. She looks to have rosettes on her shoulders, a pin with 'V (crown symbol) R' under her chin, and fuchsias draped around her neck. The image could have been taken around 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated her jubilee and various ornaments were produced to symbolise the occasion.
Young adult female in studio portrait wearing collared, long sleeved dress with fuchsia necklace
tilly aston, association for the blind
Four girls surround an older girl, who is reading Braille on a park bench. Believed to be Tilly Aston, the older girl has her hair in plaits and appears to be concentrated on the Braille pages in front of her. At the end of the park bench rests a man's hat and another book of Braille. This image has been reproduced widely and in a variety of black and white or sepia tones. Possibly a publicity image used by the RVIB. On one copy, there is a note that image was made around 1918, based upon clothing, which would rule out Tilly Aston who would have been in her late 40s around then.
B/W photograph of girl sitting on park bench reading Braille surrounded by four other girls
tilly aston, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille
Every two years the Burwood Education Centre holds a music concert in Ormond Hall, where blind and low vision performers come from around the state to perform. The concert is held in memory of Rebecca Ryan, a talented musician who passed away aged 15. This recording was made on Friday 19th October 2001 and features a variety of performers, a tribute to John Shute and the presentation of scholarships from the monies raised through ticket sales.
2CDS of audio recordings of the music concert for Rebecca Ryan
rvib burwood school, joseph samarani, maritah suki, marina connelly, astrid connelly, samuel hodson, dean carland, megan sykes, amara wagner, michael kelly, jordie howell, natasha paterson, felicity joyce, rory burnside, melissa cutler, ashleigh malone, peggy soo, alysha hayes, alan taylor, christopher hooper, mick curran, jim millar, ross de vent, paul shorten, bianca nolan, lauren hayes, kristian kupsh, maree littlepage, john shute
Oral history interview and partial transcript of Harry Finlayson, who became head teacher in 1928-1938, then returned as headmaster in 1952 until 1954, before moving to Essendon and finally Echuca. He discusses the changes brought by Mr Hedger, the establishment of the Scout troop, the first long play records from America and England, as well as the educational challenges.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB teacher
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, harry finlayson
Norm Rees, Jim Smith, Charlie Bradley, Reuben Ryan and Ethel and Dick Sutcliffe reflect upon the work that Stan Hedger, late superintendent of the RVIB, undertook during his tenure and how this affected the students at the school. In their testimonies they discuss how he began improving domestic and school conditions upon arrival, to helping establish the Trojan club, introducing dancing, physical conditioning and socialising to the children, being available to oversee the resolving of complaints and changing the nature from an asylum to an institution.
1 audio recording of recollections on Stan Hedger
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, jim smith, norm rees, charlie bradley, reuben ryan, ethel sutcliffe, dick sutcliffe, s.w. hedger, radio shows
RVIB Sheltered Workshop employee Richard Burger discusses the possible redundancies following the news that they would be laid off for a few days. During this time, The Age ran an article advising that workers were dismissed, whereas the Sun and Herald published an article disputing that. Both articles used a senior official at RVIB as a source, which led to those affected feeling unsupported and at risk of losing their jobs. From his point of view, Richard Burger talks about possible theories for the newspaper stories, management of the facility and the nature of the work undertaken in the factory.
1 audio recording of an interview between Stephen Jolley and Graeme Innes
royal victorian institute for the blind, richard burger, employment
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. Interviewed by Bob May, with production by Tyler Simpson. In this undated episode, Executive Directory Ted Petersen speaks about his history at RVIB.
royal victorian institute for the blind, radio shows, e.e. (ted) petersen, oral history
In 2007, the Prime Minister launched 'Raising children' DVD to be given free to each new parent. 'Raising children: a guide to parenting from birth to 5' contains many resources to help new parents, however the DVD is not audio described nor captioned. Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes discusses this lack of access with Stephen Jolley, and the discrepancy in creating a Disability Discrimination Act and having a government issued resource that does not conform to this.
1 audio recording of an interview between Stephen Jolley and Graeme Innes
stephen jolley, graeme innes
At a special general meeting at RBS, members have voted to merge with the Royal Victoria Institute for the Blind and Vision Australia Foundation. Graeme Innes, will be president of the new entity into which these organisations will merge, and discusses the merger with Stephen Jolley.
1 audio recording of an interview between Stephen Jolley and Graeme Innes
royal victorian institute for the blind, vision australia foundation, royal blind society of new south wales, stephen jolley, graeme innes, project nexus
Oral history interview of Alice McClelland by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years. Interview conducted at the Villa Maria Nursing home.
2 audio recording2 of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, oral history, alice mcclelland
Oral history interview of Norm Rees. Former students recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, jim smith, reuben ryan, norm rees
Oral history interview of Molly Miller. Former students recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years. It was recorded in the Villa Maria Nursing home.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, jim smith, reuben ryan, molly miller
Oral history interview with Barry Palmer by Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, michele prentice, barry palmer
Oral history interview and partial transcript of Peter Cronin by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, peter cronin
Oral history interview of Sue Matthews by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, sue matthews
Oral history interview of Ted Petersen by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, e.e. (ted) petersen
Oral history interview of Kevin Poole by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, kevin poole
Oral history interview of Doug Kent by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, doug kent
Oral history interview of David Ditchfield by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, david ditchfield
Oral history interview of Ted Hanlon by Judith Buckrich, with Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
3 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, edward (ted) hanlon
Photograph taken by a staff member of the Charlie Bradley cricket pavilion and the playing grounds beyond it, to the freeway, against a pink morning sky.
vision australia, buildings, kooyong club house
A collection of images from the 1998 Braille and Talking Book Library awards ceremony at the ANZ Pavilion in the Arts Centre. Hosted by Rod Quantock, these images were taken by attendee Robert Degraauw and include a variety of speakers and attendees on the night.
9 photographs of people at 1998 awards ceremony
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw, louis braille audio, deidre rubenstein, monica zetlin, paul karo, jeffrey hodgson, pamela morrow, stanley mcgeagh, stephanie daniel, rod quantock, john bryson, caroline lee, david tredinnick, rebecca macauley, stephen pease, glen morrow, awards
A display of Louis Braille Audio and BTBL audio books at the 1998 (?) awards ceremony at the Arts Centre. Audio books are scattered across two adjacent benches, with three felt-covered pin boards behind them. Audio book covers, some information about the Braille and Talking Book Library and Tilly Aston, as well as a tribute to 25 years of producing commercial quality talking books is attached to the boards.
Display of LBA and BTBL audio books at ceremony
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw, louis braille audio, awards
A recording session with narrator Lise Rodgers, and producer Carmel McAloon, at the studios in Commercial Road.
Lise Rodgers reads a book into a microphone whilst Carmel McAloon sits outside the booth, listening to the recording
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw, carmel mcaloon, lise rodgers
Audio manager Karl Hughes sits at his desk, answering the phone as he acknowledges the photographer with a smile. Behind him are bookcases filled with audio reels and cassettes. To his left, a glass wall is covered with photographs and news clippings of audio book award success. On his desk sits a computer, some DAT tapes and piles of paperwork.
Karl Hughes on the phone surrounded by audio reels and tapes
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw, karl hughes
Adjacent to the Braille and Talking Book Library was a small garden area. In this image, the park bench to the far left sits behind the fence facing Commercial Road.
Lawn area with medium sized tree in the centre and two parks benches some distance either side
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw
With its distinct octagonal shape, the Braille and Talking Book Library was a distinctive building in Commercial Road. This view, taken in the mid-1990's by employee Robert Degraauw, shows the Commercial Road frontage, as well as the pedestrian lights across and the tram tracks in the roadway.
Red octagonal brick building facing pedestrian crossing and roadway
braille & talking book library, robert de graauw
Oral history interview and partial transcript of David Blyth by Judith Buckrich, with Jess Blyth and Michele Prentice. Recorded as part of 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard'. Former students and staff recall their days at RVIB, the impact of what they learned and experienced there, and how the attitudes to blindness and low vision changed over the years.
4 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, david blyth, oral history, judith buckrich, michele prentice, jess blyth
Oral history interview of Hugh Jeffrey by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. When he was 8, Hugh Jeffrey first attended the RVIB School after his parents delayed his start due to potential medical intervention and his ability to read large print. He went on to become not only a teacher of music at the school, but also an advocate for blind citizenship.
4 audio recordings of an interview with Hugh Jeffrey
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, oral history, hugh jeffrey
Oral history interview of Charlie Bradley by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. In 1918 an eye disease took Charlie Bradley's eyesight, ten years later he was part of the Royals club - the first RVIB cricket team - and went on to become one of the most well liked players of the game.
1 audio recording of an interview with Charlie Bradley
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, oral history, charlie bradley
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.
