Group photos of the AFB Blind Members Council of 1994-95. Seated from right: Kenneth Gunning, Eve Lustig (Chairman), Val Cook, Norma Crook. Back: Marilyn Knight, Malcolm Daubney, Don Draffin, Shirley Admans (Manager), Elizabeth Judd, John Cook. Absent: Clive Lissenden.

8 x Col. transparencies of AFB Board members

association for the blind, norma crook, don draffin, malcolm daubney, eve lustig, elizabeth judd, john cook, kenneth gunning, val cook, marilyn knight, shirley admans

Silver hand bell with 'RVIB 1935-1945' inscribed. Unsure of origin, however assuming that this was made as a commemorative piece as Neil Maxwell arrived at the RVIB in 1945.

1 silver hand bell with clear plastic bed on handle and inscription

RVIB 1935-1945

royal victorian institute for the blind, neil maxwell

From it's beginning in 1867, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. These include the acquisition of Ormond Hall, nursery and school buildings by the Commonwealth and the transferal of infants and pupils to 'The Georgian' at Olinda with the need for more staff due to more residential staff required, blind pupils formed a 'Junior Red Cross Circle' raising money and also contributed knitwear and splints for mine-sweepers, the loss of Headmaster Garnet Dent, Miss Lenna Bryson and Mrs E Dunkerton on or after the move to Olinda, the appointment of Headmaster Geoffrey E Green, Miss Betty De Huggard and Miss Dulcie Allen, with Mrs Rita Nightingall and Miss Vera Hopton visiting Olinda to provide lessons, Arthur McKay passed his Diploma of Music, 1400 pianos and harmoniums were tuned this year, as most sighted employees are engaged in war work an application was successful with the Director of Manpower to keep some sighted workers in key positions as they may be required to help those blinded by war action, around 25 partially sighted workers have been placed in other factories, several workers passed the Junior First Aid Certificate of St John's Ambulance, and the loss of Dr W.B. Vance who was Honorary Medical Officer for 39 years.

1 volume bound with illustrations.

royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

From its beginning, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. In this report praise for both the school and the work of the Insitute by external agencies is mentioned, the program of allowing children to handle exhibits courtesy of the Museum of Victoria, Hugh Jeffrey has just attained his degree as a Bachelor of Music (only the second to do so), honours also to Arthur McKay and other pupils who received Honours passes at university, over 1000 piano tunings were carried out this year by RVIB trained specialists, the Institute classes in cooking and hand and machine sewing have proven useful to single and married women of Melbourne, the Institute supports two cricket teams as well as other physical culture, and providing advisc to the Post Master General concerning telephone dials.

1 volume bound with illustrations.

royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the amendment of the Constitution to admit sighted officers to take up Committee positions and the election of the first sighted President Mr G A Mexwell, who had been with the Society since its beginning, the provision of wool from the Department of Defence at wholesale rates for blind knitters as well as the distribution of clothing surplus to need, a social evening held to farewell Mr D Blackely (one of the founders of the Association) as he moves to Western Australia, the new pass issued by the Metropolitan Tramways Board covers all lines and allows free travel for blind persons, and W.H. Paterson has stepped down from the Home Committee due to business and health reasons, however will still continue as a Trustee.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including withdrawal of the Country Concert Party due to the influenza epidemic, efforts being made to develop a Sewing Guild, continuation of Bark Plaiting to make small baskets, introduction of a French Polishing and Boot Repairing classes, the need for a separate building at Brighton to house the ill and the establishment of fund towards this with a 100 pound donation from the Felton Bequest, and the unfortunate increase in deaths amongst members due to the epidemic including past President T. Lowe, Country Concert Party singer Miss N Gray, and the return from active service of Dr Grey.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including continued support through donations despite abnormal conditions caused by the war, less attendances at Country Concert Party events however it remains in a sound financial position, a bequest of 200 pounds was received from Jean Bickford for the purpose of accommodating blinded soldiers at Brighton, the work of the Association has largely been limited in area however with the Secretary's visit to both Bendigo and Ballarat it is hoped that more is possible, a new trade of plaiting bark to make small floral baskets has been added, a near miss was incurred at the 'Re-union' at Woodburn after the hot afternoon helped generate a violent tornado which fortunately missed the Home but created havoc a few hundred metres away, and the loss of several members and supporters, including Mr Young who was killed in a tram accident and Mrs G W Paterson, who along with her husband W Paterson, an active supporter of the Home.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the continued support for Country Concert Parties, the addition of the Brunswick and Coburg Tramway Trust to the Railways Pass concession scheme, appointment of two lady collectors in lieu of a single male collector with very gratifying results, the Association wishes to compile statistics on the sources of blindness with the aid of its visitors, a committee has been formed to inquire on the possibilities of cigarette and cigar making as a light handicraft, a garden party was held to celebrate the 'coming of age' of the Association since it was formed 21 years ago, and the passing of Mr W Hall, who was a vice-president of the Society and placed his devotion to the cause above his physical disabilities, and will remembered by a lasting memorial at the Home.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the continuance of the concert parties, a trial massage course was held with two students graduating, the loss of Mrs Grimwade who was a Patron of the Association, and thanks to the Automobile Club residents took a road trip to Mordialloc for some afternoon tea.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the continued success of country concert tours in providing both an income for performers and raising awareness of the Association, return of wounded soldiers has prompted the need for support for those who have been blinded and the Minister of Defence has been approached to provide a list of those such affected so that the Association can provide assistance, advice and possible accommodation at Mair St, a sub-committee has been established to determine if massage training could be provided as an employment option, passing of active members Miss Faulkner and Rose Josephs, and the Honorary physician to the Adult Home for the blind (Dr Gray) has departed his position for overseas war service.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the opening of the new wing at the Adult Home for the Blind by Lady Denman, removal of a 300 pound debt due the combined efforts of the Police, Military and Fire Brigades who hosted a monster carnival at Luna Park to raise funds for this, and with the help of the Minister of Railways - Hon. Donald Mackinnon - free suburban train for guides has now been granted.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the inception of a series of conferences attended by representatives of various interstate and local blindness agencies, as part of an exchange of ideas with a deputation to Federal Ministers and the Premier of Victoria being favourably received, decision to form a regular concert party due to successful endeavours over the past two years, the issue of postal rates for Braille will be brought under notice at the next Postal Conference with the hope that change will eventuate in this area, a Memorial Fund has been established to perpetuate the memory of May D Harrison with a tablet placed in the Braille Library and a marble cross erected on her grave, and an obituary for W H Campbell, former President..

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 333, with the support of Mrs W.H. Edgar and the Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, 'Woodburn' was purchased and there were sufficient funds to reconstruct a wing to the present brick building, and plans are being drawn up under the supervision of Mr Paterson for some necessary extensions, the North Melbourne and Essendon Electric Tramway and Northcote Cable Tramway were added to the Railway Pass concession scheme, a successful concert tour was made of the Goulburn Valley from Alexandra down to the Murray, the loss of Mr Bacon - who was the first Blind Collector appointed by the Association - and Mrs May Harrison, VABW secretary who tirelessly promoted the welfare of the blind.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 299, 1000 visits were paid during the year, the Public Works department erected a set of steps from the top of the cliff to the sands so that Home residents may be able to access the beach, Railway Permits will now also be honoured on the Prahran-Malvern Electric Tramway and Bay Excursion Steamers, a concert party toured to Egerton, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong and Toolern Vale for the dual purpose of raising awareness and funds for the Association, Mr A Solomon has been appointed as a second Collector to visit Country Towns and with the support of the wife of the Minister for Public Works, Miss Aston and Miss Munce waited on the Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, gave her full support to organise a fund to purchase the land and buildings in Mair Street for the Association.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including a membership of 276, nearly 1000 visits made to people in their homes with several taking the opportunity to learn Braille, leasing of 'Woodburn' to accommodate those who were unable to provide for themselves or convalescent rather than provide short term financial help, an extension of the Railway Permit was secured so that the holder is able to travel with a guide and pay only one fare on the Brighton Electric Tramway and Williamstown Ferry Boat club, commitment by the Federal Government to extend the invalid pension to blind persons, the Department of Education is improving lighting which will help some children with eye difficulties and the loss of Sir Malcolm McEachern, F.S Grimwade, Mr Quayle and Dr McBurney, (the latter for whom a portrait will be placed in the Home for the Adult Blind due to his professional and personal support of the Association).

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including 240 members, decision to establish a home for the indigent blind, 800 visits have been paid to people in their homes, more than 90 pounds has been lent to members in distress, provision has been made in the new Electoral Bill for the Blind to record their votes and the loss of Mr Norris from Mackay, who had become of the first members of the Braille Correspondence Club and contributed articles to magazines.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the growth of membership to 219, over 400 visits were made to people in their homes, all items designed for blind in England and have sold and a new order will be drawn up with members invited to add their items, the Correspondence Club continues to flourish with Brazil and Chile, via Esperanto, now involved and there are insufficient correspondents to keep up with demand from American writers.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including attaining 210 members, a talk by Tilly Aston and another by Mr Lowe on cooperation were held, the Annual Picnic was held at the Caulfield Racecourse on the King's Birthday and included a band, some trials of skills and an impromptu concert at the end of the day, 50 pounds has been put aside for the Sick Benevolent Fund however this cannot be established until 200 pounds has been raised, and an approach has been made to the government for securing an Old Age pension for those who are blind however nothing definite has been granted.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

, Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership total of 185, loan of 10 pounds to a member to start his own wool and coal business which has been a success, a typewriting machine has been purchased and instruction of this for our members will be made available, and a suggestion was taken to hold a demonstration of what the Association does which resulted in a successful gymkhana at the Glacierium. From this event a total of 223 pounds was raised and will be used as a building fund to help find more employment for blind workers.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 166, the death of B.W. Holgate who was a most active worker, another order of goods has arrived from England, due to the large increase of work an office has been opened at Oxford Chambers, the Tea Agency has been reorganised, decision to establish an Australian Braille Correspondence club, asking for help in identifying anyone needing the services of the Association and efforts being made to remove the Immigration Restriction Act thus removing the bond required when travelling between states.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including an increase of membership to 150, the unfortunate illness of Mr Holgate, that attendance at meetings has improved due to the possible transfer of them into the city, the Secretary is now paid for their work due to the amount required, a number of goods designed for the blind have been imported by the Association from England and are being sold, some of which (the embossed music) has formed the beginning of a small music braille library, instruction in light handicrafts in the homes of the blind is continuing and now includes a knitting machine, concerts are still being undertaken with the focus on publicity for the Association and covering performing fees rather than as a fundraiser, and there are plans to create a fund scheme for sick workers.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the closure of the Industrial Depot due to its inability to break even, loans were made for blind people to learn a calling, employ an instructor and help a young man start a business as a hawker, free postage was granted for Braille and Moon articles through an Act of Parliament, and blind voters being able to vote in Federal elections.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the death of one of the original members Charles D. Taylor, 120 members on the roll, a successful social held at Dr Strong's church, some small loans granted to members, three concerts held in the Western District were not profitable however those around Melbourne were favourably attended, changes to the Constitution to provide for honorary members, 180 visits were made across 12 metro districts, the Tea Agency now has ten members using this service, and the Industrial Depot has been hampered by the war efforts but the Association has agreed to a further trial and thanks the VABW for letting them store some books for members who are unable to travel to the Collins Street office.

1 volume of printed material with some illustrations

association for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: a short history of the AFB, President's Report, report on Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton Homes, financial information, the work of the Welfare Service division, opening of two flatlets for aged blind at Ballarat, resignation of Celeste Baird as choirmaster after 17 years and A Williams stepping into the role, need for a better clubhouse which has been little changed since it was built over 30 years ago, students from Ballarat Teachers college read to home residents, publication of 'Courage' magazine to keep everyone up to date on Association events, and a profile on Russian migrant Alex Momot and how the AFB assisted him settle into Australia.

1 printed volume with black and white illustrations

association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), alex momot, rosalie tyers, e irvine, l adamson, mrs r clarke, matron e mcleod, a sharry, matron rosewall, mrs s mcenroe, celeste baird, e goulding, mrs a bulluss, mrs a n roach, mrs m macdowell, mrs t carson, mrs j stanley smith, pam barker, mrs l thomas, mrs a mansfield, mrs l rogerson, elsie henderson, mrs murphy, mrs w christian, h h mackenzie, sister b agar, annual reports

Article profiling Ron Jones, who played at the Jerilderie Bowls Club as part of a three day visit and season break up by the Victorian Blind Bowlers Association. Taking up bowling six years ago, he soon competed at the Australian Blind Bowling championships and was awarded the trophy for the most improved. The Bowling Association does not have its own grounds, so throughout the summer its 41 members played on greens all over Melbourne. The article includes a picture of Ron Jones about to release the ball and Jean Sullivan after releasing a bowl.

1 photocopied newspaper article with two images

non-fiction

elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, victorian blind bowling association, ron jones

Hand written testimonies to Neil's work at AFB and VAF. The card reads: Dear Neil, Thank you for showing us the way. We look forward to working with you in all the Kooyong Committee's future endeavors. (Signed by) Margaret Deane, Judith Williams, Bette MacSween, Don Lee, Eve Lustig, Greg ?, Mavis ? The paper reads: Neil Maxwell has always been a very special person over the years he has been at Kooyong. He has been on the board of the Association for the blind from 1984-1993 and became a Director. Neil also became a Tour Guide on the 1st February 1989 and he was tutored by Marjory Lane, and he became very adept in learning new information very quickly. He worked with the Guides until the 7th April 1997. He has also joined the Kooyong Committee and became Chairman in 1998. Neil has given a lot of years to Vision Australia Foundation. He has always been a giver not a taker. Thank you Neil from The Kooyong Committee.

Collection of cards paying tribute to Neil Maxwell

non-fiction

elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell

Collection of articles featuring an image of Neil Maxwell feeling the waxen head of Prime Minister John Howard, during a visit to Madame Tussaud's exhibition. In some images, he is accompanied by Sandra Stevens, who is also feeling the head. One article is from an Association for the Blind newsletter, two pieces from the Age newspaper, and the rear page of an Association for the Blind publication.

Collection of images and articles showing Neil Maxwell with the wax figure of PM John Howard

non-fiction

elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, sandra stevens, madame tussaud's

Wraparound artwork on yellow van used at Maroochydore office.

3 digital images taken of yellow van with VA logo and Seeing Eye dog in harness

vision australia, seeing eye dogs australia

Collection of tributes for David Blyth, who was awarded an OAM in 2002, together with a brief overview of his life and achievements.

Collection of testaments and tributes to David Blyth put together by Blind Citizens Australia

non-fiction

elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, david blyth, royal victorian institute for the blind