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
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
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
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
Oral history interview Neville Kerr 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.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, neville kerr, oral history
Oral history interview and partial transcript of David Blyth and Margaret Bull 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.
4 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, david blyth, margaret bull, oral history
Oral history interview of Elaine Leahy (nee Dean) and Joan Neich (nee Morice) 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.
3 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, john murphy, oral history
Oral history interview of Ted Petersen by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. In 1964 Ted Petersen joined the RVIB as a Secretary and discusses his time with the Institute.
1 audio recording of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, e.e. (ted) petersen, oral history
Oral history interview of Elaine Leahy (nee Dean) and Joan Neich (nee Morice) 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.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, elaine leahy, joan neich, oral history
Oral history recording and transcript of interview of Margaret Fialides by Alan Nuske. Recorded as part of 'The Years Between: an oral history of the RVIB 1866-1991'. Staff recall how they came to be involved with the organisation and changes made during their tenure.
1 oral history interview with Margaret Fialides
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, margaret fialides, 3rph radio station, library, burwood school, oral history
Brief article on the closure of the Newtown office, and opening of an office in Belmont by Vision Australia Foundation.
Cut out newspaper article taken from Geelong Advertiser
non-fiction
vision australia foundation, anne johnson, heidi timberlake, myrtle barnes
RNIB sold a number of devices around the world, including games, clocks, brailling equipment and handicraft items. These are listed in this catalogue and some are found in this collection.
62 page booklet with black and white illustrations
royal national institute for the blind, braille equipment, games, recreation equipment
Oral history interview of Dorothy Hamilton (nee Nuske) and Hugh Jeffrey 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.
2 audio recordings of recollections from former RVIB attendees
royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, dorothy hamilton, hugh jeffrey, oral history
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. A special edition with Stephen Jolley covering the ceremony re-launch of the Tilly Aston Bell, with an audio interpretation of the history of the bell, Tilly Aston and Vision Australia, the rationale for the sculpture and audio effects and sounds that give the visitor an impression of how blind people relate to the world. Andrew Thurley updates on the latest books from library. Megan Denyer will give an update on electronic voting.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, stephen jolley, andrew thurley, megan denyer
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolley talking to Jordie Howell, who uses and teaches Braille. Siobhan Dennis discusses the latest books in the library. Valerie Thomas’s guest Adam Cooper is part of the IT team at Kooyong. Kate Gniel discusses how VA has worked with the City of Melbourne to help make the Tilly Aston bell sculpture accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, jordie howell, siobhan dennis, adam cooper, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolley speaks with Lorraine Mitchell, an occupational therapist from Children’s Services. Robyn McKenzie talks with Andrew Thurley about the latest books from the library. Valerie Thomas’s guest is Maureen Davey, a long-time client and friend of VA. Kate Gniel provides some information on how VA are working with Grundy Productions to help develop a vision impaired character on its show -Neighbours.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, robyn mckenzie, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, lorraine mitchell, andrew thurley, maureen davey, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn McKenzie speaks with Stephen Jolly about his role as manager of VA Radio and the 8 stations involved in the RPH network. Siobhan Dennis will give the library update and Valerie Thomas interviews David Brandt, Chairman of the Client Representative Council. Finally, Megan Denyer talks about a Making a Difference Award to Sister Helen Merrin, Sister Margaret Keely and Mary Cameron have been working on a Braille music guide for a sighted teacher to teach Braille music to a Braille user – A Survivors Guide to Braille Music Notation.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, robyn mckenzie, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, siobhan dennis, david brandt, megan denyer, sister helen merrin, sister margaret keely, mary cameron
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn McKenzie chats with Peter Lee from Computer Aided Transcription Office, talking about producing braille. Andrew Thurley updates about new titles in the Library. Valerie Thomas interviews VA client Patrick Moore. Kate Gniel speaks about the retirement of Mike Janes and Malcolm Daubney from the Board.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, robyn mckenzie, peter lee, andrew thurley, valerie thomas, patrick moore, kate gniel, mike janes, malcolm daubney
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Recording of the Making Difference Awards ceremony, which took place in Melbourne on 21st July, 2006. One of those awarded was the Victorian State Government for introducing electronic voting for blind or vision impaired, making it the first-time people from this community were allowed a secret vote. Megan Denyer provides an update on the relationship VA have with Prime Television.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, stephen jolley, gerard menses, megan denyer
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn McKenzie chats Sue Coull, Manager of Burwood Education Centre and Principal of the School. Clare Bilton-Roos will discuss books available from the library. Valerie Thomas speaks with guest Fiona Nielson, mother of vision impaired child. Kate Gniel updates on the successful lobbying of SBS Radio to broadcast world cup matches because of the lack of live commentary in English and the VA website.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, robyn mckenzie, sue coull, clare bilton-roos, fiona nielson, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolly talking to client Meribell Steel and employment coordinator John Candlish on how VA is helping Meribell gain employment. Siobhan Dennis discussing new titles in the library. Valerie Thomas with guest Frank Bartoli and his activities since receiving his OAM, and Kate Gniel gives an update from Marketing department.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, meribell steel, john candlish, siobhan dennis, frank bartoli, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolly looks at Orientation and Mobility with Luke Price, senior Orientation and Mobility instructor. Siobhan Dennis introducing at the latest books in the library and Valerie Thomas speaks with guest David Brandt, Chairman of Client Representative Council. Kate Gniel finishes the show with news on the 15 year anniversary of Audio Description in theatres and the VA Awareness awards which recognize support for blind and low vision users.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, luke price, siobhan dennis, david brandt, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Steven Jolly speaks with Jane Ellis about Deaf Blind Awareness Week. Clare Bilton-Roos has an update from the library. Valerie Thomas’s Guest of the Week is John Perry who discusses changes in his life after losing his sight. Finally, a roundup of the latest news at Vision Australia from Megan Denyer.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, jane ellis, clare bilton-roos, john perry, megan denyer
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolley talks to Brendon Lillywhite about a major consolidated process of client services. Siobhan Dennis discusses new books in the library. Valerie Thomas interviews Frank Bartoli who has been awarded OAM. Finally, Kate Gniel has news of happenings around the organisation.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, brendon lillywhite, siobhan dennis, frank bartoli, kate gniel
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Robyn speaks with Di Haywood and her role as a recreation support worker and the services that are offered, Clare Bilton-Roos shares book reviews from the library. Valerie Thomas chats with Lyn Clarke and her varied roles around the organisation in different offices, and Robyn gets an update from Megan Denyer and the recent Andrew Denton episode which featured Vision Australia client Tony Perkins and his journey after losing his sight at the Bali bombings.
1 digital sound file in WAV format
radio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, robyn mckenzie, di haywood, clare bilton-roos, lyn clarke, megan denyer, tony perkins
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.
