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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
David Robertson (1855-1953) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president 1895-1899 and 1913. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.
1 A4 page cut into two with image and notes
David Robertson 1st President at AAB & Co-founder with Miss T Aston Held Presidency 5 times until Health gave way he carried out his Carried on his own Business until 59 yrs of age died at 96 yrs His sister Janet inaugurated the Visiting of the Blind & was treasurer for 8 yrs D.R. was responsible for getting the free pass & gave the AAB its name They both lost their sight in Gov homes as orphans Their Brother (William of New Zealand was champion Sculler of New Zealand for 20 yrs) (Hearn) called after step father Kindly acknowledge Warwick Studio, Albert Park
david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind
Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified. He poses for this studio portrait with his adopted daughter Hilda (1888-1981).
1 portrait photograph of Tom Marks with his adopted daughter Hilda
5. Tom Marks - Daddy & Hilda
tom marks, hilda marks
A large number of people sit at tables inside a tent/marquee. The men are dressed in three piece suits with ties and the ladies have floor length dresses and most wear hats. Two men wear darkened glasses. Vines and flowers are strung around the two tent poles in the centre,, with one vine attaching both poles and holding a Christmas bell shape between them. On the tables sit cups and small plates, with larger empty plates possibly holding sandwiches or slices, suitable for a garden party event. No people have been identified, although in an associated letter, Phyl Matthews puts forth that that one man is not her grandfather.
B/W photograph of group having tea inside a tent
association for the advancement of the blind, phyllis matthews
Tom Marks (1857-1939) was a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and president in 1900 and 1935-1937. For centenary celebrations of the Association, portraits were painted of past presidents and photographs gathered in preparation of this. This image was collected, however the donor is unidentified.
1 small photograph, taken in black and white and coloured
Mother & Daddy Printed by Harringtons
tom marks, mary cecilia marks
To commemorate the two anniversaries of prominent organisations, Australia Post issued two stamps, as well as first day covers, an accompanying card set and first day postmark. One card contains a photograph of young Tilly Aston, with the AFB 100 anniversary logo, a stamp of a person with a dog in harness playing the violin. The other card is a picture of Audrie and Neil Mc Leod, who founded the Spastic Centre of NSW as part of their efforts to assist their child and others access services for those who were born with cerebral palsy. The 50th anniversary logo of the centre is featured on the card, as well as a stamp of a person in a wheelchair flying a kite. Both cards have the postage mark of a kite and it's string framing the sun, and 'First Day of Issue 13 July 1995 Brighton Beach, Vic, 3188'.
2 colour post cards released as part of set
association for the blind, tilly aston, spastic centre of nsw, stamps, audrie mcleod, neil mcleod
Edna Adams was a member of the AFB and attended the Kooyong base. She was taught by Tilly Aston when she attended the RVIB School.
2 colour photographs with negatives
Edna Adams, student of Tilly Aston at RVIB School. Photographed at Kooyong 1995
edna adams, association for the blind
Five men in suits with high collars and bow ties pose with three ladies in evening dress. To the far left are Aaron Solomon and Annie Rose Drummond. Aaron Solomon (1870-1936) was enrolled at the RVIB school in 1878, after losing his sight at 6 years of age. He first began participating in concerts in September 1884, at an exhibition of talent that was held by the Institute and the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute, to raise awareness of their work and achievements. He then became a regular performer with the entertainment troupe and travelled around Victoria singing and playing piano, even after his discharge from the Institute in 1892. In 1894 he formed his own troop of players and toured around Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand. This consisted of two females (Tilly Aston and Maggie Mulvogue) and three males (Charles Bartlett, John Irwin and himself). In 1896, Annie Drummond, Nellie Andrew and William Snell replaced the Aston, Mulvogue and Bartlett, and W.W. Spicer was appointed as manager with his wife acting as an assistant to the ladies of the group. In 1897-1898, H Forder replaced William Snell. On a return tour to New Zealand in late 1898, Thomas Andrews - brother to Nellie - joined the troop and Fred Hunter replaced H Forder. This was the first time the troop numbered eight people, who were also present when Annie Drummond married Aaron Solomon in Hamilton, New Zealand on Feb 3, 1899. This image could have been taken in 1898 before they left as a promotional card, or in 1899 when they returned, as a memento of the happy occasion.
1 cardboard postcard size image with silver writing
A. Marks & Co Elgin Street Carlton
aaron solomon, annie rose drummond, w.w. spicer, nellie andrews, thomas andrews, fred hunter, john irwin, a. marks & co
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 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
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.
