On behalf of the Vision Australia Board, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Professor Lawrie McCredie, following his passing last week.
Professor McCredie, who was blind, was an academic in the Law faculty at Monash University and also served on the Board of the Royal Victorian Institute for the blind from1956 until 2005.
Professor McCredie joined when he was 28 years old and was the first person who was blind to be appointed to the Board. During his time, RVIB officially opened the school for children at Burwood in 1961, established the Residential Rehabilitation Centre for Blind Adults two years later, as well as set up the Radio for the Print Handicapped in 1974.
In 1989, Professor McCredie was appointed President of the Board; a position which he held for five years. This was an era when technology at the Institute was changing the way services were delivered, with the introduction of computers and video programs. The bursary awards to support students at university were introduced during these years, as well as adaptive technology training for clients.
Professor McCredie was part of the Board when the decision was made to merge RVIB with Vision Australia Foundation and Royal Blind Society to form the national blindness organisation, Vision Australia.
His support for people who were blind or had low vision was a testament to his leadership and dedication to the sector. Lawrence was renowned for mentoring younger people especially in the legal field, given his extensive experience.
He served the Faculty of Law at Monash University for more than 30 years as a teacher, mentor, administrator, friend and colleague to hundreds of staff and thousands of law students.
He has left an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit people who are blind or have low vision in this country for many years to come.
Kevin Murfitt - Chair, Vision Australia Board