Lightstations Flying Doctor first aid kit. Medical first aid box kept at Lightstation. According to a Lighthouse keeper each item was numbered to ensure correct administration of medications by Lightstation staff via radio contact with The Flying Doctor Service. The lightstation’s first aid case is a red painted metal box. The hinged lid is stencilled with white words of caution such as ‘handle with care and ‘this side up’. Inside are four tray inserts of different sizes. Until recent years the contents of the kit, including medications and an instruction book, were intact but have since been lost and cannot be located. Of the six lightstations investigated by this assessment project, it would seem that the case, which possibly dates to the early 1900s, is unique in its survival at Gabo Island. The cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.The cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Red painted metal box with hinged lid. It has side handles with four removable, red painted metal tray inserts of varying sizes. Inscriptions stencilled in white on lid. Trays have letters stencilled in white on three sides. There are three latches to secure lid. Lock on central latch.Main chest stencilled in white , on top: "NO 3 / LIGHTHOUSE / ROYAL FLYINNG DOCTOR/ MEDICATIONS/HANDLE WITH CARE / THIS SIDE UP" •Four tray inserts, stencilled in white: "A", "B", "C", "D".

William Henry Embling was born in London on September 25, 1840, and came to Victoria with his parents when he was about 9 years old. When still in his teens, William was sent to Germany, and afterwards to England, to study for the medical profession. Whilst in London he became involved with the British Legion which sailed for Italy and fought in the Garibaldian campaign. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant. After moving to Glasgow to study for the Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, William returned to Australia in 1863 and set up practice in St. Kilda, Victoria. Embling was appointed resident surgeon at Melbourne Hospital, practiced in Ballarat from 1866-1873 and was an honorary physician at the Alfred Hospital in 1877 In 1878 he was appointed to the Central Board of Health, and in this role travelled to many rural areas including Wodonga as the Public Vaccinator. For some time, he was regularly in Wodonga on Fridays. He was also Chairman of the Police Medical Board and President of the Working Men's College in Melbourne. In 1892 William Embling was elected as a member of the Legislative Council. One of the many roles he filled as a politician was as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways. In this role he also visited Wodonga when consultations were in progress for development of the new railways throughout Victoria. Dr. Embling died from pneumonia in St. Kilda, Victoria on 24 May 1912.This item is significant because it depicts a doctor who provided an important service to Wodonga and to the wider Victorian community.A black and white photograph of Dr. Embling standing in front of his consulting room in a house in Wodonga.Signs to left of door: Below Crown and Letters C. R. Dr Embling Public Vaccinator Vaccinations Every Friday Free Service To Right of Door: Dr Embling Surgeon dr. w. h. embling, wodonga medical services, public vaccinator wodonga