The Wodonga Base Hospital was officially opened on 16th January 1954. The first public meeting to discuss plans for a hospital in the district was held on 28th June 1934, but the proposed Bush Nursing Hospital did not eventuate. In 1946 another push began and land on the current site in Vernon Street was set aside. After a lengthy period of fundraising by the local community the hospital was finally realised. By 1975 the Hospital had become increasingly busy with the accommodation having increased to 68 beds, equipment being updated and a range of ancillary services extended. Between 1954 and 1974, the hospital had admitted 41,944 patients and babies born in the hospital totalled 3,996. Extensions to the Hospital were urgently needed to meet the demand on the facilities. The Victorian Government had approved the extensions and provided funds of $772,000. The Committee of Management needed to meet the cost of furnishings and equipment. Once again the Wodonga community were called upon to support their Hospital. This recipe booklet was printed as part of the fundraising campaign.This item is significant because it represents efforts made by the Wodonga community to establish and maintain appropriate Hospital facilities in Wodonga.A small publication of recipes and advertising produced to raise funds for the development of Wodonga District Hospital.wodonga base hospital, wodonga community

This set of baby scales is believed to have been used in a Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool. The first Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool was opened in Liebig Street in October 1921. It was initially run by Sister Riley. The development of Baby Health Centres in Victoria was largely due to the work of Dr Isabella Younger-Ross (1887-1956). She was born in Warrnambool to Henrietta and John Younger (the Younger department store operated in Liebig Street Warrnambool for over 60 years). Isabella Younger Ross studied medicine in Melbourne and Glasgow and she was a prominent worker in the field of maternal and infant welfare for over 40 years. These scales are retained as an example of the type of equipment used in baby health centres in the early to mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.This is a metal set of scales with a rectangular base tapering at one end. At the top is attached a metal receptacle for holding a baby and underneath this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item is painted yellow and green but the paint is well rusted and peeling in places. 15 lb.warrnambool baby health centres, dr isabella younger-ross