Item brought home from South Vietnam by Brian Patten No A317583. Served Vietnam as a LAC with No 2 Sd RAAF 25.3.71 to 2.6.71, 35 Sqd RAAF 2.6.71 to 5.2.72.Yellow canvas with red lining made of aircraft safety equipment materials. Two carry handles.military equipment - bags, personal effects - containers, vietnam raaf

When this AVOMETER leather case was being utilised in the early 1950's it contained the "leading" edge of electrical measuring instrumentation.The first meter was produced by Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co. in 1923. This model was produced in the time from 1933 to 1951 when it was superseded by the most popular model, Model 8 (1951 to 2008).This leather case which holds its AVO Meter brought the measuring of three electrical power indicators i.e., amps, volts and ohms into one measuring unit. By using a "one fits all" unit, the carrying of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need for a mountainous and a large area of operational requirements, such as the SEC Vic Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, to minimise the weight of equipment carried by electricians and technicians was of the utmost relevance. The significance of this meter to the Kiewa Valley region relates to the impact of modern technology (at that time) upon a mainly rural environment. This equipment shows how the boost of "modern" equipment into the area because of the "Hydro Scheme" was facilitated a lot faster than would have taken under "normal" evolutionary time. The speed of information on all "new technology" had a relatively slow assimilation rate to those living in rural communities. The use of solid leather carrying bags for transporting equipment up and down the mountains provided some form of protection against bumps and dust.This carry case for its AVO meter has an outer leather covering with an inner thick cardboard liner. The case has two mild steel buckles but stitched onto one side but no lid to fasten down. The sides are stitched together with strong tick twine. On either side there are small strap holds. On the bottom are four large chromed metal lugs acting as feet to keep the bottom from lying flat on any floor. The outside bottom has been branded "SOLID COWHIDE"Between the front two buckles is a identification plate riveted onto the cowhide "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SECTION"electrical meters, electrical equipment, sec vic., state electricity commission of victoria, mount beauty, bogong village

This "camp fire" hot plate has been used from the early 1900's on camp drafts /droving cattle onto and from the Victorian high plains. The size of "camp" kitchens would depend on the amount of "cattle" men required to collect and move the "herd" to and from the "lush" high plains.This "camp fire" hot plate is significant because it was donated by a member of the Roper family (the Roper's of the Kiewa Valley) a "pioneer" family. This particular camp fire hot plate originated in Tasmania however the Victorian Alps are very similar to the Tasmanian mountain regions and this type of cooking utensil was, and still is, used in isolated regions e.g. large cattle properties in the Northern Territory. This Camp Fire hot plate was used on the High Plains at the Roper Hut for approximately 35 years.This open fire hot plate is made from caste iron. It has a circular flat (cooking) base, ideal for a few thick pieces of prime steak, a high semi circular handle with a large circular carry ring, to apply a thick stick or rod through it as an insulated handle (to position the hot plate where required over a fire). The "handle" can be folded down to save space when packing it in the saddle bags. The handle has a strong metal rivet on each end (is loose enough to allow it to be moved to either side e.g. flattened). One end, of the handle, has a movable sleeve to fasten the the handle in an upright positioncamp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen, cattlemen

This particluar bag (Japara water bag) was used to hold seal skin soles or straps, which were placed onto skis.The first skiers that came to Falls Creek used these. These types of bags were also used to carry water. They were used by scouts and other campers and were to be seen hanging from cars and caravans. This is historically significance because it shows how the first people who skied at Falls Creek used early skiing equipment. This bag and seal skin soles are also significant due to their association with the first winter traverse of Mt Bogong. This item has good interpretive capacity due to its connection with the seal skin soles, skiis, boots that were used at the same time. It is also very rare and is the only one in our collection. Japara water bag has a square base and four upwright panels with cord handles. It can be folded flat. The bag has a zip closure. Originally the bag is a water bag used by campers, currently it is used as a container for a pair of seak skins soles, which are attached to skiis and used during skiing.sport, falls creek, ski, winter, snow, water, scouts, seal skins, camping bag

This extract from an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper of 1/12/1959 places the era in which this water bag was prolific throughout rural Australia. " ABERDEEN CANVAS GOODS for the man on the land here is Australia's most useful, convenient and hygienic water bag. Its special unbreakable plastic nozzle is fitted with a perforated filter strainer. Made from long flax canvas, its universal handle enables it to be hung on bumper bar, wire fence or on hook or nail" The availability of clean cool drinking water in remote rural locations was essential for survival under the blistering Australian summer sun. This was in a pioneer era when transport, roads and convenience stores were ,in a lot of "outback" Australia, in short supply and survival was dependent upon what could be carried by vehicle or pack horse.When the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme became a reality, the use of the water bag was one of the essential personal items of survival given to each person working in the forests and on and in the high plains environment. Even in an outside stationary work place the availability of cool clean water was a prerequisite. The canvas water bag allowed any wind or airflow to cool down the water, even on very hot days, to provide a refreshing and throat quenching supply of water. These bags could be fastened onto the front of vehicles or hanging from shady tree branches thereby permitting air flow around the bag. During the "wearing in" period the residual taste from the canvas was fairly strong, this became considerably less as time and a half moved on. This "Aberdeen" long flax canvas water bag is held together on two sides and the top by strong heavy cotton stitching. The iron fashioned carrying handle has, protruding from its top elevation ,a very strong hook (well in excess of the bags' weight requirement). At the top, of the bag, and on one side only, is a brown coloured bakelite spout (with an inbuilt filter) protruding upwards. This spout has its matching , screw on, lid complete with attachment chain (not fixed at the handle end)On the front of the bad and stenciled in bold lettering, "ABERDEEN" and directly below "Travellers" and below this "FILTER BAG". Below this are two parallel black lines enclosing an ochre coloured band(12mm wide) running around the bottom section of the bag. Below this band is stenciled the number 14 in black (25mm high) figures. The spout lid has stamped on the top surface and within the outline of Australia, "ABERDEEN FILTER WATER BAG". Above this and close to the edge of the lid is pressed "PAT. No 9149/32 and down at the bottom rim is stamped "RD. No. 9870". canvas, water bag, water container, camping equipment, survival pack

This cartridge bag was taken from Ned Kelly by Sergeant Steele, when he was finally apprehended in the famous shootout with police at Glenrowan, some two years after the Stringybark Creek murders. Sergeant Steele stated that the dark stain on the bag is Ned Kelly's blood: "That is Ned Kelly's cartridge bag. That is the one he was wearing at Glenrowan. I took it off him, with the other things, when he fell. And that stain is his blood. He was wounded in several places, and bled a good deal. Yes it is a grim relic - not at all pretty". (Sergeant Steel) Cartridge bags such as these were worn slung over the shoulder (the strap for this one is missing). They were used to carry ammunition.Bag, saddle, leather with flap and two metal buckles with straps broken. Metal loop and larger metal buckle attached at top. edward kelly, ned kelly, kelly gang, arthur steele, glenrowan

Pretty and tiny beaded bags and purses were highly decorated to match the dresses of the era. They were small enough to carry makeup compacts, a few coins, and they were fashion accessories more than practical handbags.This item is an example of a clothing accessory used by women in the early 20th century.Fully beaded drawstring bag with designs of flowers. Tassel of beads attached to bottom of bag. Small wooden hooks on the inside to hold black rope drawstring.bag personal-effects money-container beading drawstring-bag

Maize has been grown on the Orbost flats for at least 70 years. When early settlers began to arrive on the Snowy River somewhere in the 1880s, the land was mostly swamps and heavily timbered jungle on the river frontages. The swamps were drained, bit by bit, with short handled shovels working in mud and water. The frontages were cleared by axe and shovel and fire. Several kinds of crops were experimented with such as hops, hemp and maize which grew particularly well and became the main crop of district. The problem then was to thresh and deliver the product to the market. A small single cob machine was brought here and one man turned the handle, while the boy or Mum fed the cobs singly into the machine. A good day’s work would thresh about 50 bushels or about 12 bags (4 bushels). The task then was to cart the maize to market. For a few years this was done by horses and dray carrying about 60 bushels to Mossiface, where it was loaded onto river boats to Lakes Entrance, and then by ocean boats to Melbourne. (information from NEWSLETTER OCTOBER, 2006)The growing of maize in the Orbost district contributed significantly to the economy of the township for many years, The many maize cribs once seen on the surrounding farms have now disappeared and this photograph is a pictorial record of that significance.A small sepia photograph with six men in front of a wooden barn. They are bagging maize. In the foreground are two rows of filled bags. On the right is a lifting machine to take the bags to the top storey. On the far right is a water tank on a stand"on back - "Thrashing Maize"maize-orbost agriculture-maize industry

The etymology of the word portmanteau: A portmanteau was a travelling bag used as a mailbag. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, both newspapers and letters were transported in these leather mailbags that opened into two sections. A portmanteau is a word created by the blending of two other words in terms of the sounds and meaning. Portmanteau itself is a portmanteau; made up of the French ‘porter’ meaning ‘to carry’ and ‘manteau’ meaning ‘cloak’. The other meaning of this word is ‘a travelling case or bag' but was coined by Lewis Carroll with its new meaning in 1882. History: English merchant Thomas Witherings established mail routes throughout Europe in the 1620s. He drew up a proposal in 1635 for an English mail system based in London in which portmanteaux (containing 2 leather bags lined with cotton) could travel to European towns with sealed bags of mail for protection against spies. The system was put into motion and some 26,000 letters were mailed safely and unopened between London and European towns each week. In the nineteenth century, the official portmanteau was used to carry the mail, letters and newspapers on Americas New England stagecoaches that travelled the postal routes. Before 1789 newspapers were mostly excluded from the mail and the official portmanteau. After the first United States Congress (1789–1791) the postmaster general allowed printers free postage to communicate reports and articles of Congressional informational newspapers with other publishers in other towns and cities for distribution. Example of a mid-20th-century leather bag not connected to a person of significance from history or a historic event. The significance lies in the historic social aspect of this type of bag and how it got its name. This type of bag was popular from the mid 19th century for personal use and fell out of favour in until the 1950s and the origin and meaning of the word used to describe this type of leather bag "portmanteau". Portmanteau leather bag, with brass oval badge, tan interior with compartment separator. Inscribed "Allchin Bros Makers Ballarat". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, portmanteau, allchin bros

The etymology of the word portmanteau: A portmanteau was a travelling bag used as a mailbag. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, both newspapers and letters were transported in these leather mailbags that opened into two sections. A portmanteau is a word created by the blending of two other words in terms of the sounds and meaning. Portmanteau itself is a portmanteau; made up of the French ‘porter’ meaning ‘to carry’ and ‘manteau’ meaning ‘cloak’. The other meaning of this word is ‘a travelling case or bag' but was coined by Lewis Carroll with its new meaning in 1882. History: English merchant Thomas Witherings established mail routes throughout Europe in the 1620 s. He drew up a proposal in 1635 for an English mail system based in London in which portmanteau (containing 2 leather bags lined with cotton) could travel to European towns with sealed bags of mail for protection against spies. The system was put into motion and some 26,000 letters were mailed safely and unopened between London and European towns each week. In the nineteenth century, the official portmanteau was used to carry the mail, letters and newspapers on Americas New England stagecoaches that travelled the postal routes. Before 1789 newspapers were mostly excluded from the mail and the official portmanteau. After the first United States Congress (1789–1791) the postmaster general allowed printers free postage to communicate reports and articles of Congressional informational newspapers with other publishers in other towns and cities for distribution. Example of a mid-20th-century leather bag not connected to a person of significance from history or a historic event. The significance lies in the historic social aspect of this type of bag and how it got its name. This type of bag was popular from the mid 19th century for personal use and fell out of Portmanteau soft leather bag with lock, leather handles (one broken) and with metal plate on front.No inscription flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

c1900 Decorative silver 'pill boxes' were popular accessories carried in a small purse by women for evening and special occasions . This 'pill box' was used by a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin SSmall decorative silver pill boxes were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c1900A small rectangular white metal pill box with gold lining, a hinged lid and snap lock machined pattern on lid with beading on edgeclothing, pill boxes, silver, pewter, brass, evening bags, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

The Water supply in Moorabbin Shire was from streams - Elster Creek - and wells so that all people , -settlers, market gardeners, and travellers - needed to take a container with them when they were away from the household.. The Canvas water bag was convenient, easy to make and could be hung on a tree branch or carried on the horse, wagon, plough or later on the bumper bar of a car or truck. The canvas water bag allowed any wind or airflow to cool down the water, even on very hot days, 21G could be 21Gills = 5pints= 2Quarts = 1/2 Gallon approx. and suitable for a day working in the field = 4 Litres similar to a mineral water bottle today.The water bag like this was the source of drinking water for market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire either when working in the fields or .travelling to the markets with their wagons loaded with produce.A canvas water bag, with an iron handle and plastic or bakelite drinking spout.H.L. HARDWARE / ...KFITH 21G, water bags, elster creek, horse drawn wagons, early settlers, market gardeners, cooking utensils, castiron cooking pots, blacksmiths, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, highett, cheltenham, melbourne,

Pyott's Ltd., was an merchant and novelty shop in Vancouver, Canada during the early-20th century. An advertisement for the shop was published on February 9, 1922 in the Ubyssey News (issued Weekly by the Publications Board of the University of British Columbia. It reads: 'We carry one of the largest lines of Indian Burnt Leather Goods, Moccasins and Baskets in the city; also Beads, Purses and Hand Bags; View Books, Post Cards and Novelties of all kinds. Your inspection invited, 524 Granville St. Vancouver B.C'. History of shopping bags: Before the late 1800s, shopping bags didn’t exist. Shoppers would either carry their goods home in baskets, or have the merchant deliver them to people's homes, until 1852 when Francis Wolle, a schoolteacher in Pennsylvania, invented a machine to produce paper shopping bags. This invention would allow customers to carry items home in disposable paper bags. Soon after, owners of department stores and retailers began to realise that paper shopping bags could be used to help market their brands, and as such custom shopping bags with printed logos became common place. Carrying a shopping bag from certain shops became a type of status symbol for consumers, providing evidence that one was well-off, had good taste, or both. The paper shopping bag is a rare survival of ephemera related to a retail store that existed in Vancouver, Canada during the early-20th century. The arrival of waves of more than ten million migrants by boat is one of the major themes in Australia’s history. The paper shopping bag is representative of personal items purchased for migrant journeys as markers of domesticity, warmth and making oneself at home in a new land that speaks of the transnational lives embedded in threads of migration. A brown paper shopping bag with a printed logo and store information in black inkPyott's, Indian Souvenirs & Novelies. 524 Granville St, Vancouver- B.C. On the reverse side in handwriting: 'Red + dark red beadsshopping bag, marketing, ephemera, pyott's, vancouver, canada, migration, flagstaff hill, merchant

The paper shopping bag was most likely used for carrying garments, silk or woollen fabrics home from the Wallace Hughes department store. This substantial drapery operated from the late 19th-century-to the mid-20th century, and had 30 departments and stood at 464 - 470 Brixton Road, south London, U.K. The building was destroyed during the second World War and rebuilt in the 1950s. Brixton was once home to several large department stores, none survive today. History of shopping bags: Before the late 1800s, shopping bags didn’t exist. Shoppers would either carry their goods home in baskets, or have the merchant deliver them to people's homes, until 1852 when Francis Wolle, a schoolteacher in Pennsylvania, invented a machine to produce paper shopping bags. This invention would allow customers to carry items home in disposable paper bags. Soon after, owners of department stores and retailers began to realise that paper shopping bags could be used to help market their brands, and as such custom shopping bags with printed logos became common place. Carrying a shopping bag from certain shops became a type of status symbol for consumers, providing evidence that one was well-off, had good taste, or both.The paper shopping bag is a rare survival of ephemera related to a department store owned by Wallace Hughes in Brixton, South London, Britain that operated during the early-20th century, The arrival of waves of more than ten million migrants by boat is one of the major themes in Australia’s history. The paper shopping bag is representative of personal items purchased for migrant journeys as markers of domesticity, warmth and making oneself at home in a new land that speaks of the transnational lives embedded in threads of migration.The green coloured paper shopping bag with a printed logo and store information in red ink.Wallace Hughes, Brixton; For jumpers; For blouses; brixton's most fashionable draperwallace hughes, shopping bag, draper, migration, brixton, flagstaff hill

Adda & Co operated a business at 52 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris.The store sold crocheted silks, furs and hides. History of shopping bags: Before the late 1800s, shopping bags didn’t exist. Shoppers would either carry their goods home in baskets, or have the merchant deliver them to people's homes, until 1852 when Francis Wolle, a schoolteacher in Pennsylvania, invented a machine to produce paper shopping bags. This invention would allow customers to carry items home in disposable paper bags. Soon after, owners of department stores and retailers began to realise that paper shopping bags could be used to help market their brands, and as such custom shopping bags with printed logos became common place. Carrying a shopping bag from certain shops became a type of status symbol for consumers, providing evidence that one was well-off, had good taste, or both.The paper shopping bag is a rare survival of ephemera related to a retail store called Adda &Co that operated at 52 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris. The arrival of waves of more than ten million migrants by boat is one of the major themes in Australia’s history. The paper shopping bag is representative of personal items purchased for migrant journeys as markers of domesticity, warmth and making oneself at home in a new land that speaks of the transnational lives embedded in threads of migration.A brown paper shopping bag with a printed logo and store information in black inkparis, department store, shopping, adda & co, flagstaff hill, maritime museum

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the nineteenth century to the present.Black and white photograph of two men loading hessian sacks onto a furled sailboat. Ted Jenkins sits in the boat while Arthur Evans carries the sack.Catalogue number written in pencil on the reverse. Handwritten on reverse in pen '1941 Loading superphosphate on the Phillip Island side of the crossing - at the end of Churchill Island road. The "big" boat. Ted Jenkins with his back to camera. MYSELF (ARTHUR EVANS) doing the loading (The bags were wheeled up the plank on a wheelbarrow) see other photo'churchill island, ted jenkins

This carry bag was used in the 1980's to carry items bought at the Healesville Sanctuary Shop. Many bags have been used since the inception of the shop and this is one of many used over the years. It is interesting to note that paper was used widely throughout the early years and in latter years as the Sanctuary became more dedicated to preservation of the environment, more environmentally-friendly materials have been used.This is a white paper carry bag. The illustration in black and white is of a family group of grey kangaroos; 5 adults and joey. A light green basket-weave pattern forms the background. It has rafia handles and is inscribed with the name of the Healesville Sanctuary underscored in red.Inscription on the lower edge of the paper bag reads "HEALESVILLE / SANCTUARY / A TRULY AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE". On the underside of the bag it reads "For Re-order B.S.B. (03) 801 9255"paper-bag, shop, healesville-sanctuary, grey-kangaroo, kangaroo, 1980's

Plastic shopping bags used by four business in the Blackburn Shopping Centre. All have advertisement for the different shops printed on them including telephone number.These begs were used to carry purchases and advertise the business.1 Green plastic carry bag from Panache Boutique, Blackburn .2 Black and gold stripped carry bag from Victor's Men's Fashion shop, Blackburn .3 White, red and blue plastic carry bag from Anstees, Blackburn .4 White carry bag with green writing from Love Fortyvictor's fashion for men, anstees supa valu, love forty sporting apparel, blackburn shopping strip, shopping, panache boutique

This gear bag was issued to Sergent Harold Loraine Reed, who was born in 14 Aug 1889 in Portland, Victoria. Reed enlisted in the army in 1940 in Ballarat to serve in WWI, and was discharged from 8 Battalion in 1943. Gear bags such as this were standard issue to servicemen. Soldiers would fill their gear bags with essential equipment (mess tins, clothes, etc.) and carry them with them from post to post, or ship them to their destination ahead of time.Khaki coloured canvas bag that is cylindrical in shape with the owner's rank, name, and service number written on the front of the bag in white paint. The base of the bag is rounded, while the top is open with 11 eyelets (one missing) through which a cotton cord has been threaded. Each end of the cord has been wrapped with red tape.V58131 / S/Sgt. H.L. REEDmilitary equipment, duffle bag, barracks bag, kit bag, wwii, second world war (ww2)

Part of the equip,ment carried by Light Horse trooper to feed horseThree canvas nose bags fir horses. Branded: " Banner ": Army ::Banner / Armynosebag, horse, light horse

Canwen Zhao was awarded the $10,000 We The Makers Acquisitive Prize for '35 Life' in 2023. Artist Statement: "35life" is a sustainable fashion project that transforms second-hand clothing materials into urban street outdoor-style products. Highlighting prominent Chinese classic red and green colours not only conveys eastern aesthetics but also adds a sense of unity to the clothing collection. The high-saturation and high-brightness full-colour palette keeps the clothing consistently "fresh," allowing any trendy colours to seamlessly integrate into the project's designs, thus extending the lifespan of the garments. Additionally, all clothing items can quickly transform into a stylish bag for convenient daily carrying and home storage. These bags are made from leftover fabric generated during the production process and serve as original packaging for sale. This approach not only reduces excessive packaging but also enhances the chances of resale in the second-hand market. The project draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese cultural concept of "huo feng ding," meaning "exchange the old for the new." it's also influenced by the designer's personal experience with health issues, making the designs suitable for individuals who can't be exposed to sunlight for extended periods, adapting to the changing urban lifestyle. 35life aims to provide visually pleasing and comfortable dressing experiences for urban dwellers who are busy with work and experience high levels of stress. Unlike traditional design patterns, this project adopts a unique design approach. It selects 3-5 pieces of raw materials based on their colours, and then disassembles them through structural lines. While retaining most of their functionality, these materials are rearranged and assembled on a flat surface before being shaped on a dress form. Subsequently, various ways of creating storage bags are derived from the initial clothing prototypes. After refining the designs, the final products are developed, and similar materials are used to create samples. Therefore, under this design methodology, even for the same garment, it is impossible to produce two identical pieces of clothing. Each garment is truly one-of-a-kind, which enhances its rarity and contributes to the longevity of the fashion pieces. The project includes various types of clothing, each with unique storage methods. This yellow look, named "elegant beach sunscreen monarch," draws its fashion inspiration from traditional Han Chinese attire and its storage concept from the Chinese cultural concept of "jiu jiu gui yi." the design employs flat pattern cutting, utilizing materials from the second-hand market such as beach towels, children's waterproof clothing, and women's dresses. Similar colours and patterns are reassembled through cutting and combining. For the sleeves, quick-drying, sun-protective sport fabric forms the base, overlaid with discarded silk fabric dyed with turmeric and plant dyes. This not only ensures functionality but also adds a sense of elegance. The length can be adjusted using drawstrings. Artist Bio: Zhao Canwen is a multidisciplinary fashion designer with a strong passion for integrating art, history, culture, and sustainable design. With over 15 years of experience in painting, she draws inspiration from ancient Chinese philosophy and aesthetics, which gives her a unique sense of beauty. After 8 years of fashion and art training, she possesses a keen insight into current trends and tends to combine art with commercial needs. Zhao's design style is diverse, characterized by a multidimensional approach, a focus on colour application, and storytelling through details.Outfit consisting of six pieces: - Orange plastic eye wear with green paint - Pair of red and green metal clip on earrings - Red beaded phone case with attached beads on string - Pair of red and green painted running shoes - Yellow and green hooded garment with red piping and zips - Brown bag with green beaded handlessustainable, fashion, we the makers, art, culture, design, chinese philosophy, prize

This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith

This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

This Certificate was presented to Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Nettie Osborne on completion of six months employment with Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). This is the only example of a MDNS Nurses certificate in the RDNS collection. In 1913 the MDNS Nurses had their board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses provided. Newly employed Nurses were paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. .Following the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in February 1885 to care for the sick poor in Melbourne, subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided that only nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. After interviewing several candidates, it was on the first of May 1885 when the first Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed by MDNS with a salary of £100 per annum. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, "on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district". A Doctor agreed to assist the Nurse with advice at any time. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some poor social conditions they found. A second Nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon was employed by MDNS six months later, with a trial period of six months which was extended. They were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to illness through the heaviness of the work. Nurses salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and then when establishments were rented by the Society and the Nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They liaised with Doctors and provided high quality trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. They provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many nurses only remained with the Society for several months. A Trained Midwife was employed in August 1893. The work was arduous, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used; straw hats were worn in summer. Over the years the Nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Public transport was also used over the years, in conjunction with a Motor Auxiliary from 1929 to 1971. MDNS began with its own small fleet of vehicles in the early 1950s which gradually expanded into a full fleet.The coloured Certificate is made of white paper attached to a buff card forming a boarder. It is in gold print on the white background which has a thin gold border. In large bold script are the words "Melbourne District Nursing Society" In between the words "District" and "Nursing" is a red Maltese cross which extends above and below the writing. Underneath this, in smaller capital letters, are the words "For Nursing Sick Poor In Their Own Homes"/. Below this in bold script are the words "This is to Certify that"/. Under this, written in black handwriting, is "Nurse Nettie Osborne"/; below this in script is "has acted in the capacity of District Nurse", then in black handwriting the words "Six Months"/. The next two lines read "having fulfilled her Duties to the satisfaction of her Committee, /"and appreciation of her Patients". The Certificate is signed in black by Mary Leeper, Vice President; Kate Hood; Hon. Treasurer; C.M. Tatham Hon. Secretary, and has Date; 8th July 1913 in black handwriting. On paper attached with tape to the back of the Certificate, is a copy of a photograph of two unidentified people. [Possibly Nettie and her husband]. Some small marks, and in one area a small area of cracking is seen on the white background of the certificate.certificates, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse nettie osborne

Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman