The buttons relate to tailors in Warrnambool and District and some are stamped with relevant names. The collection provides a good sample of buttons and the types of materials and uses which were prevalent in the period. Rows of buttons in colours black, brown, fawn, silver, white, and Mother of Pearl. Mounted on cream card and framed with cream mount. Rows are labelled with small card inserts with names of local tailors and/or application and uses. Materials used are metal, bakelite, shell and fabric.The metal buttons have names of tailors stamped into them and bakelite buttons are either stamped or have raised lettering or symbols. Names on buttons as follows: Cramond & Dickson, Youngers, Warrnambool, W. J. Taggart, S Taggart, Fletcher Jones, W. A Burnett, W McDonald, Thompson Terang, R Carey, J Torrance Camperdown, F Williamson, Salvation Army. Types of buttons : Military, Navy, coat, vest, boot and shoe,shirt, trouser, coat, Pearl shell, linen, and fabric covered.warrnambool, buttons, cramond and dickson, youngers, w.j. taggart, burnett mcdonald thompson, terang williamson, j. torrance, fletcher jones, warrnambool military

This MEZON brand button accordion was made specifically for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 Bourke Street Melbourne, as can be seen on the embossed lettering on the top of the accordion. The hand inscribed nameplate indicates that the owner was T H Betts. On August 19th, 1903, Michael Edward Lyons applied to the Trade Mark’s Office of Sydney for registration of “The Invented word “MEZON” to be applied to musical instruments. In 1908 he was advertising himself as sole agents for MEZON accordions. He had been at that address for 15 years (since 1893) and was moving to larger premises at 256 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Still at this address in 1925, Lyons advertises MEZON accordions as “The ideal Xmas present, Maker your friends happy, This Xmas let the Present be a MEZON”. There was a choice of three styles: The Organ, The Wonder and The Grand Organ. They came with a Fibre Case with Lock and Key and a Leather Handle. The promise was “They Give Satisfaction”. They were obtainable at all stores or from Sole Distributors in Australia. In 1927 the MEZON was sold by Albert & Sons in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as by Lyons in Melbourne. The favoured German accordion brands were Monarch and Sterling, which were made by the International Accordion Company in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. The company was founded in 1871 by Ernest Deines and made a variety of musical instruments. The company closed business in 1834. The International Accordion Company’s accordion range made the International brand and others such as MEZON, Globe, and Dienst. Australia imported the MEZON brand. American companies imported a range of the popular German branded accordions until World War II, when they were no longer available. In general, accordions produced after the war were not as high a quality and not loud enough to be heard over the electronic guitars and the drum kit of the bands. This accordion represents the type of musical instruments used in the late 19h and early 20th century, locally and Australia wide. In colonial Australia musical instruments like this one were imported from Germany as well as other countries. At that time, German made instruments represented good quality. This accordion is significant for being especially imported into Australia by a Melbourne retailer. Music was a part of family and social life, associated with dances, song and general fun.Button accordion with case. Accordion with steel reeds, three bass valves and ten treble valves. It is coloured black with very dark green trim, decorative silver metal reinforcing on main corners, gold reinforcing on corners of the bellows and delicate printed, gold printed patterned trims. Hand support for buttons is made of fabric. Folds of the bellows are light coloured with fine dark pattern. It has a nameplate on the front. Black wooden case has red lining, two brass hinges, two brass hook and eye catches and a swivel brass lock. The base of the case has a loose brass fitting. The top has a thin metal handle. Inscription on hand inscribed name on front, label inside case lid, silver reinforcing, leather on bellows top, and frame of accordion. Manufactured with the brand MEZON in Saxony, Germany, for Lyons of Melbourne. Once the property of T H Betts.Printed on label “MEZON ACCORDEONS.” Impressed in metal corners and reinforcing “MEZON” with logo [circle enclosing entwined capital D and E] “MADE IN SAXONY” Embossed in gold on frame “Made in Saxony”, “MEZON Accordion/ manufactured for LYONS / MELBOURNE, Bourke Street” Name inscribed by hand “T H Betts”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mezon accordion, lyons, made in saxony, t h betts, betts, mezon, squeeze box, musical instrument, button accordion, germany, michael lyons, international accordion company, ernest deines, circle enclosing d e, d e, e d, german accordion

This Edwardian-era mourning outfit was worn by a wealthy woman from the rural area of Willaura, southeast of the Grampians. It was inherited by the donor from his mother, who had purchased it from a clearing sale in the 1960s. The jacket has a peplum or flounce below the waistline, a fashion that was seen in the 1860s and is still around in the 1900s. The outfit represents the female mourning fashion and wardrobe from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Such garments were a necessary inclusion as death often occurred to the young, due to illness, accidents and hard work - it was a regular part of life in rural Victoria. Mourning outfits were part of a person’s wardrobe and often passed from one generation to the next. This particular outfit appears to have been adjusted at some stage to allow for a wider waistline. The original skirt may have been replaced by the one that is now part of this outfit; the skirt is all machine-sewn, unlike the jacket and petticoat. The fabric of the skirt may be silk or it could be a synthetic fibre such as artificial silk or rayon; both were available in the 1800s, but nylon wasn’t invented until the 1930s. This skirt has sunray pleating, which was advertised on skirts for sale in the 1890s, and 1909, and was part of a fashionable bridal gown train in the 1930s. The mourning of death was part of both family and community life, particularly in rural and remote areas. People were bonded through work, religion, disasters, tragedy and social activities, supporting one another. They came together from near and far on such an occasion, giving each other the care that was needed and showing respect for the member who had passed away.This three-piece silk Edwardian mourning outfit is significant historically for its connection with rural Victoria and the social and religious customs surrounding the death of a family or community member. The high-quality outfit is also significant for representing the financial management of the times, being tailored by a dressmaker for a person of means and then adjusted to fit at least one different-sized person. The full-length black silk tailor-made skirt is one of three pieces of a ladies’ Edwardian mourning outfit. The skirt is made from black silky fabric. The garment has only two seams; at the side closure and the centre back. The whole skirt has sunray pleats; narrow pleats at the waist that fan outwards towards the hem. The top of the skirt is finished with a waistband that is shaped as an upward V shape in the centre. The side seam is closed with four self-fabric buttons with silver metal backing. The shirt has been machine sewn.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, edwardian era, tailor-made, dressmaker, mourning outfit, mourning dress, death mourning, sunray pleats, western district victoria, full-length skirt

c1900 These white metal buttons could be attached to a dress or jacket to possibly match or enhance decorative silver, pewter or brass buckles that were attached by ribbons or straps to plain shoes for evening and special occasions . These buttons were worn by a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin Shire These decorative white metal buttons were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c19006x square white metal buttons with filigree design and attachment loop at backdetachable silver buttons, footwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, white metal, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

Fitted bodice with 1.5 cm deep stand-up collar. Long curved sleeve, tapering at the wrist, has a fine piping around the armhole. Wrist is trimmed with a piped, plain silver peaked false cuff, and two 3 cm deep pleated and piped ''frills''. Three covered buttons trim the diagonally cut decorative cuff. One metal hook, and hand stitched loop on the stand-up collar. 23 covered buttons ( one missing,others in various states of disrepair) extend from the neckline to the lower skirt. Front skirt is trimmed with a 7 cm deep band of plain silver silk, bordered by the striped fabric piping, and a 3 cm deep pleated frill on either side. Below this is a 25cm deep band of the striped fabric, at the lower edge of which are sewn four X 5 cm deep bands of pleated frills. At the centre back neckline are two X 20cm ''tails'' curved at each end and lined in plain silver silk. These are to be wrapped around the neckline, and fastened with a metal hook and eye, to form a 4cm deep rounded silver collar. Skirt back extends into a 34cm deep train. Brown cotton tape binds the hemline. Front of skirt is ruched from the centre buttoned section, in three sections either side, to the centre back panel, which is pleated, and extends into the train. Back waistline is trimmed with a 14cm wide bow, striped fabric, lined with plain silver fabric.A 7cm wide, and 34 cm long loop is stitched into the centre back seam, presumably used to hold, and lift the train above the ground. (The ends of the bow are trimmed with 10 cm deep black and silver fringing.) One metal ''bone'' in left front dart(now causing damage). One tiny 5.5cmX5.5cm shield shaped pocket on left front. Dress fully lined with cotton fabric.costume, female, victorian silver striped long silk dress

Men's black wool waistcoat, fastened with four fabric buttons (1.5cm diameter). Decorative lapels edged with Ric-Rac.Back section of black cotton. Fully lined with cream cotton fabric. Two front pockets lined with black cotton fabric (12 cm X 8 cm). Pockets with 2 cm band at opening edged with black Ric-Rac. Half belt across back of waistcoat (5 cm at sides tapering to 2.5.cm at centre), fastened at centre back with black metal buckle with two prongs. Found inside pocket - small pink pencil (5 cm) with silver coloured metal cap with 2 cm string attached, black metal hollow tube 3.5 cm X 2 cm.costume, male, mens black waistcoat

High round neckline finished with a 2 cm fine striped silk stand-up collar-(this is now severely damaged). One metal hook fastener at the neckline, but no loop remains, although thwere is some evidence of a hand stitched remnant of a loop. Eight rounded buttons (one missing) are bound with silk thread. Sleeves have a fine rouleau piping at shoulder. They are round in shape at the elbow, and finished with a flounce, which is trimmed with 2.5 cm band of contrasting, finely striped silk and a 5 cm wide silver silk braid, as in 11400.975 and 11400.976. A gathered frill and a band of striped ribbon trim the upper edge of the flounce. The striped ribbon, and silver braid trim the front panels, either side of the button opening, and a band of the striped ribbon and silver braid trim the lower edge of bodice.Bodice and sleeves are lined with cream polished cotton, while the lower front panels, which give a peplum type of effect, are lined with cream silk. Centre back panel has a fabric bow, trimmed with the darker striped fabric, and the silver braid bow is 13 cm wide, plus the 5 cm silver braid. Pleated tails of the bow are part of back bodice. An inside 2cm wide cotton tape, with metal hook, and hand stitched loop, fastens around the waistline. Garment is machine and hand stitched. Buttonholes are hand -stitched.costume, female, gold silk victorian bodice

Issued to Sister Kathleen Heaphy of Australian Army Nursing service. Sister Heaphy was attached, for part of her service, to 28 Camp Hospital Internment camp 1.round silver metal button with a metal shank. Crown and map of Australia and wording around the circumference. Australian Military Forces A crown and map of Australia Stokes and Sonsaustralian army nursing service, sister kathleen heaphy, 28 camp hospital internment camp 1, brass buttons

After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. The Militia units were distributed in the same areas the original AIF units were raised. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, the Victorian 37th Infantry Battalion was the "Hunt Regiment", while the 52nd Infantry Battalion was the "Gippsland Regiment". Both were raised in 1921 and linked in 1930, forming the 37th/52nd Infantry Battalion. In 1937 the battalion was separated but merged again in August 1942, after Japan's entry into the Second World War and the subsequent reorganisation of the Australian Army. carved gold coloured metal frame with green mount containing 3 silver and 2 green badges 8 large and 7 small gold coloured buttons on tartan cloth background.37th-52rd Australian Infantry Battalion Affilitated with The Queens "Own" Cameron Highlanders 37th/52nd australian infantry battalion, cameron highlanders

Victorian Railways uniform jacket in navy blue woollen cloth. It has straight sleeves, a standing collar with brown piping and rounded fronts. There are two set- in pockets on the fronts and a breast pocket in the right front lining. The body is lined with a glazed black twill and the sleeves with cream cotton with a longitudinal brown pinstripe. The three pockets are lined with heavy tan twill. There are five metal buttons embossed with a crown and "VR". There is a black cotton tape loop inside the collar.In the breast pocket, in purple ink the initials "GL" or "GI". In the right sleeve lining, an unreadable stamp in purple ink. In the left sleeve lining, pencilled "XB 338" or "X13 338". Behind the buttons is engraved " Superior Quality - Silver Plated".costume, male uniform, civilian, george evans collection

Royal Australian Army WRAAN Corps. 00066 .1 Silver buttons made by K.G.Luke Melbourne Kings crown & map of Australia 1 centremetre x 2 00066.2. Hat badge, Queens crown, white metal, slider fitting. 00066.3 Buttons, grey felt covered, 2 centremeters x2 00066.4 Officers shoulder pips, white metal & enamel. 00066.5 Cloth shoulder boards with maroon officers pips, cut off uniform 10 x 5 centremeters plus buttons x 2

Given to K May to playBrown wooden and black leather button accordion. Wooden and leather strap handles at one end. Wooden base with buttons and metal valves at the other end. Leather covered concertina bellows in the middle section. Silver embossing & trim on either end. Case is broen coloured hard cardboard with metal studs and corners. Two latches and a lock on the front. Leather handle on the hinged top.The Grand Organ Made in Germany

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture, badge and has a strong association with a former Ballarat Driver - Norm HuntSEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak fitted with cap or badge No. 20, nickel plated silver, in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne (very faded)" and stamped "6 3/4". See also Reg. Item 3044 for an ex Geelong cap. Stored with the cap are a copy of the SEC By-Law 1, August 1965 and the Federal Rules of the ATMOEA - 1969 and three SEC tickets.tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

3044.1 SEC (Geelong) Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior. Black plastic peak fitted with cap or with four holes for the employee badge number in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory Melbourne" and stamped "7 3/8". The plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side is not present. The holes for this are not visible - may not have been present on Geelong caps? 3044.2 - two small SEC Button badge - nickel plated silver with "Stokes" "Vic" stamped on rear. See also Reg. Item 2894 for a Ballarat Cap. On inside of leather hat band in ink "Mr. R. Evans" and "90 Albert St. West Geelong".tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture, badge and has a strong association with a former Ballarat Driver - Jock Menzies.SEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak fitted with cap or badge No. 60, nickel plated silver, in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 3/8". See also Reg. Item 3044 for an ex Geelong cap.tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

This uniform was worn by Sandra "Sally" Allmand circa 1953-57 as a member of the 3rd St Andrews Girl Guides company in Brighton. Sally Allmand went on to serve on the Brighton Council from 1977 to 1983 and was mayor in 1981.1950s Girl Guides uniform consisting of a dress, belt and beret. Blue cotton dress with long sleeves and high collared neck. Various patches sewn onto sleeves and front breast. Three front pockets fastening with black plastic buttons featuring Girl Guides trefoil logo. Breast pocket has two vertical white stripes. Brown leather belt with silver metal buckle with embossed Girl Guides logo and the text "Girl Guides Association / Be Prepared". Navy blue felt beret with two sewn-on patches. Included with the dress are a Girl Guides 'test card' dated 1953 and a rectangular De Reszke cigarette tin containing a collection of Girl Guide ribbons, patches and buttons. .1 - Dress .2 - Belt .3 - Beret .4 - Test card .5 - Box of patches and ribbonsDress label: "The Guide Shop / STATE HEADQUARTERS / RUN BY GUIDES / FOR GUIDES".girl guides, sally allmand, 1950s

A female hand operates a switchboard, connecting outside callers to internal lines. The switchboard has a series of buttons with printed labels and some with Braille underneath them. On the operator's forefinger is a silver metal rod, probably used to depress the switches. To the bottom right of the image are both buttons with individual numbers as well as a rotary dial. In the background, her arm rests on the bench as she listens to the handset.Digital image of female using a switchboardemployment

Mid-length shift dress in light grey-blue. Dress consists of two breast pockets, each with rounded flap closure held in place by two press studs. Dress is fastened down centre with three silver buttons held in place with a metal ring (only two buttons remain). From waist line down, dress is fastened by a hidden zipper and hook and eye. Waist line is pleated and carries two loops on the back, through which a fabric belt (0030.2) is threaded. Two fabric loops on each shoulder may have been used to hold epaulettes or similar. Dress sleeves are rolled up by 40 mm. Collar is notched. Interior label on left side at waist height reads "IYD CLO CO/VIC./8410-66-000-000/SIZE 18/ARMY NO........../NAME............"

Worn by Mrs. Thomas Quayle in 1890Silk tartan (green, blue, red and black) skirt and jacket, with black fringe yoke. Satin peplum and fully lined, with black buttons down the front. Oval silver metal brooch with filigree work, worn at the neckline. evening dresses

Scarlet wool doublet with yellow stand collar and cuffs and Inverness skirts. Lower edge of collar, left front of doublet, cuffs and Inverness skirts all edged with white piping. Cuffs and skirts are decorated with three rows of doubled, twisted white wool braid; each row completed with a large whitemetal coloured metal "King Edward VII Australian Commonwealth" button of the period 1901-1911. Shoulder straps are scarlet wool with MISSING whitemetal 'VSR' title, a MISSING whitemetal 'letter' title, a small ERVII Australian Commonwealth button on left shoulder, and a small silver coloured metal Victorian Military Forces button on the right shoulder. Seven large buttons at front of tunic (one missing), and two at back waist. Two large brass belt hooks at side waist of doublet. Lower front skirt flaps have welt pockets lined with linen. Body of tunic lined with a white wool mixture, lightly padded around the underarms. Lower skirt flaps lined with a medium weight cream wool twill and upper smaller flaps lined with a finer cream wool twill. Sleeves lined with cream cotton twill and printed in black ink on the centre back lining is '5/8 38'. Collar lined with red wool and neck fastened with a single brass hook and eye over a black patent leather tab.Printed in black ink on the centre back lining is '5/8 38'

Officer's full dress scarlet wool doublet with yellow stand collar and cuffs, and Inverness skirts. Left front of doublet, cuffs and Inverness skirts all edged with white piping. Lower edge of collar, cuffs and skirts are decorated with three rows of doubled, 1/8” silver Russian braid; each row completed with a large whitemetal coloured metal "King Edward VII Australian Commonwealth" button of the period 1901-1911. 5/8” silver lace around top of collar, and top and seam of gauntlet cuff. Silver braid shoulder straps and screw buttons MISSING. Five large buttons at front of tunic (three missing), and one at back waist (one missing). Two large brass belt hooks at side waist of doublet. Lower front skirt flaps have welt pockets lined with linen. Body of tunic lined with a white wool mixture, lightly padded around the underarms. Lower skirt flaps lined with a medium weight cream wool twill and upper smaller flaps lined with a finer cream wool twill. Sleeves lined with cream cotton twill and written in blue ink on lotter right opening lining is '5-7 37'. Collar lined with red wool and neck fastened with two brass hook and eyes. No black patent leather tab at collar.blue ink on lotter right opening lining is '5-7 37'

Distributed to Australian Nursing Federation members during bargaining for public sector nurse to patient ratios. During this period ratios were secured as part of bargaining negotiations between unions and employer groups. After decades of campaigning from the ANF, ratios were legislated for the public sector in Victoria with the passing of the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient) Bill in 2015.Circular red, white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'nurse patient ratios: HERE TO STAY!' and the Australian Nursing Federation logo.nursing, ratios, workforce, staffing, nurses, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, trade unions, labour history, safe patient care (nurse to patient and midwife to patient ratios) act 2015

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular white and blue plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'KEEP NURSES NURSING - Improve Nurses' Conditions' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, industrial action, strike action, unionism, badges, nurses, buttons, pins, campaigning, trade unions, labour history

Button distributed to and worn amongst Australian Nursing Federation members employed at Western Hospital (now Footscray Hospital). Possibly worn only by delegates/union representatives at this workplace, and/or celebrating 45 years of the Western Hospital (this occurred in 1998). The Western Hospital changed its name to Footscray Hospital in July 2014 and is located at 160 Gordon St, Footscray, Victoria, Australia.Circular orange/red badge with blue writing and logo. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'ANF at the Western Hospital' the number '45' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.nursing, nurses, badges, buttons, pins, western hospital, western health, footscray hospital, melbourne, victoria

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation members. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'NURSES Too Good to Lose' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.nurses, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, australian nursing federation, staffing, workforce

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right). (Unknown) former owner of badge has written a 'DE' and 'd' with black permanent marker on the badge to spell 'Don't ask me, I'm a degraded nurse'.Circular white and blue plastic badge, customised with black permanent marker. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Don't ask me, I'm a Grade 1 nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.Former owner of badge has written a 'DE' and 'd' with black permanent marker on the badge to spell 'Don't ask me, I'm a degraded nurse'.nursing, industrial action, nurses, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The title for a 'Grade 1' nurse is now a 'Division 1' or (more commonly) 'Registered Nurse'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular blue and white plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'Don't ask me, I'm a Grade 1 nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, industrial action, nurses, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) members. The ANF has been campaigning for more funding and qualified nurses to improve the quality of aged care for the past several decades, and continues to do so. The 'Aged care nurses worth more not less' campaign was run throughout 2005-2006 during private aged care enterprise bargaining negotiations. Claims focused on unsafe staffing levels and an inadequate skill mix of registered and unregistered staff. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Circular pink and black plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Aged care WORTH MORE NOT LESS' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo. 'NOT LESS' is underlined.nursing, nurses, unionism, aged care, lobbying, funding, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, staffing, workforce, patient care