Worn by nursing staff during World War II.A nursing group than came into being during the War. Over time the position evolved into one of a Nursing Aide.Voluntary Aid Detachment long sleeve cotton dress and fine sewn scarf, both with red cross emblem.Label reads: NF 480571 RIXON G. Scarf label reads: V.383-1944 / MADE IN AUSTRALIAuniform, nurses, world war ii

In the collection of the Kew RSL (Cotham Road) there is a framed original certificate with information about Lillias Jerram. It includes the following information: Miss Lillias May JERRAM Commandant No. 323 Detachment, Victoria [Citation] Loyal and able leadership and service during World War II Service: Joined No.323 (Kew) Detachment in 1937. Commandant in 1944. Miss Jerram did voluntary duty in casualty and wards at St Vincent's Hospital regularly for 6 years. Also duty at the Eye and Ear Hospital and A.R.P. Duty. Helped No.323 Detachment to raise funds amounting to 400 pounds for St. John Theatre at 115th A.G.H., Heidelberg. Blood donor. [Courtesy: John Torpey representing the Kew RSL]Women's contribution-utions to the war effort both in 1924-18 and again in 1939-45 were significant. Voluntary Aid Detachments. The primary role of a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) member was that of nursing orderly in hospitals, carrying out menial but essential tasks - scrubbing floors, sweeping, dusting and cleaning bathrooms and other areas, dealing with bedpans, and washing patients. They were not employed in military hospitals, except as ward and pantry maids; rather, they worked in Red Cross convalescent and rest homes, canteens, and on troop trains.Small blue muslin tablecloth used at V.A.D. (Voluntray Aid Detatchment) meetings in Kew and embroidered with the names of notable members and office bearers. The date range provided in the embroidered names is 1918-1948.Signed with initials of members and the dates of their participation in the V.A.D.voluntary aid detachment (kew branch), signature table cloths, lilies may jerram

The Marion Boothby Ward in the 'MDNS After Care Home' opened in 1930 and was named in honour of Mrs Noel (Marion) Boothby, Life Governor and generous supporter of the Melbourne District Nursing Society who passed away in 1929. The photograph portrays a Trained nurse (Sister) holding a young child viewing the newly completed mural by Miss Jessie Traill. Two young children in a cane wicker trolley look on.Miss Jessie Traill 29/7/1881 - 15/5/1967 is today considered one of Australia's most remarkable printmakers. She studied painting and drawing at the National Gallery of Victoria. She spent over 3 years as a VAD nurse based in Rouen, France during World War 1. https://nga.gov.au/Traill/Chronology2.cfm The Melbourne District Nursing The Society (MDNS) were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed. The MDNS had purchased its first premises, 'Floriston' at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood in 1914 and were able to purchase land next to No. 39, where the Society built the After-Care Home, it became No. 45 Victoria Parade, for these patients, and for patients from Hospitals. It was opened in July 1926 and the name of the Society then became ‘Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home’ (‘Hospital’ from 1934), Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and two School Teachers were employed. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Sisters and nurses, and the District division which only employed Sisters. Black and white digital image of a Trained nurse (Sister) and 3 children in the Marion Boothby Ward in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home. The photograph portrays a Sister in her white uniform and white veil over her short curled hair. She is holding a young boy who has short dark hair, in her arms. He has a blanket around him. They are viewing the newly completed mural on the wall by Miss Jessie Traill. Two young girls, one with dark straight hair and the other with lighter coloured curled hair are sitting up together in a cane wicker trolley look up at the mural. The mural depicts flowers and children.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, mdns, mrs noel (marion) boothby, miss jessie traill