The RDNS Sister is about to leave to visit patients in their homes in the community to administer nursing care as advised by a Doctor. The RDNS insignia on the door of the car is a round badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" in white, and the centre section is in three parts ,with the upper and lower sections white, and a royal blue centre strip with the large white capital letters "RDNS".Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and White Photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister about to enter one of the new light grey 2 door Holden Torana RDNS cars. The Sister, who is smiling, is wearing her uniform grey peaked hat over her long dark hair which is drawn back. She is wearing her long grey coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve and is holding the partly opened driver side door of the car with her left hand. She is holding the handle on the top of her rectangular black nursing case with her right hand. To the right, the grill and black number plate, with the white writing displaying "KXF 024", can be seen. The round RDNS insignia is on the upper centre of the car door. The car is the same width all over, has a flat bonnet which joins a sloping windscreen adjoining a flat roof which runs along and joins a short back window running down to a boot. A black tyred wheel can be seen under wheel arches at the front and near the rear of the vehicle. In the background to the left is a mid size bare tree; behind this portions of several parked cars and behind them a multi storey building with the Written words "Rioby House". To its right and directly behind the car is a mid size bare tree and behind that the end view of a brick building with a hip roof. Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 52rdns transport, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, rdns

This photograph is a good view of the car park at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, with the new Torana two door vehicles. The RDNS insignia seen on some of the cars is a thin royal blue circle with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white capital letters. The centre section is in three with the top and bottom section white and the centre section royal blue with the large capital white letters "RDNS" written across it.Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph taken above, and giving a "birds eye view", of the car park and latest fleet of grey Holden Torana two door vehicles owned by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The fourteen cars are parked in two rows with the front of the cars facing to the left of the photograph. The round RDNS insignia is seen in the upper centre of some car doors. A tall brick wall is seen along the rear and right hand side of the car park. Two fire extinguishers are seen attached to the lower area of the rear brick wall in the open space between the two rows of cars. In the background and to the left, a road, some cars and parts of two brick buildings are seen as well as several small bare trees.Barry Sutton's Photographers Stamp. Quote KX 86royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns headquarters, rdns carpark,

The photograph is taken outside the new Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Caulfield Centre. RDNS Sisters left in RDNS Torana vehicles from this Centre each morning to give nursing care to patients in surrounding suburbs and returned to the Centre after their visits. Gradually over the years, Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966 when they received Royal patronage, opened Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs. In 1972 The Melbourne Centre which was conducted from RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, was relocated to Caulfield and it became the Caulfield Centre. Their Trained nurses (Sisters) left from these Centres each morning to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), taking any sterilized equipment needed with them. They returned at the end of the day to write up their patients nursing histories, clean and reset any equipment used ready for re-sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Most of the RDNS cars were housed at each Centre, only a few being driven home by a Sister. This is a black and white photograph of two RDNS two door grey Torana cars parked on the road outside a flat roof, one storey, light coloured brick building. The building is in three sections with the centre section set back. Part of the back of a white car can be seen in the driveway to the left of the set back section. Three large white framed windows can be seen along the end view of the left hand section and even larger windows are seen in the centre section. A small water tank and piping sit on a platform on the roof of both the left and right hand sections of the building. White fascia with dark trim above it edges the roof on each sections of the building. Some pencil shape type shrubs and a bare tree is seen in front of the building and a low light coloured brick fence runs across the property and down either side of the drive, with the footpath and nature strip in front of this. The back of a white car is seen on the road in the far right of the photograph and part of a wooden fence and parts of two large trees with leaves can be seen.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp. Quote KY 5rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns centre

The MDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) are about to board two motor vehicles outside their Nurses home, at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, to be driven to give nursing care to their patients who lived a distance away. The lady Chauffeur is probably Miss Sword who was employed by MDNS in 1922-23; she was also in charge of the garage. This enabled the Sisters to do more visits in a day than when using Public transport all the time. This image also shows the style of cars driven in that era. The Sisters uniforms are grey and their hats have a red Maltese cross attached to the centre front of the hatband. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a female Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding, and In 1929 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) formed a volunteer Motor Auxiliary to transport their Trained Nurses (Sisters) to make visits more patients who lived a distance away. At first wealthy people offered their car and chauffeur, but then the general public supplied their own vehicles. They operated on week days when able and could take up to three Sisters at a time, collecting them from the Nurses Home, 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, at 9 a.m; dropping each Sister at a patient then picking them up and taking them to the next patient before completing the morning round and returning to the Nurses Home at 1 p.m.. The Sisters were able to double the number of visits they did each morning and did their afternoon visits on public transport. At its peak there were 60 volunteers but this fell off during World War 11. In 1944 the Red Cross were assisting, and by 1953 were taking out 16 MDNS Sisters. Appeals for volunteers occurred over the years, particularly during the Tram and Tramway Bus strike in the 1950s, and when the Royal Women's Hospital had an influx of births and wanted to send the mothers and babies home on day four but could not do so if M.D.N.S. could not visit. During 1962 the Motor Auxiliary transported 34 Sisters who preferred not to drive themselves, but as the MDNS fleet of cars grew there was less need for their service and the Auxiliary was disbanded in 1971. Some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. IA black and white digital image showing, in the left foreground, the frontal view of an early model, 1920s, soft hooded car parked on the road next to the gutter. Two front spoked wheels are seen, and headlights sit either side of the radiator at the front of the nose shaped bonnet.. '3758' is written in white on the black number plate below the radiator. The female Chauffeur is dressed in a dark coat and peaked hat and is standing by the partly open driver's door. The passenger door is open and a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister is standing on the footpath behind the door. Another Sister stands behind her. There is another similar car parked behind the first one. It is partly obscured, its hood is down; it has spoked wheels and one of its headlights can be seen beside the partially obscured radiator. Part of the black number plate can be seen with two of its numbers, '69', written in white. A partly obscured Sister is standing by the driver's door and another behind the open passenger door. Another Sister is standing at the rear of this car..The five MDNS Sisters are wearing their uniform grey coats and felt brimmed grey hats with a Maltese cross applied to the centre hatband, Leafless trees and some buildings can be seen in the background.melbourne district nursing society, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns motor auxiliary, mdns uniforms, miss sword, female chauffeur

This photograph is a visual record of Mr. Ken Mason who was appointed to the Committee of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) In March 1975 and held the position of Honorary Treasurer from August 1975 until October 1979 when he was appointed President of the Board of Directors, a position he held until 1993. Women held the role as President of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from its founding in 1885 for the next 94 years. Mrs. John Simson was President from 1885 until late 1888. For these first three years Mr. T. Harlin was Honorary Secretary of the Society and Mr. McKinnon the Honorary Treasurer; from then these roles were held by women. The other formal positions, and the vast majority of members of the Committee, were women, with up to four Reverend gentlemen being on the Committee each year over the next years. Throughout this time the Society expanded in the areas it serviced, commencing in inner Melbourne and expanding throughout the Melbourne suburbs. It began with their two Trained nurses (Nurses) living in their own home close to the area (district) in which they carried out their nursing care walking the streets of inner Melbourne. From 1891 the Society rented several premises for use as a Nurses Home and for administrative purposes and where the bicycles the MDNS purchased for use by their Nurses in 1903 could be housed. In 1914 the Society purchased their own premises at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and in 1919 there first four cars were purchased. The Society underwent further expansion with the building of the After-Care Home (later Hospital) next to their Nurses Home in Victoria Parade which meant the running of two Divisions – the After-Care and the District Nursing Division. The one Committee ran the two Divisions until the time of the separation of the Society and After-Care in 1957. In late 1888 Lady Janet Clarke became President and held this role until her death in 1908, except for extended times when she was overseas when Lady O'Loughlen held the role. Mrs. Hood was President from 1909-1911, Mrs. F.A. Lang from 1912-1914, Mrs. F. Tatham from 1915-1923, Mrs. G.G. Henderson from 1924-1947, Mrs. F. E. Shillabeer from 1948-1949, Lady Lowe from 1950-1951 and Mrs. George Simpson from 1952-1957. When the Society and After-Care separated in 1957 the District Nursing Division became the Melbourne District Nursing Service with its own Committee. Mrs. J.P. Major, formerly Miss Beatrice Mary Williams who was a Sister with the Society, and became its Matron before marrying Dr. Major, became the first President in 1957 until her death in 1958 when Mrs. George Simpson became President. She held this role until 1964, then Mrs. E.G. Wilson held the role from October 1964 to mid 1967. During this time MDNS was granted Royal patronage and the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. Mrs. D. Hallenstein held the role of President from 1967 to 1974 and during this time RDNS was granted a Coat of Arms. Mrs. J.L. Frew M.B., B.S. was appointed President in October 1974 and held the position until October 1979 when Mr. K.W.G. Mason took over the role. During these years, the RDNS service continued to expanded with more Centres built throughout the Metropolitan area, more Trained Nurses employed and the RDNS now had an increased fleet of vehicles. Black and white head and shoulder photograph of Mr. Ken Mason who has thinning white hair and is wearing glasses. He is dressed in a grey self striped suit and is wearing a white shirt and a light grey tie which has black and white stripes.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns president, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mr k.w.g. mason

The group are photographed outside the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. This photograph was taken three years after Miss Dorothy Tupper was appointed, in 1941, Matron of the District Nursing Division of 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital'. She held this position until she retired at the end of 1962. 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, the first Society of its kind in Australia, with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society only employed qualified nurses (Nurses) trained under the Hospital training system and 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, 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. As the Society expanded bicycles and public transport were used to reach outer districts; before an appeal, during the influenza epidemic, provided four T Model Ford vehicles so the Nurses could visit more patients. Constant change of drivers and lack of time for maintenance caused cars to be disbanded. In addition to bicycles and public transport, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 and the public drove the District Trained nurses, 'Sisters', to visit patients in outer districts until District had its own fleet of vehicles. The After-Care and District division separated with the District Division moving premises and becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then in 1966 with royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Expansion followed with RDNS Centres built throughout the Melbourne suburbs and outer regions. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Sitting from left to right in the front row of this black and white Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), photograph is a District nurse (Sister), next is Matron Tupper, (District Nursing Division) next, the Matron of the After-Care Hospital Section of the Society, and two District nurses, one wearing her uniform brimmed hat. Seven Sisters stand behind them, the centre two in white uniform dresses, one with short blonde hair, the other dark. The two Matrons are wearing white veils. The rest of the District nurses are wearing grey long sleeved uniform dresses, and have short dark curled hair. They are in front of a concrete veranda with the brick building behind. To the left of the Sisters a hydrangea bush can be seenGreen Number 948Fmelbourne district nursing society, m.d.n.s., nurses, mdns matron, mdns uniforms, after- care hospital, rdns, royal district nursing service, dorothy tupper

The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister is leaving Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, to administer nursing care to patients in their own homes. The Sisters nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. The Sister is driving an Australian built Holden car of the 1960s which, along with the other parked Holden cars are part of the RDNS fleet of vehicles. From its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. From the early days the Nurses taught the importance of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition in the prevention and curing of disease and in maintaining good health, as well as giving advice and support to the patient and their carers. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctor. District has had various modes of transport over the last 130 years. At first the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded bicycles, public transport, District cars, the use of a Motor Auxiliary, nurses own cars, and even a motorcycle were used, and all these forms were intermingled until RDNS had its own fleet of vehicles. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the nurses travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) building at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne was originally called 'Airlie', the childhood home of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, the Prime Minister of Australia 1923-1929. RDNS, then named Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) moved into this building as their Nurses Home and Headquarters in 1953. MDNS was given Royal patronage in 1966 and continued to occupy the building until 1996. 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. In the foreground of this black and white photograph are three cars on St. Kilda Road passing Arthur Street on their left. In the centre is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister sitting at the driving wheel of her RDNS grey Holden car in Arthur Street, at the corner of St. Kilda Road. Behind the car are two round poles inset in the nature strip near the kerb; the pole on the right holds the street signs 'Arthur St' which points to the left of the photograph, and 'St Kilda Rd' points towards the number '452' attached to a square concrete column and metal spiked fence running down the right of the photograph behind the nature strip. In the background of the photograph is the corner view showing two sides, part in Arthur Street and part in St. Kilda Road, of RDNS Headquarters which is a large white two storey Italian style building, which has arched Arcadia on the ground floor, and an arched Arcade on the second floor; a flat roof with two chimneys is seen. A garden with trees can be seen running in front of both sides of the building and behind the cast iron spiked fence. In Arthur Street, to the left of the large building is a two storey white building with a tiled roof. It has a white solid fence in front of it Parked at the kerb in front of this building, and the section of RDNS large white building in Arthur Street, are three other RDNS grey Holden cars. Parts of a large trees are seen on the left and right of the photograph.Photographers stamp. Quote GE 46rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns headquarters

The photograph shows a RDNS Sister driving her RDNS car along a dirt road to reach a patient to administer nursing care. It shows the typical conditions of the roads the RDNS trained nurses encountered in some districts. The photograph also depicts an Australian made Holden car of the mid 1960s Melbourne District Nursing Society, later Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 years. At first their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded bicycles, public transport, District cars, the use of a Motor Auxiliary, the Trained nurses (Sisters) own cars, and even a motorcycle were used, and all these forms were intermingled until RDNS had its own fleet of vehicles. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelistis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.In the centre of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister at the wheel of her RDNS Holden car, which has a black rear Victorian number plate with 'JPH - 516' written in white letters. Through the back window you can see part of the Sister's uniform and her peaked hat worn over her short curled hair. Her left hand is on the upper part of the steering wheel. The dirt road on which she is travelling has mud and some grass tufts either side of it. On the right of the car is a hip roof brick house which has a single storey front area with attached two storey section at the rear. A short open Besser brick fence, with a white wooden gate, is seen running from the front of the property to the house, and beyond this a clothes line and shed. Beyond this, part of a tall paling fence is seen from the front of the property to the shed. The top section of the next brick house is seen beyond the fence; it has a white railed veranda along part of it and the house has a flat roof.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 90rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns patient care

This photograph shows the typical road conditions encountered by RDNS District Sisters during their days work visiting patients to administer nursing care. From its inception in 1885 their Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as MDNS, the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used; bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take their Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the nurses travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. In the centre of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) Sister in her RDNS grey car driving up the lower section of a hill on a dirt road. The car's rear black Victorian number plate, with 'JPH - 516' written on it can be seen. Dust is rising on either side of the car. In the foreground the road runs downward to a dip and then up the hill; trees are along either side of the road, and dirt and stones are seen on the side of the road in the left foreground. Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 95rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport

This is a typical situation confronted by RDNS Sisters when travelling to the home of a patient to give them nursing care. The Sister is driving an Australian built Holden vehicle made in the mid 1960s which was part of the RDNS fleet of cars.From its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966 which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so those that gave nursing care in the Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Powelltown area used a large paper map and once the particular house was found an 'x' was marked to denote the street and approximate site of the house to assist the visiting Sisters. On the right of the black and white photograph is a front-on view of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister driving her RDNS Holden car, with Registration number 'JPH 516' on the front number plate, on a dirt road approaching an intersection. Seen on the left hand side of the photograph is the cabin view of a truck as it is about to enter the intersection. A white house with a pitched roof can be seen on the left hand side of the photograph behind the truck. A lamp post is seen in the centre of the left hand side nature strip behind the bonnet of the truck. Trees line the road the RDNS car is traversing, and in the background behind the RDNS car, a hill with houses can be seen. photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 102rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport

This sepia digital image shows the Austin car which was donated to the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in !937 by the Rotary Club of Victoria. It was used by the Matron of the MDNS District Division to visit patients weekly. The photograph is taken outside the MDNS Headquarters at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The photograph appeared along with an article in The Age Friday May 7, 1937. The photograph appeared in the MDNS Annual Report of 1937. On page 8, mention is made of J.D Johnston Esq, President of the Rotary Club of Victoria, presenting the Austin vehicle to MDNS. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. In the foreground of this sepia photograph is a side-on view of a four door 1937 style small grey car with a nose shaped bonnet, parked on the road beside the kerb with the headlight facing to the right of the photograph.The bonnet joins onto a straight windscreen which adjoins a slightly curved hood running back along the car. This adjoins a back window which joins onto the sloping rear body of the car with a small protruding boot. Windows are seen above the body work of both facing doors and a smaller sloping window above the body work and rear wheel arch. On the drivers door is a Maltese cross and the words "Melbourne District" written above the Maltese cross and "Nursing Society" below it. In front of this door the body work forms a wheel arch and the headlight is attached between this body work and the bonnet. Rubber tyred wheels with solid hub caps are seen below each wheel arch. On the footpath, behind the bonnet of the car, four Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Sisters) are standing. They are wearing dark grey coats over their grey uniforms with white collars, and brimmed grey hats with a Maltese cross on the light coloured headband. The Sister on the right has her left hand gripping the handle on top of her oblong nursing case. A metal spiked fence is behind the Sisters, which runs to the left into one of the two square concrete columns which sit either side of a path. A hedge is behind the fence, and behind this part of a building with three arched windows can be seen. A white plaque is attached to the fence near one of the columns.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rotary club of victoria, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport

Mr. Bralsford,the Transport Manager at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), is instructing RDNS staff in the responsibilities of driving an RDNS vehicle. The Sisters were undergoing a Post Basic Course given by RDNS Educators, Car maintenance was necessary from 1937 when a car was donated by the Rotary Club to Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS). Another car was donated, by General Motors-Holden, via the Duchess of Gloucester, in 1947, and the fleet began to grow from 1950 with seven Ford Prefects being provided by the Hospital and Charities Commission. For many years Melford Motors in South Melbourne maintained the MDNS fleet, until the fleet grew to the point of, the now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) providing its own Car Maintenance Division to service the cars regularly. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, (RACV), attended any breakdowns which occurred when nursing staff were on the road. Each new Sister employed by the Service was taken out for a driving test before she drove a District car. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used; bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966 which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so those that did the Warburton and Powelltown area worked off a large paper map. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph showing Mr. Bralsford instructing RDNS staff. In the left foreground is Sister (Sr) Liz Thomson who has her dark hair drawn back, is looking down at a piece of white paper resting on the arm of the wooden chair on which she is sitting. In front of her are the back views of Sr. Betty McDonald with curled dark hair and to her right is Sister Joanne Wilkinson. Mr. Bralsford, who has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and wearing a grey coat, is standing in front of them pointing to a blackboard with his extended left arm and hand. He is looking down, and has his right hand on a piece of white paper on a desk. A strip heater is high on the left hand wall.Photographers stamp and Quote No. GW 101royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns education, melford motors, racv, sister liz thomson, sister betty mcdonald, sister joanne wilkinson, mr bralsford

This white Toyota Corolla is one of the fleet of cars driven by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters to visit patients in the community to administer nursing care. 1985 was the centenary of the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society; founded in 1885; the Society was given Royal patronage in 1966 and became the Royal District Nursing Service. The Coat of Arms shown on the car was granted by the College of Arms in London in 1970. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Coloured photograph of the side on view of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).white Toyota Corolla sedan displaying the RDNS Coat of Arms on the upper centre of the front door. The car is the same width all over and the flat bonnet joins to a sloping large front windscreen. on the side, at the level of the windscreen are two windows, above the metal body work of both doors. The roof runs from the top of the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle where it joins with a short back window which sits above a short boot. Part of the front grill and headlights either side of it are seen, and a bumper bar below this. A black tyred wheel with solid hub cap is seen under a wheel arch in the body work, at the front and rear of the vehicle.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns crest, rdns transport

The RDNS Sisters are both holding the 1st day Cover Envelope issued by the Australian Postal Department in 1985 to commemorate the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society on the 17th of February 1885. A stamp is in the right hand top corner of the envelope. The main body of the stamp is pale blue. On the top of the stamp, written in deeper blue/grey, are the words "Centenary of District Nursing Services 1985" Below this, and to the right, is a pale bone colour original sign on a metal fence which reads, in white capital letters, "Melbourne District Nursing Society" Standing on the left in the foreground is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) in her long grey uniform frock with white collar, cuffs and belt. She is wearing a grey helmet style hat which has a white hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre. Her black shoes can also be seen. She is holding a bicycle; only the front wheel and part of the frame and the handlebars, which have a brown nursing bag strapped to them, can be seen, The nursing bag and handlebars cover part of the MDNS sign. At the bottom of the stamp, on a strip of white background, are the words in capital letters "Australia 33c". Below the stamp is a rectangular1st mark. On the left half of the envelope are some sketches of several two storey buildings either side of a set of steps. Some adults and children are standing on the steps as well as in the foreground; some are sketched and others dressed in various coloured clothing. In the foreground right in front of steps, stands a lady with her hair drawn up and wearing along grey frock and white apron; partly seen against her right side is a small child dressed in brown. Sister Willie Fleming is the Supervisor of the RDNS Sunshine Centre and Sister Phillipa Kariko is Supervisor of Essendon Centre. They are wearing their RDNS uniforms of white short sleeve blouses under royal blue V neck tunic style frocks. The RDNS insignia is round and has royal blue writing on a white background. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed 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 towns in UK’. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Service 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 at a Hospital 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 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, not the term ‘Sister’ that is used these days. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. 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 they cooked soup when needed. 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 Midwifery Service commenced in August 1893 with Nurse Fowler the first trained Midwife. She had previously worked with the Society carrying out General nursing. The Society expanded its areas using public transport and with the Society purchasing bicycles in 1903, before procuring its first cars to cope with the influx of patients during the Spanish influenza epidemic in 1919, though these were sold in 1927 due to their poor condition..A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia vehicles in 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Over its years of expansion the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters), continued to visit patients in their homes and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as Amputees, those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Willie Fleming, who has curly blonde hair, and on the right, Sister Phillipa Kariko, who has short dark hair. They are standing outside Essendon RDNS Centre.. They are both wearing their RDNS summer uniform of dark V neck tunic style frocks, with emblazoned RDNS insignia on its upper left, over short sleeve white blouses, Each are holding an envelope with writing, sketched buildings and figures on the envelopes left side, and a stamp is on the upper right corner. Below the stamp is writing in a rectangle. Behind the Sisters is a brick wall with them hiding some of the white capital letters of the words 'District Nursing Service' and 'Essendon Centre'. Windows and part of the fascia of the building is seen behind this.Handwritten informationmelbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre, sister willie fleming, sister phillipa kariko, rdns 1st day cover centenary envelope

RDNS Sister E. Anderson is Supervisor of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Footscray Centre and Mrs. J. Simpson is the coordinator of RDNS Auxiliaries. They are admiring items from auxiliaries and other interested friends which will be distributed, as required, by RDNS Sisters to any poor families whom they visit to administer nursing care.From its inception in 1885 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), held functions to gain finances to run the Society. They also asked the public for donations, ranging from food items to linen for bandages, bed linen, blankets, clothes, including baby clothes, etc to assist in the care of their patients. The public generously responded. Each year the President made a special appeal for donations at Christmas time for food and gifts for the MDNS sick poor. Out of this evolved, in 1925, the first MDNS Auxiliary in the Eastern Suburbs. This extended to Auxiliaries throughout the suburbs who worked to donate money and ‘gifts in kind’ to assist MDNS to continue their work, and to furnish wards in the After-Care Home. Before the District Division of MDNS had its own fleet of vehicles, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 where the general public, when available, provided their car, and drove Sisters to visit patients who lived a distance away. This was disbanded in 1971 when the, now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had its own fleet of vehicles. The Jessie Henderson Auxiliary ran a Kiosk and Library with all profits to the Society for 20 years. By 1950 there were fourteen auxiliaries who continued to hold functions when the District division separated from the After-Care Hospital and became Melbourne District Nursing Service, which, with Royal patronage, became RDNS in 1966. A Council of Auxiliaries, with Mrs. J. Simpson at its head, and which comprised of two delegates from each auxiliary, was formed in February 1968 to work for District. There were nine auxiliaries in 1970. They continued to run into the 2000s, but the numbers of auxiliaries reduced over the years, as well as the number of members in each auxiliary as the members aged, so this form of support ceased.On the rear left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister E. Anderson, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a long sleeved grey frock, with a white name badge on the upper left; parts of RDNS insignia are seen on the top section of each sleeve. On the right rear is Mrs. J. Simpson, who has her long dark hair drawn up and is wearing a light grey coloured frock with white lapels, cuffs and a white pocket, all with dark piping. They are both holding baby items and looking at knitted and other donated items which are laying on tables in front of them.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 74melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns auxiliaries, rdns auxiliaries, ellen anderson,, j. simpson,

This photograph depicts the style of MDNS uniform worn at that time, which was a grey cotton dress and red cardigan, over which was a woolen grey coat. The beret was of grey felt and had a red Maltese cross attached to the centre. Sister Wilson is about to enter her MDNS car, which was one of the early cars in the MDNS fleet, to drive to a patient to give nursing care.Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph of Sister Jill Wilson of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) about to enter her work car. Sister Wilson is wearing her winter uniform, with a light grey beret over her short dark curled hair, and a long light grey coat which has lapels. She is standing side on, and to the left of the partially seen small white car. She is smiling and looking at the camera. Her right arm is extended with her hand on the handle of the partially opened car door and she is holding a white bag and cloth in her left hand. At her feet is her dark coloured, square shaped, nursing case which has a leather strap around the middle and two light coloured clasps each end, as well as a thick hard handle on the top. She is standing on the road and to her left, on the grass, are two lamp posts; small bushes can be seen as well as two trees in the distance. Two dark coloured buildings, one with a hip roof and one a flat roof, can be seen behind the car. rdns, motor vehicle, nurse, uniform, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns transport, royal district nursing service, sister jill wilson

This photograph depicts the style of uniform worn by the Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) at that time. It shows part of a Cable Tram being the type of Public transport used by the Trained nurses to visit their patients. This group of Trained nurses are about to board trams to commence their visits to MDNS patients who require nursing care in their homes.District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1955. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Nurses to patients, and some nurses used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one nurse in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles.A slightly fuzzy black and white photograph which shows six Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters standing at a tram stop wearing uniforms of full length coats and grey brimmed hats bearing a Maltese cross insignia on the hat band. Each Sister is carrying a square nursing case with a thick handle on the top. Part of a Cable tram, with a 'Spencer Street' sign attached to the top, is on the right of the photograph. Two of the Sisters are about to board the tram. Four Sisters are standing by the 'tram stop' sign. A line of leafless tree are seen behind the Sisters, and white terraced houses are in the background.public transport, mdns, uniforms, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Cobb and Co coach replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's. There were four horse drawn models as well.A model of a red Cobb and Co enclosed coach which is a four wheeled passenger horse drawn vehicle where the driver sits at the front behind the two light brown and grey horses. The name ROYAL MAIL COBB.CO is painted in white lettering on both sides. It has four gold painted spoked wheels with black rims, two gold painted coach lamps, black padded seating and four open windows with blinds that are rolled up. There are 2 doors with a drop-down step for easy access into the coach. A long brown wooden shaft separates the horses which also have black leather shaft style straps on both sides as well as the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horses. There is a black wooden slotted luggage rack at the back held on by gold chains. On top of the coach is a decorative gold painted luggage rack. Freeman Cobb established Cobb and Co in Australia in 1853 to operate horse drawn mail and passengers between Melbourne and the Victorian Goldfields. It expanded to Queensland in 1865. ROYAL MAIL COBB.COreplicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, postal services, road transport, goldfields, coaches

After the shell of a 1977 HZ ambulance was located in Toowoomba, the Museum transported it back to the workshop. On inspection it was seen that the shell was in fair condition other than the firewall and drivers side floor, which were rusted out and needed to be replaced. The body is the normal van size but is fitted with an extra door on the driver’s side and a small seat where the doctor/ambo sits. Other than that the only other things were red dust and old wasp nests. After many months of restoration the ambulance now has a 173 red motor, Trimatic automatic transmission and the body has been painted in the Queensland Ambulance Service colour and markings. As the base station of the ambulance is unknown, other that they were used in the outback, we have made the decision to base it at Mt Isa We thank the Victorian Ambulance Historical group for the donation of the stretcher and other items. Also to the locals who donated the chassis, engine and body parts. Yellow 3 door van done up as an Ambulanceambulance, van, car

The metal-brass plaque commemorates the purchase of an ambulance in Wodonga with the assistance of th Wodonga Lions Club in 1971. The type of ambulance is shown in the photograph above the plaque in the wooden frame.The framed plaque commemorating the purchase of an ambulance in 1971 has local significance due to its association with the Wodonga Lions Club as well as the Wodonga Ambulance Service. It also has historical significance as the photograph included in the frame shows the type of ambulances in use in the 1970s.Framed metal-brass plaque commemorating the purchase of an ambulance made possible by the Wodonga Lions Club in August 1971. Photograph of two ambulances included in the frame above the metal plaque. "THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE / WAS MADE POSSIBLE / BY / WODONGA LIONS CLUB / AUGUST 1971" engraved on the the metal-brass plaque.wodonga ambulance service, wodonga lions club, ambualances, wodonga

Miss Olive Codling was a Foundation Member and a Life Member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Many of her prize-winning photos are held in the Society Collection. She also held a range of roles and committee positions in a wide range of Wodonga community organisations. These included the Horticultural Society, the Wodonga Arts Council, the Wodonga Camera Club and the Wodonga Lapidary Club. This photo collection is significant as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the 20th century.Wodonga, High Street West Businesses include Mylon Motorways and Pilkington shoes. 153 High Street, Wodonga in 2021is now the location of Gateway Health and other allied Health Services. In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years if service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group. On building facades on left "153 Mylon Motorways/Tours and Travel" On building on the right "Pilkington's SHOES"wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, pilkingtons shoes, mylon motorways

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.Mylon bus depot and office at the southern end of High Street, Wodonga . It is now the location of Gateway Health and other allied Health Services. In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years if service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, mylon motorways

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Walker rail motors were a type of diesel railcar operated by the Victorian Railways. After World War 11, the Victorian Railways undertook a major rebuilding program known as Operation Phoenix. One of the first tasks was the upgrading of passenger services on country branch lines. An initial order of twelve 102 HP railcars, six 153 HP railcars with trailers, and twelve 280 HP railcars was placed with Walker Brothers, England. The power units were manufactured in England, but the units were assembled in Victoria. The first rail motors were delivered in 1948, with additions to the fleet running through to 1955. According to a Victoria Railways Memorandum issued on 24 May 1949, regarding the allocation of the new 102 HP Walker Diesel Motor Rail Vehicles, No 10 was to be allocated to the Wodonga to Tallangatta line as soon as it was available. No 10 entered service on 22 November 1949. The passenger rail motors had room for 18 First class and 22 Second class seated passengers. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 with a 102hp Walker Rail Motor.railways wodonga, fred rochow, walker rail motor vehicles, wodonga to tallangatta rail service

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. S Class Locomotives - The eighteen members of the S Class were ordered in two batches by the Victorian Railways from Clyde Engineering for express passenger and freight workings, with the final eight locomotives ordered specifically to work the North-East standard gauge line. Many were named after prominent Victorians.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.The first standard gauge passenger train from Sydney to Melbourne pulled by Locomotive S314. This was made possible when part of Australia's gauge problem was solved with the construction of a new standard gauge line. The new line was a 317 km long line running from Albury, NSW, parallel to the existing broad gauge line to Melbourne, connecting Australia's two largest cities by standard gauge. S314 entered service on 24 April 1961 and was named after Sir John O'Shannassy who was the second Premier of Victoria. The S314 pulled the first passenger train to travel straight through from Sydney to Melbourne on 13 April 1962. On the morning of 7th February 1969, the southbound Southern Aurora collided head-on with a northbound goods train near Violet Town, Victoria. The Locomotive S314 was hauling the goods train and was destroyed by the impact of the collision. On front of locomotive "S314" On banner below Coat of Arms "FIRST STANDARD GAUGE PASSENGER TRAIN / SYDNEY - MELBOURNE/ APRIL 13 - 1962"railways wodonga, fred rochow, walker rail motor vehicles, wodonga to tallangatta rail service

In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. Mylon Travel Centre opened at 152 High Street, Wodonga on 21 November 1992. It allowed Mylons to extend their service for holidaymakers. Mylon’s staff can help will all holiday needs, including answering questions about destinations as well as booking tours, accommodation, concert seats and express coach bookings. The new Centre had a computerised resto ervation system with direct link-up for world-wide reservations, During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group.This building was part of a major local company which serviced Wodonga for over 100 years.A colour photo depicting the front of a building and roadway.Above building: MYLON TRAVEL / MYLON CENTREmylon motorways, mylon travel centre, wodonga businesses

Harry Stead, Snr., owned and operated Wodonga’s first taxi service. He had horse drawn cabs running between Wodonga, and Albury in 1868. He also ran a carrying business with wagons and drays. Workmen from Albury and Wodonga were carried to the construction site of the Hume Weir. Drays, although slow, were used with room for 10 or 12 paying passengers, at times. Stead’s paddocks ran back from Sydney Street (now High Street) with stable accommodation for his 70 and more horses. The Provincial Motel occupied part of the site in later years. Harry’s son, “young Harry” joined his Dad around 1892 as soon as his schooldays were over. After the horse drawn cabs, the Steads began a motorised taxi, hire car and bus services. Some of the taxis used were an A-Model Ford, 1934 Ford, Ford V8, Dodge Tourer, Hudson Six and, earlier, the 1923 Buick with dicky seat. Among the drivers were Stan Hogbin, Gerry Gerrard, Jack O’Neill, “Peggy” O’Neill, Ernie “Honey” Zeinert, Cliff Williams and Les Cole. Young Harry had four cars on the rank from 1930 to 1940 when competition for fares was fierce. He had his regulars who paid 4/- a week to go to and from Albury daily. In 1934, Harry was before the Albury Police Court, charged with having driven his taxi on a public road without a taxi licence. The Albury Municipal Council required all taxi drivers to have a NSW certificate of registration before collecting fares in NSW. The case was held as a test case and as a result the regulation was amended to enable the Council to issue public vehicle licenses to a Victorian registered vehicle as long it travelled no more than 10 miles over the border.These images are significant because they document an early transport service provided to the Wodonga community.Three black and white photos depicting Harry Stead and his Wodonga Taxi Service.harry stead wodonga, transport wodonga, wodonga services

In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group. Mylon were formed in 1906 providing transport service between Wodonga and Albury via horse-drawn cabs. This expanded to a modern fleet of more than 31 buses offering a range of regular bus routes and tours throughout the area and beyond. They were recognised for outstanding service and awards of excellence in the transport industry and tourism.Badges produced to celebrate 100 years of Mylon's operation in Wodonga. Logo includes the Mylon company logo featuring a red M on a green background and 3 gold bars. The word 100 years and 1906 have been added in gold lettering.In centre of logo " 1906/ 100 years"mylon, buslines, wodonga, wodonga businesses, transport

In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group. Mylon were formed in 1906 providing transport service between Wodonga and Albury via horse-drawn cabs. This expanded to a modern fleet of more than 31 buses offering a range of regular bus routes and tours throughout the area and beyond. They were recognised for outstanding service and awards of excellence in the transport industry and tourism.Two schooner glasses produced to celebrate 100 years of operation in Wodonga. Logo includes the Mylon company logo featuring a red M and 3 gold bars. The word 100 years and 1906 have been added in gold lettering.In centre of logo " 1906/ 100 years"mylon, transport, wodonga, buslines

In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group.Mylon were formed in 1906 providing transport service between Wodonga and Albury via horse-drawn cabs. This expanded to a modern fleet of more than 31 buses offering a range of regular bus routes and tours throughout the area and beyond. They were recognised for outstanding service and awards of excellence in the transport industry and tourism.A wine glass produced to celebrate 100 years of operation in Wodonga. Logo includes the Mylon company logo featuring a red M and 3 gold bars. The word 100 years and 1906 have been added in gold lettering.In centre of logo " 1906/ 100 years"mylon, transport, wodonga, buslines