This photograph was taken just a few years after the District division of the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' separated in 1957. The District Division then became known as 'Melbourne District Nursing Service'. They moved into their Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne which was used as the Nurses Home as well as for Administrative purposes. The Sisters left from there each day to do their rounds and returned to do their book work before retiring at the end of the day. This photograph depicts the winter uniform worn at this time; a grey felt beret which had a red Maltese cross attached in the centre; a grey cotton frock and red cardigan, and a grey woolen coat, some with a grey belt, worn over their uniform.In 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), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse (Nurse), 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 was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness 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 and dressings, and supplying equipment on loan, such as feeding mugs, bedpans, air-cushions, splints, bed cradles feeding mugs and providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. The Society 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, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home, (later called After-Care Hospital), in 1926, for their patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic; the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses (Sisters) and nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their Committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In 1957 the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital' separated and the 'Melbourne District Nursing Service' was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. Royal patronage was granted in 1966, now becoming the Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). Liaison with public hospitals began with a District nurse attached to a hospital visiting patients before going home. Education continued to be at the forefront of District with research by RDNS Educators and programs being implemented. 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.Black and White photograph of seven (some partly hidden) Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sisters wearing full winter uniform of grey berets and grey long coats, with lapels, over their uniform which is partly seen on one Sister. Some are on a path, and others walking to the open metal gate; one Sister is between two tall, square, dark grey concrete columns. Looking at the photograph, two Sisters have turned left onto the footpath. These two Sisters are carrying oblong leather type bags in their left hand and the Sister between the columns is carrying a white soft material type bag. The Sisters seen have short dark hair under their berets. White plaques with the black numbers '452' are attached to the top 1/3 of each column and an arched grey concrete fence with brick top runs to the left. Behind this are two medium size leafless trees. A metal spiked fence runs from the column to the right of the photograph. Attached to this, near the column, is a white plaque with 'Melbourne District Nursing Service Headquarters' written in black. In the rear is a light grey two story Italian style building with a polygon shaped bay window to the left on the ground floor. It has a long window in the front and another on the side. To the right of this is a veranda with two concrete arches, separated by a roman column. A door can be seen behind the first arch. Above the bay window on the second story are three long arched windows, and to the right of that an arched opening with a roman column separating the partially seen next window. A concrete balustrade is seen at the front of the second story.melbourne district nursing service, headquarters, mdns, nurses, nurses uniforms, royal district nursing service, rdns

This photograph is a record of Head Nurse, Sister Lee-Archer, and her staff of six Trained nurses, 'Nurses', of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) outside their new Nurse’s Home and Headquarters rented at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The bicycles seen were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS and allowed these Nurses to extend the nursing visits they made into more Melbourne suburbs.The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) moved into larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. Head trained Nurse, Lee-Archer and her staff of six Trained nurses pose outside the new ‘Nurse’s Home’ at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The Nurses worked in the districts of North and West Melbourne, the City Proper, Carlton, Richmond, South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Collingwood making 17,954 visits during the year. The Society had a set of bye-laws which outlined the work conditions for the Nurses. Section 111.1 states ‘Each nurse shall be ready to go to her district at 9 am. She will be expected to visit urgent cases on Sundays, and will be required to work eight hours on each week day, to wear the special uniform, and live in the Home of the Society’. In February 1885, only 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), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They liaised with Doctors and worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel for her use. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but due to this arduous work many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycle and laundry expenses provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Black and white photograph of six Trained nurses and their Matron, who has her hair swept up, and is wearing a long white uniform with belt, and white cap; part of her veil is seen hanging down her back, outside their Nurses Home The trained. nurses are holding their two wheeled bicycles, and are wearing long grey frocks, white collars and belts and straw hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of headband, this is held in place with scarves over the hat and tied under their chins. Their nursing bags are strapped to the handlebars of the bicycles. A black sign with the white capital letters 'Melbourne District Nursing Society. ....nursing the sick poor in their own homes' is on the metal spiked fence. The building is made of brick and five long sash windows are seen in the upper section. A metal roofed veranda, held up with four posts and two brick columns, divides the upper and lower section. A door and three long windows are seen which are partly obscured by several bushes behind the fence.melbourne district nursing society, 5 royal terrace, nicholson st carlton, nurses home, bicycles, mdns transport, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns trained nurses, sister florence lee-archer

This photograph was taken four years after bicycles were purchased by the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and is a record of the first mode of transport used by their Trained nurses, and a record of the change of head ware needed now bicycles were in use. The uniforms were grey with white collar, belt and cuffs and a red Maltese cross was in the centre of the pith helmet. Prior to the use of bicycles the trained nurses walked to their patients and had become exhausted, particularly in summer. The bicycles were a solution to this problem, and now they could visit more patients and the Society's areas (districts) could be extended. 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), the first such Society in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, 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, clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. Over the years the Nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Black and white photo of a group of ten (one partially hidden at rear) Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses, with each standing with their bicycles in front of a spiked metal fence.The Nurses are wearing their MDNS uniform long grey frocks with white collar, cuffs and belt and white pith helmets with a central Maltese cross. Nursing bags are strapped to five of the bicycles. A large pedestal urn is seen to the left behind the fence between the 3rd and 4th nurse. Bushes and trees are seen in the background. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, nurses, uniforms, mdns transport, mdns equipment, rdns, royal district nursing service

Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters worked from this, their rented Collingwood Centre at 98 Charles Street, Collingwood, which opened in 1977. The Sisters left each morning taking any sterilized equipment needed with them to carry out their nursing visits in a specific area (district), 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. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their Trained nurses (Nurses) worked in specific areas, 'districts'. The first Nurse worked east and west, between Victoria Parade and Flinders Street and, north and south, between Spencer Street and Spring Street. When a second Nurse was employed they divided this area at Elizabeth Street so each Nurse could attend to patients in the same area giving continuity of care. 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 with Heidelberg Centre opening in 1971. 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 sterilization, and contact other medical and community personal as necessary. Through its expansion quality of care was not lost, the RDNS nursing staff gave best practice care in many fields of nursing and to people of many cultures with their patients ranging in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly. Some of the care provided was – Post-Natal care, Diabetic Care, Wound Care, Giving of injections and medications, Catheterizations on children and adults, Stoma care, Dementia care, Palliative Care, General care, Rehabilitation, Spinal care, Cystic Fibrosis care, Haemo-Oncology care, Home Enteral Feeding care, and IV therapy at home. Assisting with rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. Black and white photograph showing the front facade of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Collingwood Centre. It is a Victorian style, single story, light coloured painted concrete faced building built around the 1870s. To its left is the front wooden door with a small central glass section in the upper center, and a wire door in front of this. To its right is an Electricity Department meter attached to the wall, and under this a large "98" and to its right, and a little lower is an attached rectangular white sign, with black capital letters, saying "Royal District Nursing Service" and below this in smaller letters "Collingwood". To the right sits a long sash window with dark frame. At either end of the building white concrete face extensions, with embellishments, support a corrugated iron straight veranda roof, with wrought iron embellishment attached to its outer edge. This sits above the window and door and runs along the building protecting the small porch. Above this, along the building, is deep decoration, including a row of concrete balusters and above and central is a concave shell shaped structure. A short dark metal spiked fence runs along the edge of the narrow garden bed. In the foreground the footpath and part of a road can be seen. A small bare tree can be seen on the left hand side of the building and a small bush on the right hand side.Photographer stamp. Quote No. DO 66royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre

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

The equipment items in this photograph are loaned out to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) patient's to use in their homes. They are returned to RDNS and sterilized, or cleaned with disinfectant, whichever is appropriate, once they are no longer required. The material items are given to patient's as required. Many of these items are made and donated by RDNS Auxiliary members. From its inception in 1885, the two Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) 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 and clothes as necessary. The Society was at the forefront of health care and continued to liaise with Doctors as the Society expanded. The Nurses 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; Over the years items were given and equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients, and if appropriate, to their family members to enable them to care for their loved ones in their homes. The Trained nurses had the rehabilitation of their patients in the forefront of their minds to ensure they were able to live as independently as possible in their own homes. As the years passed the Trained nurses changed from being called 'Nurse' to 'Sister' and the Society changed its name. In the 1970s, now with Royal patronage, and known as Royal District Nursing Service ( RDNS), they contracted a Private and then employed, a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS Sisters the correct transferring techniques, including the use of a hoist when this became available. RDNS Sisters taught and used these techniques in patient’s homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and family members. Each RDNS Centre had a room or shed where equipment for loan was kept, and Headquarters also kept additional equipment which could be transported to Centres as required. This black and white photograph shows some of the equipment loaned, along with some to be given, to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) patients as required. Rear L-R - a white long nightdress with dark embroidery and buttons on the front and embroidery on the edge of the short sleeves. Next are two wooden bath seats; a square metal commode with lid and with its round legs extended to form handles on the left and right sides. A folded dark and white striped crocheted rug hangs over one of the handles. In the centre L-R, is a metal bed cradle, a metal 4 prong walking stick, bed pans, male urinal, stack of nappies with a white child's knitted jumper hanging over them, and a doona. In the front, L-R is a grey blanket, dark coloured bed socks, a sheepskin with a white smocked baby dress sitting on it, and a white babies nightgown on a clear plastic covered white bundle. A black mat sits under these items and a cream brick wall is in the background. Barry Sutton LS 47royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns equipment, rdns auxiliaries

Standard dress uniform jacket for soldiers.Khaki coloured single breasted jacket fastened with four centre plastic buttons and a belt. Belt attached to jacket on back via two leather loops buttoned around a fabric loop. Jacket carries two breast pockets on exterior with flap, each fastened with single plastic button and two metal press studs. Two hip pockets with flaps, unfastened. Interior is lined with synthetic fabric; one interior chest pocket on the left hand side underneath which is a manufacturers label (transcribed below). Small square paper tag sewn into left jacket interior (transcribed below).Interior label reads "E.W. P/LTD./SOUTH AUSTRALIA/1968/[broad arrow symbol]/SIZE 36 SHORT/CLASS 8406/66-019-8479/ARMY No./NAME/DRY CLEAN ONLY./REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT STEAM IRON./CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS ONLY." Written on the label is handwritten text "J.V." And "12/0L/0/67." Stamped in purple ink "BATCH No./385." Paper tag reads "62000/LOT 12 36S/GLOBE6/67."military, uniform, vietnam war, 1960s, dress uniform, beechworth, returned services league

The jacket is indicative of the dress jacket worn by a sailor of the rate of Naval Police Petty Office who has completed 12 years service.Jacket Double Breasted Service Dress Navy Blue with gold embroided insignia, [Naval Police Coxswain Petty Officer] on right upper arm; gold embroided rank insignia [Petty Officer] above three gold embroided chevrons indicating 12 years service on the left upper arm; shoulder flashes with gold embroided word, "Australia" on both shoulders. 8 gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" in parallel columns of 4. Size 111S (short fit) with 2 small gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" the cuff of each arm.Manufacturer's identification label on inside right breast.Manufacturers label measuring 4omm x 80mm showing company logo ADI / 1999 / arrow pointed up /NSN: 8405-66-132-2309 / Wool polyester / size 111S / matching / trouser size 101S / chest 112 / waist 102 / inside leg 78 / No / Name / Dry Clean Only / Made in Australia

Khaki coloured dress trousers with pressed seam running vertically down front and back of each leg. Two hip pockets, one on each side, with rear pocket on right side fastened by plastic button; additional pocket sits in waistline on right side. Trousers have seven loops for a belt and smaller loops for metal inserts which support a Sam Brown belt. Trousers fastened by a zipper in front and flap which secures with a plastic button on the interior. Spare button is sewn into the interior waistband. Leg hem is reinforced at front and back with strip of synthetic binding, presumably to aid against wear from rubbing on boots. Interior label on left back of waistband reads "DRY CLEAN/REPRESS ON ORIGINAL CREASES/USE DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO/HOT STEAM IRON/MENDING PATCH ATTACHED" Interior label on right back of waistband reads "ARMY NO/NAME" dress uniform, pants, australian defence force

Jacket worn by Brendan Honey when performing the duties of a Petty Officer Radio Supervisor in the Royal Australian Navy from Oct 1979 to Oct 2000Jacket Double Breasted Service Dress Navy Blue with gold embroided insignia, [Radio Operator Petty Officer] on right upper arm; gold embroided rank insignia [Petty Officer] above three gold embroided chevrons indicating 12 years service on the left upper arm; shoulder flashes with gold embroided word, "Australia" on both shoulders. 8 gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" in parallel columns of 4. Size 99R (Regular fit) with 2 small gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" the cuff of each arm.Manufacturer's identification label on inside right breast.Manufacturers label measuring 4mm x 8mm showing company logo ADA / 1990 / arrow pointed up /NSN:8405-66-132-2314 / 70% 30% Wool Poly / size 99R / match / trouser size 89R / No / Name / Dry Clean Only / Made in Australia/ owner's name written in black by a laundry marking penjacket, navy, jacket service dress, jacket petty office radio supervisor

This style of jumper has a long history in the Royal Australian Navy, descending from the uniform style of the 19th century Royal Navy.Navy blue long sleeved, heavy-weight jumper with square rig collar. On left sleeve is an embroidered patch with the word "AUSTRALIA," underneath which is an anchor insignia and three downward pointing chevrons in gold embroidery thread. On right sleeve is an embroidered patch with the word "AUSTRALIA" on the upper shoulder, underneath which is an embroidered gold wheel on a semi-circle shaped patch. The jumper has a deep neckline, tied with a cotton navy tie. Accompanying collar (0036.2) attaches to the jumper via three navy blue plastic buttons at the back of the neck, and three navy blue plastic buttons running down both left and right interior neckline. The jumper has a zip on the left hand side which runs from the hem to the waist.On patches "AUSTRALIA" Interior label at back of neck reads "ADA/2001/[broad arrow]/NSN: 8405 66 132 2508/SIZE: 111 L/NO/NAME/WOOL/POLYESTER/DRY CLEAN ONLY"royal australian navy, uniform, marine, shirt, australian defence apparel, ratings

This shirt was manufactured in 2004, and was presumably owned by a Beechworth local service personnel by the name of Cross. This piece of clothing would have been worn as part of the standard Royal Australian Naval Ratings uniform.White short sleeved shirt. Square collar with thin navy blue trim. A curved slit on either side of the lower edge (near the hip area) and an extra piece of fabric within each slit. A white label with inscriptions is stitched to the seam in the middle of the lower back seam. This has n written inscription beneath on the shirt fabric.Inscriptions on the label: CAN'T TEAR 'EM 8405-66-132-3767 R.A.N 2004 SIZE: 117 35% COTTON 65% POLYESTER GENTLE WARM MACHINE WASH. RINSE WELL. WARM IRON. DO NOT SOAK. DO NOT BLEACH. DRY CLEAN (A) MADE IN AUSTRALIA Written inscription under label: CROSSshirt, naval ratings, royal australian navy, navy

Worn by an Australian Navy Warrant OfficerJacket Double Breasted Service Dress Navy Blue with rank insignia, [ Warrant Officer] on lower arms; on the upper arms; shoulder flashes with gold embroided word, "Australia" on both shoulders. 8 gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" in parallel columns of 4. Size 109R. Manufacturer's identification label on inside right breast.Inscriptions inside pocket 8405.66.132.2318 size.109R match. ADI logo. 5114147 Baumgarton. Trouser size.99R 70% 30% Wool/Poly. Dry clean onlywarrant officer navy australian senior service

A pack of pistol cleaning patches, approx 100 sealed in a clear plastic bag. pistol, cleaning

"A selection of poetry and prose from the works of the most admired authors with bigraphical and literary notes". Vol. 5 of 6.Red/brown cloth-covered hardcover book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning to back cover. Gold edging to pages. 9 engraved plates. 384 pp. Worn cloth with loss of colour. Small partial detachment of spine. Evidence of binding failure inside. Pages clean and undamaged.P.2 Label 'Glenaroua Public Hall & Library/No. 109/This Book to be Returned Within One Month Undamaged'.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

"A selection of poetry and prose from the works of the most admired authors with biographical and literary notes". Vol. 5 of 6.Red/brown cloth-covered hardcover book. Embossed gold decoration to front. Decorative black patterning to back cover. Gold edging to pages. 384 pp. 9 engraved plates. Some wear to cover with loss of colour. Structurally intact, pages clean & undamaged.P.2 Label 'Glenaroua Public Hall and Library/No. 110/This Book to be Returned Within One Month Umdamaged'.poetry & prose., kilmore mechanics institute library.

The life of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, Prince Albert.Brown leather-bound hardcover book. Wear and tear to corners of front & back covers. Title in gold on spine. Some spots on front pages otherwise clean and intact. Evidence of spine detachment to rear cover. Some insect damage to front & rear pages. 435 pp. Index. Good condition.Facing front cover '90' (crossed out), '60'. Kilmore Mechanics' Institute stamps to front & back pages.kilmore mechanics institute library.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Greek Tales rewritten for children in the "Told to the Children Series" edited by Louey Chisholm. Books of Monica Turner (nee Smith) donated by her daughter, Joan Smith. Descendants of early Kilmore business families, the Morrisseys and Hartnells.Reddish-pink paper covered board cover with colour plate pasted to front. Worn at corners and spine edges. Missing dust jacket. Evidence of internal hinge repair back & front. Slightly ragged appearance to page edges. Foxing throughout, decreasing through pages. Binding tight. Five colour plates clean and intact. Probable First Edition, undated, 1906. 107 pp. Good condition.Front flyleaf, 'Monica Turner', handwritten cursive.children's literature, turner collection

Comprising notices of eminent Colonists from the inauguration of responsible Government down to the present time (1855-1892.Dark green hardcover book with cloth covers and leather spin. Cover faded with loss of colour. Leather on spine torn , repaired with sticky tape. Internal hinges sound, binding tight. Pages clean and intact. 542 pp. Cover poor condition, body good cond.Inside front cover & front flyleaf, 'Nesta McKellar'.biography, eminent australian colonists.

Brown methylated spirits bottle with top and labelSparko Industrial. On label: 19 fl. oz. net. Packed by Sparko Speciality Sales and Service, 24 Percy Street, Heidelberg Westbottles, containers, cleaning liquids, lamps

This business was the first Cleaning Service operating in Wodonga, later branching out into cleaning supplies. The business was owned by Charles De Guara who had migrated to Australia from Malta at the age of 16. After various jobs in Melbourne, marriage to Latvian migrant Maija and three children, he and his family moved to Wodonga in 1971. He initially worked at the Wodonga Meat Works and soon became the union delegate, initiating strike action related to inaccurate practices in recording slaughtered animals which affected workers’ payments. This action successfully secured back pay for the workers. Mr De Guara started his cleaning enterprise in 1981 while still at the meatworks and then became full-time with cleaning in 1983. He set up his showrooms in the former Wodonga Library building in Hugh Street, Wodonga. The business employed up to 25 full and part-time workers with a turn over close to a million dollars annually. In addition to cleaning, Mr De Guara sold carpet cleaning machines and vacuum cleaners to individuals as well as businesses, hospitals and clubs. Due to changed family circumstances, the business closed in the late 1980s. Mr. De Guara moved to the Mornington Peninsula district, where he passed away on 30 June 2022This item has a clear connection to a former Wodonga business.A square clock advertising the "Around 'D Clock Cleaning service. Battery powered with plastic frame and face.In Circle around face: AROUND 'D CLOCK CLEANING SERVICE" In Centre: CARPET CLEANING LOUNGE SUITES & GENERAL CLEANING LICENSED OPERATOR SCOTCHGUARD FABRIC & CARPET Protector PHONE 24 3344wodonga business, charles deguara, cleaning services wodonga

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.Driver Tom Black and Fireman Hec Lloyd Preparing to depart on the "Spirit of Progress' at Spencer Street Station, Melbourne. Ton Black was born on 9 November 1891. He started cleaning with Victorian Railways on 3 March 1917. Tom passed his Driver qualification on 19 March 1936. He was a Driver on Commonwealth from 1943 to 1944. The Commonwealth Railways CA class was a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotives purchased by the Commonwealth Railways, Australia from the USA through Lend-Lease during World War II. The two locomotives in the class, CA78 and CA79, had been built in 1907 and 1905 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, USA. They arrived in Australia in August 1943 and were used on the Trans-Australian Railway. CA78 was withdrawn in 1945 and CA79 in 1950. Both were scrapped in 1956.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, tom black, fireman hec lloyd, "spirit of progress", commonwealth railways ca class

The Sarroff family were one of the earliest Lebanese families to arrive in the area of Albury-Wodonga in the 1890s, originating from Kousba, Lebanon. They opened a drapery business in Townsend Street, Albury. Father Carl and Nassim (Charles) were naturalised in 1897. Carl died in 1926. By the 1950s his grandsons were operating dry cleaning businesses in both towns. In 1970 their business was located in Wodonga Mall on the corner of High Street and Stanley Street.Sarroff's Dry Cleaning was operated by the family of one of the earliest Lebanese migrant families to the Wodonga area in the 1890s.A blue metal ash tray bearing the name SARROFF's Dry Cleaners in a white disc in the centrePrinted on the white disc in the centre "SARROFF'S/Wodonga/Dry Cleaners/ Phone 639/ 2 Hour Service"lebanese migrants, wodonga businesses, high street wodonga

88 page cardboard covered instruction manual for the Australian Army Catering Corps. Lists reciepes, instructions, care of food, cleaning, etc.Australian Military Forces. A.A.C.C. Handbook No.2

Photos from a camp for handicapped dependents in January 1992. These photos show different camp activities, including arts and craft, eating meals, cleaning up in the kitchen and outside activities. Some appeared in the newsletter in March 1992. The article mentions that the annual camps run for two weeks at Somers Camp (believed to be Somers School camp). It is a wonderful gathering of Junior Legatees, Legatees, and dedicated helpers. 50 Legatees attended this camp with the personal attention almost one-to-one. With ages ranging from 22 to into the 60s, Legacy has to ensure it caters for the differing needs. Legatees headed by Camp Chief, Jim Hammon and Chairman of the Handicapped Dependents Committee, Merv Tickell, were supported by two Camp Co-Ordinators and 50 helpers known as 'leaders'. Many of the leaders are people in the workforce wishing to give something back to the community. Junior Legatees are organised into groups. They participate in horse-riding, swimming, golfing, strawberry picking, and many other activities. Every month Legacy's handicapped dependents are invited to go on outing for take part in recreational and educational activities. These programmes aim to develop independence and thus lessen the need for reliance on others for simple routine functions. Other photos from the camp are at 01560, 01561, and 01562 and 01564. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1992.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the handicapped dependents of the Legacy families. Black and white photo x 3 of a HDC camp, a label and an article in the newsletter.Handwritten in blue pen 'HDC Camp -Somers / Jan 1992 / Camp Chief: L/ J Hammon / Co-ordinator Julien Hardy-Smith / Photo Eric Wadsworth / 51 J/Ls'junior legatee outing, somers camp

Photos from a cam for handicapped dependents in January 1992. These photos show different camp activities, including arts and craft, eating meals, cleaning up in the kitchen and outside activities. Some appeared in the newsletter in March 1992. The article mentions that the annual camps run for two weeks at Somers Camp (believed to be Somers School Camp). It is a wonderful gathering of Junior Legatees, Legatees, and dedicated helpers. 50 Legatees attended this camp with the personal attention almost one-to-one. With ages ranging from 22 to into the 60s, Legacy has to ensure it caters for the differing needs. Legatees headed by Camp Chief, Jim Hammon and Chairman of the Handicapped Dependents Committee, Merv Tickell, were supported by two Camp Co-Ordinators and 50 helpers known as 'leaders'. Many of the leaders are people in the workforce wishing to give something back to the community. Junior Legatees are organised into groups. They participate in horse-riding, swimming, golfing, strawberry picking, and many other activities. Every month Legacy's handicapped dependents were invited to go on outings or take part in recreational and educational activities. These programmes aim to develop independence and thus lessen the need for reliance on others for simple routine functions. Other photos from the camp are at 01560, 01561, 01562 and 01563. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the handicapped dependents of the Legacy families. Black and white photo x 2 of a HDC camp, a label and an article in the newsletter.Handwritten in blue pen 'HDC Camp -Somers / Jan 1992 / Camp Chief: L/ J Hammon / Co-ordinator Julien Hardy-Smith / Photo Eric Wadsworth / 51 J/Ls'junior legatee outing, somers, somers camp

Hardcover book with a blue fabric cover. Black printed text and a silhouette of a man and a dog. 311 pages.fictionsydney horler, short stories, fiction

Photograph of the Geelong scrubber tram turning from Brougham St into Moorabool St with the Geelong Customs house in the background. The small building on the left hand side of the building has since been removed. The worker is cleaning the points for the wharf line which can be seen the foreground. The wharf line was closed and the rails used to extend the depot line to Beach during Oct. 1940. Photo c1939.Yields information about the Geelong scrubber tram and the line to Geelong wharf.Black and white photograph printed on plain paper.tramcars, geelong, scrubber tram, geelong scrubber, moorabool st, geelong wharf, beach