Blue synthetic puppy coat with red tartan brushed cotton lining. The words ' SEDA' and 'SEEING EYE DOGS australia' are writtin in white on both sides of the coat, with the SEDA logo located above the words. On one side, a set of four paw prints are adjacent to the writing. Velcro straps secure the coat to the puppy across the stomach and chest. 1 blue and white puppy coat with red tartan lining SEDA SEEING EYE DOGS australiaseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising

Blue edged tea towel with images of golden Labrador puppies and a black Labrador dog in a red harness. The words 'Our gift of independence' and 'Seeing Eye Dogs Australia' is printed amongst the images, on a white background. Common household items were often created to raise money for SEDA and to reinforce the work involved in training dogs from puppy to adult stage. 1 woven cloth tea towel with illustrationsseeing eye dogs australia, fundraising

Royal Children's Hospital, Patron Her Majesty the Queen, certificate of appreciation presented to H. M. Lightfoot Centre in grateful recognition of the your generous support. Signed by Rosemary Derham, President, on April 19, 1983, certificate no. 945. This was mostly liked given in response to the funds donated by the Centre in response to the Good Friday appeal. 1 coloured certificate of appreciationSymbol for the Royal Children's Hospital (a boy and girl dressed in Roman togas stand looking at a pelican nesting on a shield with a golden lion, two snakes twined around staffs and white stars on a blue background) at the head of the page. A gold and red border is present around the edge of the page.association for the blind, fundraising

Day centre participants enjoy an Easter Bonnet tea party. Ballarat 019 - Mrs Muir (blue flowers) and Miss Stoke (red trimmed sun hat) Ballarat 020 - Mr Joe Dean (tall orange and blue and green hat) Ballarat 021 - Mrs Blake (rabbit on hat) Ballarat 022 - Mrs Bennett (blue pinafore) and Mrs Joan Perry (white, yellow, pink flowers) Ballarat 025 - Mrs Davis (Daisy hat) Ballarat 026 - Mr Norm Batten (sun hat with yellow streamers)6 x col. photographs1981association for the blind, kelaston home (ballarat)

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. On one side are three small images of a white flame against a circular purple background, with two red and one green flame hearths, and the words 'vision australia's carols by candlelight presented by MYER'. On the reverse side is white lettering on a green background with the words 'To donate call 1300 84 74 66 Proceeds from this event go to Vision Australia." Underneath this on a white background is the Channel 9 logo and 'telecast partner' in purple lettering. 2 box of green headed matchesVision Australia's Carols by Candelight presented by Myercarols by candlelight, fundraising

Rectangular box of matches sold at Carols by Candlelight. White box with blue lighthouse logo on one side, with the words in blue lettering 'Please Support', and on the reverse side in black lettering 'Happy Christmas to your Family' with the Coles Myer Ltd. logo in red and blue.1 box of red headed matchesPlease support Royal Victorian Institute for the Blindcarols by candlelight, fundraising

Carols by Candlelight pass attached to a purple Vision Australia lanyard. The pass is on a red background with musical notes and small flames in a lighter red tone, and the letters 'AAA' and 'No: 39'. A white background dominates the pass, and contains white flames with red or green flame hearths against a purple circular background, with one white musical note against a red circular background. 'vision australia's carols by candlelight' is beneath this, in purple (the first two words) and green lettering. 'presented by the city of melbourne' is below this in gray lettering with the City of Melbourne logo.1 laminated pass with Vision Australia purple lanyardcarols by candlelight, vision australia, fundraising

The Better Health Channel was an initiative of the Victorian State Government that VAF was involved with over a period of years. 1 white sheet with large blue and green borders and blue writingRed apple next to Better Health Channel in middle at topvision australia foundation, awards

Two certificates presented to Vision Australia Foundation for being a Finalist in the Care in the Community award and People's Choice award. Certificates are signed by Dr Michael Wooldridge, Minister for Health and Aged Care.2 white sheet with red and blue side banner, and black writingCommonwealth Dept of Veterans Affairs logo and The Ballarat Courier logo at the base on the left hand sidevision australia foundation, ballarat

Collapsible white cane cylindrical in shape made from metal, plastic and rope. Handle is a red plastic textured moulding. Tip is also red with a red plastic protrusion. Shaft is painted white. Made in 5 sections. Internal rope holds the sections together. 5 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

Cane is thick with walking stick handle to support weight as well as be an identification that the person using it is blind or vision impaired. It is white with a red tip on the lower part of the cane, a rubber grip on end and brown plastic handle.4 metal/plastic pieces joined together with an elasticized cordassistive devices, orientation and mobility

This poster is advertising 'Royal Packaging and Assembly Ind' coir mats. There is a line drawing of a jester's legs and shoes and the tip of a jester's staff on a coir mat. 1 rectangular white poster with red and black text with illustration Royal Packaging and Assembly Ind. Coir Mats For the Home, Office, Factory, Hall, School. Woven Business Logos, Monograms, Lettering. Standard Sizes or Made to Order Acknowledged as Top of the Range Manufactured at our factory from the finest Indian coir Packaging and Assembly Ind. - the Industrial Division of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Telephone: 5292211royal victorian institute for the blind, employment

A solo drummer boy is accompanied by smaller boys with drums, all dressed with red top hats, vests, shorts and ribbon ties with a white shirt.Col. photograph of boy drummers.carols by candlelight

Part of Capt. William Robertson's collection. Early career in navy. Captain of S.S.Casino. RAN reservesSailor's cap: Navy and white topped sailor's cap with grey lining and navy ribbon6 7/8 size marking / 157 red inking marking on crown lininglocal history, uniforms, navy, robertson, mr or captain william, s.s.casino, royal australian naval reserve, hats

To keep current with media articles on how vision impaired people, blindness organisations and their activities were reported in the press, books of newspaper cuttings were created. News stories were taken from local, regional and national papers covering a variety subjects.1 red covered notebook with newspaper cuttingswhite cane day

To keep current with media articles on how vision impaired people, blindness organisations and their activities were reported in the press, books of newspaper cuttings were created. News stories were taken from local, regional and national papers covering a variety subjects.1 red covered notebook with newspaper cuttingswhite cane day

Manufactured in the 1960s, this mobile emergency telephone exchange was fitted into a caravan. Part of the Shepparton Division State Disaster Plan, the caravan could be towed to areas affected by disasters to enable communications to recommence. The caravan remained in service until approximately 1974.Mobile infrastructure plays an important role in Australian communications, owing to the often remote and hostile environments in which Australians live and work. Exchanges such as this facilitated phone calls in the aftermath of an emergency, particularly for hospitals, police and other emergency services. Today, Mobile Exchange on Wheels (MEOWs), Cell on Wheels (CoW) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOW) - which provide temporary landline and broadband services, mobile phone coverage and service in areas without communications infrastructure respectively - are a critical part of emergency response procedures for natural disasters such as fire and flood. Though technology has progressed, the need for rapid service in remote areas remains a present concern of the communications service providers in Australia. This mobile service infrastructure is historically significant as an early example of a service which has evolved over decades, yet is still needed today. The exchange, as a representative example of a vehicle which would provide early-response in a disaster, is socially significant as a facilitator of critical communications needs in devastated communities: access to emergency services and contact with family and friends. The exchange itself, intact from its period of use, provides an insight into technology of the 1970s.Mobile emergency exchange housed in a caravan trailer on 2 wheel base, duralin body, steel tow bar, Caravan divided into 3 sections; the exchange room; the relay room and the main frame room. The exchange room contains 3 switchboards, a folding table, cupboards, benches and switch rack (.1). table (.2), steel bar for attaching the table (.3), back boards of switchboards (.4-.6), switches (.7-.16), box of switches (.17). There is a wall phone magneto, 300 type handset on wall and 2 skylights with wire screens. .11? hat pegs and shelf; there are 2 fluorescent tubes for lighting, all in exchange section. The floor is covered with 2 tone grey tiles and there are wire mesh on outside of windows and a geometric curtain inside behind switch rack. There is a flywire screen door as well as exterior door. The relay room has a sectioned door so half can open at a time. Room contains a cupboard with folding bench top beneath a curtained window. The opposite wall has a bank of batteries and transmission condensers; there is a shelf above window, one fluorescent tube and fuse boxes. Tiles on floor also. The main frame room contains many metres of coiled black covered cable, a black covered magneto wall telephone with 300 type handset; grey plastic jumper cords, a rack of termination points and wire with wasp nests attached. There is a small iron step under door, a fluorescent tube on wall and 3 hat hooks. Roll of Paper Handtowels (.18), cord and handle (.19), red exchange cords and plugs (.20-.22), plastic aluminium runners (.23,.24), headset (.25,.26), logbook (.27), battery readings (.28), box containing papers circuit drawings etc (.29-.93), paper lists off wall (.94,.95). Books, record books etc (.96-.103). Manila folder (.104) containing circuit drawings (105-.124). Wooden drawer (.125), metal drawer containing subscribers master cards, record of faults cards, particular switchboards connected, Junction line cards (.126). Box of valves (.127), box of clamps (.128). Box of 2000 type rack fuses, red 1 1/2 AMPS, black 3 AMP, blue 1/2 AMP (.129). Box of sleeves for covering wire joints (.130), plastic beakers (.131,.132), soap (.133), box of white plastic squares (.134), time switch "Venner BF/43 time switch" Made in England (.135), box of bolts, knobs etc (.136), box of switchboard number indicators (.137), fuse (.138), fuse wire (.139), football card (.140). Box of cartridge fuse 6 AMP (.141). Envelope of drawing pins, rubber bands (.142), black plastic, paper tape centres (.143-.152), metal plug (.153), 2 signs "Beware of vehicles" (.154-.155). Paper listing Naringal East automatic conversion (.156). Green Commonwealth of Australia note pad (.157). Wiring plug for tail lights (.158). Black fuse plugs (.159,.160). Box of bolts (.161). 2 sections of blue plastic coated wires (.162,.163). Gloves used for working on batteries (.164-.167). Wasp nests (.168,.169). White fuse (.170). Photographs of van in use (.171,.172)..1 on front: "ANOTHER / MOBILETRAIL / PRODUCT" "MAX SPEED / 25MPH" "TRAILER BRAKES / --- / " On sides: "EMERGENCY TELEPHONE EXCHANGE" "NO 1" "PMG" "TCQ / GROSS 250 / TARE 182 / LOAD 162" "6" "COUNTRY BRANCH / NORTH REGION / [SHEPPARTON DIVISION]" "LAW'S SIGNS" "Telecom Australia" On back: "DANGER / LONG LOAD" "MQA 3787" .133: "FIR OIL" "AUSTRALIA"mobile telephone exchanges, mobile telecommunications trailers, trailers, transport, natural disaster, black saturday, bushfires, floods, emergency communications

After years of precursory surveying, debate and proposals the most ambitious civil engineering project of the day, the Overland Telegraph Line, began construction in September 1870. Superintendent of Telegraphs, Sir Charles Todd led the construction through “terra incognita,” guided by the precursory surveys of John McDowall Stuart and technologies such as his prismatic surveying compass. The unknown and hostile landscape claimed the lives of several men and scores of transport animals in the dogged pursuit of telegraphic connection to the rest of the world. Completed in August 1872, the Line connected Australia to the world via telegraph wires running 3,200 kilometres from Port Augusta in South Australia, to Darwin, then connecting via submarine cable to Java and beyond. The “earth [had been] girdled with a magic chain” according to the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Hercules Robinson. How does it work? For use in surveying, the sight vane and prism are turned up on their hinge and the instrument is held horizontally either in the palm of one's hand or on a tripod. Two small discs of red and green glass attached to the prism can be flipped down over the sight line to reduce glare. The objective is to bring the subject into the sightline created by the prism, aligning with the thread of the sight-vane until the subject is bisected evenly. Once aligned, the division on the card may be read through the prism. This reading provides the magnetic azimuth, used for calculating the bearings of distant landmarks. Circular instrument mounted in a brass case with glass window and brass lid. The compass card face four black compass points printed on mint green paper; on the underside the magnetic needle would be affixed, all held in place by a brass knob at the centre. The arched labels of "Sawtell" and "Adelaide" and the Prince of Wales feathers appear to have been affixed with adhesive which has since yellowed in the areas of application on the compass card. The compass face is printed with numbers, every 10 degrees from 10 - 360, printed in reverse indicating this compass would have once held a mirror at the sighting bracket. On one side of the brass case is a brass hinged sighting-prism, possibly of ebonite. The sighting-prism is mounted in a hinged brass bracket on one edge of the brass case. It has two flip-type filter glasses (red and green) and folds down into a retracted travelling position. A hinged brass bracket on the opposite edge would have held the sighting bracket - carrying the sighting vane and mirror - which is now missing or removed. Under the hinge is a lever, possibly related to the movement of the bracket. Underneath the brass case is an indented circle with screw threads, possibly for attachment to a tripod, and indistinguishable marks scratched into the surface.Etched on to the centre of the lid, "Sawtell ADELAIDE / No 792." Affixed to the paper compass face, possibly from separate pieces of paper, "SAWTELL / ADELAIDE" with the Prince of Wales Feathers above "SAWTELL". Underneath on remains of white tape in red: "159."surveying, compass, charles todd, overland telegraph line, telegraph

Mac's Shortbread Co dates its history back to a family bakery in Abbotsford opened in the 1860's producing bread for the goldfields. This eventually became McAlpine's Flour. This business was sold in 1960 and the family then purchased a cake shop, leading to building a biscuit factory. (This is thought to have been the Surrey Hills site). The company outgrew this and moved to Kerang. (Further research required.)This tin is material evidence of the small area of industrial activities that once existed in Surrey Hills.A round tin with a silvered interior and the outside finished in a white enamel paint with the head and shoulders of a blond girl in red jumper, tartan sash and brooch and a tartan tam o'shanter hat.1. Mac's / Petticoat Tail BUTTER SHORTBREAD 450g NET./ BAKED IN AUSTRALIA BY MAC"S SHORTBREAD CO., 1 NORFOLK ROAD, SURREY HILLS, VICTORA AUSTRALIA PHONE 8360333 INGREDIENTS WHEAT FLOUR, CHOICE BUTTER, SUGAR, EVAPORATED MILK BAKING POWDERbakeries, surrey hills, mac's shortbread, norfolk road

Photograph of a young, red-haired woman operating what looks to be a telephone switchboard. The woman, possibly a receptionist, and possibly vision-impaired, wears headphones with a mouth piece to allow hands-free operation of the phone. With her right hand, she operates the keyboard in front of her. In the background is a bookcase with phone books stacked upon it.1 black and white photograph of woman working in officerehabilitation, royal victorian institute for the blind

Souvenir mini banner from the 1982 Fespic Games in Hong Kong.White satin mini banner with black writing and red fringingFespic Games 1982 Hong Kong Oct. 31st to Nov. 7th 1982recreation, royal blind society of new south wales

Badge top - Red 17 surmounted by blue bear over the word INTERFET. Below - the words 'International Force East Timor/ Peace', surrounding - map of East Timor with dove of peace superimposed and below are the words '17 Construction Squadron' mounted on wooden plaque.Metal badge has the words 'Presented to Lilydale RSL/ by Sapper Megan White/ 2001

The Pier and Griffith island Lighthouse Port Fairyplus photographic copy of black and white photograph of the remnants of the Campbell Street Pier with the lighthouse and its buildings in the backgroundThe Pier and Griffith Island Lighthouse Port Fairypier, jetty, griffith island, red lighthouse, keepers cottages

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A black and white image of men and packs near Nelse. Spion Kopje is in the background. Left to right:- L. Dunne, Wal Johnson, R. Meyer, A. Reddingfalls creek, ray meyer, spion kopje, nelse, a. redding, l. dunn, wal johnson

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.Bound, fourteen page 'sticky' photo album with yellow vinyl cover containing thirty six black and white commercially produced photographs capturing activities and events attended by Alec Sandner during his time as Councillor and Shire President with the Shire of Strathfieldsaye. Each photograph has handwritten annotation with details including date, event and people present. Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.0135b Alec – planting a tree at / Flora Hill High School – Arbor Week / 12th April, 1984 0135c Alec – Michael John / May 7, 1984 0135d Mr Sinclair, Jeff Kennett, Michael John and Alec / inspecting Sinclair Foundry / May 17, 1984 0135e Alec – christening ‘Eugene Sandner’ scull / Bendigo rowing Club / Sunday, June 24, 1984 0135f Alec (standing) with Micahel John, / Andrew Peacock – Marisa D’Agnostina / Bendigo – Thursday August 2, 1984 0135g Bruce Reid, Alec, Jeff Kennett and Michael / John. Bendigo Wednesday August 8, 1984 0135h Mr Alan Hunt M.L.C, Michael John, Bill Ebery and alec / Sunday Sept 9, 1984 0135i t; Alec – Prue Sibree, Castlemaine, Oct . 84 m; Jeff Kennett, Alec and Bill Ebery / 1984 l; Belinda John, Mr Hunt, Alec & Bruce Reid 0135m Max Drechsler, Alec, David Wright / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire Wed 7th August / 1985 0135n Wendy Drechsler, Helen / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire / Wed 7th August / 1985 0135o Doug Stevenson, Alec, Joan Kirner, David Kennedy / Strathdale Community Centre / Thursday 8th August 1985 0135p Alec with members Bendigo Pony / Club – Spring Gully / Saturday 17th August 1985 0135q Alec / Opening Strathfield -/ saye bowling / Club / Sunday October 13, / 1985 0135r Honor Walters and Helen (President / Laura Clarke Auxiliary / Tuesday, October 29, 1985 0135s Mirridon Christmas Part 1985 / Aux. L to R Tilly Aston, Bendigo, Laura Clarke. / Mirr. Social Club, Strathfieldsaye, Huntly, Mc Ivor 0135t Alec presenting Atsuko Yajima / with spoons. / Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Jan 27, 1986 0135u Alec with Thomas / Bendigo Advertiser / Fri June 27, 1986 0135v Alec & Helen with / Emma Kelcher – Hannah Every / Flower Girls / Shire Presidents Ball / June 20, 1986 0135w Alec & Cr Ron Alexander, adressing (sic) / Public Meeting, Sat 19th July, 1986 0135x Alec, Wendy Drechsler & Helen / Red Cross Centre, July 1986 0135y t; Alec – Final Council Meeting / July 1987 0135z Alec – Merv Trimper / Shire of Strathfieldsaye / March 20, 1988 sandner collection, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, alec and helen sander

Bike Bendigo is a not for profit organisation with a vision to make Bendigo regional Australia's bicycle capital. it aims to make bike riding an easy and attractive option for all ages and abilities. The City of Greater Bendigo supports cycling in the city through its Walk, Cycle Greater Bendigo Strategy and through support for the Bendigo International Madison which was first held in 1972. Red bicycle bell with text and image printed in white on top. I (bicycle) BGOcity of greater bendigo health, city of greater bendigo leisure

The surplice is a liturgical vestment in the form of a tunic of white linen or cotton fabric, reaching to the knees, with wide or moderately wide sleeves. The lower segment is usually lace or lace trimmed. In this case it is hand crocheted. Here too the cuffs of the sleeves are lace trimmed backed with red silk to denote the rank of the wearer, in this case a bishop.

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