Well presented display panel showing plumes and giving a history of their wearing by Australian mounted soldiers.Wooden frame with glass front contain set of emu plumes and a cutting from a magazine giving a history of the wearing of the plumes which are whimsically called 'kangaroo feathers'.military, uniform, light horse

An item from a diverse collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.A set of picture postcards, printed on light-weight paper, which fold out accordion-style from an outer envelope (folder). These typically contain more than 5 cards.washfold family, postcard folders -- melbourne (vic.), christian-washfold collection

Vinyl imitation-crocodile skin light brown rectangular box, lined with cream satin. Brass clasp on front. Inside, one casine comb, half fine-tooth, half large-tooth. One hairbrush with casine handle and plastic bristles.No visible markingstoilet requisites, hairdressing, hair, brush, comb, casine, set

2020, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by catherine christensen, 435, art space exhibitor david belton, arts space coordinator teresa schipano, mrs bella manningham played by claire benne, mr jack manningam played by liam gillespie, elizabeth the housekeeper played by patricia alcock, nancy the maid played by elysia janssen, rough played by chris mclean, officers played by robert peel and charles field, production coordinator joan moriarty, stage manager melanie belcher, lighting design emma fox, sound design rob wanless, set design/decor costume design props wendy drowley, special props warren lane, scenic artists gaye billing and mal cother, ass. stage manager and rehearsal prompt bobby parish, sound/light operator tasmin mackie, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, set construction owen evens & doug mcnaughton & paddy moriarty & brett hunt &, des harris & norm munks & tim scott & bob tyres & david belton & noel purdey & dean christenssen & htc members, production review cheryl threadgold, foh helpers alicia curry & owen evans & diane dawson, 2019 agm christmas party and awards president john gilbert treasurer bruce akers represented by jim thomson awards adjudicators jill scott & leslie hardcastle & rodney charles, 2019 best male lead actor mark yeates as jake laurents in it's a wonderful life, 2019 best female lean actor catherine christensen as beatrice in a view from the bridge', 2019 best supporting male actor jack kenny as rodolpho in a view from the bridge, 2019 best supporting female actor aimee sanderson as bella in lost in yonkers, 2019 special award for body of work liam gillespie for louis in lost in yonkers & freddie filmore and others in it's a wonderful life, 2019 victorian drama league awards htc's nominated entry lost in yonkers: nominations: best actress in a minor role cat jardine as gert, best properties melanie belcher & maureen mcinerney: best costume design wendy drowley, best production: drama, best supporting actor in a drama liam gillespie as louis & best supporting actress in a drama lindy yeates as grandma, 2019 bill cherrey award john rowe, election of committee: returning committee all elected unopposed joan moriarty & jim tomson & ryan purdey & morgan thomas-connor & melanie belcher

Dining room at Buna Barracks, Albury set for a formal dinner 9 November 1991.military, una barracks, albury, vmr

Side drum painted in colours indication it is part of a set related to the base drum marked as 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.military, music, band, regimental, vmr

Colour photograph of five men outside a display booth formed by a camouflaged parachute over a metal frame. Tables are set up displaying objects relating to Albury in WW1Lou Madjeric, Bill Woolford, Maurie Miles, Don Campbell, John Nealevmr, display, camouflage, buna barracks, albury

VMR Heritage Troop was a very public face of the regiment during the 1980s and early 1990s. It conducted one royal escort, several vice-regal escorts and numerous VIP escorts in the border, north-east and wider Victorian locations. The royal duty was at the opening of Hopkins Barracks, Puckapunyal by HRH Prince Charles accompanied by HRH Princess Diana, 31 October 1985. Major General Kevin Cooke GOC 3rd Division authorised the establishment of the troop in February 1980. Captain (later Major) Robert Morrison was the troop leader and the driving force behind the concept seeing potential where others did not. The troop was made up mainly by serving members of 8/13 but did include some civilian members. Training and advice came from former light horsemen: Des Martin (8LH), Norm Whitehead (21LH), Bob Fyffe (20LH) and Fred Trickey (Riding Master RMC). This was an example of the troop engaging in a community activity. Colour photograph of street scene in the Victorian town of Dimboola, June 1986. It was a set for shooting an episode of a TV series "Flying Doctors" and included a cameo appearance of a section of four light horsemen from the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop. Horsemen were Corporals S Walch, A Florent, N Morris and Trooper C Ellison. Photo is glued to a fluted plastic card.light horse, dimboola, television, flying doctors

Colonel J D ( Blue ) Keldie had a distinguished career in RAAC including service in Vietnam where he was awarded the Military Cross.Black and white photograph of a silver tray with set of twelve silver goblets each with the badge of an Armoured Corps regiment including 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles." Gift to Col. J.D. Keldie MC by the combined units of the RAAC on 22/1/81 on his farewell. He was Director during 179 - 80.

Colour photograph of two soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer ' Trooper Pratt and Lance Corporal Van De Velde demonstrate how the F2 Radio set could be carried. In addition the men would have webbing, pack and rifle to carry.

Members of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) were posted to Army Reserve units in the 1980s and 1990s. They were rarely posted to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) but were invaluable in the A1 Echelon driving fuel, ammunition, ration and water supply vehicles. Colour photograph of two WRAAC soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving a meal from a BBQ set up on back of truck in A1 Echelon during field training. Private L. Cameron at left ; Private T. Roche, right.

Grant William. Brig-GenMale in Army Uniform WW1. Set in arid area. Brigadier-Generla William Grant, who led the Light Horse at the battle of Beersheba 17 October 1917. Son of E.G GrantBrigadier- General William Grant Led the Light Horse at the battle of Beersheba 17 October 1917.stawell, w.m grant, mititary

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. This card is a rare image of the original aviary built in the Gardens in 1892. The card also demonstrates how postcards were used as a method of contact in contrast to the contemporary use as souvenirs. The writer of the card, Polly, is anxious to receive a return postcard from Lila, writing that a reply should be sent that night. A black and white scene of a curving path with a square looking building at the centre. The 1894 MMBW plan shows that the building was triangular. The building is solid at ground level with the appearance of long vertical columns. The roof is light coloured and hip shaped with a finial at the apex. There is a garden set in the lawn on the left side of the image, shrubs and a palm at the left front corner of the building and tall trees in the background. The building is an aviary, which was built in north east section of the Gardens during 1892. The date of its removal is unknown. Front: ‘GARDENS, WILLIAMSTOWN’. Reverse: Centre top: ‘Post Card’; Vertical on left side: ‘P. & W. Series’; Right side ‘Address Only’. The card is addressed to Lila of ‘Ferguson St, N Williamstown’ from Polly. In pencil ‘1908 or later’ (believed to be inserted by the vendor of the card).postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, garden-path, aviary, 1908

The donor is a descendant of Henry Bayles Ford, who was the light house keeper at Cape Otway for thirty years (1838-1878). Bayles' wife, Mary Ann had been governess for the Latrobe family. The original tea set was a gift to their daughter Agatha,, and the remaining cup and saucer has been passed down to her descendants.Porcelain cup and saucer, originally part of a tea set. Blue band on cup and edge of saucer. Cup rests on three feet. Grape vine motifs (colour) on cup, gold decoration on cup and saucer.1407 stamped on bottom of cup. Marking on saucer illegible.cup maryborough

This is the home of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984) and their son Ernest Lance Young. Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills; after he married Beryl Mair. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. Ernest and Ruby also had twins Clive and James who died in infancy. Buried at Box Hill Cemetery - M-*-0867 (family plot) This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. REF: Memoir of Laurie Newton (nee Young) - Her grandfather bought the land and had the house built. She remembers it as having pressed ceilings in some rooms and ornate fireplaces and tiles and leadlight windows in some rooms and doors with leadlight panels. Her grandfather was a keen gardener with an ornamental front garden and many vegetables and fruit trees in the back yard. Her grandfather sold the adjoining block (No 3 York Street), which had been used for growing flowers and vegetables, to John and Edna Jean. Reid. She also remembered that he extended the house and divided it into 2 flats, renting out the northern side for 20 years. Sold by Jellis Craig on 24 December 2010 - With formal living, dining, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage/ample OSP. Land: 18.2m x 40.8m (60' x 134') approx. Large 2 storey house replaced the house.Colour photo of the street view of 5 York Street, Mont Albert. The house is Edwardian in style, constructed from weatherboard painted white with a red corrugated iron roof with simple finials. There is a small veranda with simple fretwork, lead-light feature windows to one, possibly two front rooms, one of which has a bay window. There is a garage set back at the side of the house with a concrete driveway on the south side of the house towards Mont Albert Road. The fence is low and constructed from roughly faced stone. The garden contains mature shrubs.In blue biro on rear: "1985 / POP'S" ; "5 YORK ST / E.A. YOUNG". Red photographic processing stamp "PROCESSED BY / KODAK / MAY 85M"ernest augustus young, ruby nichell whitby, ruby nichell young, ernest lance young, box hill cemetery, whitby lodge, house names, mont albert

This is the home of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984) and their son Ernest Lance Young. Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills; after he married Beryl Mair. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. Ernest and Ruby also had twins Clive and James who died in infancy. Buried at Box Hill Cemetery - M-*-0867 (family plot) This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. REF: Memoir of Laurie Newton (nee Young) - Her grandfather bought the land and had the house built. She remembers it as having pressed ceilings in some rooms and ornate fireplaces and tiles and leadlight windows in some rooms and doors with leadlight panels. Her grandfather was a keen gardener with an ornamental front garden and many vegetables and fruit trees in the back yard. Her grandfather sold the adjoining block (No 3 York Street), which had been used for growing flowers and vegetables, to John and Edna Jean. Reid. She also remembered that he extended the house and divided it into 2 flats, renting out the northern side for 20 years. Sold by Jellis Craig on 24 December 2010 - With formal living, dining, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage/ample OSP. Land: 18.2m x 40.8m (60' x 134') approx. Large 2 storey house replaced the house. Adjacent house (No 7 York Street) has been renovated. This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. Colour photo of the street view of 5 York Street, Mont Albert. Taken from the verge, it is a good view of the front of the house. The house is weatherboard with a red corrugated iron roof with simple finials. It is Edwardian in style with simple chimneys in brick and stucco. There is a small veranda with simple fretwork on the southern corner of the house and a bay window to one of the front rooms. There are striped canvas blinds, which are down, on the windows of the 2 front rooms, above which are small lead light windows. The house is partly screened by a mature shrubs. The garden is set behind a fence low fence and constructed from dressed stone. In black permanent marker on rear: "5 YORK ST / NOV. 1999" ernest augustus young, ruby nichell whitby, ruby nichell young, ernest lance young, box hill cemetery, whitby lodge, house names, mont albert

This is the home of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984) and their son Ernest Lance Young. Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills; after he married Beryl Mair. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. Ernest and Ruby also had twins Clive and James who died in infancy. Buried at Box Hill Cemetery - M-*-0867 (family plot) This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. REF: Memoir of Laurie Newton (nee Young) - Her grandfather bought the land and had the house built. She remembers it as having pressed ceilings in some rooms and ornate fireplaces and tiles and leadlight windows in some rooms and doors with leadlight panels. Her grandfather was a keen gardener with an ornamental front garden and many vegetables and fruit trees in the back yard. Her grandfather sold the adjoining block (No 3 York Street), which had been used for growing flowers and vegetables, to John and Edna Jean. Reid. She also remembered that he extended the house and divided it into 2 flats, renting out the northern side for 20 years. Sold by Jellis Craig on 24 December 2010 - With formal living, dining, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage/ample OSP. Land: 18.2m x 40.8m (60' x 134') approx. Large 2 storey house replaced the house. Adjacent house (No 7 York Street) has been renovated. This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. Colour photo of the street view of 5 York Street, Mont Albert. Taken from the rear of the house verge, it is a good view of the front of the house. The house is weatherboard with a red corrugated iron roof with simple finials. It is Edwardian in style with simple chimneys in brick and stucco. There is a small veranda with simple fretwork on the southern corner of the house and a bay window to one of the front rooms. There are striped canvas blinds, which are down, on the windows of the 2 front rooms, above which are small lead light windows. The house is partly screened by a mature shrubs. The garden is set behind a fence low fence and constructed from dressed stone. In black permanent marker on rear: "5 YORK ST / NOV. 1999" ernest augustus young, ruby nichell whitby, ruby nichell young, ernest lance young, box hill cemetery, whitby lodge, house names, mont albert

Robin WELCH ( 23 July 1936-5 December 2019) Born Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England Robin Welch is one of the most highly respected contemporary British potters. The full range of his work includes large vessels with related paintings, fine drawings, and distinctive bowls and vases which explore colour, surface texture, form, detail of edge, and line. He is one of small group of significant British potters who expanded the language of throwing pots on the wheel through post-wheel additions and alteration. This gave his generally cylindrical forms a more organic and sculptural aspect, but their heavily coloured and textured surfaces were as much about painting, too, as Robin sought an integration of the visual disciplines he enjoyed. As he once wrote: “There’s no divide between art or craft. You decide to be an artist and you’ll use anything. If marooned on a desert island you’d use driftwood.” (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/dec/27/robin-welch-obituary, accessed 23 March 2021) Initially studying at Penzance School of Art under Michael Leach (son of Bernard Leach) and the Central School of Art, London Robin Welch then worked part-time at the Leach Pottery between 1953 and 1959 before opening his own pottery in London's west end (1960 to 1962). After a couple of years of world travel, including working in Australia from 1962 to1965 helping Ian Sprague set up his Mungeribar Pottery and exhibiting in Melbourne, Robin Welch returned to England setting up Stadbroke Pottery in Eye, Suffolk in 1965. Apart from his studion work Robnin Welch was a skilled designer for industry including Wedgwood. When not in his Suffolk studio Robin Welch spent much time in Australia where he appreciated the outback’s arid earth, brilliant light, grittier textures and luminous colour. When not in his Suffolk studio Robin Welch spent much time in Australia where he appreciated the outback’s arid earth and brilliant light, its grittier textures and luminous colour, qualities he sought to convey in-the-round and on canvas. Apart from his studion work Robnin Welch was a skilled designer for industry including Wedgwood, Midwinter and Denby.Stoneware bowl with flange. Glazed in white matt crackle with a faint copper red tint. Dry black glazed rim. Gift of the artist.Robin Welch stamped on baseceramics, robin welch, gippsland, gppsland campus, jan feder memorial ceramics collection

Robin WELCH ( 23 July 1936-5 December 2019) Born Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England Robin Welch is one of the most highly respected contemporary British potters. The full range of his work includes large vessels with related paintings, fine drawings, and distinctive bowls and vases which explore colour, surface texture, form, detail of edge, and line. He is one of small group of significant British potters who expanded the language of throwing pots on the wheel through post-wheel additions and alteration. This gave his generally cylindrical forms a more organic and sculptural aspect, but their heavily coloured and textured surfaces were as much about painting, too, as Robin sought an integration of the visual disciplines he enjoyed. As he once wrote: “There’s no divide between art or craft. You decide to be an artist and you’ll use anything. If marooned on a desert island you’d use driftwood.” (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/dec/27/robin-welch-obituary, accessed 23 March 2021) Initially studying at Penzance School of Art under Michael Leach (son of Bernard Leach) and the Central School of Art, London Robin Welch then worked part-time at the Leach Pottery between 1953 and 1959 before opening his own pottery in London's west end (1960 to 1962). After a couple of years of world travel, including working in Australia from 1962 to1965 helping Ian Sprague set up his Mungeribar Pottery and exhibiting in Melbourne, Robin Welch returned to England setting up Stadbroke Pottery in Eye, Suffolk in 1965. Apart from his studion work Robnin Welch was a skilled designer for industry including Wedgwood. When not in his Suffolk studio Robin Welch spent much time in Australia where he appreciated the outback’s arid earth, brilliant light, grittier textures and luminous colour. Stoneware bowl on a tall foot. Calcium matt glaze, underglaze colour with underglaze metallic lustre. ceramic, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, robin welch, gippsland campus, mungeribar pottery, stadbroke pottery

Robin WELCH ( 23 July 1936-5 December 2019) Born Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England Robin Welch is one of the most highly respected contemporary British potters. The full range of his work includes large vessels with related paintings, fine drawings, and distinctive bowls and vases which explore colour, surface texture, form, detail of edge, and line. He is one of small group of significant British potters who expanded the language of throwing pots on the wheel through post-wheel additions and alteration. This gave his generally cylindrical forms a more organic and sculptural aspect, but their heavily coloured and textured surfaces were as much about painting, too, as Robin sought an integration of the visual disciplines he enjoyed. As he once wrote: “There’s no divide between art or craft. You decide to be an artist and you’ll use anything. If marooned on a desert island you’d use driftwood.” (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/dec/27/robin-welch-obituary, accessed 23 March 2021) When not in his Suffolk studio Robin Welch spent much time in Australia where he appreciated the outback’s arid earth and brilliant light, its grittier textures and luminous colour, qualities he sought to convey in-the-round and on canvas. Apart from his studion work Robnin Welch was a skilled designer for industry including Wedgwood, Midwinter and Denby. Initially studying at Penzance School of Art under Michael Leach (son of Bernard Leach) and the Central School of Art, London Robin Welch then worked part-time at the Leach Pottery between 1953 and 1959 before opening his own pottery in London's west end (1960 to 1962). After a couple of years of world travel, including working in Australia from 1962 to1965 helping Ian Sprague set up his Mungeribar Pottery and exhibiting in Melbourne, Robin Welch returned to England setting up Stadbroke Pottery in Eye, Suffolk in 1965.Stoneware bowl with split flange, glazed with matt white, black and a touch of copper red Tobin Welch stamped on basejan feder memorial ceramics collection, ceramics, robin welch, gippsland campus, jan feder

This wooden set could be used by sighted people as well as those who are blind or visually impaired. A universal game played in ancient Egypt and Rome, noughts and crosses has also become known tic-tac-toe (popularised in the USA) and there are 362,880 possible ways to play the game. Light wooden block with darker wooden discs and crosses recreation equipment, games

Coin collections have a long and varied history. Coins were often collected in churches in a box located near the entrance/exit, and later via a collection plate that was passed amongst the congregation Funds were used to repair the church or feed the poorest of the parish. The donation of coins is and was considered part of religious life and mentioned in Christian, Jewish and Islamic texts. With the need and expansion of charitable works occurring outside religious life, charity boxes began to spread into hospitals, orphanages and asylums. The need for non-fixed boxes grew with the rise in charities and their activities outside a fixed building. Collection boxes could be large (and therefore hard to move) or could be held by individuals acting as collection agents, working at a specific location, moving between dwellings or at events. These boxes were designed to be reused, with a pop out section in the base.2 x metal coin collection tins with printed sidesFront: The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road The only Institute in Victoria for teaching blind adults trades & professions educating & maintaining blind children & babies (Lighthouse with words radiating out from light) Modern cottage homes Pensions - after care & sick fund Prevention of blindness lectures, etc. Free wireless radio for needy cases Boat shed & club house Professions & trades Blind babies nursery Wireless sets Social club Happiness for the blind every day & night Musical education Higher education Domestic science classes for blind women & girls A free education Maintenance of blind children The Lighthouse! As a thanksgiving for sight Please place a coin in this box and help to keep the Beacon Light flashing for the Institute's Blind Adults, Babies and Children Side: (Picture of two girls playing with dolls house) Our blind babies and pupils will probably spend 70 years in our Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind St Kilda Road As a thanksgiving for sight please help make their years very happy ones by placing a coin in this box! Reverse front: (Drawing of a man holding his hand to his eyes as a blast occurs in front of him, pushing small objects towards his body.) It might hit You or Me! Please! Will You? As a thanksgiving for the sight you and your dear ones possess, please place a coin in this box to assist the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, St Kilda Road, and its Blind Adults, Children and Babies! Reverse side: (picture of workshop at RVIB) One of our many spacious workshops provided by public subscription! The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is faced with the problem of employing and otherwise assisting its blind workers. It gives them charitable allowances in addition to their earnings, amounting to approximately 15,000 (pounds) every year, to enable them to support their wives and families! No profits can therefore be made! This 15,000 (pounds) is distributed because the great handicap of blindness prevents blind persons from earning as much as their more fortunate sighted fellows. Please! Ask Storekeepers for our Baskets, Mats, Brooms, etc. And as a thanksgiving for Your Sight place a coin in this box for our blind adults, children and babies! Embossed on the top of the box is Royal Victorian Institute for the Blindfundraising, royal victorian institute for the blind

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

A letter dated 8th May 1973 details how the letter from Florence Nightingale was forwarded to Mrs E.G. (Janet) Wilson in 1955 by Gwendolen, Florence Nightingale's niece. The explanatory letter was forwarded by Elsa Halenstein and given to Royal District Nursing Service and remains in its Archives. From 1948 Mrs. Wilson served on the Committee of Management of Melbourne District Nursing Society (later Service), serving as President from October 1964-1967. In 1949 Mrs. Hallenstein served on the MDNS Committee of Management, becoming President of the now Royal District Nursing Service from 1967-1974. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) only employed Trained nurses from its inception in 1885. They followed Florence Nightingale's basic rules of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition and fresh air, which they learned during their Nursing Training at a Hospital, and taught to their patients by instruction and demonstration. In those days Trained nurses were called 'Nurse'. In 1892 MDNS employed Lucy Smith who, through the Nightingale Fund, did her nursing training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. She was the first nurse from this school to work at MDNS. Florence Nightingale, born on the 12th of May 1820, was named after the place of her birth in Italy. Born into a wealthy family she was schooled at home where she excelled in her studies; spoke several languages fluently, and was taught home management. She believed she was ‘called’ to reduce human suffering and tended to ill members of her family and tenants on the family estate. She worked as a nurse at Salisbury Infirmary where she learned about nursing sanitation and hospital practice. Florence then enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, Germany where she learned basic nursing skills, the importance of patient observation, and hospital organization. In 1853 she became Superintendent of the Institution for Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London, where she reformed health care, working conditions, and hospital efficiency. The Crimean War broke out in late 1853 and a newspaper reported the injured and sick soldiers were being cared for by an “incompetent and ineffective medical establishment and that most basic supplies were not available for care”. After an outcry from the public, Florence was asked to lead a group of 38 nurses, whom she had trained, to Scutari where the wounded soldiers were sent. After arriving at the Barrack Hospital in October 1854, she found the soldiers were being cared for in overcrowded and filthy conditions; contaminated water, faeces on the floors and rats running freely. There were few supplies and equipment. Florence bought supplies and equipment and found help to assist in the laundry. The wards were scrubbed from floor to ceiling. Florence set a high standard of care with fresh air, hygiene, clean clothing, sufficient food and regular dressing of wounds being carried out. She realized the importance of psychological needs, and soldiers were assisted to write letters to relatives, and took part in education and recreational activities. Of a night Florence walked through the wards, carrying a lamp to light her way, to check on ill and wounded soldiers and became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. She gained the respect of the soldiers and the establishment, and later, the public through the soldier’s letters and reports in the newspaper. After visiting Crimea she contracted ‘Crimean Fever’ from which she never really recovered. When she returned to London she was regarded a heroine. The public had given freely to buy her a gift but Florence preferred this money be used to establish a fund, which became known as the Nightingale Fund. Florence had kept excellent records on the running of the Barrack Hospital, medical and nursing staff efficiency, and the causes of illness and death. Many nurses from the training school became Matrons in many countries throughout the world. Florence pushed the Government for legislation to improve drainage and sanitation in homes and in the building of hospitals with fresh air a priority. She wrote the book ‘Notes on Nursing’ and many writings on health reform. She died, aged 90 years, in her home at 10 South Street, Park Lane on the 13th of August 1910. A handwritten letter, written in lead pencil, by Florence Nightingale. It is written to her niece Gwendolen.. The letter is on buff coloured paper and has the date 'Oct 17 1900'/ written in the top right hand corner; below this is, in capital letters, the two line black printed address - '10, South Street,/ Park Lane, W'/ is stamped. The bulk of the letter reads over eight lines: "Dearest Gwendolen",/ "Thanks for your / dear note,/ I shall gladly look / forward to seeing you, / on Friday at 5 ,/ ever your loving, / Aunt Florence./ . rdns, royal district nursing service, miss florence nightingale, mrs e.g. (janet) wilson, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein

Sister Gibbs is liaising with Dr. Gibbs to discuss his patients who are attended by RDNS.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in August 1893 with close liaising with the Women’s Hospital. As District nursing grew it was recognized that closer liaising between many Public Hospitals would be beneficial, for not only the MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sisters, but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital doctor, via the Liaison sister, at the time the patient was attending outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District sister. Liaising also occurred between District field staff and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a hospital.On the left of this black and white photograph is Sister Melanie Gibbs of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). To her right is Dr. L.B. Witts who is wearing glasses; has short dark hair and is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and dark tie; he has a stethoscope around his neck with the end on his lap. He is sitting 'side on' at the end of a low cabinet with three drawers seen.and is turned toward Sister Gibbs. His right arm and hand are resting on an open book on the top of the cabinet. Sr. Gibbs, who has dark curled hair, is wearing her grey RDNS uniform coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve, and peaked hat. She is seated 'side on' in the photograph facing Dr. Witts. Her dark leather rectangular shaped case, with RDNS written in the top third, is resting on Dr. Witts' low cabinet. On the left in the background sit a set of four light grey metal drawers above a set of dark drawers and part of an open Venetian blind over a window is to the right.Photographer's Stamp. Quote No. HN 47melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, patient care, rdns liaison, sister melanie gibbs, dr l.b. witts

The garment was a sealed sample 26 feb 1962. It is unknown when the dress was replaced. It is a representative example of this type of uniform in the period.The dress is in excellent condition.Light green,short sleeves.410mm shoulder to shoulder.1018mm top of collar to bottom of dress.320 mm wide waist.25mm sleeve from shoulder top to sleeve end. Sleeve cuff 4 cm wide.Two pockets on front, each set 12 cmm below waist and 9 mm from edge of centre opening.bottom of pocket is 10 cm from edge of centre opening.The dress opens at front with 8 button holes (24mm) openings,with a neck button loop(2cm). Two epaulettes 5cmm x 11 cm(long). The pockets have a sewn flap 2cm long from pocket top and 5 cm (at apex) from top of pocket.Two loops (5cm high) at each side of dress.A loop for hanging dress is inside collar at rear.Three press studs at front to fasten dress.Attached certificate in plastic seal. “Department of Army - inspection service/ SFC 8.3.13. (June 1958). Sealed sample/ sealed pattern no class 8415 article/CLO 1489 DRESS WOMEN’S indoor uniform,short/sleeves.RAANC,S55./ the supply is not to differ from this sale sample except in such/ respects as may shown on back thereof./Approved 26.2.1962/ for Director of inspection” On reverse of sealed tag is: “ measurements shall be as specified.Buttons/RAANC Line 30 (fronts) . Buttons RAANC LINE 26/(SHOULDER STRAPS).”dress, women’s, raanc, short sleeve, uniform

The seven weights (0008.4 and 0136.3) are circular in shape with a hole in the centre and a groove cut across the radius. They were specifically designed to fit into a weight tube, which allowed movement of the weights that were used for driving the clockwork mechanism for turning the lighthouse lens. They are most likely original to the Chance Brothers system installed in 1913, which was originally equipped with a set of ten, each weighing around thirty kilograms.The weights were moved vertically in similar fashion to the way weights move on a grandfather clock. As the weight fell, the optic clock was driven and the lens was turned. To keep the clock turning, the weight needed to be wound back up to the top of its travel. Lighthouse keepers had to constantly wind the clock to keep the light active, and at least two keepers needed to observe a strict roster of hours. When electric motors were invented, weights became obsolete and the motors were able to turn the optic for as long as there was power to drive them. Wilsons Promontory’s Chance Bros. kerosene operated light, which was turned by a clockwork mechanism, was replaced by small electric motor in 1975, reducing the number of keepers and eliminating the need for weights. Cape Schanck has a set of fourteen weights remaining in situ in the lighthouse weight tube as well as another four detached weights, two of which may be associated with the 1859 mechanism. A small number of detached cast iron weights and two associated rods remain at the Point Hicks Lightstation and one weight is displayed in the lantern room at Cape Otway.The Wilson Promontory weights have first level contributory significance for the insights they provide into the technology and operations of a late nineteenth/early twentieth century lighthouse which has since been superseded. They are well provenanced and are significant for their historical value as part of the lightstation’s Chance Brothers optical system installed in 1913.Four circular disc shaped lead weights, all with a narrow section cut out to the middle of shape. (as in slice of cake)