These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 30/9/1989 presents a detailed report from the General Manager regarding the proposed sale of Mitchell Manufacturing with the approach from Australia Foundation for the Disabled. 30/11/1989 the General Manager announced the decision to Mitchell Manufacturing staff that afternoon and he reported that so far the transfer had preceded smoothly and that staff now seemed to accept that they would benefit from it. 25/3/1991 The Chairman, Mr. Cribb reported that the Library staff had moved into the new building. 1 volume of minutes from committee meetingsroyal blind society of nsw, mitchell manufacturing

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Honorary Treasurer, Finance, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Library Services, Marketing, Mitchell Manufacturing, Administration Support, Information Technology and Personnel. 6/9/1993 The General Manager reported on the Strategic Overview and Implementation Plan. The core services would be Library Services, Rehabilitation Services and Technology Services. RBS would withdraw from providing Mobility Services and Talking Magazines unless by contract. In both cases there was existing services of a comparable standard and hence clients would not be adversely affected. RBS reduce its staff by 38 positions. 25/11/1996 Council members agreed that the Library Services Department be merged into the Information Technology Services Department. 28/1/1997 The CEO stated an opportunity for RBS to become a member of an international consortium known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information SYtem). Whose main goal is establish a World Standard Digital Talking Book System for people who are blind and vision impaired. 1/4/1997 it was reported there are now 6 agencies including RBS comprising the Australia & New Zealand Group, as member of the DAISY consortium. Council approved that the CEO attend the first meeting of the Consortium on April 18-20. 1 volume of printed sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, audio books

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Reports for Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council Committee, Information Services, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Marketing, Administration Support and Personnel. 25/8/1997 The President read a letter from the CEO, Mr. J. M. Isaacs formally advising of his resignation to take into effect from 31 December 1997. 24/11/1997 The President reported that Mr. John Landau was to be appointed to the position of CEO. 8/7/1997 The CEO advised the telephone based daily new service using interactive voice response technology developed by RBS was launched. 10/8/1997 it was reported the Queensland Talking Book Service (QTBS) was launched. 21/3/2000 The CEO reported that Ms. Jane Evans had been appointed as General Manager of the National Information Library Service (NILS). 18/4/2000 The CEO reported that one of the reasons for the creation of NILS was to combine the resources of RVIB and RBS to ensure an economical and smooth transition of both collections. 12/11/2001 The CEO reported that a meeting was held to discuss the merger of NILS and Vision Australia Foundation. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, national information library service

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights are: 30/6/1990 under the capable leadership of Mrs Elsie Germon the schools programme has been re-convened. Regular visits are being made to primary schools. Speakers are accompanied by sighted guides. 9/8/1991 Executive Director, Mr John Cook reported merger of the Braille & Talking Book Library with AFB. First radio appeal for 3RPH raising over $30,000, opening of the new Baringa Day Centre at Shepparton. 30/6/1996 the annual report highlighted the Centenary of AFB it was noted that self-help has always been the major emphasis underpinning the work of the Blind Member's Council. The Tilly Aston Fund raised over $1/2 million for the new National Information Centre. The peer support work and monitoring of services, ensures that we give back something to AFB, for the support we receive. BMC representatives made 70 visits across the State. The Council registered the Tilly Aston Rhododendron as a lasting way of acknowledging the work of our founder. 19/9/1997 The Chairman welcomed those present to the second combined meeting of the AFB and the Tilly Aston Customer Council. The Council welcomed the change in Articles and Memorandum of the Association and the formation of the Tilly Aston Customer Council which allowed all customer of the Association automatic membership and input to the monitoring of services. Minute book of Blind Members Council annual reports and general meetingsassociation for the blind, blind members council

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. These plaques were on the walls of Kelaston then later the Vision Australia office in Ballarat until it closed in 2021. Anna Jane Bolte was a resident of Kelaston whose son, Sir Henry Bolte became the longest serving Victorian Premier. William Buckland Trust supported safe housing for vulnerable Australians, such as the residents of Kelaston. Other generous local donors who were also acknowledged are Thomas & Cora Turnbull and the work of Mrs C.M. (Edith) Nunn, who joined the Ballarat Auxiliary in 1949 as they sought development of a home for the blind.Digital images of cast bronze plaquesThe Anna Jane Bolte Room Named in memory of the late Anna Jane Bolte, a resident of Kelaston, in recognition of the service given by her son, the Honourable Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G., as Chairman of the Guiding Light Appeal 1974. 20 April, 1979 In recognition & appreciation of the financial assistance received from the William Buckland Estate, 1979. This plaque acknowledges outstanding service to the blind people of the Ballarat district from 1948 until her death in 1975 by the late Mrs C.M. (Edna) Nunn, 1979. This room commemorates the generous support to Kelaston by Thomas & Cora Turnbull.nameplates, kelaston

Articles in the annual report include: increased funding from state government, possibility of sustained funding in providing a public library service, success of low vision clinic and need to increase opening times to accommodate demand, decision to move to standard cassette, change in direction by providing support for children to stay in family unit and community kindergartens rather than placement in a separate kindergarten program or residential care, introduction of Closed Circuit TVs into the workshop, winning a 2 year contract with Australia Post to provide bicycles and an order from Dubbo Zoo for family cycles and tandems, formation of RPH with a trial broadcast and radio license application made, and the Society held it's first Open Day.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Articles include the production of Christmas cards for purchase, the departure of Mr Davey as treasurer due to commitments in his personal life and that his property was completely burned out by bushfires and would be far more attention, catering difficulties at the Christmas party required improved facilities in the kitchen and this, as well as changes to seating and emergency exit changes due to meet building inspection, has seen an increase in bookings for the Hall, bathing box house at Chelsea still in good repair, two successful Braille Reading competitions held, J. Williams - a transcriber- visited American and returned home with a Perkins Brailler as she uses for the library and provided another one to the library, and although no response has been forthcoming from the Free Library Service Board of Victoria, the government inquiry into the Victorian Library Service has recommended that financial support be given to the Braille Library of Victoria.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Report from individuals and agencies forming the Illawarra Community Centre, including: the commencement of Telephone Support Program co-ordinated by Margaret Pinder, retirement of Dr Gordon Ames, Jack Tute, Ingrid Borgert and Ray Matthews, appointment of a Diabetes Health Educator, extension of some services to Colac, closure of Belmont Monday Group, introduction of Telelink and Companion Visiting and closure of the Illawarra Troupers after 13 years of performances. 1 volume of printed materialassociation for the blind, illawarra community centre

Report from individuals and agencies forming the Illawarra Community Centre, including: the retirement of Flo Dodge and Joyce Lake, awarding of 32 Tilly Aston awards for 15 year or more voluntary service, the 'Illawarra Tigers' Day Centre bowlers winning the State Blind Indoor Biased Bowls Competition, telephone support groups established in Colac and Portarlington, and involvement in a local Taxi Driver training day with other agencies, running a successful 'Banking and Budgeting Program' with Gordon Technical College.1 volume of printed materialassociation for the blind, illawarra community centre

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. In this example, the Vision Australia tin could be used gathering coins at events such as Carols by Candlelight or other special marketing days.1 metal coin collection tin with paper wrapPaper wrapper around tin: Help me to break down the barriers and achieve greater heights Vision Australia blindness and low vision services Paper on top of tin: Thank you for your support Vision Australia blindness and low vision servicesvision australia, fundraising

In 1990, the Braille Library and Talking Book Library merged with the Association for the Blind, to ensure library services were maintained in Victoria. This plaque recognises the assistance provided to the new entity by the Port Phillip Rotarians.1 digital image of plaque with inscriptionRotary International (symbol) The Talking Book Library greatly appreciates the support received from the Rotary Club of Port Phillip - Melbourne March 1991association for the blind, braille and talking book library

Vision Australia Foundation RPH Print Radio Bendigo The services and facilities of RPH Print Radio Bendigo were made possible through the generous support of The John & Thirza Daly Charitable Trust Winifred & John Webster Charitable Trust The Jack Brockhoff Foundation and Collier Charitable FundDigital image of golden coloured plaquevision australia foundation, 3rph radio station

Copies of the Proclamation of understanding between the Association for the Blind and the Seimei Association for the Welfare of Aged Blind, Inc., in both English and Japanese. These agreements were a symbol of the exchanges of each organisation, and the growing trend of agencies to link more to compatriots overseas as telecommunications improved.2 digital images of memorandum of understanding between Association for the Blind, Melbourne, Australia & The Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged Blind IncProclamation Whereas the Association for the Blind, Melbourne, Australia & The Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged Blind Inc, Oume City, Japan, are organisations which: - promote the welfare of people who are blind or visually impaired especially the elderly; - provide welfare programs, accomodation, medical and nursing assistance, and support to people who are blind or visually impaired; - strive to overcome problems associated with blindness, whether physical, psychological, educational, social or economic; - provide appropriate rehabilitation services to enable people to use their capabilities and to develop their skills so that they can participate as fully as possible in the community; - promote the interests of people who are blind or visually impaired and provide information to the general community; and - provide at all times services to a high professional standard with a spirit of care and understanding. Therefore let is be known publicly that the Association for the Blind and The Seimei Association for the Welfare of Aged Blind, Inc. formally establish a sister organisation relationship for the attainment of these common aspirations for people who are blind or visually impaired, especially the elderly. In Witness Thereof the Association for the Blind & The Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged Blind, Inc. cause their representatives to set their hands hereto on the 8th June, 1985. (Diana Jones) For the Association for the Blind, Melbourne Australia (signature) For The Seimei Association for the Welfare of the Aged Blind, Inc., Oume City, Tokyo, Japanseimei association for the welfare of aged blind inc., association for the blind

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including the continued success of country concert tours in providing both an income for performers and raising awareness of the Association, return of wounded soldiers has prompted the need for support for those who have been blinded and the Minister of Defence has been approached to provide a list of those such affected so that the Association can provide assistance, advice and possible accommodation at Mair St, a sub-committee has been established to determine if massage training could be provided as an employment option, passing of active members Miss Faulkner and Rose Josephs, and the Honorary physician to the Adult Home for the blind (Dr Gray) has departed his position for overseas war service.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

On June 15, 2007 Vision Australia Radio (formerly 3RPH) celebrated its 25th anniversary of broadcasting. Despite earlier broadcasts on community radio stations, a dedicated radio service for people who wanted to listen to in depth information on news and current events as well as serialisation of books had not eventuated. With the support of Commonwealth funding in 1982, stations were permitted to transmit on marine band frequencies in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart. With the eventual movement of major stations to FM in the 1980s, provision was finally granted for RPH stations to allow them to move to the AM band in metropolitan areas. In the 1990's regional stations were established, later linking to provide the Vision Australia Radio network. Throughout all of these changes, volunteers have supported the radio station in a range of ways, including collating and reading the newspaper articles for broadcast, helping source interviews and program ideas, operating studio equipment as well as presenting programs themselves.38 digital images of the 25th anniversary of VARvision australia, 3rph radio station, vision australia radio, gerard menses, stephen jolley, pam adams, lynne kells, tim evans, roberta ashby, marj west, norm richards, vince september, norm rees, graeme dawson

On September 18, 2008, Vision Australia staff and volunteers presented an information session to the students at Canterbury Primary School. Children were given kits with masks and braille to learn, and received presentations about how blind and visually impaired children use various services at Vision Australia.170 digital images of attendees, presenters and support for the eventvision australia, tess rossouw, kate gniel, seeing eye dogs australia, di seybold, canterbury primary school

Articles in the annual report include: establishment of Vision Assist service to help people use their remaining sight, creation of an Equipment Resource Centre at Enfield, a 1300 number set up to improve access to services, development of JobPhone to listen to employment classifieds in Fairfax newspapers, Talking Newspaper Service in Lismore, Narooma and Manly celebrated their 10th birthdays whilst the 29th title was launched in Lake Macquarie, introduction of an Audio Description Services for arts lovers, operation of several primary and high school aged camps for peer support, beginning of joint venture with RVIB to combine transcription and library services, and being named 'Australia's Best Run Charity' in 1999 by The Australian newspaper.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

The Wickings were key supporters of the Association for the Blind, with John Wicking becoming President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and his wife Janet taking a key role in supporting blind who are blind or have low vision. Personally involved in the development of low vision centres, this plaque recognises the work they undertook through the naming of Vision Australia's head office in their honour.1plastic plaque with print and brailleVision Australia blindness and low vision services On Saturday 28th August 2010, Vision Australia's Kooyong Head Office was officially dedicated as the J.O. and J.R. Wicking Centre in recognition and celebration of the significant contribution of John and Janet Wicking to the blindness and low vision community in Australia.association for the blind, john wicking, vision australia, nameplates

The Eureka A4 was a Melbourne invention, designed to capitalise on the growth of IBM PCs. It attached to the PC and allowed blind and vision impaired people to utilise screen orientated programs. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind supported the project and in this image, David Blyth and the managing director of Robotron Milan Hudecek, pose for a publicity shot at the launch of the Eureka A4 Notetaker in July 1997. Black and white photograph of two men at the Eureka A4 computer standDavid Blyth, Director of Community Services at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, carrying a Eureka A4, while Milan Hudecek, Managing Director of Robotron Pty Ltd looks on.royal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment, david blyth, milan hudecek

This plaque recognises the assistance provided by the Westpac Banking Corporation.1 digital image of plaque with inscriptionThese services & facilities were made possible by the generous support of the Westpac Banking Corporationnameplates, westpac

The H. & L. Hecht Trust was established in 1970 to provide support for community development projects. One such project was the establishment of services so that people with low vision had access to the devices and equipment that could assist them. Digital image of gold coloured metal plaqueAssociation for the Blind gratefully recognises the financial contribution made by the H and L Hecht Trust to provide low vision services in the Western Metropolitan Region August 1995association for the blind, h & l hecht trust

Silver plaque with black writing mounted on board inside black frame, and silver plaque with black writing. Both list the companies that financially supported the Newcastle office for Vision Australia (formerly the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales). The first plaque reads: Vision Australia Blindness and low vision services Vision Australia is proudly supported in the Hunter by: Ian Paul Prime Television Hunter Readymixed Concrete Pty Ltd Port Waratah Coal Services Limited Blue Illusion - Hamilton Newcastle Permanent Building Society Australian Hotels Association Sandalyn Wilderness Estate AmpControl Colleen Praniess Lidbury Retirement & Financial Services Passmores Business College Maitland Black & White Committee Belmont 16ft Sailing Club Cessnock Supporters Club The Boulevard on Beaumont Sydney Junction Hotel Gallipoli Legion Club VDB Chartered Accountants Salvation Army - McIntosh Trust The second plaque reads: Royal Blind Society vision to share This Client Service Centre was made possible thanks to generous support from Ian Paul as well as the following organisations Prime Television Newcastle Knights Hunter Water Western Suburbs (Newcastle) Leagues Club Management Advisors Corporation Drayton Building & Construction The Plan Centre Hunter Land2 images of plaques displayed at the Newcastle officeVision Australia Blindness and low vision services Vision Australia is proudly supported in the Hunter by: Ian Paul Prime Television Hunter Readymixed Concrete Pty Ltd Port Waratah Coal Services Limited Blue Illusion - Hamilton Newcastle Permanent Building Society Australian Hotels Association Sandalyn Wilderness Estate AmpControl Colleen Praniess Lidbury Retirement & Financial Services Passmores Business College Maitland Black & White Committee Belmont 16ft Sailing Club Cessnock Supporters Club The Boulevard on Beaumont Sydney Junction Hotel Gallipoli Legion Club VDB Chartered Accountants Salvation Army - McIntosh Trust Royal Blind Society vision to share This Client Service Centre was made possible thanks to generous support from Ian Paul as well as the following organisations Prime Television Newcastle Knights Hunter Water Western Suburbs (Newcastle) Leagues Club Management Advisors Corporation Drayton Building & Construction The Plan Centre Hunter Landvision australia, royal blind society of nsw, plaques

The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke in the 1960s. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. This item is significant because it is representative of a critical service at Falls Creek.Falls Creek Ski Patrol jacket, pants, under sweater and gloves from the early 1980s.falls creek ski patrol, safety falls creek, falls creek services

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office was designed by Public Works architect George W Watson and constructed between 1883 and 1887. The two story brick structure with basement has unpainted rendered facades and a 43m high clock tower complete with 6 bell carillon. The facades are elaborately decorated with Corinthian pilasters, balustrading, lions' heads and the state mansard roof with cast iron ridging and finials. (VHR #4739). Situated on Pall Mall it has always been called the Bendigo Post Office even though it was not until 1891 that the name Bendigo was given to the town. The Bendigo Post Office housed much more than just postal services and the building contained many early government departments and services needed for a growing district. The building celebrated its centenary on the 30th September 1987 to much fan fare with Ted Rankins, the then Postal Manager planning many of the week long events including tours of the post office, a grand parade with cake and staff in period costume, a ball at the Shamrock and a barbeque in Rosalind Park. The Post Office ceased providing postal services in 1997 after the privitisation Australia Post and Telstra but continues to play a central role for the community, providing important services to visitors and locals alike. Currently it is occupied by Bendigo Tourism and includes two exhibition spaces including the Living Arts Space and Djaa Djuwima a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery. Activities at the Post Office are supported by City of Greater Bendigo staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. These items are part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins. 0364.1: Single sided printed 'Order of Proceedings' flyer; Outlines the running of events for the celebrations on Wednesday 30 September, 1987 at the Post Office with the centenary logo centre top in crimson ink. 0364.2: Single sided, four-colour printed, DL size invitation for celebrations marking the centenary of the Post Office on Wednesday 30 September, 1987. 0364.3,.4,.5,.6,.7: Printed cake bag with centenary logo and image of Bendigo Post Office printed on front in crimson ink. 0364.8,.9,.10,.11: Square note paper with centenary logo and border printed in crimson ink. 0364.12 Envelope: Australia Post envelope with Bendigo 100th anniversary images. Date stamped and addressed to Mr Edmondston Postmaster, Elmore. bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection, city of greater bendigo volunteers

The photograph is taken in Mr. Spartel's home in St. Kilda. The MDNS uniform worn under her white gown was a dark grey cotton frock with a belt. The grey stiffened and brimmed felt hat had a light grey hatband with a red Maltese cross attached in the centre. Sister J. Faust is about to redress a wound on Mr. Spartel's abdomen. The photograph is a record of wound care being given by MDNS trained nurses in a patients home during the 1950s. This photograph appeared along with an article in The Sun newspaper Oct 17 1952.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients, who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed programs, such as the Wound Specialist program, and the Leg Ulcer Management Program, to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. When RDNS introduced Wound Care Specialists they carried out assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. On the left of the black and white photograph is Mr. George Spartel, who has dark short curly hair and is lying on his bed. His shoulders and head are resting on the white pillow with his head against the wooden slatted backrest of his bed. His torso is bare and part of a white wound dressing can be seen on his upper abdominal area. A dark grey covering is over the lower portion of his body. He is smiling and looking up at Sister J. Faust from Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) who is standing to the right of his bed.Sister Faust, who has dark curled hair, has her arms raised behind her neck as she reaches the ties on the white gown she is wearing over her uniform. She is wearing her grey brimmed uniform hat. Behind her is a wooden table, with a dark coloured radio on its right, and a jug with a doily over it, on the right.mdns, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), nurses, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns wound care, mr george spartel, sister j. faust

Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS and is giving a lecture to RDNS Sisters in the Education Department at 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne. She is wearing the RDNS summer uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on the upper left.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained Nurses (Nurses), through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS Sisters attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her Education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of the RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph shows Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley and seventeen (some partly hidden), Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters. The bulk of the photograph shows the front view of three rows of RDNS Sisters sitting at tables which have books and sheets of paper on them. The Sisters are wearing a variety of day clothes. In the right foreground of the Photograph is a table containing papers, and standing to its right, facing the group, is the back view of Sr. Rowley, who has short dark hair and glasses. She has her left hand on a sheet of paper on the table. She is wearing her RDNS uniform of a white short sleeve blouse under a dark tunic style frock. In the rear of the photograph a brick fireplace can be seen with some books and a vase of flowers on the mantelpiece. On the right is a long curtain, some lockers and an open wooden door with glass panel. Some of the Sisters named are:- Ann Greenwood, Judy Peter, Ethel Fullarton, Barbara Lovell, Shirley Lewis, Jane Ball..Barry Sutton Stamp. Quote LY 68royal district nursing service (1966-2017), rdns, rdns education, sister ethel fullerton, sister barbara lovell, sister shirley lewis, sister jane ball, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister ann greenwood, sister judy peter

This black and white photograph shows a group of RDNS Sisters who are part of the Post Basic Community Nursing Course. They are receiving education from Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator. The session is being held in the Education Department at the Royal District Nursing Service Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne.The RDNS winter uniform worn is a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material frock.Melbourne District Nursing Service ran its first Post-Basic Course for community nurses in 1962. Sisters attended the course for 12 weeks. The course ran annually until the mid 1990s. Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, later, in 1966, called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). From 1885, only Trained nurses (Nurses) through the Hospital training system, were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961, Education programs commenced at MDNS with their Trained nurses (Sisters) receiving In-service education. Sr. Pat (Paddy) Rowley was a leader in In-service Education and established the RDNS Department of Community Nursing Education in 1962. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior Sisters received Postgraduate diplomas from the College of Nursing in Community Health Nursing, Education, and Administration, and several travelled overseas visiting nursing organizations viewing their public health and District nursing systems. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, Wound Care Specialist Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and the Homeless Persons Program. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some patients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at home, and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of patients in the Rehabilitation ward. A Community Nursing Education Program was extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. These Education programs kept the RDNS Sisters abreast of new techniques, such as changes in technology for e.g. new testing methods in detecting glucose levels in Diabetic patients. Sr. Nan Deakin obtained a Post Basic Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing and included this area in her Education lectures. Sr. Daphne Geldard specialized in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. These Sisters visited patients in District areas with the regular RDNS Sister when required. Every member of staff, both professional and non professional staff, received regular education in the Education Department. In 1980, a Home Health Aide pilot study, funded by the Federal Government, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and RDNS, with the program written and taught by Sr. Rowley, was evaluated as successful, and Home Health Aides were employed and worked in RDNS Centres under the supervision of RDNS Sisters. This black and white photograph is of a group of seven Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters sitting in a semi-circle in two rows at single small two shelf tables. There are open white paged books or papers on each table and some of the Sisters have pens in their hands. The Sister sitting in the front far right is Sr. Affleck, who has dark short curly hair. The other Sisters have dark short hair in various styles. Further right in the photograph stands Sr. Rowley, who has dark short hair and is wearing glasses. She has her left hand supporting a torso of an anatomical model which is sitting on a table slightly to her left. She and the Sisters are looking at the vertebrae down the spine of the model. Another empty table is in front of the semi-circle and it sits in the centre foreground of the photograph. In the rear between Sr. Affleck and Sr. Rowley, a piece of equipment stands on a table. To the right of the photograph part of a large blackboard can be seen. The Sisters are wearing light grey skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style frock with the RDNS insignia on its upper left.Photographers stamp. Quote No. LD 8rdns education, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley, sister margaret affleck

This digital image appeared in the MDNS 1937 Annual Report and depicts one of the aspects of nursing care carried out by the District Sisters of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in a home in the suburbs of Melbourne.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed wound care programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. They instructed RDNS Wound Care Specialists who made assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field as needed. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and Hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. On the left of this black and white digital image is a little girl who is sitting on the top step of a wooden stool which is against a light coloured wall. The little girl has short dark straight hair; is wearing a dark jumper and skirt and is holding a light coloured bandage in her right hand. Her long grey socks are pushed down and she is wearing black sandals. Her right leg is bent and her foot is resting on the lower step. Her left leg is extended and she is looking down at a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister who is on her right, as she is swabbing a wound on the girls left knee. The Sister is wearing her uniform dark cardigan over her grey dress which has a white collar, and her grey brimmed hat, with central Maltese cross on the hatband, is worn over her short hair. She is looking down at the child's wound and in her right hand she has a pair of forceps holding a white swab against the wound on the girl's knee. Her left hand is under, and supporting, the girl's knee.mdns uniform, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns wound care