The name of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care 'Home', changed to 'Hospital' in 1934 and major extensions occurred in 1936.Melbourne District Nursing society (MDNS) opened the After-Care Home, situated at 39 Victoria Parade Collingwood in 1926 following a public appeal for funds. The name changed from MDNS 'Home' to 'Hospital' in 1934. The After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged people who could not look after themselves at home due to illness or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926, at a cost of £27,000, the Home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve nurses and four domestic staff. In 1930 an ante-natal clinic was opened at the home. During 1934 the Women’s Welfare Clinic including, at the time, a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies. Major extensions occurred in 1936. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957 and the District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and relocated to 452 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Following Royal patronage in 1966 this became the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The After-care Hospital continued to operate at the same address in Collingwood until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. Black and white digital image taken of the rear of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care Home showing, on the right, part of a three story section of the brick built new wing. Long windows are seen along each storey separated by brick work. Above each window is a wide light strip. Attached to this wing is a narrow three storey section with one long window, with light top strip, shown on each storey. Attached to the left of this are three walkways running to the left of the image. Tall metal handrails run along each walkway. In the background beyond the lowest walkway, part of a hip roof building and a leafy tree can be seen.melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, after care home, rdns, royal district nursing service

This black and white photograph of Sister Pat McPherson was taken at the 1st International Congress on Domiciliary Nursing held in Melbourne. The congress was hosted by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and ran from the 1st - 8th of February 1970. Following this Congress, Sister Patricia McPherson was employed by RDNS from 1970 - 2003, mainly in the area of Administration.Sister Patricia McPherson, State Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Infant Welfare trained nurse, B.A. was awarded an M.B.E. for her community health work among the Aboriginal communities during the time she worked as a Sister for the Australian Inland Mission (AIM). This was just prior to her joining Royal District Nursing Service. Patricia McPherson is listed on page 210 in the 'Women Shaping the Nation - Victorian Honour Roll of Women Vol 1 - 2001' - Centenary of Federation 1901 - 2001.This black and white photograph is a portrait head and shoulders view of Sister Patricia McPherson, who is smiling and has short straight dark hair. She is wearing a black and white patterned frock; on its upper right is attached a plastic name badge with two lines in white capital letters on black background stating: "Miss P. MCPHERSON / WESTERN AUSTRALIA' . Seen in the background is black and white vertical striped wallpaper.The Herald & Weekly Times Ltd, Melbourne, Australiardns, royal district nursing service, 1st internation congress on domisiciary nursing, sister patricia mcpherson

Dame Ivy Evelyn Annie Wedgwood, as Senator in the Federal Government, presented the Senate with Statistics of visits done by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses (Sisters) showing their visits increased threefold in the four years from 1952-1956. She was Honorary Treasurer of the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) for many years. Dame Ivy Evelyn Annie Wedgwood trained as an Accountant and worked as a Secretary before joining the Australian Women's National League which led her to be a founding member of the Liberal Party, and the Victorian Liberal Party's women's section. She became the first Victorian woman Senator in the Federal Government in December 1949 and served until mid 1971. She presented the Senate with Statistics of visits done by Melbourne District Nursing Society Sisters showing their visits increased threefold in the four years from 1952-1956, and stating that many patients would have been hospitalized without the visits from the Society. She strongly supported the Home Nursing Subsidy Bill in Parliament which was passed in 1956, and continued to work for health, welfare and disability issues as well as being an advocate for women's interests, including equal pay for equal work, during her time in Parliament. Over the years she was a specialist magistrate to the Children's Court of Victoria, a Justice of the Peace, served on the National Council of Women, and was president of the Women's Justice Association, as well as Honorary Treasurer of the now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) for many years and the first President of the Australian Council of Domiciliary Nursing. In June 1967 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for 'distinguished services to Parliament and the community' and RDNS holds this award in its Archives. Following her retirement from Parliament she became President of the After-Care Hospital in 1972, and on the 24th of July 1975 after chairing a Board meeting she felt unwell and returned to her home in Toorak where she died, aged 78 years, later that evening.Black and white photograph showing Dame Ivy Wedgwood, who has short wavy dark hair; is wearing glasses and has a single string of pearls around her neck. She and is sitting in a light coloured covered chair and part of a cushion is seen. She is wearing a floral dress with mid length sleeves and is sitting in front of a filled bookcase. A smaller filled bookcase is seen to her left as well as some stacked books.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, after- care hospital, royal district nursing service, rdns, dame evelyn annie wedgwood

These are the first two Malayan nurse recipients of an Australian Imperial Force Scholarship. This entitled them to spend three months with the Melbourne District Nursing SocietyNurses from Malaya came to Australia under the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F) scholarship program.Black and white photograph of Malayan nurses, Miss Alice Chia and Miss Ooi Soh Im. Both Malayan nurses have dark short hair and are wearing glasses. They are wearing long grey coats which have collars and a belt, and dark brimmed hats. The nurse on the left is carrying an oblong case in her right hand and the one on the right has a white folded document in her left hand. They are standing on a path. Part of a brick building is to their left and rear, and a set of stairs is to the right rear. Part of a window can be seen to the left and some low bushes in front of the building. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), rdns, royal district nursing service, aif scholarship program, miss ooi soh im, miss alice chia

This photograph shows the Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), Headquarter and Nursing Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. The cars in front of the building are part of the MDNS fleet of cars and are Australian built Holden vehicles of the 1960s. The MDNS Trained nurses (Sisters) seen are wearing their grey uniform coats and hats which had a red Maltese cross in the centre front. Under their coats the Sisters wore grey cotton frocks. The Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) building at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne was originally called 'Airlie Mansion', the childhood home of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, the Prime Minister of Australia 1923-1929. 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. 'Airlie' was used by Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital nurses as a Nurses Home prior to Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS), moving into this building as their Headquarters and Nursing Home in 1953. MDNS was given Royal patronage in 1966 and continued to occupy the building as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) until 1996. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia cars 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Holden vehicles parked outside MDNS Headquarters, which is seen in the background of the photograph. To the right is a MDNS Sister, who is wearing her grey peaked hat over her drawn back long hair. and is wearing her grey coat and carrying a square nursing case with the capital letters 'RDNS' written on it; she is standing side-on, looking to her left, and her right hand is on the door handle of the front door of the right hand car. To her left is another car, with a MDNS Sister standing on the grass behind the bonnet. She is wearing glasses and her uniform hat is worn over short dark hair. She is wearing a grey coat, scarf and both gloved hands are holding the handles of bags. On the drivers door of this car the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Service' are written in capital letters. On the far left hand side of the photograph, half of a third Holden vehicle is seen and a large tree is on the nature strip between this and the middle car. Behind the vehicles, bushes and a large tree can be seen on the left hand side behind the cast iron fence. Several other bushes and small trees are seen. In the background is MDNS Headquarters; a large white two storey Italian style building, which has three, roman column, arched Arcadia on either side of a polygon shaped bay window on the ground floor, and three long windows to the left and a three arched Arcade to the right on the second floor. Two Sisters in uniform are standing on the veranda of the 2nd floor between the far right hand arch. To the left and right of the building, parts of single storey hip roof buildings can be seen.melbourne district nursing service, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns headquarters, rdns transport, mdns uniforms

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

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

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

Miss Evans, the Director of Nursing of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) is holding a meeting with some RDNS Sisters in a room at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Mary Evans was born in Adelaide in 1915. She completed her General Nursing Training at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and her Midwifery Certificate at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Melbourne. Mary worked in the Midwifery section of Melbourne District Nursing Society from 1943–1945, and then qualified as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Gaining a Scholarship from MDNS in 1959, she studied and investigated District Nursing practices in England, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Canada and the USA, which had a profound impact on the planning of MDNS. As Deputy Matron, then Matron from 1963, she began implementing her 5 point plan of - Education, Liaison, Ancillary Services, MDNS Centres in strategic areas and Home Health Aides. Miss Mary Evans retired as Director of Nursing of, the now, Royal District Nursing Service in 1978 and became an adviser to the Australian Council of Community Nursing Services. In 1981 she was awarded an O.B.E. for services to District Nursing, and as recognition for her leading role in Community nursing in Australia. From 1986-1990 she was heavily involved in the running of the Baxter Retirement Village. She was also Vice President of the Airdrie Retirement place for nurses in Canterbury. Mary Evans was placed on the Honour Roll of Victorian Women in 2001. Miss Mary Evan, O.B.E. died in early 2004.Black and white photograph of Miss Mary Evans, Director of Nursing of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), with a group of RDNS staff. Miss Evans is sitting in a floral patterned lounge chair on the far right hand side. The other staff are sitting in a semi-circle in matching lounge chairs and couches. In attendance are Sisters: P. Holdsworth, B. Harris, E. Holland, M. Campbell, H. Beckett, J. Wilkinson, J. Tarn, E. Anderson. Some are partly hidden. Miss Evans has short dark curled hair and is wearing her grey uniform skirt and jacket. The rdns insignia can be seen on her upper left sleeve. The Sisters are wearing their grey short sleeve uniform frocks; some are wearing cardigans. The RDNS Insignia can be seen on the upper sleeve of some Sisters. A small round table with papers on it, sits beside Miss Evans and a rectangular coffee table in front of some of the Sisters. A plain carpet is on the floor and in the background two windows with long side curtains can be seen.Photographer Stamp. Quote No. 5 Aroyal district nursing service, rdns, rdns matron, miss mary evans, sister pat holdsworth, sister betty harris, sister e. holland, sister m. campbell, sister h. beckett, sister joanne wilkinson, sister joan tarn, sister ellen anderson

The RDNS Sisters are both holding the 1st day Cover Envelope issued by the Australian Postal Department in 1985 to commemorate the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society on the 17th of February 1885. A stamp is in the right hand top corner of the envelope. The main body of the stamp is pale blue. On the top of the stamp, written in deeper blue/grey, are the words "Centenary of District Nursing Services 1985" Below this, and to the right, is a pale bone colour original sign on a metal fence which reads, in white capital letters, "Melbourne District Nursing Society" Standing on the left in the foreground is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) in her long grey uniform frock with white collar, cuffs and belt. She is wearing a grey helmet style hat which has a white hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre. Her black shoes can also be seen. She is holding a bicycle; only the front wheel and part of the frame and the handlebars, which have a brown nursing bag strapped to them, can be seen, The nursing bag and handlebars cover part of the MDNS sign. At the bottom of the stamp, on a strip of white background, are the words in capital letters "Australia 33c". Below the stamp is a rectangular1st mark. On the left half of the envelope are some sketches of several two storey buildings either side of a set of steps. Some adults and children are standing on the steps as well as in the foreground; some are sketched and others dressed in various coloured clothing. In the foreground right in front of steps, stands a lady with her hair drawn up and wearing along grey frock and white apron; partly seen against her right side is a small child dressed in brown. Sister Willie Fleming is the Supervisor of the RDNS Sunshine Centre and Sister Phillipa Kariko is Supervisor of Essendon Centre. They are wearing their RDNS uniforms of white short sleeve blouses under royal blue V neck tunic style frocks. The RDNS insignia is round and has royal blue writing on a white background. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District Nursing Societies that had been formed in towns in UK’. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Service in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School at a Hospital and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A Doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days, not the term ‘Sister’ that is used these days. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and they cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. A Midwifery Service commenced in August 1893 with Nurse Fowler the first trained Midwife. She had previously worked with the Society carrying out General nursing. The Society expanded its areas using public transport and with the Society purchasing bicycles in 1903, before procuring its first cars to cope with the influx of patients during the Spanish influenza epidemic in 1919, though these were sold in 1927 due to their poor condition..A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia vehicles in 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Over its years of expansion the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters), continued to visit patients in their homes and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as Amputees, those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Willie Fleming, who has curly blonde hair, and on the right, Sister Phillipa Kariko, who has short dark hair. They are standing outside Essendon RDNS Centre.. They are both wearing their RDNS summer uniform of dark V neck tunic style frocks, with emblazoned RDNS insignia on its upper left, over short sleeve white blouses, Each are holding an envelope with writing, sketched buildings and figures on the envelopes left side, and a stamp is on the upper right corner. Below the stamp is writing in a rectangle. Behind the Sisters is a brick wall with them hiding some of the white capital letters of the words 'District Nursing Service' and 'Essendon Centre'. Windows and part of the fascia of the building is seen behind this.Handwritten informationmelbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre, sister willie fleming, sister phillipa kariko, rdns 1st day cover centenary envelope

The photograph was taken in the Board Room of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. It was taken after Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley received her Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing. The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession".The regalia worn by Sr. Rowley as a Fellow, is a black gown with the wide trim to the front edges of scarlet satin and the regalia hood of inner white and outer scarlet satin. Sr. Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS.Sister Rowley commenced at Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1956 working as a District Nurse in a large district covering South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, and suburbs bordering from St. Kilda to Port Melbourne. In 1961 she was asked to be a Control Sister answering the telephones in Headquarters. She left MDNS for a short period, and after being asked to return was accepted, in August 1962 to take the MDNS 2nd Post Basic Course written by Miss Mary Evans; during this time Sr. Rowley wrote a paper on Liaison which led to continuity of care of patients between hospitals and RDNS. Following the course she commenced in Education and rewrote the Post Basic Course. In 1964 Sr. Rowley commenced, on a part time basis, working as a Liaison Officer at the Alfred Hospital. She attended the Teachers College, doing the 12 month course in 6 months, but this course did not have a health component, so she applied, and received, a Florence Nightingale Scholarship to the College of Nursing, gaining her Diploma of Nursing Education in 1968. Following this she became the, now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Officer. In 1969 Sr. Rowley, with Miss Mary Evans, DON, attended the quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses in Montreal, Canada and then Sr. Rowley visited USA looking at Public Health Nursing Education programs. As well as her RDNS work, Sr. Rowley became Nursing Consultant to the St. John's Ambulance Association in 1970, assisting in planning their Home Nursing Course book. In July 1971 Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley, was awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession”. Sr. Rowley was then appointed as Principal Nurse Educator and wrote many of the programs for the Education department. Working as an Educator she travelled to regional hospitals, e.g. in Geelong and Ballarat to give lectures on District Nursing. When the Education Department relocated to 488 St. Kilda Road, she arranged the floor plan of the rooms. Sister Rowley retired from RDNS in 1988 having worked for 26 years in Education and a total of 32 years with the Melbourne, later named Royal, District Nursing Service. . Black and white photograph of a three quarter length view of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley. Sister Rowley, who has her head turned slightly toward the left of the photograph, is wearing dark rimmed glasses and has short dark straight hair. Over her light coloured top, she is wearing a black long open gown with wide trim, and regalia hood of white inner and dark outer satin. Her hands are clasped to the front holding a rolled white certificate held closed with a ribbon and bow. In the background the left edge of a framed landscape painting is seen on the wall. Part of Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 57royal district nursing service, rdns, fellowship of the acn, melbourne district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley

The photograph was taken on the stairs at the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, after Sister Joanne Wilkinson, Nurse Educator, Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley, RDNS Principal Nurse Educator, and Miss Norma Bryan, RDNS Deputy Director of Nursing, were awarded Fellowships of the Australian College of Nursing. Their regalia worn as Fellows, was a black gown with the wide trim to the front edges of scarlet satin and the regalia hood of inner white and outer scarlet satin. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) describes the award as follows:- "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession." RDNS senior nursing staff could apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. Many of their senior trained nurses 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.Black and white photograph of three Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) staff members standing on stairs in front of a long stain glass window; left to right - Sister Joanne Wilkinson, Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley and Miss Norma Bryan. The three members are wearing their black gowns with regalia of light coloured edges and their hood of a white V band with dark band edge. Sister Wilkinson, who has short dark hair, is wearing a grey coloured top under her regalia, and is holding her rolled certificate, with a ribbon and bow, in her right hand and has her left hand on the stair rail. Sister Rowley has short dark hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses; she has a white top under her regalia and is standing side on towards Sr. Wilkinson with her head turned toward the front. She has her certificate in her right hand with her wrist resting on the stair rail. Miss Bryan, who is smiling, has dark curled hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses. She is wearing a patterned top under her regalia and has her hands clasped to the front holding her certificate. Part of the stair rail can be seen to her right On the wall between Sister Wilkinson and Sister Rowley are three vertical stain glass windows.Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 58royal district nursing service, rdns, fellows of acn, sister joanne wilkinson, miss norma bryan, sister pat (paddy) rowley

The plaque is a clear indication of the respect and gratitude of members of Australian Armed Forces of the RAAMC who served with devotion during the Vietnam war.The RAAMC teams saved many lives and mended many soldiers often working under difficult circumstances and with limited available timeframe to perform their duties.Polished timber plaque with smaller shoulder flashes and badges of Royal Australian Army Medical Corp across the top of the plaque and then with larger shoulder epaulettes and uniform sew-on badge across the middle of the plaque.In Regognition Of All The Doctors And Nurses That Served In Vietnam. They Fought To Save And cared For The Wounded.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, medical, mackay vietnam veterans qld

In the 2000s Legacy released a range of Legacy Bears to expand the merchandise available for sale during Legacy Week and at other fundraising opportunities during the year. This bear is in an Australian WW1 nurse with a red cape and white headpiece. The Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) was formed in 1903 as part of the Australian Army Medical Corps. More than 3,000 civilian nurses volunteered to serve during WWI. While their stories are rarely told eight of these inspirational women received the Military Medal for bravery. Sometimes special editions of the bears were produced. In 2021 the price was increased to $20 per bear.An example of the type of products sold along with Legacy Badges for fundraising in the 2010-2020s.Legacy bear dressed in a WW1 nurse uniform with a printed cardboard tag.Printed tag gives the price as $20.legacy appeal, fundraising, legacy bear

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) members during the bargaining process for Victorian nurses' wages and conditions in 2007. Enterprise bargaining is the process of negotiation generally between the employer and employees (often represented by a trade union, professional association or other bargaining representative) with the goal of making an enterprise agreement stipulating the wages and conditions of work. The 2007 public sector campaign entitled 'Fund nursing properly for a better state of health' involved the ANF bargaining for members employed in the public acute and aged care sector, public psychiatric services, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and the Royal District Nursing Service. The 2007 campaign focused on improved workloads and skill mix and a minimum 18 per cent wage increase to address the wage disparity between Victorian nurses and nurses working in other Australian states.Circular red, white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'FUND NURSING PROPERLY FOR A BETTER STATE OF HEALTH', 'EBA 07' [enterprise bargaining agreement 2007] and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] website address of the time (www.anfvic.asn.au).nursing, nurses, unionism, trade unions, enterprise bargaining, badges, buttons, pins, staffing, wages, workforce, labour history, australian nursing federation, victoria, campaigning

Badge campaigning against the Victorian Liberal government's widespread privatisation of the public health service (and other public services) in the 1990s, which resulted in job cuts and site closures throughout the state. The Australian Nursing Federation, the union representing nurses in Victoria, was a strong opponent of these cuts and closures, that resulted in pressure applied on an already overstretched and poorly resourced group of workers. "In a context of high unemployment and an ideological commitment to small government, there were widespread job losses and people affixed stickers to their cars saying 'I've been Jeffed', i.e. made redundant. The cuts were not confined to government employees and many staff of private enterprises also lost their jobs. This was the era of the 'consulting poor' as professional staff struggled to make a living as independent consultants, rather than employees. They were well paid for short term contracts, but continuity of work was hard to find." (Sally Wilde, 'The History of Prahran 1990-1994', 2000)Circular blue, red and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'I've been 'Jeffed' and I'm paying the Penalty!' and 'ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] VIC. [Victorian] BRANCH'. 'Jeffed' refers to the then Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett (1992-1999).nursing, nurses, victoria, jeff kennett, 1990s, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, protest, rationalisation, australia, politics, privatisation, australian nursing federation

Run as part of recruitment campaign in 1996, a decade on from the 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike, the longest strike in Victorian nursing history. The 1990s saw new challenges for Victorian nurses, as the state government oversaw the widespread privatisation of the public health service and industrial reforms that gave greater power to employers. This resulted in site closures and the watering down of worker rights and conditions. This sticker recognises that the challenges for nurses are ongoing and encourages collective action.Rectangular gold and blue sticker. Sticker has warped and faded due to age. Sticker printed with 'Nurses act in '96 protecting gains of '86', the Australian Nursing Federation logo and 'Join the ANF Tel: 9347 0333'.nurses, nursing, australian nursing federation, sticker, stickers, campaigning, trade unions, labour history, victoria, jeff kennett

Bumper sticker protesting Victorian Liberal government's widespread privatisation of the public health service (and other public services) in the 1990s, led by Jeff Kennett. which resulted in job cuts and site closures throughout the state. The Australian Nursing Federation, the union representing nurses in Victoria, was a strong opponent of these cuts and closures, that resulted in pressure applied on an already overstretched and poorly resourced group of workers. This sticker was one of many pieces of protest materials and merchandise produced by the Australian Nursing Federation.Rectangular black and white bumper sticker. Sticker printed with 'R.I.P. The HEALTH SYSTEM KILLED by KENNETT' in large font, an illustration of a tombstone and an authorisation statement.nursing, nurses, victoria, jeff kennett, 1990s, stickers, bumper stickers, trade unions, labour history, protest, rationalisation, australia, politics, privatisation, australian nursing federation

Campaign material for the Victorian Labor Party ahead of the 2002 Victorian State Election, campaigning for Bronwyn Pike in the seat of Melbourne. Education and health polled as key issues ahead of the election. Labor comfortably won the election, gaining 20 seats, returning Steve Bracks as Premier. Robert Doyle was the opposition leader. Despite a heavy loss and lacking popularity with the Victorian community, Doyle continued as opposition leader following the election.Double-sided square white coaster with blue and red text. Printed on front with Australian Labor Party logo and authorisation, along with the following text: 'BRACKS LABOR healthy meal ♢ more nurses ♢ more teachers ♢ more police ♢ more jobs ♢ more services ♢ decent government Bronwyn Pike MELBOURNE' Printed on rear with blue decorative border and the following text: 'LIBERAL DOYLE-Y ♢ take away schools ♢ take away nurses ♢ take away jobs ♢ take away services ♢ take away democracy'Signed in blue pen by Steve Bracks, the 44th Premier of Victoria (1999-2007). Stained on bottom corner. Printed by BR Printing, 30 Albermarle St, Kensington, Victoria.victoria, election, campaign, education, health, politics, labor party, state politics, 2002 state election, steve bracks, robert doyle, nurses, nursing

Photograph provided by Catherine Hutchings, long-time Professional Officer at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). The photographer is unknown. This is one of three photographs depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action at the Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Victoria, Australia in 1993. The dispute related to attempts by hospital management to reduce the nurses' access to ADOs (Allocated Days Off). The nurses engaged in rolling walk-outs to express their resistance, setting up out the front of the hospital with picnic rugs and chairs, food and drinks, umbrellas, and placards, to gain the awareness and support of the Victorian community. This industrial action occurred at a time when the Victorian Liberal government, led by Jeff Kennett (1992-1999), engaged in the widespread privatisation and rationalisation of many public services, including the health service. The Australian Nursing Federation, the union representing nurses in Victoria, was a strong opponent of the resulting job cuts and site closures, and engaged in various political and industrial campaigns during this time to protect and advance staffing levels, wages and working conditions.Colour photograph depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action outside the Sunshine Hospital, St Albans in the early 1990s (estimated 1993).nursing, nurses, victoria, st albans, sunshine hospital, western health, melbourne, industrial action, labour history, australian nursing federation, jeff kennett, 1990s history

Photograph provided by Catherine Hutchings, long-time Professional Officer at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). The photographer is unknown. This is one of three photographs depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action at the Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Victoria, Australia in 1993. The dispute related to attempts by hospital management to reduce the nurses' access to ADOs (Allocated Days Off). The nurses engaged in rolling walk-outs to express their resistance, setting up out the front of the hospital with picnic rugs and chairs, food and drinks, umbrellas, and placards, to gain the awareness and support of the Victorian community. This industrial action occurred at a time when the Victorian Liberal government, led by Jeff Kennett (1992-1999), engaged in the widespread privatisation and rationalisation of many public services, including the health service. The Australian Nursing Federation, the union representing nurses in Victoria, was a strong opponent of the resulting job cuts and site closures, and engaged in various political and industrial campaigns during this time to protect and advance staffing levels, wages and working conditions.Colour photograph depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action outside the Sunshine Hospital, St Albans in the early 1990s (estimated 1993).nursing, nurses, victoria, st albans, sunshine hospital, western health, melbourne, industrial action, labour history, australian nursing federation, jeff kennett, 1990s history

Photograph provided by Catherine Hutchings, long-time Professional Officer at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch). The photographer is unknown. This is one of three photographs depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action at the Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Victoria, Australia in 1993. The dispute related to attempts by hospital management to reduce the nurses' access to ADOs (Allocated Days Off). The nurses engaged in rolling walk-outs to express their resistance, setting up out the front of the hospital with picnic rugs and chairs, food and drinks, umbrellas, and placards, to gain the awareness and support of the Victorian community. This industrial action occurred at a time when the Victorian Liberal government, led by Jeff Kennett (1992-1999), engaged in the widespread privatisation and rationalisation of many public services, including the health service. The Australian Nursing Federation, the union representing nurses in Victoria, was a strong opponent of the resulting job cuts and site closures, and engaged in various political and industrial campaigns during this time to protect and advance staffing levels, wages and working conditions.Colour photograph depicting Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch) members engaged in industrial action outside the Sunshine Hospital, St Albans in the early 1990s (estimated 1993).nursing, nurses, victoria, st albans, sunshine hospital, western health, melbourne, industrial action, labour history, australian nursing federation, jeff kennett, 1990s history

A variety of badges that once belonged to J B McLean some are souvenirs and a couple are from the A.I.F. The badges for those returned from active service could be worn by soldiers and nurses who returned to Australia from active service and were honourably discharged. From information found online: The badge from Ypres is known as a sweetheart badge. Often produced post war as a souvenir. It is the arms of the city of Ypres/Ieper. The crown over the shield is called a "mural crown" and is often seen as part of the arms of cities and towns. The phrase 'sweetheart brooch' is commonly used, but is misleading, as it was not only 'sweethearts' that wore them. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).This is an example of badges held by an ex soldier.Seven assorted badges collected by J B McLean. Two returned from active service AIF badges. A kangaroo badge on a blue enamel circle with the word ANZAC. Badge with the arms of Ypres surmounted by a crown. A pin with a field canon and a motto in latin. A pin with the Australian coat of arms from HMAS Australia sailing in the Great Fleet in 1916. A medallion with the Australian naval flag and the Union Jack.01122.1 On the front 'Issued by Dept of Defence. Returned from Active Service. Australian Military Forces. A.I.F.'. On the reverse '188589 Stokes and Sons Melb' 01122.2 'ANZAC' written in silver, on the reverse 'AJC Sterling' 01122.3 'Ypres' 01122.4 A latin phrase: 'Ubique constru stabiles Australia'. It could translate as 'everywhere together and trust'. 01122.5 On the front 'Grand Fleet. H.M.A.S. Australia 1916' 01122.6 On the front 'Issued by Dept of Defence. Returned from Active Service. Australian Military Forces. A.I.F.' On the reverse '117083 ? Perth' 01122.7 on the reverse 'Imitation'.world war one, soldier

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. The RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

A newspaper photo of returned servicemen and nurses marching past the original First World War memorial during an Anzac Day march in 1928. It was published as a centre page spread on 5 May 1928 in the The Weekly Times. '25,000 Returned Soldiers, Headed By Their Leader, Sir John Monash, Marched Past The Cenotaph On Anzac Day.' A war memorial to the 1914-1918 war was originally erected in Spring Street outside the Victorian Parliament Building (at that time it was the being used by the Australian Federal Parliament, from 1901-1927 when it moved to Canberra). Anzac Day services were held at this memorial in the 1920s and early 1930s. Items were in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different items relating to the Shrine of Remembrance - including discussions on its location and design. Labelled 'Shrine of Remembrance S1 - S14' it was part of an old archive numbering system (S=Shrine), that showed there has been efforts in the past to collect, order and save items of Legacy's history. From articles in Trove: The temporary cenotaph was the original first world war memorial until the Shrine of Remembrance was dedicated in 1937. The cenotaph was a half size replica of the London Symbol of Remembrance in Whitehall. It was made from timber and plaster and was initially meant to only last for the 1926 Anzac day service and be removed. With annual upkeep it remained until at least 1934 when ex-service men proceeded from the incomplete Shrine to the cenotaph on the steps of Parliament House on Anzac day.A record of an Anzac Day ceremony at the old First World War memorial in Spring Street in 1928. Not many photos are available of the original memorial. The size of the march past (reported as 25,000 soldiers) points to the enormous number of Victorians who served in the First World War. Black and white newspaper article about ANZAC Day at the old First World War memorial in Spring Street in 1928.Title: '25,000 Returned Soldiers, Headed By Their Leader, Sir John Monash, Marched Past The Cenotaph On Anzac Day.' Caption: " Scene at Parliament House, Melbourne, where the Governor, Lord Somers, took the salute, as returned Soldiers and Nurses passed, on they way to the Commemorative Service at the Exhibition.'anzac day, wreath laying ceremony

An incomplete diary of an Australian nurse serving in France in 1916. The author is unidentified in the document but after extensive research it is concluded that is by Priscilla Wardle, who left Melbourne on 14 April 1915 on RMS Orontes and served with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) in France. A larger portion of her diary is available from the Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League entries on Victorian Collections. The contents of the diary has been retyped and is in the Word document. The diary shows she was serving at a Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) in Bethune, France in March 1916. She goes on to serve at Wimereux, at the No 8 Stationary hospital. Also possibly at Boulogne. She had a period of rest at Hardelot, a convalescent home for nurses, and also a trip to England and Scotland. She tried to visit the graves of ancestors, such as relatives of 'Grandfather Allan', in the church yard at East Kilbride church. During her nursing experience she mentions being gassed by 'weeping' gas and hearing the sounds of shelling. Also the numbers of operations per month, such as 311 in March 1916. And another day when there were 29 operations in one day. She talks of POWs coming to the hospital. They are treated after the Allied soldiers are looked after. So operations often continued into the night to take care of the Germans. She also mentions removing a piece of shrapnel herself in one operation. She appears to be of a senior rank as she is asked to meet with senior hospital officials and high ranking officers that visit. In particular she mentions a staff surgeon from Admiral Jellicoe's ship the 'Iron Duke'. He visited just after the Battle of Jutland, which was a naval battle fought between Britain's Royal Navy Grand Fleet, under Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, and the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet, under Vice-Admiral Reinhard Scheer, during the First World War (‎31 May – 1 June 1916). Also being visited by Stan Walker (also from Ballarat) and Lt Brough who was ADC to General Legge. It is possible Stan Walker is Lt (later Captain) Edward Stanley Walker. Lt Brough is believed to be Charles Anthony Brough. She also mentions meeting a Lady Gifford and Madam O'Gorman. She mentions travelling with Captain Newton to London in early December 1916 - she calls him Sauchiehall and Sauchie, both could be nicknames. Capt Newton later becomes Sir Wilberforce Newton, who was serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps on the Western Front between 1915 and 1917. His diaries are held in the University of Melbourne archive. He also left Melbourne on the RMS Orontes on 14 April 1915 (source Trove) and would have known the 14 Victorian nurses that went on to serve with QAIMNS. On 11 December 1915 he mentions trying to see a Sister Loughran at the No. 7 Stationary hospital - which was in Boulogne. Sister Loughran was also on the RMS Orontes. When he was ill he mentions receiving a parcel from two other nurses that were on the Orontes and served with QAIMNS (Madge Donnellan and Margaret Donaldson). Other things that indicate it might be Priscilla Wardle is that from Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) she was born in Ballarat, her mother's maiden name was Allan, she had a sister Janet that went by the name of Jean who was married at the time mentioned in the diary (BDM and Trove), Priscilla's mother also died during the time of diary and coincides with the diary entry of the 'death of dear mother'. An article in Trove after Priscilla's return to Australia mentions she was in the areas mentioned in the diary. Also that Priscilla went on to be trained as an anaesthetist to help in the surgeries. It matches the comment in the diary that she was involved in many operations and even allowed to perform a bullet extraction. Finally on seeing the diary held by Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League - it was determined the handwriting matched and this diary is part of the larger diary held there, so is definitely Priscilla Wardle. After the war Priscilla Wardle married Cyril Terrence (Terry) Charles Kirby, an English soldier and they settled in Ballarat and later Melbourne. Terry Kirby became a Legatee in 1929 and transferred to Melbourne Legacy in 1935. He was a well liked, hard working Legatee and worked at Legacy House up to his death in 1967. That is probably how the diary ended up in the building. In May 2021 the pages were returned to descendants of Priscilla so now only electronic copies are in our archive.A valuable first hand account of life as a nurse in World War One. The founders of Legacy all served in World War One and may have known this nurse or been in situations similar to her.Handwritten diary of a nurse from 1916 on 10 pages of notepaper.memoir, world war one, nurse

An article from the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin on the death of Legatee Cyril Terence Charles Kirby, a long serving Legatee. The Bulletin published articles on Legatees when they passed away. The article includes an overview of his war service with the British as an 'Old Contemptible' in World War 1. Also with the Docks and Movement Control in Melbourne during World War 2. He met his wife Priscilla Wardle during World War 1 and moved to Ballarat to marry her. Priscilla was an Australian nurse serving with the QAIMNS and part of her diary is in this collection, and more is held with Ballarat and District Bast Hospital Nurses League also on Victorian Collections. He joined Legacy in Ballarat in 1929 and transferred to Melbourne Legacy in 1935. Even when his health caused him to reduce his commitments to the Reserve list he still found time to attend Legacy and spent many hours each month doing clerical work and fund raising. "Keeping everyone amused with his inexhaustible supply of 'little stories', and in a word, doing a thoroughly good Legacy job." The account of his life was written by Legatee Brian Armstrong (initials JHBA) and has a very affectionate tone. The article was found in the bound copies of the Weekly Bulletin and copied due to the link with Priscilla Wardle when the diary was returned to the family in May 2021.A record of the life and service of Legatee Terry Kirby The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Photocopy of a page from the Legacy Weekly Bulletin on the death of Legatee Terry Kirby.Bulletin No. 1961 14 May 1968 page 1.vale, terry kirby

Photo of wreath laying on Anzac Day in 1996 in Harefield in UK. The photo is of Mr Alf Young and a Bishop from Oxford. During World War 1 the Australian Auxiliary Hospital No.1 was stationed at Harefield Park in Harefield, UxBridge, Middlesex UK. 111 Australian soldiers and one nurse from the hospital are buried at St Mary's Church, Harefield. This became an Australian Military Cemetery with individual headstones and an obelisk and arch. The headstones which are of a scroll design unique amongst Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries were chosen by the staff and patients at the hospital. The arch was erected by the CWGC. Anzac Day services are held there and the local school became involved with the headmaster, Mr Jefferies, bringing the school children to lay flowers on every grave and attend the service on Anzac Day. This started in 1921 and has continued until at least 2021. One school child who attended was Mr Alf Young, he made contact with Legacy in the 1990s and sent photos of the Anzac Day Services and the cemetery. Legacy responded by sending Australian flags for the school children and also Legatee John Cohen met with Mr Young when in London. Melbourne Legacy staff member Susie Howard also visited Mr Young and the cemetery in 1995. Mr Young provided historical photos and information of the area to Legacy. He was featured in the widows' newsletter The Answer many times and his death was announced in The Answer in April 1997, he was 85. Many of the photos he provided were labelled as coming from Mr R G Neil, Photographic historian from Harefield. He holds copyright over those photos.A record that Legacy helped support remembrance of Anzac Day and World War 1 soldiers buried in the UK.Photo of Mr Alf Young laying a wreath at the obelisk in the Australian Military Cemetery in Harefield UK and two newspaper articles.Handwritten on reverse 'Uxbridge Gazette 1996 Ref C1367B-4'. Handwritten label says '1996 Man in middle a bishop from Oxford, he carried the wreath for me so I could lay same on cenotaph. This photo was taken by local paper. Me on left' (written by Alf Young). One article was titled 'Pupils keep Anzac tradition alive'. The other 'Community honours war dead'. cemetery, harefield, alf young, memorial, wreath laying ceremony

Photos of Legacy staff member Susie Howard visiting Mr Alf Young at the Australian Military Cemetery in St Marys Church yard, Harefield in UK. During World War 1 the Australian Auxiliary Hospital No.1 was stationed at Harefield Park in Harefield, UxBridge, Middlesex UK. 111 Australian soldiers and one nurse from the hospital are buried at St Mary's Church, Harefield. This became an Australian Military Cemetery with individual headstones and an obelisk and arch. The headstones which are of a scroll design unique amongst Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries were chosen by the staff and patients at the hospital. The arch was erected by the CWGC. Anzac Day services are held there and the local school became involved with the headmaster, Mr Jefferies, bringing the school children to lay flowers on every grave and attend the service on Anzac Day. This started in 1921 and has continued until at least 2021. One school child who attended was Mr Alf Young, he made contact with Legacy in the 1990s and sent photos of the Anzac Day Services and the cemetery. Legacy responded by sending Australian flags for the school children and also Legatee John Cohen met with Mr Young when in London. Melbourne Legacy staff member Susie Howard also visited Mr Young and the cemetery in 1995. Mr Young provided historical photos and information of the area to Legacy. He was featured in the widows' newsletter The Answer many times and his death was announced in The Answer in April 1997, he was 85. Many of the photos he provided were labelled as coming from Mr R G Neil, Photographic historian from Harefield. He holds copyright over those photos.A record that Legacy helped support remembrance of Anzac Day and fallen World War 1 soldiers in the UK.Colour photo x 5 of Susie Howard visit to the Australian Military Cemetery in Harefield UK and an article in The Answer.cemetery, harefield, alf young, memorial, susie howard, answer

Photo of an Anzac Day service in at the Australian Military Cemetery in Harefield UK. The local school children march to the cemetery to place wreaths. During World War 1 the Australian Auxiliary Hospital No.1 was stationed at Harefield Park in Harefield, UxBridge, Middlesex UK. 111 Australian soldiers and one nurse from the hospital are buried at St Mary's Church, Harefield. This became an Australian Military Cemetery with individual headstones and an obelisk and arch. The headstones which are of a scroll design unique amongst Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries were chosen by the staff and patients at the hospital. The arch was erected by the CWGC. Anzac Day services are held there and the local school became involved with the headmaster, Mr Jefferies, bringing the school children to lay flowers on every grave and attend the service on Anzac Day. This started in 1921 and has continued until at least 2021. One school child who attended was Mr Alf Young, he made contact with Legacy in the 1990s and sent photos of the Anzac Day Services and the cemetery. Legacy responded by sending Australian flags for the school children and also Legatee John Cohen met with Mr Young when in London. Melbourne Legacy staff member Susie Howard also visited Mr Young and the cemetery in 1995. Mr Young provided historical photos and information of the area to Legacy. He was featured in the widows' newsletter The Answer many times and his death was announced in The Answer in April 1997, he was 85. Many of the photos he provided were labelled as coming from Mr R G Neil, Photographic historian from Harefield. He holds copyright over those photos.A record that Legacy helped support remembrance of Anzac Day and fallen World War 1 soldiers in the UK.Colour photo x 2 of Australian Military Cemetery in Harefield UK and 2 articles in The Answer in 1993.Photo of school children has hand written 'Australian Cemetery 1993 Harefield' and a sticker of Mr R G Neil photographic historian.cemetery, harefield, alf young, memorial, answer, wreath laying ceremony