Showing 48846 items matching "districts"
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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Pamphlet, Help Heatherdale Progress, 1960
Two Notices of meetings for Heatherdale and District Progress AssociationTwo Notices of meetings for Heatherdale and District Progress Association, one for 24/6/1960 and the other 21/8/ ? year.Two Notices of meetings for Heatherdale and District Progress Associationclubs and associations, heatherdale and district progress association -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Mitcham - Vermont Bus Service, 27/08/2001
Letter from Lucy Courtney to Nunawading and District Historical Society regarding first bus service from Mitcham to Vermont.Letter from Lucy Courtney to Nunawading and District Historical Society regarding first bus service from Mitcham to Vermont.Letter from Lucy Courtney to Nunawading and District Historical Society regarding first bus service from Mitcham to Vermont.brockell, tom, willis, jim, willis charles l, pannam's store, bus services, willis bus service, willis and brockell bus service, mitcham - vermont bus service, lucy, owen -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, 2002
Transcript of a talk given by Dorothy Meagher to Nunawading and District Historical Society in April 2002 .Transcript of a talk given by Dorothy Meagher to Nunawading and District Historical Society in April 2002 on the history of Blackburn Lake SanctuaryTranscript of a talk given by Dorothy Meagher to Nunawading and District Historical Society in April 2002 .blackburn lake sanctuary, dorothy meagher -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Wisteria Festival, 1/10/2002 12:00:00 AM
Coloured - Group of adults enjoying Wisteria Festival, October 2002, Schwerkolt Cottage. Organised by Nunawading & District Historical Societywisteria festival, nunawading & district historical society, rogalski, barbara, schwerkolt cottage -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article - Document, Historical Society Articles - by district
An index of all articles produced in the Nunawading District Historical Society and the Whitehorse Historical Society Newsletters. these articles are selected by disgrict.non-fictionwhitehorse historical society, nuunawading and district historical socuety, index -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Document, Australian Electoral Commission, Victoria: 1988 Electoral Roll: Polwarth, September 1988
Document. State of Victoria. 1988 Electoral Roll for the State Electoral District of Polwarth. State Electoral Province of Western (part).electoral roll; polwarth; -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: BUSH DANCE AND MUSIC CLUB BENDIGO
Seven pages of the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo & District (Colonial & Old Time) Inc. Statement of Purposes and Rules.clubs, music, bush dance & music club of bendigo, peter ellis collection, bush dance & music club of bendigo & district (colonial & old time) inc statement of purposes and rules -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Kew Cricket Club Sub-district 2nd XI Trophy, 1937-8
Arthur Henry Miers played for cricket, football and baseball teams in Kew for a number of decades in the first half of the twentieth century. He was born on 22 November 1901, the son of Rodolph Theophilus Miers (1874-1951) and Margaret Frances (Margaretta) Fry (1875-1958). He had two brothers, Rodolph Cecil Miers (1904-80) and Charles Wilfred Miers (1906-88), and a sister Marjorie Elizabeth Miers (1911-84). Arthur Miers died in Kew on 25 January 1966, and after his body was cremated, his body was interred in the Mausoleum of Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. Kew Cricket Club; Sub-district 2nd XI; Points Aggregate Trophy won by Arthur Miers in 1937-8arthur henry miers, kew cricket club, cricket trophies -
Melton City Libraries
Newspaper, Riddell District and Ballarat Football leagues Anzac Day Match, 2015
Melton and Moorabool Leader Star Weekly article about the Riddell District and Ballarat Football leagues Anzac Day Match local special interest groups, local identities -
Charlton RSL Sub Branch
Ceremonial object - World War 2 Honour Roll, Roll of honour listing names of locals who served in WW2, Post 1945
Large 6 panel wooden board listing names of men and women from the district who served during WW2.Names listed alphabetically showing if the person served overseas and if that person was killed on service. -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Map - Electoral Districts, 3 Aug 1876
Map of Electoral Districts of Melbourne in two parts from 3 Aug 1876 showing the area of Melbourne north of Sandridge. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - BENDIGO ADVERTISER ARTICLE 03/12/1968 B & D TOURISM ASSOC MINING PROJECT, 1968
Bendigo Advertiser Article 03/12/1968 Bendigo & District Tourism Association Mining Project. Potential Mining Museum.bendigo, tourism, mining project and restoration, central nell gwynne -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Mallacoota and District Historical Society, A Story of Mallacoota
A brief history of Mallacoota district, Victoria, from 1837 to the 1930's. Includes a time line, sketch maps and photographs.aboriginals, settlers, township, ships and shipping -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Howe, K.R, Mallacoota Reflections, 1990
A short history of Mallacoota, Victoria, and district, covering a range of subjects from Aboriginal occupation to late 20th.Century residents and lifestyle.township, aboriginals -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Tourist Brochure, Ballarat, City of Culture
Single sheet folding inwards with photographic illustrations and accompanying text and district map. Measurements vary as listed folded and unfolded.ballarat, culture -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - POSTER GOLD NUGGETS, 1861 -1868
BHS CollectionHeavy card poster, light brown, showing location of nuggets in Eaglehawk district found in 1860s. Hand written in texta.bendigo, gold mining, nuggets -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Administrative Record - Ledger, Minute Book
Visitors Book, entries are hand written in ink, first 18 pages have been used, remaining pages empty.A Visitors book containing names and attendees at various meeting of Bairnsdale District of Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF).minute book -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Administrative Record - Ledger, Correspondence
A bound book of memoranda containing 100 pages with duplicates, 98 pages have been used with duplicates retained.A correspondence book as used by Loyal Mitchell Lodge in Bairnsdale District of Manchester Ubity Manchester Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF).correspondence -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Photograph - Rotary, Lakes Post Newspaper, 1990
Black and white photograph Rotary Club members District Governer Michael Lee and Stewart March. Lakes Entrance Victoriarotary club, volunteering -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Victorian Poultry Journal, 1917 - 1933
Extracts from Poultry Journal, 1917, 1931, 1932, 1933, mostly re Eastern Districts Sub-branch and advertisementsExtracts from Poultry Journal, 1917, 1931, 1932, 1933, mostly re Eastern Districts Sub-branch and advertisements.Extracts from Poultry Journal, 1917, 1931, 1932, 1933, mostly re Eastern Districts Sub-branch and advertisementspoultry farms, gedye brothers, orana poultry farm, tilley, percival norman, devon poultry farm, berwyn poultry farm, w.e. molson poultry farm, variety manufacturing co., surrey road, blackburn, no 188, whitehorse road, nunawading, no 396 -
Northern District School of Nursing. Managed by Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - School Honours Longs Memory
The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Original newspaper article from Bendigo Advertiser 17 December 1986 titled " School honors Long's Memory". It includes a photograph of former executive officer of the Bendigo Base Hospital Mr. Norm Phillips in the foyer of the Northern District School of Nursing. The plaque was to honor the school's foundation Dean, Nancy Winifred Long MBE. Mr. Phillips was the original acting secretary and knew Miss Long for 36 years. There is a photograph on the wall of Miss Long.The newspaper article and photograph has been cut out from the original newspaper. memoir, nursing, ndsn, mr norm phillips, nancy winifred long mbe -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1890
This 1890s photograph shows the early uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (known as 'Nurse', in those days), when visiting patients to administer nursing care.The Nurse is speaking with a patient who is sitting in his back garden. It shows the style of clothing and the rear of a weatherboard house of that era. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city 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 other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society 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 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 Trained Nurse (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. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. 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 and clothes 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 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. Black and white photograph of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a white apron over her grey full length uniform, and wearing a white cap. She is standing and looking down at a man dressed in a white shirt and dark jacket and pants. He is sitting outside the rear of a weatherboard house, the boards of the house are applied vertically. A wooden ladder leans against another wooden building.melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Australian Representative Man
This book is of general as well as local interest as it gives short biographies of prominent 19th century Australian men. Included in the book are people of local importance to Warrnambool and district – Dr Fleetwood, Dr Singleton, Rev. George Tait, James Stewart Butters, Stephen Henty and Dr Thomas Scott. This book is important because it has interesting and informative biographies of prominent Australian men of the 19th century but it is of greater importance to Warrnambool’s historians because of its biographies of men who were influential in Warrnambool’s history. It is also of interest that the book has the signature of Henri Worland, the Town Clerk of Warrnambool from 1918 to 1949. Worland was also a great Warrnambool historian, preserving items of historical importance, writing on local history and talking about our history for a number of years in a series of broadcasts on Warrnambool’s 3YB. It is due to him that we have ‘Australian Representative Men’ in our collection today. This is a hard cover book with a black cover and gold-coloured lettering on the spine. The pages are unnumbered. The book contains 107 biographies of well-known 19th century men in Australia, together with their portraits fronted by a piece of tissue paper. The book also has articles on the Federal Council and the Soudan Expedition. The first couple of pages are missing. The cover is a little stained and some of the pages have blotches on them. There are several stamps of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society.‘H.J.Worland’ history of warrnambool, dr fleetwood, dr singleton, dr thomas scott, stephen henty, james stewart butters, rev. george tait -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 15. 05.1967
Sister McDonald is visiting a patient to give them nursing care as requested. The photograph depicts the RDNS uniform in 1967. Her coat with the blue background Royal District Nursing Service material badge attached to the top of each sleeve, is worn over a grey cotton uniform dress.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.Black and white photograph of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS,) Sister B. McDonald, wearing her grey uniform coat with the words 'Royal District Nursing Service' written in white on a dark curved material badge attached to the left upper sleeve; she is wearing her grey peaked uniform hat over her dark short hair. She is carrying her rectangular nursing case in her left hand and is opening the gate of a tall white picket fence before entering a patient's home. Number '19' is on the right hand side gate post. Trees can be seen behind the fence on either side of the gate. A two storey white attached house is in the background. The grey front door with white surround, can be seen on the ground floor. Two posts are supporting a balcony which protrudes from the top storey; a safety rail runs around its outer edge. A closed colonial door can be seen behind the balcony on the upper storey.Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 42rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, sister betty mcdonald -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Printed account, Court King of the Forest, Dr. to The Bendigo United District, dated June 1871 for £2/3/3. Account is from March to June 24 for Report, sash, stationary and use of Funeral Regalia. Signed by Thomas Exeter. Paper has Bendigo United District A.O.F. impression stamp.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, the bendigo united district, thomas exeter -
Clunes Museum
Book, LEARMONTH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC, STORIES FROM THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY, Jul-99
LEARMONTH DISTRICT ISTORICAL SOCIETY, LIKE SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS IS MINDFUL OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RECORDING THE "ORDINARY" EVENTS OF OUR HISTORYSMALL VOLUME OF COLLECTED STORIES BY VARIOUS WRITERS AND PUBLISHED BY LEARMONTH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF KEITH CHARLES EDMONSTON, 1913 - 1998, FOUNDER OF THE LEARMONTH DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY. FRONT COVER IMAGE IS OF A PERSON IN PERIOD DRESS STANDING ON THE SHORE OF LAKE LEARMONTH. DUN COLOURED BACKGROUNDnon-fictionLEARMONTH DISTRICT ISTORICAL SOCIETY, LIKE SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS IS MINDFUL OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RECORDING THE "ORDINARY" EVENTS OF OUR HISTORYlocal history, book, learmonth historical society -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Police move to ensure greater presence, 1993
Police presence at Forest Hill Chase will be boosted with the introduction of an information caravan. It is the first of its kind to be fully owned and operated by police in the district.Police presence at Forest Hill Chase will be boosted with the introduction of an information caravan. It is the first of its kind to be fully owned and operated by police in the district. Following concerns of youth violence in Nunawading Council have arranged a meeting with the District Police Superintendent Ron Braybrook. Council have allocated$50,000 for youth activities.Police presence at Forest Hill Chase will be boosted with the introduction of an information caravan. It is the first of its kind to be fully owned and operated by police in the district.shopping centres, forest hill chase, braybrook, ron, lowry, graeme, ryan, simone -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Club notches up fine record of civic milestones, 1993
Forest Hill Rotary Club was chartered 1975.Forest Hill Rotary Club was chartered 1975. Past district governor, Ford Davis is a member. A major project is maintenance of an orchard at Berwick with more than $100,000 donated to charity. The club has started 6 Probus Clubs in the area. The club will host the District 9810 Conference next February in Ballarat.Forest Hill Rotary Club was chartered 1975. rotary club of forest hill, kleine, richard (dr), durham, norm, clark, ken, burleigh, maurice, kingsley, caron, christie, alison, gray, libby, gillies, grant, ivanov, boris, de run, jacqueline, crabtree, malcolm -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 1907
This photograph was taken four years after bicycles were purchased by the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and is a record of the first mode of transport used by their Trained nurses, and a record of the change of head ware needed now bicycles were in use. The uniforms were grey with white collar, belt and cuffs and a red Maltese cross was in the centre of the pith helmet. Prior to the use of bicycles the trained nurses walked to their patients and had become exhausted, particularly in summer. The bicycles were a solution to this problem, and now they could visit more patients and the Society's areas (districts) could be extended. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first such Society in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets, clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. Over the years the Nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Black and white photo of a group of ten (one partially hidden at rear) Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) trained nurses, with each standing with their bicycles in front of a spiked metal fence.The Nurses are wearing their MDNS uniform long grey frocks with white collar, cuffs and belt and white pith helmets with a central Maltese cross. Nursing bags are strapped to five of the bicycles. A large pedestal urn is seen to the left behind the fence between the 3rd and 4th nurse. Bushes and trees are seen in the background. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, nurses, uniforms, mdns transport, mdns equipment, rdns, royal district nursing service -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white:, c.1960
This photograph was taken just a few years after the District division of the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After Care Hospital' separated in 1957. The District Division then became known as 'Melbourne District Nursing Service'. They moved into their Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne which was used as the Nurses Home as well as for Administrative purposes. The Sisters left from there each day to do their rounds and returned to do their book work before retiring at the end of the day. This photograph depicts the winter uniform worn at this time; a grey felt beret which had a red Maltese cross attached in the centre; a grey cotton frock and red cardigan, and a grey woolen coat, some with a grey belt, worn over their uniform.In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD ie. from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion and dressings, and supplying equipment on loan, such as feeding mugs, bedpans, air-cushions, splints, bed cradles feeding mugs and providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home, (later called After-Care Hospital), in 1926, for their patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic; the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses (Sisters) and nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their Committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In 1957 the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital' separated and the 'Melbourne District Nursing Service' was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. Royal patronage was granted in 1966, now becoming the Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). Liaison with public hospitals began with a District nurse attached to a hospital visiting patients before going home. Education continued to be at the forefront of District with research by RDNS Educators and programs being implemented. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as Amputees, those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and White photograph of seven (some partly hidden) Melbourne District Nursing Service (MDNS) Sisters wearing full winter uniform of grey berets and grey long coats, with lapels, over their uniform which is partly seen on one Sister. Some are on a path, and others walking to the open metal gate; one Sister is between two tall, square, dark grey concrete columns. Looking at the photograph, two Sisters have turned left onto the footpath. These two Sisters are carrying oblong leather type bags in their left hand and the Sister between the columns is carrying a white soft material type bag. The Sisters seen have short dark hair under their berets. White plaques with the black numbers '452' are attached to the top 1/3 of each column and an arched grey concrete fence with brick top runs to the left. Behind this are two medium size leafless trees. A metal spiked fence runs from the column to the right of the photograph. Attached to this, near the column, is a white plaque with 'Melbourne District Nursing Service Headquarters' written in black. In the rear is a light grey two story Italian style building with a polygon shaped bay window to the left on the ground floor. It has a long window in the front and another on the side. To the right of this is a veranda with two concrete arches, separated by a roman column. A door can be seen behind the first arch. Above the bay window on the second story are three long arched windows, and to the right of that an arched opening with a roman column separating the partially seen next window. A concrete balustrade is seen at the front of the second story.melbourne district nursing service, headquarters, mdns, nurses, nurses uniforms, royal district nursing service, rdns