Articles in annual report include: President's report, Finance report with Balance sheet, Auditors' report, Centres and Services by Region, Service highlights, Low Vision Clinics, Education and Training, Radio for the Print Handicapped, Telecommunications, Blind Members, Honorary Service group. During the year the Victorian Blind Bowlers Association were invited to inaugurate the first bowling green at Government House (picture inside front cover), Woodburn Lodge (16 independent living units) were completed, 3RPH was officially opened by Hon.Michael Duffy, Lindsay McMillan won a Churchill Fellowship to study radio information services, and the Telelink service began with 21 groups and 135 participants meeting by June 1984, Telecare servicing over 50 people and Telecontact made with 300 blind or visually impaired people. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: President's report, Philosophy, Objectives and Goals, Blind members, Finance report with Balance sheet, Auditors' report, How help is provided, Service highlights, Low Vision Clinics, Rehabilitation services, Day Centres, Domiciliary services, Recreation programmes, Nursing homes, Community education and In-service training, 3RPH, International links, Volunteer service group. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: "President's Report: A Season of Celebrations", "A Future in their Fingers: 1894-1994", "Pride and Problems", "The Next 100 years", "Volunteer Report: Service Since Day 1", "Blind Member's Council: Keeping the focus Sharp", "Once in a Century Appeal, CEO's Report: New Beginnings", "Services: Vision and Hearing Assessment, Rehabilitation, Confident Living, Resident Care, Telephone Support Programs, Information Radio, Vision Information Line, Newsline, Training" "Treasurer's Report: Satisfying Results"32 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: the development of an educational camp at Romsey through the bequest of Mrs Cecelia Tye, a new Family Group home at Andrews Street, East Burwood, new program developed for Trans Australia Airlines providing mobility instruction to air hostesses when guiding blind passengers, three kiosks at RMIT, Melbourne University and RVIB providing employment and training for blind workers, a short term contract assembling motorcycles, introduction of paperless Brailler (Digicasette), beginning of Il Globo becoming available as an audio magazine and provision of up to $3000 interest home loan for blind people. 1 volume of printed materialroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, The children - independence and achievement, Our Christmas party, Multi handicapped blind children, Training and understanding at Burwood centre, Financial independence through employment, Training confidence and achievement, Expansion of welfare services, Other services, Carols by candlelight, Auxiliaries and other generous helpers, Public education, Finance, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1974 : Two permanent welfare officers in the country at Wangaratta and Sale, Re-equipment programme for the library and enlarging the range of books and magazines available to readers, Burwood centre for multi handicapped blind children separate to school - accommodation for twenty-four, Training department started instruction in use of hand tools - two clients gained employment in wood assembly. 1 volume of text and black and white photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, Nursery and school, Industrial, Training and rehabilitation centre, Multi handicapped blind children, Sight restored after 35 years - article about John Crowe who went to New York where no other medical centre in the world offered a procedure to use a synthetic cornea. The cost of the trip was met by RVIB, after losing his sight which he lost in an industrial accident, when he returned to Melbourne he saw his wife for the first time, Carols by candlelight, Finance, Welfare and counselling services, Blindness in old age, Auxiliaries and other general helpers, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1970 : Australia post supported work training program -offered a complete training centre for blind switchboard operators, the only one of its type in the world, established at the institute, 53 operators were successfully employed in Vic, some also operate as receptionists.1 printed volume with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, welfare, hospital homes, day centres, auxiliaries, volunteer service group, senior staff, life governors, formal establishment of the Low Vision Clinic which had been begun with discussions with Professor Gerard Crook in 1970 and supported for a year by the Hecht Trust, John Wilson accompanied Hugh Jeffrey, Australia's delegate on the Executive Committee for the Welfare of the Blind and IFB, businessman John Wicking joined the committee, plans for the future development of the George Vowell Centre are being formulated, Derek Nimmo entertained at multiple Auxiliary functions, the Toorak Auxiliary closed but two new ones at Kyneton and Narcoonah (Hampton), were formed, introduction of training course for volunteer workers and Mrs H.M. Lightfoot, who organised drivers for home visitor Elsie Henderson, has stepped down after fourteen years of service.1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, john wilson, hugh jeffrey, derek nimmo, iris barnier, annual reports

Minutes of the fifth White Cane Day organising committee, chaired by Bryan Sitlington.26 pages of typed meeting minutes on white paperwhite cane day, bryan sitlington, kathleen buchannan, graeme rule, jan kerr, val whitehead, harold gration, national federation of blind citizens, royal guide dogs for the blind association, royal victorian eye & ear hospital, ross johnstone, villa maria society, mark jones, national guide dogs mobility training centre, camille wilkins, royal victorian institute for the blind, braille and talking book library, association for the blind

Articles in the annual report include: death of General Manager Ian Burnet, expenditure exceeding income, need to sell Woolahra (Helen Keller hostel) property, goal of opening 20 new Day centres by the end of 1975, plans to establish Occupational Therapy Training unit, review of aging hostels and restructure workshop, growth of Mitchell Street Theatre, increase of children with more than sight loss at nursery, decision to establish reading competition in memorial to Barbara Rutherford and awarding of Churchill Fellowship to Joan Ledermann for a review of Braille production units overseas.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

President's overview of how the school started and it's relationship with Guide Dogs over the years, with references to AFB and Malvern residents, resulting in the publication of untruths about the school and how this has negatively impacted upon it's primary objective of training and supporting Seeing Eye dogs. The proposed freeway through the five acre property purchased for expansion and other challenges faced throughout the year are also mentioned.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: the beginnings of the school at Wonga Park, Arthur McKay being the first person to receive a dog, the scarcity of funds after training the first dog and the joy of receiving the first substantial donation from the Sunshine Foundation Trust, opposition from some quarters, Kim Gration and Dennis Gration involvement with the school, the work of Pat Mallaney in Tasmania, support and assistance from vet Dr Rowan Blogg, opening the activity centre in 1962, seeing eye dog trainer Judy Oakenfell, the sale of Wonga Park and transfer to Malvern, threats to dismiss Harold Gration working due to involvement with the school, overview of growth of Queensland branch, working with Jeff Mowat who developed the Mowatt sensor, training of people around Australia and from New Zealand, return of 'Stacey' from Singapore due to not being accepted on public transport, restaurants, etc, diverse age range of people trained, less people volunteering, loss of 3 auxiliaries due to lack of members, and opening of shop and welfare centre in Cairns.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

President's overview of the year including: completion of reception room which joins 16 and 18 Thanet Street, thoughts on the success of the school, attendance at International Dog Guide Conference in London, over 27 years the school has trained over 800 dogs, deaths of Jack Franks and Thelma McKenniariey, assisted actor Robert Menzies portray a blind character in the movie 'Cactus', difficulties in running the hostel and day centre with few qualified people to fill vacancies for the former and lack of volunteer drivers for the latter, decision to close Cairns shop, resignation of Kevin O'Mahoney and difficulties in replacing him, long cane training in Queensland, demand for guest speakers, thank you to work experience students, welcome to Ray Owens, presentation of Anzac Award by Lt Governor at Government House, beginning of in-house breeding program - rather that rely on donations of suitable puppies - with Roz McNaught, Alf Krummel and Dawn Robinson providing and housing these dogs.1 volume with text and illustrationsannual reports, lady nell seeing eye dog school, phyllis gration

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

Annual report on activities and financial performance of Kelaston, including the transition in funding model, launch of the Centenary Appeal to raise $1M to rebuild Kelaston, a staff team won the Ekiden Relay around Lake Wendouree, new service opened in Warracknabeal, long time committee member David Baird received an OAM, four residents enjoyed a holiday to Tye Estate at Romsey, two residents sailed on the tall ship 'Alma Doepel, two bantam hens and one rooster to the existing Cam and Sam cats as pet therapy, National Centre for Ageing and Sensory Loss chose Kelaston to be the location for it's training video, development of a attendant button when in the lounge of an evening when there is less staff, companion visiting program has begun, a Kelaston team won the Victorian A Grade Blind Bias Bowls in regional and state finals, and 'Keloca' Day centre in Avoca officially opened by Hon Rob Knowles, Minister for Aged care and Housing.1 printed volume with illustrationskelaston home (ballarat), association for the blind, corporation records

Articles in the annual report include: opening two field offices in Riverina and North Coast, C.L.D. Mears awarded in awarded Companion of Order of Australia, Technical Aids for the Disabled provided switchboard simulators for vocational training programs, review of Lighthouse and Community Cottages is required, Roselands Nursing Home cared for 104 residents, installation of computerised book and circulation system, the workshop area began trading as Mitchell Manufacturing, and the creation of a biennial Royal Blind Society National Sculpture award sponsored by James Hardie and the Visual Arts Board. Please note: page 21 is not scanned. Titled 'Extra curricular involvement of staff' the Braille on the reverse side impacted upon the visibility of the text.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: rollout of NDIS and MAC, farewell to Dr Kevin Murfitt and Nick Carter, movement of centres in Bendigo, Wollongong and Canberra, new centres in Epping and Townsville, extension of Indoor Mobility and Safety Training Centre at SEDA, ratification of Marrakesh Treaty, increase in taxi subsidy scheme in NSW, and advocacy of tactile marking on bank notes.1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementsvision australia, corporation records, sophie weaver, scarlet weaver, saxon weaver, james norquay, chris page, ron hooton, andrew moffat, caroline lane, david steeds, olivia chan, debbie king, joshua campbell, sarah hocking, cameron hocking, archer hocking, hong mei qiao, lizzey d'sylva-clark, neslihan sari, barry watts, chloe ross, scarlett ross, mackenzie savva, jane britt, emily jacotine, june smith

Articles in the annual report include: launch of Vision Assist service to help people use their remaining sight, providing advice on Olympic and Paralympic accessibility and providing an audio description service to the associated arts festivals, establishment of VocalEyes Productions, became an RTO (Recognised Training Organisation), joining with RVIB library service, launch of JobPhone, and piloting of Braille Week.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records

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

Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: the launch of educational tool Code Jumper, use of Zoom to complete training with people with new Seeing Eye dogs, successful trial of Check In and Chat webinars, successful lobbying with ABC and SBS trialing a 1 year audio description service, and the introduction of Australia's first tactile bank notes. 1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementsvision australia, corporation records, nicole migani-roberts, ron hooton, andrew moffat, paul kapeleris, hannah sutherland, gordon gray, david hodgson, nadia mattiazzo, tim boyle, gareth ward, kim rulach, jane bradley, caitlin jung, tony wu, matthew layton, ian edwards, karen wolffe, nemoy malcolm, jenny abela, sybil smith, alimata karimu, june smith, joy nuske, liz chen, mary delahunty, stella glorie, victoria pymm, lindsay boulton, chris edwards, marion dickinson, max schroder, susan diver, ian finlayson, nastasia campanella, tanya savva

Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: sudden loss of Stephen Crook and Robert Moir, retirement of Theresa Smith-Ruig, Don Fraser, Liz Alison, opening of the Leigh Garwood Mobility Training centre, introduction of Iris Vision, and Tech Buddies program introduced to provide after sales support with devices.1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementsvision australia, corporation records, nicola cotton, julie hall, jessica timmons, micah cheung, ron hooton, andrew moffat, david woodbridge, kelly o'dwyer, james holloway, dung nguyen, vu nguyen, martin stewart, sir peter cosgrove, denis walter, sylvie palladino, marina prior, david hobson, serena melissari, sonya hardman, jack hardman, neslihan sari, grant uther, anthony testa, julie newton, lucian galbraith, bashir ebrahim, daniel keogh, marion dickinson, werner brand, alison jones

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, auditor's report, balance sheet, nursing homes, social work, rehabilitation, low vision clinic, honorary services, auxiliary income, blind members, sport and recreation, life governors. There are reports on John Wicking taking on the President's role from Pat Lightfoot, increasing costs, opening of the Geelong Regional Day Centre and a training course developed for volunteers who do home visitation.1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, annual reports, john wicking, h.m. lightfoot, barry farnsworth, patricia heath, john bright, edith lain, edith currell

Articles in the annual report include: Matron Dunnell receiving a Churchill Fellowship, a second year wrap up of residential accommodation for children with multiple disabilities, replacing cassette players with newer models, employment of 120 people in the factory and 82 people received individualised training and rehabilitation programs.1 printed volume with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Artist's Statement: "Every Wednesday at 10 o'clock in the morning, from the beginning of Winter, 2011 to the end of Autumn, 2012, I photographed the same scene in my Ballarat garden. While the main subject is the weather of the moment, it includes a walnut tree killed in the recent drought, and a deciduous ornamental plum. There are 52 Wednesdays recorded in the tapestry; and 4 frames showing the seasonal changes in the plum tree. The colours bordering each panel are those of deciduous leaves on trees in my garden that week. It is said we only know eternity in the pulse of the moment; and permanence in the cycle of the seasons."Millicent REED Initally training in tapestry from Sara Lindsay at an ATW community class Millicent Reed received a Diploma of Art (Tapestry) from South West TAFE in 2009. Her strength and direction comes from being part of the unbroken continuum of tapestry art from the beginning of recorded time. Similarly, the sameness and difference of time itself has become the focus of all her work. (https://americantapestryalliance.org/exhibitions/tex_ata/down-south-tapestry-in-australia/down-south-exhibitors-biographies/, accesed 03 April 2020)Woven tapestry in eight panels, each with seven images in each panel measured 212.0 x 57.5 cm. weaving, seasons, tapestry, ballarat, weather, millicent reed

This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. 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, 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 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 Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith

In 1930 the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care Home, 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. This image was taken in the Ante-Natal Clinic and shows some of the equipment used at that time and the uniforms worn by Trained nurses (Sisters) in the 1930s. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in 1885 and only nurses who had trained in a Hospital Training School and were fully qualified were employed by the Society. It commenced with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and another employed six months later; both walking amid the slums of inner Melbourne administering nursing care to the sick poor. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first Trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving some Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the Nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. As the Society expanded it rented premises until it was able to purchase it's own Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood in 1914. 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. Land was procured next to No. 39, and the Society built the After-Care Home at 45 Victoria Parade, for these patients, and for patients from Hospitals. It was opened in July 1926 and the name of the Society then became ‘Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home’ (‘Hospital’ from 1934) The Ante-Natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was opened on the 23rd of September 1930 and MDNS Midwifery patients were encouraged to attend. Prior to the opening of the clinic Ante-natal care was not considered important, but within a short time 100 percent of MDNS Midwifery patients were attending. 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. The Clinic gave advice on birth-control and was attended by their own patients at first, but then accepted patients from Melbourne public hospitals until their own clinics were opened.Digital image showing a Doctor and three Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sisters attending a patient in the Ante-Natal Clinic at the After Care Hospital. In the forefront is a set of scales standing on the floor, behind which is the lady lying on a wooden framed bed with the base slightly raised at the top end supporting a white pillow and the lady's head. The lady has short dark hair and her frock can be seen to her waist; the rest of her body is covered by a white sheet and dark coloured blanket. Behind her and to the right of the image, are two Sisters wearing dark coloured long sleeved uniforms which have a belt and white collar; they are both wearing white veils over their short dart hair. To their left is a Doctor who has short dart wavy hair and is looking down at the lady. He is wearing a long white gown and has a stethoscope in his ears with the other end held in his right hand. To his left is another Sister who is wearing a white veil over her dark curled hair, and is wearing a long white gown. In the rear between the Doctor and Sister a hand basin can be seen. On the far left of the picture a trolley with two cloth covered shelves can be seen; a basin and squat bottle sits on the top shelf and kidney dish on the lower one. Behind this, part of a window can be seen.after- care hospital, 45 victoria parade collingwood, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), ante-natal clinic, after-care home, mdns midwifery, rdns, royal district nursing service

This digital image shows the sun roof on the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital, 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It shows some of the children nursed at the home. Many children were nursed there long term during the Poliomyelitis epidemic in the 1930s. It also shows uniforms worn by nurses and Sisters in the 1930s. The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged patients who could not look after themselves at home due to illness, or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926 following a public appeal for funds, at a cost of £27,000, the Home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve Sisters and four domestic staff. Many children were nursed there, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own 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, including at the time a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia which was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies, giving advice on birth-control. At first the clinic was attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. . Major extensions in 1934 led to the After-Care 'Home' having a name change to 'Hospital'. A trained Almoner was employed in 1934 but she resigned after twelve months due to the work load. Unable to procure another due to a shortage of trained Almoners, 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. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The After-care Hospital continued to operate at the same address until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. This digital Image shows two nurses and two Trained nurses (Sisters) supervising convalescing children in the roof garden of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital . The two nurses are with the rear children, one on the left and one on the right. Both are wearing long white aprons over their long sleeved dark grey uniforms, and both are wearing white caps over their dark hair. On the right rear, in front of a row of glass windows, the upper portion of a Sister can be seen wearing a white uniform and white veil. In the right front is another Sister who is wearing glasses and is wearing a white uniform and dark coloured cape. She is wearing a white veil over her short dark hair. There are three boys and four girls resting on cane lounges; some are reading books and one girl is holding a doll. Another boy, who is wearing a dressing gown, is sitting on a cane chair. There is a trellis and a wall of windows on the left of the image and some brick work and a wall of windows on the right hand side behind the Sisters.. Some pots with low and tall plants can be seen.A tiled hip roof of a building can be seen in the rear of the image.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, nurses uniforms

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

The photograph is taken in the Waiting room of the Ante-natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. On the 23rd of September 1930 the Ante-Natal Clinic opened at the MDNS After- Care Home. This photograph also shows Matron and Sister's uniforms in the 1930sThe Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) 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 these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained 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, Melbourne. On the 5th of October 1966 the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) after being granted Royal patronage. Black and white photograph showing seventeen seated ladies, some partly hidden, six small children, and the Matron and two Sisters of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home. The Matron is wearing a white uniform and veil, and the two Sisters are wearing grey uniforms with white collars and veils, one is holding a baby and the other a small child dressed in dark clothing, they are on the far left and rear of the photograph. The ladies are wearing either grey or black clothing, several are wearing hats and some are wearing berets. They have short or shoulder length dark or lighter coloured hair. A Doctor, with short dark hair and wearing a white coat, is standing at the far right on the photograph. On the left, a window can be seen behind one of the Sisters. The wall at the rear of the room is paneled. after-care home, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, ante-natal clinic

The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was built in 1926 to give short term care to MDNS patients who were too ill to remain in their home, but not ill enough to go to hospital. Melbourne hospitals also sent patients there who required further care after discharge from hospital. After convalescence they returned to their homes. Many children were nursed there, particularly during the Polio epidemic.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 in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained 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 trained Almoner was employed, but left after twelve months due to the amount of work required. Trained Almoners were in short supply so 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 the 1950s 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. In 1966 Royal patronage was given and the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Digital image of the rear of the extended Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It shows a three story brick building with a tiled hip roof and open verandas running along each story with windows seen behind. A zigzag stair case runs down the left hand side of the building and on the right hand side of the image you can see a section set back with one window on each floor. Behind this section, part of another multi story building is seen. A wooden paling fence is seen in the foreground of the photograph. On the far right, part of another brick building with hip roof can be seen melbourne district nursing society, mdns, melbourne district nursing society and after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service