Canoeing on the River Yarra at Melbourne was an important and widespread recreational pursuit for Melbournians, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. The Victorian Canoe Club was formed in 1912 at a meeting in Melbourne and its first committee elected in the same year. Records indicate that the Club continued into at least the 1950s .The photos in this album are historically and socially significant as a record of recreational activities in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of photographs in the album provide views of sections of the Yarra, as well as areas in regional Victoria, that may otherwise be unavailable.One of 12 sepia [faded] photographs of members of the Victorian Canoe Club. This photo was taken by a member of the club on a later trip to Mallacoota in 1935."Mallacoota trip, 1935"victorian canoe club, travel -- 1930s, mallacoota

Canoeing on the River Yarra at Melbourne was an important and widespread recreational pursuit for Melbournians, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. The Victorian Canoe Club was formed in 1912 at a meeting in Melbourne and its first committee elected in the same year. Records indicate that the Club continued into at least the 1950s .The photos in this album are historically and socially significant as a record of recreational activities in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of photographs in the album provide views of sections of the Yarra, as well as areas in regional Victoria, that may otherwise be unavailable.One of 12 sepia [faded] photographs of members of the Victorian Canoe Club. This photo was taken by a member of the club on a later trip to the Gippsland Lakes and Mallacoota in 1935."Gippsland Lakes"victorian canoe club, travel -- 1930s, gippsland lakes

Canoeing on the River Yarra at Melbourne was an important and widespread recreational pursuit for Melbournians, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. The Victorian Canoe Club was formed in 1912 at a meeting in Melbourne and its first committee elected in the same year. Records indicate that the Club continued into at least the 1950s .The photos in this album are historically and socially significant as a record of recreational activities in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of photographs in the album provide views of sections of the Yarra, as well as areas in regional Victoria, that may otherwise be unavailable.One of 12 sepia [faded] photographs of members of the Victorian Canoe Club. This photo was taken by a member of the club showing club members on a canoeing trip standing on a trestle bridge, with others, attempting to salvage a wrecked canoe."Salvaging wrecked canoe"victorian canoe club, travel -- 1930s, canoeing

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966. A large part of this collection of civic ephemera was assembled by W. D. Birrell. This is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.ephemera, civic ephemera, civic invitations, cr f w dods, kew town hall -- walpole street -- kew (vic.)

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A pressed metal fundraising button released in 1919 to support the Royal Women’s and Queen Victoria Hospitals. In June 1919, The Argus reported that a ‘A well attended public meeting was held at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon to complete arrangements for the Button Day on June 27 in aid of the Women’s and the Queen Victoria Hospital. The Button Fund committee desires it to be known that several busy city sections are still vacant and that further offers of help in the sale of buttons will be welcomed’. It would appear that different buttons were released on the same day to support different hospitals in various urban and rural locations in Victoria."Women’s Day / Women’s Hospital 27th June 1919 [&] Queen Victoria Hospital"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18), royal womens hospital, queen victoria hospital, button fund

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA / MONTHLY MEETING / PAPER BY CAPTAIN J E JENKINS / ON / EARLY ARARAT / IN THE TOWN HALL MELBOURNE / THURSDAY OCTOBER 30TH 1919 / AT 8 P.M. / ADMIT BEARER AND FRIENDScivic invitations -- kew (vic), the historical society of victoria -- meetings 1919, captain je jenkins -- early ararat

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.CITY OF KEW / HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR (CR W J HAMBLY JP) AND THE COUNCILLORS OF THE CITY OF KEW EXTEND A CORDIAL INVITATION TO / ______ / TO BE PRESENT AT A / SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL / ON MONDAY EVENING, 22ND AUGUST, 1949, AT 8 O'CLOCK AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, TOWN HALL, KEW / WHEN HIS EXCELLENCY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA / SIR EDMUND HERRING, KCMG, KBE, DSO, MC, ED / WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE TO FORMALLY PRESENT A / GOLD MAYORAL CHAIN TO THE CITY ON BEHALF OF THE DONORS, / INCLUDING AND REPRESENTING FORMER MAYORS OF THE MUNICIPALITY / RSVP TOWN CLERK, 19TH AUGUST / DINNER DRESScivic ephemera - city of kew, civic invitations -- kew (vic), gold mayoral chain -- city of kew

An example of the invitations produced by the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria for their Annual Meeting early in 20th Century.A rare example of the invitations produced by the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria for their Annual Meeting early in 20th Century.Size 12cmHx20cmW; 4 pagesannual meeting, adult deaf and dumb society of victoria

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family. Image 2014.007a is evidence of presence of cannons in the Gardens during the 1950s Black and white image of cannon with five children playing on and around it - two children sitting on the barrel, two on the carriage and one at the front of the cannon. Except for the girl at the front of the barrel who is wearing a dress, the children are all wearing shorts The cannon is on a hard pad with the wheels of the carriage facing to the side. Names from left to right starting at top: Robyn McComish, Tom Webb (brother of donor), Iris Webb (donor), Pam McComish, unknown. williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, iris whitehurst, williamstown high school, cannon, 1959

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family.Black and white image of two teenage girls sitting in the grounds of the Gardens. There is a hedge, a hanging branch of a palm tree and a striped towel in the background. The girls are sitting the sun with the background in shade and are wearing skirts and blouses. Names: Iris Webb, Susan Andrew williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, iris whitehurst, susan andrew, 1959

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family. Image 2014.007c also demonstrates the changes over time to the Gardens structures: for example when the gates and fence was painted white. Colour image of approximately 18 children sitting in front of and drawing dates of the Gardens. Most have blue jumpers on over the top of their light blue school uniforms. The gates, posts and picket fence are painted white. They are students of Williamstown High School Art Class. The name of the teacher is unknown. williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, williamstown high school

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family.Black and white image of Williamstown High School students end of year picnic. Girls and one boy are sitting on the grass, boys standing in the background and teacher is standing to the right of the image. williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, williamstown high school, 1952

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family.Black and white image of Williamstown High School students at the Gardens. 7 girls sitting on grass in front row; 7 girls kneeling in second row; approximate 17 students standing in two rows at rear; teacher standing to the right of the image. They are on the lawn with paths and trees in the background.

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family.Black and white image of Williamstown High School students at the Gardens. 12 boys sitting and kneeling on the grass. Flag pole, trees and another group of students are in the background. The group includes James Morton, Ian Porter, Tom Radford, Douglas Henderson. williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, williamstown high school, 1952

Purchased from the author when she spoke at a meeting of the Surrey Hills Historical Society.This list of Victoria's institutions for children and young people has been compiled by staff of the Criminal Justice Administration Unit, School of Community Services and Policy Studies, Phillip Institute of Technology. It is intended as a service to people who are seeking information about their own or their family's history and secondly, as a contribution to knowledge about a largely unexplored aspect of social history.social institutions, children, education, orphanages, child care, welfare establishments, (ms) donella jaggs, victorian institutions for children and young people

Formed in 1990 by a group of current and former social services and administrative staff at the then-Brighton Council, the Lovely Learned Luscious Ladies of Brighton were a group bound by friendship, humour, fun and a delightfully strange knitting project. Each member took turns to add ten rows ten rows of knitting to the piece, following a series of handwritten rules on an attached card. The wool used was not to be bought, but could be "begged, borrowed or stolen", and previous work was not to be altered. The ladies met bi-monthly over dinner at local restaurants and hotels to swap gossip, play games and share the progress of the knitting. The work of twelve women over eighteen years, the piece documents fond memories, personal passions, wedding celebrations, the birth of a grandchild, footy triumphs, holidays and major events. It is a testament to a close-knit friendship, as expressed on the rules card: "MAY THIS PIECE SERVE TO BIND US TOGETHER".Irregular-shaped knitting project consisting of multicoloured knitted stripes in a variety of yarns and stitches created by a group of women over a period of eighteen years. The piece includes numerous additions and embellishments by the various makers, including sequins, beads, shells, badges, ornaments and laminated images.Attached yellow laminated rectangular card with handwritten rules: "1) Nominated member is to knit (in any stitch of choice) 10 rows of your best by the next meeting. 2) The yarn to be used is not to be purchased for the job but can be begged, borrowed or stolen. 3) The colour of yarn is to be left to member's discretion, but judgement will be passed by others. 4) The nominated member will not tamper with, pull out or destroy a previous member's work. 5) On returning the work to the meeting the member shall declare to what genuine purpose the piece will be put on completion (as a guide for future knitters), e.g. rug for favourite chardy, cock sock for lover. 6) The next knitter can (and shall be encouraged to) change the purpose as stated by the previous knitter. 7) This tag must not, without the permission of a majority of members, be removed. MAY THIS PIECE SERVE TO BIND US TOGETHER."brighton, brighton council, social groups, knitting, 1990s

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. 'Helping the afflicted" from The Herald Jun 14, 1917 - ' On Thursday evening the Entertainment Committee of the Braille Writers' Association held it's first social evening in the Braille Library. More than 100 blind readers responded to the invitation. A hearty welcome was give to two blinded soldiers, Sergeant Walshe and Private Glew. A musical programme followed, and the evening ended with the serving of light refreshments. These gathering will be held fortnightly in the Braille Library, and the next is to be a picture competition'.1 volume of handwritten minutesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. It was noted at the June 4, 1953 meeting that the Braille Cottage at Chelsea had been sold to Mr and Mrs Smith of Ascot Vale, both who are blind readers for £1,950.1 volume of handwritten pages and typewritten sheets glued on to pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. This minutes includes a copy of the 41st & 42nd Annual Report 1935-1936 of the Entertainment Committee it noted that the Boat House, which was the gift of Mrs Cecil Macmeikan 10 years ago, was wholly destroyed during the storm in November however was repaired the next year. The Boat House has been a wonderful source of pleasure for day trippers, and many picnics have been arranged, enabling the blind to meet their friends and have an outing at the seaside at a nominal cost. 1 volume of handwritten pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation, boat house

These minutes include Present, Apologies, Correspondence, Registrations, Reports and Interviews with workers. 16/12/1938 it was noted the Secretary created a brochure called 'Social Justice for the Blind' and other publications for promotion of the organisation. It was also reported re the Institutions decision to pay Christmas pay on the basis of Married pensioners, £3-7-6, Married non-pensioners £4-7-6 per week and single men £2-2-6 per week. The child allowance has been discontinued. Meetings were often held in private homes or in spaces provided by churches.1 volume of handwritten notesassociation of victorian blind workers, royal victorian institute for the blind

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

The AFB were aware that accommodation options for blind people were limited and sought to open a hostel to assist with this.The first hostel opened in Lara Street, South Yarra but could not meet demand. In 1926, a suitable property 'Egremont' at 54 The Avenue, Windsor, came on the market. The price was £2650. Lack of funds to purchase seemed an insurmountable barrier. With assistance from the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate and the Felton Bequest a deposit of £650 was raised. In a huge step of faith the Committee took out a mortgage of £2000. The interest on the mortgage and its repayments weighed heavily on the Committee. The Avenue, as 'Egremont' was commonly termed, was also a seven roomed house. Mr Paterson and the Architect, Mr Parkes of Oakley and Parkes, immediately began planning an extension, fourteen single bedrooms were added. They were filled from the Waiting List. A Windsor Auxiliary was formed and worked to reduce the mortgage of £2000. An active programme of dances, card evenings, theatre nights and the like took place under the leadership of Mrs. Robertson. The Auxiliary also took an interest in the boarders, arranging entertainment and social activity. £1500. was still owed in 1930. Living side by side is no easy task for a group of people, and the Hostel meeting minute books are filled with stories of disputes over wireless sets, telephones, hot water bottles and wardrobes. In 1958, with rising costs and the growth of aged care centres, the Hostel was closed and the house sold to a succession of private buyers. In 2016 it still stands and has been refurbished as a guest house.B/W copy of newspaper photographThe hostel for blind women at 54 The Avenue, Windsor was established in 1926 to provide a place where sightless women may live together to their mutual advantage under proper and sympathetic supervision. The Windsor Hostel was sold in 1958. This building still stands today and has been refurbished.egremont, blind womens hostel, tilly aston

Paterson Hall Story is told through the reminiscences of 23 people who played an active part in the life of a popular recreational and entertainment hub from 1929 to 1999. They relate how a simple concrete structure in Glenferrie Road, Kooyong became a 'home away from home' for people who were blind or vision impaired, their families and friends. The hall was originally built as a clubhouse for blind cricketers in 1927, but by 1929 it had been extended to include a social hall and other facilities including a verandah where spectators could watch the cricket. Over the years the hall was used for activities as diverse as square dancing, singing, craft classes, ball games, art and craft shows, drama groups and annual meetings.60 MP3 sound files of oral history interviews and book excerptsNarrated by Maurice Lockie, Bill Charles and Norah Tooheypaterson hall, association for the advancement of the blind, victorian blind cricket association

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.Bound, fourteen page 'sticky' photo album with yellow vinyl cover containing thirty six black and white commercially produced photographs capturing activities and events attended by Alec Sandner during his time as Councillor and Shire President with the Shire of Strathfieldsaye. Each photograph has handwritten annotation with details including date, event and people present. Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of Bendigo 2011 - 2012.0135b Alec – planting a tree at / Flora Hill High School – Arbor Week / 12th April, 1984 0135c Alec – Michael John / May 7, 1984 0135d Mr Sinclair, Jeff Kennett, Michael John and Alec / inspecting Sinclair Foundry / May 17, 1984 0135e Alec – christening ‘Eugene Sandner’ scull / Bendigo rowing Club / Sunday, June 24, 1984 0135f Alec (standing) with Micahel John, / Andrew Peacock – Marisa D’Agnostina / Bendigo – Thursday August 2, 1984 0135g Bruce Reid, Alec, Jeff Kennett and Michael / John. Bendigo Wednesday August 8, 1984 0135h Mr Alan Hunt M.L.C, Michael John, Bill Ebery and alec / Sunday Sept 9, 1984 0135i t; Alec – Prue Sibree, Castlemaine, Oct . 84 m; Jeff Kennett, Alec and Bill Ebery / 1984 l; Belinda John, Mr Hunt, Alec & Bruce Reid 0135m Max Drechsler, Alec, David Wright / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire Wed 7th August / 1985 0135n Wendy Drechsler, Helen / Statutory Meeting / Strathfieldsaye Shire / Wed 7th August / 1985 0135o Doug Stevenson, Alec, Joan Kirner, David Kennedy / Strathdale Community Centre / Thursday 8th August 1985 0135p Alec with members Bendigo Pony / Club – Spring Gully / Saturday 17th August 1985 0135q Alec / Opening Strathfield -/ saye bowling / Club / Sunday October 13, / 1985 0135r Honor Walters and Helen (President / Laura Clarke Auxiliary / Tuesday, October 29, 1985 0135s Mirridon Christmas Part 1985 / Aux. L to R Tilly Aston, Bendigo, Laura Clarke. / Mirr. Social Club, Strathfieldsaye, Huntly, Mc Ivor 0135t Alec presenting Atsuko Yajima / with spoons. / Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Jan 27, 1986 0135u Alec with Thomas / Bendigo Advertiser / Fri June 27, 1986 0135v Alec & Helen with / Emma Kelcher – Hannah Every / Flower Girls / Shire Presidents Ball / June 20, 1986 0135w Alec & Cr Ron Alexander, adressing (sic) / Public Meeting, Sat 19th July, 1986 0135x Alec, Wendy Drechsler & Helen / Red Cross Centre, July 1986 0135y t; Alec – Final Council Meeting / July 1987 0135z Alec – Merv Trimper / Shire of Strathfieldsaye / March 20, 1988 sandner collection, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, alec and helen sander

Rev. Dr. Charles Strong arranged a meeting of some imminent citizens of Melbourne on the 17th of February 1885 when the decision was made to form the Melbourne District Nursing Society. Rev. Strong chaired the meeting, on 4th of March 1885, which accepted the Rules of the Society prepared by the Sub-committee. He chaired the first Annual meeting of the Society the following year and remained a Committee member for several years.Rev. Dr. Charles Strong had significant involvement in the establishment of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first District Nursing Society in Australia. He was born in Scotland and came to Melbourne with his family in 1875, initially being Minister of Scots Church in Collin Street. He left the Presbyterian church and became the first Minister of the newly formed, free religious, Australian Church in 1885. Rev. Strong cared passionately about social welfare issues and was a member of the Australian Health Society from 1880 and also president of the Convalescent Aid Society. He was involved with improving lodging houses in the slums of Melbourne and recognized the need for nursing care of the sick poor in their own homes. Many eminent citizens of Melbourne supported this idea and he arranged a meeting of these citizens, fifteen women and four men, at Mrs. William McCulloch's home on the 17th of February 1885, when the decision was made to form the Melbourne District Nursing Society. Dr. Strong, along with Dr. Caffyn, had experience of social welfare work in Scotland and were able to explain the object and scope of a District Nursing Society. A Sub-committee was formed, with Mrs. Charles Strong among the members, to draw up a Constitution and for suggestions to carrying on the Society's work. Rev. Strong chaired the meeting, on 4th of March 1885, which accepted the Rules of the Society prepared by the Sub-committee. A Special General Meeting was held on the 9th of April and the first Officers and Committee members, were elected with the Rev. and Mrs. Charles Strong being elected as members. Rev. Strong chaired the first Annual meeting of the Society the following year and remained a Committee member for several year. Reverend Dr. Charles Strong died on the 12th of February 1942 aged 97 years.This black and white portrait photograph shows an elderly Reverend Dr Charles Strong who has receding and thinning white hair and is sporting a white trimmed moustache and beard. His face shows the lines of an aging gentleman. He is wearing a winged collar on his white shirt and is wearing a black tie. He is also wearing a black jacket.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, rev. dr. charles strong