Royal Australian Air Force officer’s cap.Navy cotton drill peaked cap with black crossgrain band around exterior. Two black eyelets sit above band on either side. Black patent leather chin strap attached by two gold buttons on brim, slightly misshapen. Embroidered patch carrying a red velvet and metal crown (Queen Elizabeth II era) with blue, green and red embroidered knots mimicing jewels, sits above a gold eagle above now tarnished gold leaves. Interior sweatband in patent leather with plastic layer on top interior, underneath which is a manufacturer’s label with red ink. Strip of folded newspaper (H06.2) inserted inside interior sweatband.Label reads “M.TX/SIZE 6 7/8/A [broad arrow] F/MADE IN AUSTRALIA”. Black ink stamp on inside of sweatband reads “M. TX” inside a circle and “S19/[broad arrow]”raaf, royal australian air force, officer

Navy-black coloured peaked cap with red piping trim along peak. Red felt band encircles the band. Black patent leather chin strap is held in place with two gold buttons on either side, each depicting a crown above the map of Australia. Gold badge in centre depicts kangaroo in front of crossed rifles underneath a crown with oak leaves forming an arch eitehr side. Interior brim is green with black patent leather trim; brown leather sweatband with holes for air cirulation, tied at back with cream silk bow. Top of hat is covered with plastic layer, underneath which is the manufacturer’s label and a sticker for size.Sticker reads “6 7/8”, and manufacturer’s label reads “MELBOURNE 36 1218/EMERCO/REG TRADE MARK/THIS IS YOUR GUARANTEE FOR QUALITY/MADE IN AUSTRALIA”. Badge reads “DUTY FIRST/ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT”.royal australian regiment, rar, army, uniform

This fire helmet may have been one used in England or one used in the late 19th century and early 20th century in Australia. It was made by Firmin & Sons of England, a firm which was founded in 1655. It supplies military ceremonial buttons, badges and uniforms and brass and pith helmets of various kinds. It is regarded as the oldest manufacturing business operating in England today. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade was established in the early 1860s and today has both paid and volunteer firefighters.This helmet has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This is a brass helmet with an oval crown with an ornate scrolled curved piece coming over the crown. There is a decoration of a winged dragon breathing fire and on the front side a torch, an axe and a hose with decorative surrounds. There is a breathing hole at the top of the crown in a petal shape. On the sides are metal medallions holding a chin strap which is adjustable. The edge of the crown has a scrolled band. The front peak is angled with a folded metal edge and the rear peak is a concave shape with a brass screw in the middle. Inside the helmet are 8 screws holding the upper decorative arching piece and a black leather band with eyelets tied together to fir the individual head. There is an oval plaque with wording contained within a decorative belt.Firmin & Sons Ltd 108 & 109 St Martins Lane W.C. Late of 153 & 154 Strandwarrnambool fire brigade, history of warrnambool

Royal Australian Navy Uniform belonging to E Rayner. Sailor cap/lid belonged to LS MTP Ross.1. Jumper/Barathea - Long sleeve, black wool/polyester fabric. Insignia - left sleeve depicting rank - right sleeve - depicting category. 2. Trousers - bell bottom, black wool/polyester fabric. 3. Shirt - white polyester/cotton fabric, short sleeve, navy blue trim to square neckline. Insignia on left sleeve. 4. Collar - Navy blue with three white stripes, cotton fabric - lined. 5. Silk - black polyester fabric. 6. Bow - Navy blue cotton tape. 7. Lanyard - white cotton cord. 8. Lid - Sailor's cap - white plastic with black band with Navy blue chin strap.1 & 2. Maker's label - Red and white print. Hand embroidered red cotton "E. RAYNER". 3. Handwritten blue ink "44" on back of neckline. 4. stamped in black ink " E.W. RAYNER", makers label. 8. Handwritten, black ink "LS MTP ROSS" inside on crown. Tally band embroidered gold thread "H.M.A.S. CERBERUS' on black band.uniform, ran

This hat was part of a RAAF uniform and likely dates to the Second World War due to the style of crown. Hats such as these are often misshapen at the crown due to the use of earmuff-style headphones worn by aircrew during the Second World. Navy peaked cap in cotton with beige topstitching along crown. Black cotton grosgrain ribbon band. Black leather chin strap buttoned to left and right with black metal button carrying image of crown atop eagle. Centre of hat carries embroidered patch with crown in gold-coloured metal and red fabric with red and green additions mimicking jewels. Crown sits above two metal shapes, an eagle with arms outstretched and laurel branches. Two eyelets on left and right side of the cap, bronze on interior and painted black on exterior. Interior of cap brim is green plastic or patent leather now cracked. Interior of hat cotton is dark cotton with quilted top.second world war, royal australian air force, raaf, r.a.a.f., flying, uniform, world war ii, world war two, world war 2

Royal Australian Navy - Uniform belonged to LS MTP E Rayner.1. Jumper/Barathea - long sleeve white polyester/cotton fabric with Navy blue collar attached, side zip under arm. Insignia to left sleeve depicting rank. Right side insignia depicts category. 2. Trousers - white polyester/cotton fabric, bell bottom. 3. Shirt - white polyester/cotton fabric, short sleeve, navy blue trim to square neckline. Insignia to left sleeve. 4. Silk - Black polyester black fabric to arrange around the collar. 5. Bow - white cotton tape. 6. Lanyard - white cord to arrange around neck. 7. Lid - white with black "Tally" band, sailors cap with Navy blue tape - chin strap. 1., 2. - Hand embroidered red cotton - "E RAYNER", 7. Handwritten, black ink, "LS MTP RAYNOR inside on the crown, Tally band - Embroidered gold thread "HMAS DERWENT'", on black band. " RED ANCHOR/TAILORED GARMENTS/ 65% POLYESTER 35% COTTON/ DO NOT BOIL, DRIP DRY, WARM IRON"ran, uniform

North Vietnamese NVA Pith Helmet worn by 'the communist Viet Minh and later the People's Army of Vietnam of the North' (sourced from Wikipedia 10.02.2020

As an historic army uniform with an association to Victoria this item is of local historic and social significance. It is also in very good condition. Woolen khaki peaked hat has a central head band with solid peak connected to the lower front of the head band. The top is high at the front and protrudes out from the headband about 3cm on all sides. There is a brown leather chinstrap on the lower front of the headband above the peak and this has a slide extension that can be enlarged to go under the neck to keep the hat in position in high winds. The chin strap in connected to the headband with two plastic button that have queens crown above a map of Australia. Affixed to the front of the headband above the peak is the Artillery Corps metal hat badge in gold colouring. The interior of the top of the hat has a cotton lining under the woollen exterior and then a plastic protective lining to avoid sweat bleeding onto the exterior. A cloth badge with the makers name sewn to the cloth lining and covered by the plastic protective layer. uniform

A complete replica uniform set of clothing and all items that were or could be worn by a first AIF soldier.Light horse brigade .1) Jacket, 100% wool with cotton lining. 7th Battalion AIF colour patches with a brass A signifying original ANZAC on both sleeves. Right sleeve has sergeant's stripes & 5 blue & 1 red chevron stripes. Left sleeve has 3 brass bars re WIA 3 times. Rising Sun badges on each collar & Australia badges on shoulder straps. Belted at waist. .2) Jodphurs, khaki corded wool. Brass button up fly. .3) Braces, red, white & blue oblique striped. .4) Hat, size 57, khaki Akubra with felt pugaree, leather chin strap, & blackened brass Rising Sun badge on upturned rim. .5) & .6) Puttees, pair, khaki wool felt with khaki cotton tapes. .7) & .8) Boots, pair, size L, tan coloured leather with dark brown leather laces, leather soles with metal reinforcing on heels..1) & .2) Makers labels. .4) Hat: Akubra, Made in Australia; On badge: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. on hat: "5.7 Akubra Made in Australia"uniforms-army, costume - male footwear, costume - male headwear

Uniform worn by Kieran Dole..1) Trousers, jungle pattern, heavy cotton shades of khaki, brown & green. Belt keepers same design. Pockets in legs at front. .2) Shirt, front buttoning, jungle patterned cotton. Corporal's stripes on sleeves. Breast pockets with flap fastenings. .3) Helmet, Kevlar camouflage pattern. .4) & .5) Gloves, pair, green khaki knit fabric with false leather PVC? insert down front. Gathered at writs, label inside. .6) & .7) Boots, pair, light khaki, leather combat with moulded composite soles, cotton laces. .8) United Nations beret, blue. Gold gilt & white enamel UN badge pinned on front. Black cotton fabric lined. Edge bound through which is threaded a drawstring black tape. .9) Wide brimmed UN sun hat, blue with black chin strap. Metal edged ventilation holes around crown. White embroidered UN badge on front of crown. Cotton hat band sewn at intervals. Close circles of stitching around brim to stiffen. .10) Jacket, heavy, camouflage, twill weave cotton. Front fastened with zipper. Breast & side pockets fastened with heavy press studs. .2) Breast pockets name: DOLE .3) Written inside in texta: DOL 312 Scribbled out: Ball 4100612 Written inside in pen: DOLE 3805312 Written inside on back: DOLE .10) Label inside centre back: Logo & AVA Victoria 1998 Washing instructions Made in Australia uniforms, camouflage, jungle pattern

.1 Board of five medals and ribbons, one bronze type 6 pointed star 1939-45, one bronze type 6 pointed star the pacific star. One round silver medal 1939-45 defence medal, King George VI on face, English Coat of Arms on reverse. One round silver medal, King George on face, 1939-45 lion above dragon on reverse. One round silver medal King George VI on face, 1939-45, Aus Service medal, Aust Coat of Arms on reverse.|.2 Two small enclosed V shaped badge with crown anchor and sunburst, with returned from active service written on the V, with two mounting pins on rear.|.3 Small badge white enamel background with circle in centre. Returned Servicemans Badge; No 58 at head of medal. Two mounting pins on rear.|ALSO RECEIVED WITH DONATION: Cert No 193800; Certificate of discharge from Aust military forces, for VX25837; Dated 4/10/1945|Sgt Jack Eric Town; 2/11 Aust Field Regiment; R.A.A.|Photograph of head and shoulders of soldier, hand tinted photo, soldier in uniform, with slouch hat and chin strap, sunburst lapel badged, and Aust badge on epaulets, colour patch on shoulder.military history, army

Photos/postcards are addressed with much affection to "Thel". 1. B & W portrait of soldier with peaked cap. Aust Rising Sun is on the cap and he is wearing a great coat. He has a moustache. 2. B & W studio portrait of soldier seated. He has his slouch hat folded down with the chin strap on. He has a triangle colour patch on right shoulder, He is wearing leather leggings. 3. B & W portrait of Jack Parsons in a type of Arabic costume. Tents in background. On rear it states "Middle East - Jack Parsons 1940." The moustache has gone. 4. B & W full length portrait. Jack Parsons in uniform with an Arabic style head-dress. Tents in background. 5. Seated portrait of Jack Parsons in uniform. He has a peaked cap, jersey and an MP armband. 6. B & W photo of soldier standing beside a vehicle which has the bonnet up. On the rear is written 25/11/40 to Thel from Jack. Palestine. 7. B & W portrait of soldier standing at ease. He has a peaked cap. Uniform shorts, long socks & shoes. He is wearing a pistol holster on his left hip. On the the back is written "Jack Parsons, Middle East 1940," 8. B & W photo of Jack Parsons in civilian attire, dark shirt & tie. A jacket with light trim. Light coloured trousers. No moustache. On the rear is written "Jack Parsons, Bankstown". 2. The green ink has run. From " Alexandria - Egypt."photos, ww2

The 1908 pattern was used during WWI, made from woven cotton & water proofed. The kit is used for school groups.Webbing kit complete including 1908 pattern webbing, gas mask haversack, personnel items, rations. Refer attached sheet. .1) Waist belt with brass buckles & keepers. .2) Braces x 2, connects to waist belt & large pack. .3) Bayonet. .4) Bayonet carrier. .5) Bayonet scabbard. .6) Entrenching tool carrier [fits to .5)]. .7) Entrenching tool handle, wood & metal [fits to .6)]. .8) Entrenching tool, metal, combination shovel & pick. .9) Entrenching tool carrier [fits inside .8)]. .10) Cartridge carriers x 2, 1 left hand, 1 right hand. .11) Water bottle, metal, blue colour. .12) Water bottle cover, khaki wool. .13) Water bottle carrier. .14) Pack, large. .15) Great coat, wool, [inside .14)]. .16) Helmet, steel with inside liner & chin strap. .17) Mess tin carrier, replica. .18) Haversack, side pack. .19) Carry all, white cotton, for personnel hygiene items [inside .18)]. .20) Razor, cut throat [inside .19)]. .21) Comb [inside .19)]. .22) Toothbrush [inside .19)]. .23) Shaving brush [inside .19)]. .24) Laces, leather, not original, [inside .19)]. .25) Soap [inside .19)]. .26) Tin bully beef x 2, replicas, [inside .18)]. .27) Tin stew, replica, [inside .18)]. .28) Pair socks, khaki wool, not original, [inside .18)]. .29) Field dressing, WWII issue, [inside .18)]. .30) Towel, brown colour, not original, [inside .18)]. .31) Gas mask carrier bag & straps. (Cowley) .32) Water bottle, metal, blue colour, [inside .31)].Items 1 - 13, there are numerous markings all stamped on from, “A.A.O.D”, “L”, “R”, “S”, “M.E.C.O”, “49th INF”, Years examples, “8.12”, “1.13”, “1911”military history - equipment / army, medicine-first aid, personal effects - containers, toilet requisites - shaving

The early settlers of Victoria depended on horse drawn vehicles to farm, make roads and railways, deliver produce and transport people. Horse harnesses were an important requisite for all drivers and could be found wherever there were working horses. Horse Harnesses have played an essential role in different cultures throughout history. Simple, utilitarian horse harnesses made of leather straps and iron rings were being used in early China before AD 500 as well as ancient Greece and Rome allowing horses to pull chariots and ploughs. The Greeks and Romans were the first to use a "horse collar" which distributed the weight of the harness evenly across the horse's chest rather than relying on a "throat harness" that could damage a horse's throat or choke them. During the medieval period, European horse harnesses became more elaborate and decorative. Variations of different horse harnesses were also found in Native American and Middle Eastern cultures. Horse Harnesses usually have four basic components which include - 1. Communication - the bridle, bit and reins allows the driver to communicate instructions and commands to the horse, guiding its movement and direction. 2. Draft - the collar, hame straps, hames, traces and chains enables the horse to draw and pull the load efficiently by distributing the weight and transferring the pulling force to the vehicle. 3. Stopping - the breeching band, pole straps and breast strap helps to control or stabilise the horse and vehicle when moving downhill or stopping. 4. Support - the back pad, backband, belly band and back saddle keep the harness in the correct position and proper alignment. This dray harness is a plain, basic harness and reflects its working class origins. It was used by Mr. Oswald (Jack) Bourke with his horse and dray to firstly deliver drygoods from Sunbury to Melbourne in the 1930's and later (through the 1940's and 1950's up to 1961) when he worked on the garbage round for the Springvale City Council. This horse harness is a significant example of the equipment that was needed wherever horses were being used - particularly in the early years of Victoria's settlement by white settlers. Harnesses such as this example were used with drays, farming equipment, delivery carts and personal transportation.A leather and metal horse harness used with a horse and dray circa 1930's to the early 1960's. It is made up of a number of components. 1. A leather bridle with metal buckles and rings, blinkers and a metal single jointed, snaffle bit that has the initials M B stamped onto the leather. 2. A leather bridle with metal buckles and rings and a metal "straight bar" Eggbut snaffle bit. It has an elongated X design (with 4 dots) stamped onto the leather strap holders near each buckle. 3. A blue and white vinyl halter with one leather patched strap. The nose band and a chin strap are covered with woollen padding. 4. A pair of leather shaft protectors. They have lacing holes along each edge and a repeating design of small shapes (flowers, wings, crosses and arrowheads) which run along the front of each protector. 5. A leather strap with a stainless steel chain and catch and a maker's mark for "Glenn's Leather Goods, Pearcedale Victoria" stamped onto the end. 6. A wide leather strap covered with a webbing sleeve. It has two large metal rings and each end and one ring has a rope attached. 7. A leather strap comprised of three separate sections (two shorter and one longer) joined with two metal rings. The longer section has notches along its length and the shorter section at the other end has a buckle. It also had a maker's mark stamped on it but the mark is very worn and the writing is difficult to read. 8. An adjustable leather horse collar with two buckles and straps at the top opening and two "B's" stamped into the leather. The top of the collar is made from treated leather pieces stitched together and the underneath of the collar is untreated leather. It has a padded indentation running all the way around the collar for the hames to sit in. 9. Two pairs of long leather traces - each having a buckle and notched section at one end and each one is made with three lengths of leather spliced together. 10. A leather strap (with one spliced join) belonging to a horse harness with two shorter straps (each ending with a metal clip) attached to a steel D ring at one end. 11. Three assorted short leather straps - the top one has clips at each end and a buckle (for adjusting the length) in the centre, the middle strap has notches and a buckle and the bottom strap is white with notches and a buckle.Bridle with blinkers - "M B" Bridle - design showing an elongated X with a dot in each section stamped onto strap holder Shaft Protectors - stamped design of flowers, wings, crosses and arrowheads Strap with chain - "Glenn's leather goods / Pearcedale / Victoria" Leather Strap (with two metal rings) - Maker's stamp - "name indecipherable / SADDLER / ...OURNE" Collar - "B / B" Leather strap - flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, sunbury, springvale, dray, delivery dray, harness, horse harness, horse drawn vehicles, working horse, oswald (jack) bourke, bridle, horse collar, hames, shaft protectors

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Gas mask with brown cloth covering & rubber face cover. 2 circular, clear, glass eye pieces with threaded mounts. Mask is secured to head with black elasticized straps. Metal breathing plate is attached to a red metal canister via a black ribbed rubber tube. Side port on LHS face mask. Port is covered with a black cap. Printed on head straps: No 4 MK(2) 6/41 PAT. Nos 296463 & 305080 Printed in black under chin & face mask: ? L(above)2 ? & Co. SMAL SPEC (?) T.MIC LOT No 198 ? 27/6/41 Stamped on top of canister: Z 21/11/41 AT Stamped on canister base: No 4A M 1941 U6 EVIequipment, gas, masks, military

This style of bonnet was commonly worn outdoors by women in South West Victoria in the late 1800s - early 1900sThe bonnet is significant as a typical of women's outdoor headwear in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century.Ladies outdoor bonnet, white cotton with narrow mauve stripes and small flowers. Bonnet is trimmed with frills and straps to tie under the chin. Dated late 19th to early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ladies bonnet, outdoor bonnet, hat, bonnet, headwear, ladies clothing, late 19th century bonnet, early 20th century bonnet, women's fashion, australian fashion, australian millinery

Worn by a local woman when working in South West Victoria in the late 1800s - early 1900sLadies outdoor bonnet, red cotton fabric with white spots. Bonnet is trimmed with frills and straps to tie under the chin. Dated late 19th to early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ladies bonnet, outdoor bonnet, ladies clothing, late 19th century bonnet, 20th century bonnet, bonnet, 20th century, early 20th century bonnet

This mask was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions.This mask is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.A costume mask of a male character. He has a silver headdress with pink, green and yellow decorations. He has black horns, a black face with pink cheeks, red lips and markings on his forehead, nose and chin. The eyes has been cut out for the wearer to see out of. There is a strap that runs behinds the mask.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, masks

This head protector seems to have first appeared in the 1920s when the issue of safety became a concern. Since that time, head protection has developed more sophistication.This is a particularly good example of an attempt at safety for cyclists. It also indicates attempts to lighten (in weight) to provide advantage in cycling races.Slim line head protector consisting of a black padded leather head band with three padded leather straps extending over the crown. Leather straps secure the head protector under the chin. "Detto Pietro/Milano/Made in Italy"slimline cycling helmet; detto pietro; 1920;

This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. 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 Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. 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 and 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. 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. 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. 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 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. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. 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. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

This Certificate was presented to Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Nettie Osborne on completion of six months employment with Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). This is the only example of a MDNS Nurses certificate in the RDNS collection. In 1913 the MDNS Nurses had their board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses provided. Newly employed Nurses were paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. .Following the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in February 1885 to care for the sick poor in Melbourne, subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided that only nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. After interviewing several candidates, it was on the first of May 1885 when the first Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed by MDNS with a salary of £100 per annum. 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 agreed to assist the Nurse with advice at any time. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some poor social conditions they found. A second Nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon was employed by MDNS six months later, with a trial period of six months which was extended. They 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 illness through the heaviness of the work. Nurses salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and then when establishments were rented by the Society and the Nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The Nurses 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 liaised with Doctors and provided high quality trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air 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 and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. They provided 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. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many nurses only remained with the Society for several months. A Trained Midwife was employed in August 1893. The work was arduous, 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; straw hats were worn in summer. 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. Public transport was also used over the years, in conjunction with a Motor Auxiliary from 1929 to 1971. MDNS began with its own small fleet of vehicles in the early 1950s which gradually expanded into a full fleet.The coloured Certificate is made of white paper attached to a buff card forming a boarder. It is in gold print on the white background which has a thin gold border. In large bold script are the words "Melbourne District Nursing Society" In between the words "District" and "Nursing" is a red Maltese cross which extends above and below the writing. Underneath this, in smaller capital letters, are the words "For Nursing Sick Poor In Their Own Homes"/. Below this in bold script are the words "This is to Certify that"/. Under this, written in black handwriting, is "Nurse Nettie Osborne"/; below this in script is "has acted in the capacity of District Nurse", then in black handwriting the words "Six Months"/. The next two lines read "having fulfilled her Duties to the satisfaction of her Committee, /"and appreciation of her Patients". The Certificate is signed in black by Mary Leeper, Vice President; Kate Hood; Hon. Treasurer; C.M. Tatham Hon. Secretary, and has Date; 8th July 1913 in black handwriting. On paper attached with tape to the back of the Certificate, is a copy of a photograph of two unidentified people. [Possibly Nettie and her husband]. Some small marks, and in one area a small area of cracking is seen on the white background of the certificate.certificates, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse nettie osborne

Matron Freeman and the MDNS Trained Nurses are wearing long grey coats and white pith helmets, which display a red Maltese cross.The Pith helmets are held on with a white veil. The two Bicycles with nursing bags attached to handlebars show the transport used by MDNS at that time.. Nurses - Back - L-R - O'Sullivan, Deans, Warren, Amess, Pat Lee and Jane with bicycle Front - L-R - Blanche Wilson, Matron Janie Freeman, Peake and Brown. 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) was founded with one Trained nurse (Nurse), and a second employed six months later. This was the first such service in Australia. 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. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as 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 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. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained 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. 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.Sepia photograph on brown card mount with 'Kirk Studio' on bottom right of the card. The photograph shows Matron Freeman and nine Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (Nurses), with bicycles. The back row of six Nurses are standing and the Nurses either end are holding bicycles which have leather oblong nursing bags attached to the handlebars with two straps. The front row are seated. All are wearing the MDNS uniform of long dark coats and white helmets, with white scarves covering them and tied under their chins. A Maltese cross can be seen in the centre of the helmets. Both bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has 'fork shaped' thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.Photographer's embossed stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse blanche wilson, nurse pat lee, nurse deans, nurse o'sullivan, nurse warren, nurse amess, nurse peak, nurse brown, matron janie freeman

The photograph appeared in the MDNS Annual Report of 1922 and is taken on the veranda of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Sisters lived and worked out of the Nurses Home from June 1914 to 1953. They attended the disadvantaged in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. The Sisters and Matron are wearing the grey uniform and hat with a red Maltese cross is in the centre of the hatband which was introduced in 1921. These Sisters, plus two others visited 29.079 visits in the metropolitan area and in suburbs as far distant as Elwood, Glen Huntly, Deepdene, Essendon and Fairfield. Of the 1666 patients on the books 394 were midwifery patients nursed in their own homes. It is believed the Matron in the photograph is Matron Reynolds. In February 1885 it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February with one Trained nurse (Nurse) who qualified under the Hospital training system, commencing on the 1st of May, and a second employed six months later, both 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 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. The also supplied equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses and clothes as necessary. 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 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. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them 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. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a Nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform, but this did not occur until 1921. In 1914 the Society was at last able to purchase their own premises, 'Floraston' 39 Victoria Parade in Collingwood. During the Spanish Influenza epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. It was recorded on the 21st of May, that the seven Nurses had visited 1,212 persons with influenza in the last three months, how many visits to each is not known. In the whole of 1918 the Nurses, including midwifery cases, visited 1,100 persons. It was also recorded on May 7th the Nurses were delivering 100 quarts of soup to the needy each morning. In winter they also carried wood in the cars to distribute to their destitute patients as needed. In 1921-22 many of the people nursed by the Trained nurses (Sisters) suffered from malignant and tubercular disease, often the Sister would visit to find the patient was desperately ill living in a room alone and no one there to even give them a drink. In these cases the Sister would send them to hospital, but if possible most cases were nursed in their home. During July 1921- 30 June 1922 the four Midwifery trained Sisters averaged 8 confinement cases a week and sometimes gave Post Natal care to 15 to 18 patients a day. At the time of confinement a Student from the Women's Hospital accompanied the MDNS Sister and if complications occurred the patient was transferred to the Women's Hospital. The Society often had to provide blankets, sheets, set of baby clothes and night gowns for the mother. In many instances the Society provided milk for many months. The midwifery Sisters often travelled long distances in the cars Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927 and the Sisters went back to using public transport, as well as their bicycles which continued to be used in inner areas until 1945.. The Midwives used taxis when a birth was imminent. Black and white photograph showing 9 Sisters, 5 standing at rear and Matron, in the centre, of 4 seated Sisters on a balcony wearing their Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) uniforms of grey coats, with revered collars and belt, over their partly seen grey uniforms with white collars. Five of the Sisters are wearing glasses. All are wearing grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of the lighter colour hatband. Part of deep metal scroll work of the veranda rail can be seen. A concrete wall is behind the Sisters.mdns, mdns matron, miss reynolds, royal district nursing service, rdns, melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. 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) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, 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 and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air 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 and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided 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. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them 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. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform, but this did not occur until 1921.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

This photograph shows Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained Nurses (known as 'Nurse' in those days) attending to a family in the early 1900s. It also shows their uniform which had a red Maltese cross in the centre of the pith helmet. The bicycle seen is the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The Nurse's bag is seen strapped to the handles of the bicycle. 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 District Nursing Society in Australia, was founded and the decision was made to only employ fully qualified nurses who had trained in a Hospital. In those days they were known as 'Nurse'. One Trained nurse, was employed in March, 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 and only attended patients seen by a Doctor. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, ventilation 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 and 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. Over the years the Nurses complained 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. 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. The Nurses liaised with the person's Doctor. 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 two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, 'Nurse', wearing their full length grey uniforms, with white collar, cuffs and belt, and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross applied. One Nurse is standing and holding her bicycle, while the other is kneeling and holding a small child. They are in the garden behind a horizontal weatherboard house. A man dressed in dark clothes is also kneeling beside the child. There is a child, dressed in white, in the doorway of the home, and a lady, dressed in a full length black dress and a white apron, is standing in front of the wooden fence in the garden. The bicycle has two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service

This photograph is a record of Head Nurse, Sister Lee-Archer, and her staff of six Trained nurses, 'Nurses', of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) outside their new Nurse’s Home and Headquarters rented at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The bicycles seen were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS and allowed these Nurses to extend the nursing visits they made into more Melbourne suburbs.The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) moved into larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. Head trained Nurse, Lee-Archer and her staff of six Trained nurses pose outside the new ‘Nurse’s Home’ at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The Nurses worked in the districts of North and West Melbourne, the City Proper, Carlton, Richmond, South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Collingwood making 17,954 visits during the year. The Society had a set of bye-laws which outlined the work conditions for the Nurses. Section 111.1 states ‘Each nurse shall be ready to go to her district at 9 am. She will be expected to visit urgent cases on Sundays, and will be required to work eight hours on each week day, to wear the special uniform, and live in the Home of the Society’. In February 1885, only 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 with one Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They liaised with Doctors and 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, fresh air 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 for her use. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing 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. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but due to this arduous work many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. 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. 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 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. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycle and laundry expenses provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. 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 photograph of six Trained nurses and their Matron, who has her hair swept up, and is wearing a long white uniform with belt, and white cap; part of her veil is seen hanging down her back, outside their Nurses Home The trained. nurses are holding their two wheeled bicycles, and are wearing long grey frocks, white collars and belts and straw hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of headband, this is held in place with scarves over the hat and tied under their chins. Their nursing bags are strapped to the handlebars of the bicycles. A black sign with the white capital letters 'Melbourne District Nursing Society. ....nursing the sick poor in their own homes' is on the metal spiked fence. The building is made of brick and five long sash windows are seen in the upper section. A metal roofed veranda, held up with four posts and two brick columns, divides the upper and lower section. A door and three long windows are seen which are partly obscured by several bushes behind the fence.melbourne district nursing society, 5 royal terrace, nicholson st carlton, nurses home, bicycles, mdns transport, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns trained nurses, sister florence lee-archer

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