The Northern District School of Nursing in Victoria, Australia Graduates Association: The closure of the Northern District School of Nursing (NDSN) in Bendigo:Closure and TransitionNDSN, Australia's first independent nursing school, has closed after nearly 40 years of training nurses in central and northern Victoria. School 108 was the last after almost 40 years of nurse training. All general nurse training in the region will now be conducted in colleges instead of at NDSN. The school began in 1950 at Lister House, a historic mansion in Bendigo. It was certified as a training school for registered nurses in 1951, working with several regional hospitals. Initially, NDSN collaborated with hospitals in Castlemaine, Kyneton, Bendigo, Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca, St. Arnaud, Dunolly, and Ouyen. Over time, some hospital affiliations changed, with trainees from smaller hospitals gaining clinical experience at larger base hospitals in Bendigo and Mildura. All students attended Lister House for study blocks during their three-year training. The school was known for its highly trained and experienced tutors.Staff numbers dwindled as the school closed, with tutors moving to other jobs, hospitals, or early retirement.The last tutor to leave was Mary Ryan, who had been at Lister House for over 10 years. The school, once lively, is now described as silent and empty, likened to a 'morgue.'Former students and staff find the emptiness unsettling, highlighting the emotional impact of the closure. Despite the sadness, staff members emphasize the school's positive environment and achievements. The assistant dean notes high retention and pass rates, indicating strong academic performance. Over the years, significant renovations were made, including the construction of a new hall.Staff express pride in these improvements and the school's development. The School of Nursing in Bendigo has a rich history, remembered fondly by many Victorians who trained there.Staff, such as Mary, found it rewarding when former students returned to share their career progress and experiences. Anecdotes include students reaching out for support, such as requesting references to secure jobs while traveling. Graduation balls ('grad balls') were a significant tradition, known for their fun, themed events and memorable costumes. Themes ranged from 'Your fantasy' to 'Wear something you've never dared to wear before.'The final grad ball for School 108 is scheduled with the theme 'The wake,' marking the end of an era. The NDSN building currently stands empty, with its future undecided.A feasibility study is underway to consider repurposing the building, possibly for a government department such as the Health Department.Other groups have shown interest, but the final decision will be made by the Health Minister, Caroline Hogg.Northern District School of Nursing Graduates Association - Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express Tues 18 July 1988 by Linda Harrow Page 14 This item contains the following document: 3792.9a From the article black and white photo of Lister House 3792.9b Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express 3792.9c From the article black and white photo of the first group of general nurses ever to be trained at the Northern District School of Nursing 3792.9d Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express 3792.9e Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Expressnurse training, lister house, history, mary ryan

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Newspaper article from page 10 of the Guardian, Friday 25th October 2013, showing two photographs of the same group of nurses from 1982 when they had just graduated and again in 2013. They began nursing training in 1979 School 94. They trained at Lister House. The article discussed the collecting of submissions for former nurses of Northern District School of Nursing for a book they were going to produce about NDSN. nursing, at lister house., school 94

Northern District School of Nursing student memories.Memories of Judith Walpole, School 1, 1950-53 describes training and comradeship of living together and studying as a group. Includes career paths of those she studied with.Pen edits to include names, signature and remove mistake.nurse education, nurse student accommodation

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Six typed pages about the Kerrigan family from Mildura. Four of the siblings trained from 1970. Kathleen Kerrigan School 76 trained at St John of God hospital. Francis went to School 90, Michelle to school 106. James began his training in school 97. All completed general nursing. The story begins with Kathleens training, but most information is about Francis and James. James was a male nurse who completed his training at Lister House, but the males were accommodated away from the female trainees. Francis went on to do midwifery and later psychiatric nursing and Janes worked in Private Investigation. Also included are two photographs of firstly school 95, Group 2 1980 and School 96, Group 1 1980. There is information about being a male trainee nurse in a mostly female occupation.Six pages of photographs and questions and answers about nursing. nursing, student nurses, ndsn, male nurses in training, lister house

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.The printed page two of two pages from the Northern District School of Nursing titled "Information for P.T.S. students" From Lister House. It includes Programme, Locker keys, Group Leadersmemoir, nursing, student nurses, lister house

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Original page in colour including photograph and description of the reunion of the Class of 64 in 2014. The photograph is titled "Fun Times. The group of 20 enjoyed reminiscing about their training back in the 1960's when they reunited on Saturday. The description described their meeting as 17 year olds at Lister House and their reunion 50 years later. The ladies remembered their fun when they were training. Their first pay packet was 3 pounds 4 /6. Original coloured full pagearticle and photograph from the Bendigo Advertiser Thursday February 20 2014memoir, nursing, ndsn, mr norm phillips, nancy winifred long mbe

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.The Northern District School of Nursing, Staff Nurse Course - No. 17, Group 2 1970 course notes on Drug Overdose. The curse consists of 24 A4 pages, plus 4 yellow foolscap sheets of associated graph pages. The papers consist of typed single sided sheets.nurse education, nursing administration, course notes 1970

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.One yellow A4 page NDSN Nurse Course No 17, Group 1- the classification of "handicapped" as it applies to children. Special efforts must be made to ensure that all these children have access to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, followed by six points for management Group 1 Heather Gamble, Angela Hoye, Mary McGurgan, Beryl Robins & Ruth Scrivener.nurse education, nursing administration

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photograph of a group eight nurses in casual dress in front of Mayfort House second year block 1954. Names written on the back. ndsn, pts15, pts16, mayfort house

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photograph of a group of 27 nurses in uniform in two rows. Front row nine sitting on chairs. back row 18 standing ndsn, pts16

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Colour photograph of a group of seven nurses in uniform. In two rows, the front row three nurses sitting on chairs. back row four nurses standing. Mounted on cream cardboard. names written on the back. School 16, 1955 third year graduates Names, school 16 1955 written on the back.ndsn, pts16

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Group of NDSN staff/tutors outside Lister House. Additional information on 4/3/2019 (by Jay Bourke): Peg Donahue(tutor) 2nd from R Win Stock (tutor) 4th from R. NDSN Lecture Theatre opening NDSN lunch - all staff.ndsn, nursing, uniforms

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 45 commenced 3/2/1960. Black and white photograph donated by Penny Davies; of a group of 28 Females students in nurses' uniforms and their Tutor Nancy Shaw; in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third rows standing. Curtain in the background.. Photo taken by L.A. Hughes, 15 High Street Bendigo.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 45 1960

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 46 commenced 20/4/1960. Black and white photograph; of a group of 21 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third rows standing. Curtain in the background.. Photo taken by L.A. Hughes, 15 High Street Bendigo.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 45 1960, school 46 1960

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 47 commenced 3/8/1960. Black and white photograph; of a group of 14 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third rows standing. Curtain in the background.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 47 1960

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.PTS Formal Photo Training school 47 commenced 3/8/1960. Black and white photograph; of a group of 14 Females students in nurses' uniforms; and Sister in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third rows standing. Curtain in the background. Inscribed on the rear of the photo in ink: School 47 P.T.S. August 1960 L-R Back: Shirley Christensen, Marg Hogg, Sue Nurke, Beryl Elford, Elizabeth Looney, L-R Middle: Marg Joliffe, Bev Frost, Francis Gibbins, Marg Seingnor, Marg Williams. L-R Front: Jan Brew, Allison Peonis, Sr Reid, Marg Buersel, Jan Williams.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 47 1960

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Formal Photo Training school 48 commenced 12/10/1960. Black and white photograph; of a group of 9 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in two rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second row standing.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 48 1960

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 49 commenced 8/2/1961. Black and white photograph; of a group of 21 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third standing.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 49 1961

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.P.T.S. Training school 50 commenced 26/4/1961. Black and white photograph; of a group of 23 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third standing.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 50 1961

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 51 commenced 2/8/1961. Black and white photograph; of a group of 11 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in two rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second standing. nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 51 1961

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 52 commenced 4/10/1961. Black and white photograph; of a group of 13 Females students in nurses' uniforms; in two rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second standing.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 52 1961

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.P.T.S.Training school 53 commenced 7/2/1962. Black and white photograph; of a group of 25 Females students in nurses' uniforms; and one tutor, in three rows, front row sitting on the chairs, second and third rows standing.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 53 1962

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school. Black and white photograph; of a group of 12 trained nurses from Mildura and Swan Hill, all standing.. Front three: Judy Atkinson, Sue Harcoah, Val Jones, Middle five: Doreen Brine, Marg Nash, Eileen Coleman, Dallas Williams, Diane Cutts, Back four: Janene Grelis, Carol McArthur, Jan Dowsley, Marg Marshman. nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 52 1965, school 53 1965

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 53 Finals Night at the Shamrock Hotel. Black and white photograph; of a group of 16 nurses from four seated and 12 standing. Front Row: Sue Harcoan, Maybe Vappie Virsu??, Val Jones, ?? Back Row: Jan Mackay, Juanita Howe, Robyn Gall, Erol Wise, Coral McArthur, Judy Clover, Wendy Fletcher, Jan Dowsley, Janene Grelis, Desre Stone, Vivian Cocks, Judy Atkinson. nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 53, shamrock hotel bendigo

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Training school 53 Finals Night at the Shamrock Hotel. Black and white photograph; of a group of 6 nurses from Mildura Back Row: Val Jones, Carol McArthur, Judy Alkinson, Sue Harcoan, Front Row: Janene Grelis, Jan Dowsley nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 53, shamrock hotel bendigo, mildura nurses

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.P.T.S. Training school 54 25/4/1962 Black and white photograph; of a group of 26 female nurses in three rows, the first row sitting and the second and third standing. Back Row: Bev Hay, Doreen Brie, Jill Holland, Peggy Lyons, Pauline Schultz, Lenny Watts, Eileen Coleman, June Phemister, Denise Reade. Middle Row: Maureen Deveraux, Jenny Thompson, Eileen McGauchie, Diane Cutts, Liz Hefford, Elaine Erhardt, Rona Toohey, Kath Thorbridge. Front Row: Elaine Cameron, Dot Foyster, Jan Aitken, Lois Letcher, Dorothy Atkinson, Faye Horneman, Heather McBeth, Elva Fenton, Noeleen Christopher. nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 54

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.School 61 Small "Brownie Box Camera" type of Black and White photo of Group of nurses in front of Lister House of a group of nurses.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 61

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.NDSN School 99 Group 2 29 student nurses, 26 females and 3 male nurses. Photo outside Lister House Bendigo. One colour copy and two black and white.ndsn, nursing, bendigo lister house, school 99 group 2

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.NDSN School 100 Group 1 29 student nurses, 28 females and 1 male nurses. Colour Photo outside Lister House Bendigo.ndsn, nursing, lister house bendigo, school 100 group 1

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.NDSN School 100 Group 2 29 student nurses, 28 females and 1 male nurses. Colour Photo outside Lister House Bendigo.ndsn, nursing, lister house bendigo, school 100 group 2