Mr. John Rossiter is the Minister of Health of Victoria. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their uniforms of grey dresses, red cardigans and grey peaked hats. The RDNS badge on their hats are made of metal with a royal blue circle containing the letters "Royal District Nursing Service". The inner section is divided in three parts; the upper and lower sections are silver and the centre section has the capital letters RDNS written in royal blue across it.Black and white photograph showing seven Royal District Nursing (RDNS) Sisters, four only partially seen, walking along a footpath with Mr. John Rossiter. Mr. Rossiter, who is in the centre of the photograph and group, has balding dark hair and is wearing a white shirt, striped tie, and a dark striped suit with a white flower in the button hole on his left lapel; a corner of a white handkerchief is seen in the left pocket of his jacket. The full view of three RDNS Sisters can be seen wearing their uniforms of a grey frock and dark cardigan and grey peaked hats with a round badge in the centre. In the background are some cars on the road, lamp posts and some trees. A white fence and a brick house with a tiled pitched roof is seen in the right hand side background.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KG 48royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns uniform, mr john rossiter

Belonged to Mrs. H. N. LordA large padded tea cosy to enclose a teapot. It is made of pale green satin with a white diamond pattern, and pink roses. It has two silver metal handles with a metal clip and a green satin lining.A crown with olive leaves is on clip.tea-cosies, household textiles, domestic equipment

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in the 4.30pm Junior Class in December 1955. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in 4.30pm Junior Class. Signed in blue ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible)junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A membership certificate for Derithe Ames, a junior legatee in 1955. The text says 'During War many men offer themselves for Service in the Forces of the Empire. It is the obligation of Legacy to assist the children of those who fell, or who have since died. Junior Legatee was the term used for the children of deceased servicemen that Legacy took into their care. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the membership of Junior Legatees.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames on becoming a member of Junior Legacy.Signed in black ink by President Arthur Amies on 9/9/1955.junior legatee, derithe ames

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in the 4.30pm Intermediate Class in 1957. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in 4.30pm Intermediate Class. Signed in blue ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible)junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in the 4.45pm Intermediate Class in December 1958. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for first place in 4.45pm Intermediate Class. Signed in blue ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible). Date 12/12/1958junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for most improved in the 6pm Senior Girls Class. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for most improved in 6pm Senior Girls Class. Signed in black ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible). junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for highest marks in the Tuesday 6pm Senior Girls Class in December 1960. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for highest mark in Tuesday 6pm Senior Girls Class. Signed in black ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible). junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for highest marks in the Tuesday 6.30pm Senior Girls Class in December 1961. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for highest mark in Tuesday 6.30pm Senior Girls Class. Signed in black ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible). junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

A photo from a former Junior Legatee who participated in the Annual Demonstration. Normally it was held in the Melbourne Town Hall. In 1962 it was held at the Olympic Swimming Stadium. The floor was laid over the pool for the performance. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the demonstration that was held in the Olympic Stadium.Black and white photo of ballerinas at the Olympic Stadium in 1962.junior legatee, derithe ames, annual demonstration, girls classes

Scarlet wool doublet with yellow stand collar and cuffs and Inverness skirts. Lower edge of collar, left front of doublet, cuffs and Inverness skirts all edged with white piping. Cuffs and skirts are decorated with three rows of doubled, twisted white wool braid; each row completed with a large whitemetal coloured metal "King Edward VII Australian Commonwealth" button of the period 1901-1911. Shoulder straps are scarlet wool with MISSING whitemetal 'VSR' title, a MISSING whitemetal 'letter' title, a small ERVII Australian Commonwealth button on left shoulder, and a small silver coloured metal Victorian Military Forces button on the right shoulder. Seven large buttons at front of tunic (one missing), and two at back waist. Two large brass belt hooks at side waist of doublet. Lower front skirt flaps have welt pockets lined with linen. Body of tunic lined with a white wool mixture, lightly padded around the underarms. Lower skirt flaps lined with a medium weight cream wool twill and upper smaller flaps lined with a finer cream wool twill. Sleeves lined with cream cotton twill and printed in black ink on the centre back lining is '5/8 38'. Collar lined with red wool and neck fastened with a single brass hook and eye over a black patent leather tab.Printed in black ink on the centre back lining is '5/8 38'

Officer's full dress scarlet wool doublet with yellow stand collar and cuffs, and Inverness skirts. Left front of doublet, cuffs and Inverness skirts all edged with white piping. Lower edge of collar, cuffs and skirts are decorated with three rows of doubled, 1/8” silver Russian braid; each row completed with a large whitemetal coloured metal "King Edward VII Australian Commonwealth" button of the period 1901-1911. 5/8” silver lace around top of collar, and top and seam of gauntlet cuff. Silver braid shoulder straps and screw buttons MISSING. Five large buttons at front of tunic (three missing), and one at back waist (one missing). Two large brass belt hooks at side waist of doublet. Lower front skirt flaps have welt pockets lined with linen. Body of tunic lined with a white wool mixture, lightly padded around the underarms. Lower skirt flaps lined with a medium weight cream wool twill and upper smaller flaps lined with a finer cream wool twill. Sleeves lined with cream cotton twill and written in blue ink on lotter right opening lining is '5-7 37'. Collar lined with red wool and neck fastened with two brass hook and eyes. No black patent leather tab at collar.blue ink on lotter right opening lining is '5-7 37'

Distributed to Australian Nursing Federation members during bargaining for public sector nurse to patient ratios. During this period ratios were secured as part of bargaining negotiations between unions and employer groups. After decades of campaigning from the ANF, ratios were legislated for the public sector in Victoria with the passing of the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient) Bill in 2015.Circular red, white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'nurse patient ratios: HERE TO STAY!' and the Australian Nursing Federation logo.nursing, ratios, workforce, staffing, nurses, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, trade unions, labour history, safe patient care (nurse to patient and midwife to patient ratios) act 2015

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular white and blue plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'KEEP NURSES NURSING - Improve Nurses' Conditions' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, industrial action, strike action, unionism, badges, nurses, buttons, pins, campaigning, trade unions, labour history

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation members. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'NURSES Too Good to Lose' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.nurses, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, australian nursing federation, staffing, workforce

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right). (Unknown) former owner of badge has written a 'DE' and 'd' with black permanent marker on the badge to spell 'Don't ask me, I'm a degraded nurse'.Circular white and blue plastic badge, customised with black permanent marker. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Don't ask me, I'm a Grade 1 nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.Former owner of badge has written a 'DE' and 'd' with black permanent marker on the badge to spell 'Don't ask me, I'm a degraded nurse'.nursing, industrial action, nurses, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The title for a 'Grade 1' nurse is now a 'Division 1' or (more commonly) 'Registered Nurse'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular blue and white plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'Don't ask me, I'm a Grade 1 nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, industrial action, nurses, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history

Created and distributed by the Midwives Action Group, a Special Interest Group of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation (now the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation). The phrase on the badge, 'midwives make it a labour of love' is drawing attention to the inadequate working conditions and wages that the Royal Australian Nursing Federation was campaigning to improve. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this badge is from the late 1980s.Circular blue and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'MIDWIVES ACTION GROUP', 'MIDWIVES MAKE IT A LABOUR OF LOVE' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.midwives, midwifery, nurses, nursing, midwives action group, royal australian nursing federation, trade unions, unionism, labour history

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation members. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s. The logo appears to be that of the federal ANF, rather than a particular state branch.Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'I'm Taking a Stand for Patient Care' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.nurses, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, australian nursing federation, staffing, workforce, patient care

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s.Circular black and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with an illustration of patients, a triangle design and with the words 'PROFESSIONAL', 'PRACTICE', 'STANDARDS', 'CARE' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation]'.nursing, nurses, unionism, royal australian nursing federation, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, lobbying, trade unions, labour history

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The title for a 'Grade 1' nurse is now a 'Division 1' or (more commonly) 'Registered Nurse'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Don't ask me, I'm a Grade 1 nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history, royal australian nursing federation

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, probably during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. Irene Bolger was elected Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation from May 1986 to 1989. Renowned for her leadership during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike, she later became a barrister, primarily representing underprivileged clients. This badge was likely worn by members supporting Bolger's militant and divisive position on the strike.Round white and red plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Irene Bolger's Nurses Liberation Front'.nurse, nursing, nurses, industrial action, irene bolger, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigns, campaigning, trade unions, labour history, 1986 victorian nurses strike, royal australian nursing federation

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The text on the button, 'I SUPPORT R.A.N.F.' suggests that this badge was also distributed to members of the union movement and broader public to build community support for industrial action taken by nurses. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s.Circular red and white plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'I SUPPORT R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation]' and 'R.A.N.F. Vic. [Victoria]'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, community, unionism, trade unions, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, labour history, royal australian nursing federation

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, probably during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. The 'White' in 'WHITE LIES' refers to David Ronald White, who was a state M.P. and the Victorian Minister for Health from 1985-1989. David White regularly featured in Branch newsletters around the time of the strike, and was regularly portrayed as a magician, skilled in 'white magic' that made 'nurses wages disappear'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s.Circular blue and white plastic button. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Button printed with 'WHITE LIES = WAGE CASUALTIES' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victoria]'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, david white, health minister, badges, victoria, buttons, pins, campaigning, protest, trade unions, labour history

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved workloads and wages in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. During the 1970s and 1980s, the state of Victoria had an acute nursing shortage, and patient workloads were unsafe. Throughout the 1980s, Victorian nurses took drastic industrial action to improve wages and conditions, culminating in the historic 50-day strike in 1986. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s.Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation]' and 'Vic. [Victorian] Branch', as well as the text 'Overworked Nurses = Undercared Patients'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history, royal australian nursing federation, victoria, 1980s

Badge used during Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) campaigning in 1994-1995. The September 1994 ANF Victorian Branch newsletter, On The Record (OTR), includes an article reporting on the Branch's pursuit of a 8% wage increase for members. In this article, Belinda Morieson, Vic. Branch Secretary stated “this claim is fair and responsible. We are not asking for any more than to have our national professional pay rates respected”. The campaign continued into 1995. The April 1995 issue of OTR had an article titled, “[then Victorian Premier Jeff] Kennett Must Act on Nurses 8% Pay Claim”. It states, “the claim for an eight per cent wage increase is moving forward following the success of the industrial action taken by ANF members across the state”. A picture of this badge is included in the article. The ‘Nurses: Worth Every Cent of 8%’ campaign appeared to draw to a close between July 1995 and the end of 1995. An article from the August 1995 OTR entitled “Your 8%: Slow, But Moving” details the proceedings of the ANF’s claim. This historical information places the date of the badge's production and circulation as 1995.Circular red, white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'PROTECT NATION RATES' and 'NURSES WORTH EVERY CENT OF 8%'.nursing, wages, nurses, unionism, trade unions, campaigning, labour history, 1990s, australian nursing federation, buttons, badges, pins

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) members. The ANF has been campaigning for more funding and qualified nurses to improve the quality of aged care for the past several decades, and continues to do so. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013, suggesting this badge is from the 1990s or early 2000s.Circular blue, green and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'Proud to be an Aged Care nurse' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.nursing, nurses, unionism, aged care, lobbying, funding, badges, buttons, pins, trade unions, labour history, staffing, workforce, patient care, australian nursing federation

Button distributed to and worn by Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) members. The ANF has been campaigning for more funding and qualified nurses to improve the quality of aged care for the past several decades, and continues to do so. Aged care funding and commitment to workforce improvements were a particular focus of enterprise bargaining for the Victorian Branch around 2006-2011, and similar issues formed the basis of a large federal ANF campaign conducted around the same time entitled 'Because we care'. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation became the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 1989, and then became the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in 2013. This historical background suggests the badge is from around 2006 to 2011.Circular red, white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'VALUE AGED CARE NURSING PROPERLY FOR BETTER RESIDENT CARE' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] website address of the time (www.anfvic.asn.au).nursing, nurses, unionism, trade unions, aged care, funding, badges, buttons, pins, labour history, staffing, wages, workforce, patient care, australian nursing federation, campaigning

Distributed to nurses during campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, possibly during the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. 'Charge Nurse' refers to a Nurse Manager, and is less commonly used in Australia presently (it is still widely used in North America). The badge's message aims to inform the public that highly experienced and skilled nurses are leaving the profession due to inadequate wages and poor working conditions. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, suggesting that this button is from the late 1980s. Similar to the badges worn in this photo [https://stories.anmfvic.asn.au/86strike/media/2560-1440-landscape-sec2-contentb-hr_logwf7a.jpg] from 1986 (see individual on the far right).Circular white and blue plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'I used to be a Charge Nurse' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, trade unions, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, labour history, royal australian nursing federation, victoria, australia

Distributed to nurses who took part in campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, particularly those involved in the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. In October 1986, Victorian nurses began their longest strike after the failure of repeated talks with the health minister David White who was committed to reducing the classification and pay of almost half of Victoria’s nurses. Skeleton staff were left in the wards while picket lines, tents and caravans were set up outside hospitals in both metropolitan and regional Victoria. After 50 days of industrial action, Victorian nurses voted to return to work on 20 December 1986. The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, and the strike concluded in December 1986, suggesting this badge was produced sometime between 1987 and 1989.Circular red and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with 'I FOUGHT NURSES STRIKE 1986' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.nursing, nurses, industrial action, strike action, unionism, badges, buttons, pins, campaigning, 1986 victorian nurses strike, trade unions, labour history, royal australian nursing federation