Bob PowlingBlack and white photograph of Bob Powling as a boy dressed as a cowboyfamily, portrait, people, bob powling

Les Robertson at Society Rooms 1990Former President of the PFHS dressed to participate in historical celebrationsBlack & white photographpeople, president, les robertson

Sepia photograph of gentleman with large sideburns dressed in academic gown with white jabot portrait, pioneer, settler, people, church official

One of the boys is believed to be John Reaburn; date is approximate.Black and white photo of a class of 34 children at Surrey Hills Primary School taken outside against a brick wall with a central window. It may be a class of mixed age children. There are 20 boys and 14 girls. One boy holds the class identification board (illegible); several are dressed in 'sailor shirts' and a couple in oriental-looking costumes. The children are flanked by a senior male teacher and a junior female teacher.surrey hills primary school, schools, education, primary education, children, john reaburn

Taken to mark the wedding of Patrick James Burns and Ivy Lillian Ellen Bolton at Holy Trinity Surrey Hills in 1940. Ivy's sister Beryl Torey is at right and Beryl's daughters were flower girls. Patrick's brothers Eddie and Emet are at either end and his cousin Win Ramage is on the left. Patrick and Ivy's home was at 244 Union Road, Surrey Hills. Ivy was born in 1908 in Seymour, the daughter of Samuel Henry Bolton and Elizabeth Beatrice Maher. She died in 2004 in Mansfield and is buried at Fawkner Cemetery. Patrick was a mechanic. He was born in 1906 at Longwood and died in 1964 at Surrey Hills.A black and white photograph of a wedding group showing bride and groom, two bridesmaids, two flower girls and 3 other men. The men are dressed in dark suits and have a buttonhole flower in their lapel, the bride dressed in a floor length dress of lace with a long train supported on her head by a headband, the bridesmaids are wearing floor length dresses, with short sleeves and a hat styled like a small beret, and the flowergirls are also wearing floor length dresses and short sleeves, and also hats styled like the berets. All the females are carrying bouquets.(mr) patrick burns, (mrs) ivy burns, (miss) ivy bolton, (mrs) beryl torey, (mr) eddie burns, (mr) emet burns, (ms) win ramage, union road, surrey hills, holy trinity church, churches

The photo was taken at 688 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert. It is of Winifred Alice Coop (nee Trewartha), known as Alice, and her daughter Alison, b1945. This was the home of 3 generations of the Coop family: 1. Josephine and George Frank Coop (noted in Box Hill Rate Books for 1947-1954). 2. George Burton Coop (1906-1960) and his family. He was Assistant Chief Architect of Victoria in the Public Works Department (P.W.D.) George Burton Coop was born in c1906 in Williamstown, the son of Josephine Vistarini and George Frank Coop. He married Winifred Alice Trewartha in 1936 and they are listed in the electoral rolls at 688 Whitehorse Road in 1937. George died 3/4/1960, aged 54 years at Mont Albert; Alice died in 1980. 3. George Burton and Alice Coop had 2 children: George Lister Coop - born St Georges Hospital, 8/10/1937 Alison - born c1945. The donor George Lister Coop informed that he initially attended Chatham State School because his first home was the Spanish Mission style flats at 346 Whitehorse Road, opposite Brenbeal Street, Balwyn. When his grandparents died, the family moved to 688 Whitehorse Road and he then attended Mont Albert Central School. Alison being younger did not go to Chatham Primary. A black & white photo of a woman seated in a cane chair with her daughter standing adjacent to her and standing on a small child's chair. The woman's sun hat is lying beside her on the grass. Both faces are partly shaded by an adjacent bush.alison coop, (mrs) winifred alice coop, whitehorse road, surrey hills, children, clothing and dress, george lister coop

Joseph William Cairnduff (1876-1929) was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He married Ann Walker in 1900. When he enlisted on 19 August 1914 he was given SERN 4. At the time he was living at 'Tyne', 96 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. He was 5'5", 38 years old and employed as a civil servant. He had served for 5 years in the Senior Cadets and 3 years in the Australian Signallers. He was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt from Melbourne on board HMAT A10 Karroo on 20 October 1914. Joseph was in Egypt from 24/10/1915 to 17/6/1916, but only in Giza from 21/02/1916 to 6/03/1916. Surviving service on Gallipoli and the Western Front, he returned to Melbourne leaving on board HT 'Wiltshire', 12 November 1916. He was discharged medically unfit. Joseph and Ann had a large family before he left for WW1: Ann Mary b.1901; James William Cotter b. 1903; Mathew Norman Banks b. 1904; Doris Jean b.1906; Claude James b, 1908; Elsie Edna b. 1910; Clive Bruce b. 1912 and Gladys Janet b. 1914. After his return he and Ann had more 2 daughters - Sylvia McLaren b. 1917 and Mavis Morley b. 1918, who commenced at Chatham Primary School in 1927 and 1928 respectively. Joseph and Ann are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0492). Joseph's twin brother, James Banks Cairnduff (SERN 571) also served in the AIF and is also buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0003). A black and white photo of a group of 7 Australian soldiers and 2 Egyptians gathered around a pole. The context is not able to be discerned. One of the soldiers is marked with an 'X' and is smoking a pipe. He has a cap-like object on his head. The other soldiers are wearing slouch hats. The Egyptians are dressed in long white garments and are wearing turbans.On the rear in the hand of the donor: "Dad had written on the original (photo) / "The 1st and only Telegraph ffice / erected on the top of the Pyramids, / it was erected by me during our / sojourn in Egypt"joseph william cairnduff, first world war, egypt, signals company, telegraph office, pyramids

Samuel and Elizabeth Bolton with daughter Ivy at about the time of her wedding in 1940. Samuel Bolton was a butcher at Euroa before they came to live at 244 Union Road, Surrey Hills (some time between 1926-1931). He had a shop at the Mont Albert tram terminus. After he sold it, it became part of the supermarket on the north side of Whitehorse Road. Elizabeth Bolton was the daughter of James Albertus Maker (1854-1941; died Surrey Hills) and his wife Tabitha Butterfield (1863-1935). Ivy Lillian Ellen Bolton was born at Seymour in 1908; she married Patrick James Burns in 1940 at Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills. She died in 2004 at Mansfield and is buried at Fawkner Cemetery, as are her parents. A black and white photograph of three people, two ladies and one gentleman, all dressed very smartly including hats. The younger lady is wearing gloves.(mr) samuel bolton, (mrs) elizabeth bolton, (miss) ivy bolton, (mrs) ivy burns, butcher, mont albert, clothing and dress, hats, (miss) elizabeth maker

Samuel Bolton of 244 Union Road, Surrey Hills in his 'Druid's Collar' in 1950. Samuel and his son-in-law Patrick Burns were staunch Druids. The Lodge met monthly in the Rechabite Hall in Canterbury Road. The United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD) was founded in Victoria around 1862. An account is included in Ken James' book 'Surrey Hills Friendly Societies'. This is based on Box Hill Reporter articles and material in relevant files at PROV. Summary: The Surrey Hills Lodge was established in 1890. The trustees were Ernest W Opperman (newsagent), James H Corstorphan (grocer) and Thomas White (plasterer). Opening night was 27 November 1890 and early meetings were held in Br Corstorphan's home in Canterbury Road on Tuesday evenings. By 1891 the ledge had 80 members. Samuel (1978-1951) was a butcher who came to Surrey Hills from Euroa some time between 1926-1931. His shop was at the Mon Albert terminus. After he sold it, it became part of the supermarket on the north side of Whitehorse Road. He was married in 1879 to Elizabeth Beatrice Maker (1881-1963).A black and white photograph of a man with regalia collar around his neck.(mr) samuel bolton, union road, surrey hills, druids, rechabite hall, clothing and dress, united ancient order of druids, druid's regalia, regalia, friendly societies

Portrait in pen and ink with grey wash of Tilly Aston, aged seventeen, done by Fred Kneebone. She is shown with long hair tied back, wearing a high buttoned up dress with a brooch at her neck. In 'Memoirs of Tilly Aston', she recalls the portrait being done (p47) and being donated to the Austral Salon, who held a matinee performance to raise funds for her university education.1 unframed pen and ink drawing with grey washFred Kneebone Miss Tilly Aston Blind authoress philanthropist obit 1947 C.M. Dodd 1" white close upartwork, tilly aston, fred kneebone

In this image two children are playing checkers at school. The tactile board has walls around each square and the children feel where each piece is placed. From the image, the black have a smooth top, whilst the white has a circle engraved into the top. Children are dressed in school jumpers and tops, and a white board with writing as well as small posters about the seasons, are in the background.1 black and white photograph of children playing checkerseducation, recreation

Female Elanora resident raises her black skirt and smiles for the camera. She is wearing a white lacy cap, white pinafore and holds a flower. In the background, balloons are decorating a room, so possibly a fancy dress party.1 b/w photograph of smiling elderly womanassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

In a room panelled with white boards on a grey wall, two man stand in front of a raised television screen. Both wear name badges, which are unreadable, and are dressed in suits and ties. The man wearing a heavy silver chain around his wrist and glasses presents two white boxes, marked Voice Tapes on the side, to the other man. It is unknown what occasion this was taken upon.royal victorian institute for the blind, audio equipment

Cooking often requires skill and adaptation. In this kitchen, a woman with low vision removes a dish hot from the oven of an upright cooker. Dressed in a pinafore and oven gloves, she carefully maneouvres the dish outwards. Above her, a tea kettle sits on the hob, next to the sink. In the background, spice jars are lined up on the bench, each with a large written label on them. Woman is not named, but possibly Joy Kerr, who gave talks and wrote a book on cookery for people who are blind or vision impaired.royal blind society of nsw, education

RAAF Blue serge Warrant Officers winter dress tunicEmbroidered Blue and white Pilots Wings over left pocket. warrant Officer insignia on each sleeve

Hilda Dance (graduated 1936, staff 1941-47)2 copies of a CD with photographs taken by Hilda Dance. (1) 4 female students working in a flower bed. (2) 6 students at a flower show. (3) 4 female students on the lawn wearing dresses. (4) Group of students sitting on benches on the lawn. (5) 1936 Year Group. (6) 4 female students playing around on the lawn. (7) Students working near the Luffmann Ponds. (8) Newspaper cutting: 'She knows all the answers.' Student answering questions on a Vegetable Growing public day. (9) 2 female students playing around on the lawn. (10) Possibly an excursion to the zoo-man holding snake. (11) Female student bathing in the Yarra River. (12) Female student climbing a tree with steps cut into it, not Burnley. (13) Students bathing in the Yarra River. (14) 4 female students on the lawn wearing dresses. (15) Group of male students with lawnmower. (16) George Barnett/Russ? (17) Female student watering seedlings. (18) Group of male students with lawnmower. (19) Orchard Border. (20) Group of male students with lawnmower.hilda dance, female students, flower beds, students, flower show, luffmann ponds, students working outside, recreation, lawnmower, tree climbing, george barnett, orchard border

Donated by Maureen A. Nelson (née Skuse) (1956), Springhurst. 2 couples dressed up seated at a table. Other names, G.D. Feathers 1956, F.D Stephenson 1955.Handwritten on reverse, "Geoff Feathers, Fred Stevenson RHS Maureen Skuse (later Nelson) Social Outing 1955." Printed, "City Studios (David Fell) Central 5732 Melbourne When Re-ordering Quote No Y727 38 (1).couples, table, geoff d. feathers, fred d. stevenson, maureen a. nelson (née skuse), social outing, 1955

Possibly member of staff with Les Provan, smartly dressed, on the left and another young man on the right. Pavilion in the background. Rounded corners denote possibly professional photographer, possibly Graduation DayBlack and white photograph. 3 men, Les Provan on the left and an older man in the middle, arms around each other. pavilion in the background.j.l. provan, graduation day, 1923, groups staff and students, pavilion, student

Black and white photograph. Suburban house, white brick, two-storeyed at one side. Well maintained front garden lawn, neat flower beds, clipped trees and bushes. Woman in summer dress standing on front steps.On reverse, "A good example of shrub placement, blending with the home, yet not hiding it."shrub, placement, garden design, suburban house

2 copies black and white photograph and negative. 3 female students holding 2 draught horses. Students dressed in jodhpurs and long boots. Two of them in shirts and ties.1 Copy nearly life-size (part only) used in Centennial Display.On reverse, "Rodda."female students, draught horse, rodda, centennial display, jodhpurs, long boots, shirts and ties

The original newspaper cutting was lent by Dorothy Baker Barker (1933) in 1991 and returned in February 1992.Photocopy of a newspaper article with a photograph of 5 female students in a line carrying tools.The inscription reads, "... at the Burnley Horticultural College yesterday. Among the new students enrolled were G. Wilson, Ronnie Campbell, Louise Harris, Ruth Pullar, Thelma Johnson and D. Barker." 5 female students walking along side by side, four of them are carrying gardening implements, three in jodhpurs, one in overalls and one in a dress.female students, burnley horticultural college, g. wilson, louise harris, ruth pullar, thelma johnson, dorothy baker ( barker), ronnie campbell

Alexander George Goldie Mayor of Port Fairy 1959Black & white portrait of Alexander Goldie dressed in the Mayoral robes, jabot and gold chain mayor, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local government, a.g.goldie, port fairy

This digital image appeared in the MDNS 1937 Annual Report and depicts one of the aspects of nursing care carried out by the District Sisters of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in a home in the suburbs of Melbourne.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed wound care programs, such as the Leg Ulcer Management Program to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. They instructed RDNS Wound Care Specialists who made assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field as needed. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and Hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. On the left of this black and white digital image is a little girl who is sitting on the top step of a wooden stool which is against a light coloured wall. The little girl has short dark straight hair; is wearing a dark jumper and skirt and is holding a light coloured bandage in her right hand. Her long grey socks are pushed down and she is wearing black sandals. Her right leg is bent and her foot is resting on the lower step. Her left leg is extended and she is looking down at a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister who is on her right, as she is swabbing a wound on the girls left knee. The Sister is wearing her uniform dark cardigan over her grey dress which has a white collar, and her grey brimmed hat, with central Maltese cross on the hatband, is worn over her short hair. She is looking down at the child's wound and in her right hand she has a pair of forceps holding a white swab against the wound on the girl's knee. Her left hand is under, and supporting, the girl's knee.mdns uniform, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns wound care

Sr. Scott is in a room in the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Melbourne Centre. She is wearing the RDNS grey uniform dress which has the insignia "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white on a grey background attached to the upper sleeves. The photograph is showing some of the equipment which is available for temporary loan to RDNS patients.From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, known as the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients and their family members, to enable them to care for their loved ones in their home. In the 1970s RDNS employed a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS staff the correct transferring techniques, including the use of a hoist when this became available. RDNS staff taught and used these techniques in patient’s homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and family members. Each RDNS Centre had a room or shed where equipment for loan was kept. Headquarters also kept additional equipment which could be transported to Centres as required. Black and white digital image portraying Sister Scott, who is smiling and has her dark hair drawn up, checking equipment. She is holding a bath seat in her hands. Behind her on a table, left to right, is an air cushion, draw sheets, male urinal, female urinal, bed pan and a sheepskin which is in front of a wooden board with rows of cup hooks and names under each hook. In the left foreground is a hoist with a white sling hanging from either side of the front hanger. To its right is a closed wheelchair, a 4 pronged walking stick, and a commode to the right of Sr. Scott.Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 49rdns, rdns equipment, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, sister scott

This photograph is taken in a room in the RDNS Heidelberg Centre. The Sisters are demonstrating a lifting technique to staff members. The Sisters are wearing their RDNS winter uniforms which are a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist, before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975, who taught staff the correct transfer techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.Black and white photograph of three Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sisters demonstrating a safe bed transfer. From Left to Right is the side on view of Sisters Daphne Geldard, who has short dark curled hair with her left arm around the back of Sister Elizabeth Francis, and her right arm under her legs. Sister Francis has short dark hair and is smiling. She has her right arm over the shoulders of Sr. Geldard, and her left arm is over the shoulder of Sr. Bev Armstrong. Her buttocks are slightly off the bed which has a white pillow and grey blanket. Sr. Armstrong is facing both Sisters. She has short straight blonde hair and has her eyes closed. She has her right arm around the back of Sr. Frances and her left arm is under her legs. The three Sisters are wearing light coloured skivvies under a darker V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. Barry Sutton's Photographer's Stamp. Reprint Quote Number: KY22 Handwritten on back of photo are the names of the RDNS staff members and the location is Heidelberg Centrerdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns physiotherapist, rdns centre, sister daphne geldard, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong

Mrs P.. Cosh is a private Physiotherapist contracted by RDNS to educate RDNS nursing staff in safe transferring techniques. This photograph is taken in the Heidelberg Centre. The RDNS Sisters are wearing their winter uniforms of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress,From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.On the left in the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister Elizabeth Francis, who has curled dark hair and is kneeling on a mat looking down at Sr. Bev. Armstrong, who has straight blonde hair and is lying on a mat on the floor with her head resting on a white pillow and her right arm resting across her body. Behind and slightly to the right of Sr. Armstrong is Sr. Daphne Geldard who has short dark curled hair. She is kneeling on the mat and looking down at Sr. Armstrong. To her right is Physiotherapist Mrs. P. Cosh, who has dark short curled hair and is wearing a check suite. She is looking at Sr. Armstrong and has her left hand resting on the out edge of Sr. Armstrong's right hand. The RDNS Sisters are wearing a light coloured skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress. A closed wooden door is behind the Sisters with pale walls either side. Lino tiles are on the floor either side the mat on which Sr. Armstrong lay.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp, Quote KY28, names of staff hand written on back of photographrdns, royal district nursing service, nurses uniforms, rdns physiotherapist, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong, sister daphne geldard, mrs p. cosh

Miss Kosch is a private physiotherapist contracted by RDNS. She is at RDNS Heidelberg Centre teaching RDNS staff a safe method of lifting and transferring Sr. Geldard from a chair. From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to insure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home.Standing in the rear left of the black and white photograph is Ms Kosch, who has short curled dark hair and is wearing a check suit. She is looking down at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). Sister (Sr) Daphne Geldard, who has collar length curled dark hair, and is seated in front of her on a padded kitchen type chair. To Sr. Geldard's right, standing, is Sr Elizabeth Francis who has short dark curled hair and is bending forward with her arms outstretched under Sr. Geldard's armpits. She has her right leg braced against Sr. Geldard's right knee Sr Bev. Armstrong, who has short blonde hair, is standing at the right rear observing the procedure. The three Sisters are wearing a grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress with the RDNS insignia on the upper left. A black below knee boot is seen on Sr. Geldard's right leg. A closed dark wooden door with a white surround is behind Ms Kosch and to its right another chair is seen against the wall. Photographers stamp , names of staff, date and location. Quote KY 35rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns physiotherapy, sister elizabeth francis, sister daphne geldard, sister bev armstrong, ms kosch

This photograph is taken in the office at RDNS Heidelberg Centre, and the RDNS Educator, Sr. Gawith is showing RDNS Sisters the areas covered by Heidelberg Centre. Sr. Gawith is wearing the RDNS uniform of a grey frock and red cardigan and the other three Sisters are wearing the newer RDNS uniform of a blue/grey herringbone coat with a curved material RDNS insignia attached on the upper sleeve. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their trained nurses worked in specific areas, 'districts'. Their first Trained nurse (Nurse) worked east and west, between Victoria Parade and Flinders Street and, north and south, between Spencer Street and Spring Street. When a second Nurse was employed they divided this area at Elizabeth Street so each Nurse could attend to patients in the same area giving continuity of care. As the Society expanded, becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then, with Royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) many Centres were opened throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs. The District nurse's (Sisters) areas (districts) grew and were divided within Shire boundaries for e.g. Knox 1, Knox 2, Knox 3, Knox 4, within the area of the Shire of Knox. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr) Mary Gawith, who has short dark curled hair. She is standing side-on and looking to the right as, with her extended left arm she is pointing her finger to an area on a large map attached to the wall. She is holding some white sheets of paper in her right hand. To her right and looking towards her are Sr. Daphne Geldard, who has short curled hair, is smiling, and has her hands clasped in front of her. On the right next to her, and partly hidden, is Sr. Bev. Armstrong who is smiling and has short straight blonde hair. In the front right of the photograph and partly hiding Sr. Armstrong is Sr. Elizabeth Francis, who has short dark curled hair and has her hands clasped in front of her. Sr. Gawith is wearing a grey uniform dress and dark cardigan. The other Sisters are wearing grey uniform coats with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve. Sr. Geldard is wearing below the knee black boots.Barry Sutton photographer's stamp, quote number KY 40, names of staff in the photograph.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns district map, rdns uniform, rdns education, sister daphne geldard, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong, sister mary gawith

This digital image is taken at the home of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) patient, and depicts a MDNS Sister attending to a lady who is lying in a wicker bed pram in the rear garden of her home. The wicker bed pram enabled the lady to enjoy fresh air and to be moved about easily. The image shows the MDNS uniform of a grey cotton frock with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat with a red Maltese cross in the centre of the hatband. 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, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later,. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. This image shows a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Sister) wearing a grey uniform with white collar, and a grey brimmed hat, which has a hatband with Maltese cross applied, standing behind and attending an elderly lady patient laying in a wicker bed pram outside her home. The Sister has her right hand resting on the pram and is looking down at the lady, and the lady, who has short grey hair, is smiling and looking toward the camera. Her body is covered with a floral cover. To the left, part of the horizontal weatherboards of a wooden house can be seen, and to the right and rear, a brick, tiled hip roof, building can be seen. The wicker bed pram has four spoked wheels and a metal frame that bends up to form a handle on its right hand side.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns nurses, mdns patient care, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service