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Torquay and District Historical Society
Photograph Copy, Scammel Collection
From book entitled -Wreck of Joseph H Scammel by Geoff NaylorPhotograph of Bell & owner Miss A StromBlack & White PhotoNoneshipwrecks great ocean road victoria, wreck of joseph h scammell -
Koorie Heritage Trust
Book, Barwick, Diane et. al, Handbook for Aboriginal and Islander history, 1979
Contents: Archaeology Isabel McBryde; Archives H.J. Gibbney; Artefacts and museums Carol Cooper, Isabel McBryde; Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies Diane Barwick, Jane Forge, James Urry; Biography: writing a life story Diane Barwick, Nan Phillips, Tom Stannage; Censuses and other population records L.R. Smith; Court and police records: evidence for Aboriginal history Tom Stannage; Genealogy: tracing family history Diane Barwick, Diane Bell, Francesca Merlan; Government - Government publications on Aborigines Brownlee Kirkpatrick; Government committees and Royal Commissions David H. Bennett. Guardians of history - Aboriginal heritage and the Australian Heritage Commission Josephine Flood; Historical Societies Nan Phillips, Tom Stannage. Land rights - Land rights: recent events and legislation Anita Campbell, Diane Bell, Diane Barwick; Land rights: an introductory bibliography Nicolas Peterson. Language: resources for research Luise Hercus, Francesca Merlan; Libraries James Urry; Maps and mapping John von Sturmer; Missions: settlements, sponsors, sources of information James Urry; Music Alice Moyle; Newspapers Andrew Markus; Oral history interviewing Peter Read; Photographic records - Koorie studies: records of the South Coast Yuin walkabout Guboo Ted Thomas; Photographs old and new Colin Roach; Films and film-making David McDougall; Publishing your work Shirley Andrew, Diane Barwick; Sport: resources for research Michael Mace, Bill Rosser; Tape recording Bryan Butler; Torres Strait Islands: information available in Papua New Guinea Peter Bolger; War and Aborigines Hank Nelson; Women in Aboriginal society: resources for research Diane Barwick, Diane Bell.xv, 187 p. ; 25 cm.Contents: Archaeology Isabel McBryde; Archives H.J. Gibbney; Artefacts and museums Carol Cooper, Isabel McBryde; Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies Diane Barwick, Jane Forge, James Urry; Biography: writing a life story Diane Barwick, Nan Phillips, Tom Stannage; Censuses and other population records L.R. Smith; Court and police records: evidence for Aboriginal history Tom Stannage; Genealogy: tracing family history Diane Barwick, Diane Bell, Francesca Merlan; Government - Government publications on Aborigines Brownlee Kirkpatrick; Government committees and Royal Commissions David H. Bennett. Guardians of history - Aboriginal heritage and the Australian Heritage Commission Josephine Flood; Historical Societies Nan Phillips, Tom Stannage. Land rights - Land rights: recent events and legislation Anita Campbell, Diane Bell, Diane Barwick; Land rights: an introductory bibliography Nicolas Peterson. Language: resources for research Luise Hercus, Francesca Merlan; Libraries James Urry; Maps and mapping John von Sturmer; Missions: settlements, sponsors, sources of information James Urry; Music Alice Moyle; Newspapers Andrew Markus; Oral history interviewing Peter Read; Photographic records - Koorie studies: records of the South Coast Yuin walkabout Guboo Ted Thomas; Photographs old and new Colin Roach; Films and film-making David McDougall; Publishing your work Shirley Andrew, Diane Barwick; Sport: resources for research Michael Mace, Bill Rosser; Tape recording Bryan Butler; Torres Strait Islands: information available in Papua New Guinea Peter Bolger; War and Aborigines Hank Nelson; Women in Aboriginal society: resources for research Diane Barwick, Diane Bell.australian aborigines, to 1979. historical sources. | aborigines, australian -- history. | genealogy. | torres strait islanders -- history -- sources. | aboriginal australians -- genealogy. | aboriginal australians -- history -- sources. | aboriginal australians -- history. | aboriginal australians -- history -- archival resources. | aboriginal australians -- history -- library resources. | aboriginal australians -- history -- bibliography. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Undersleeves
Engageantes - washable half sleeve that could be tied to the arm inside a bell-shaped , or a 'pagoda' sleeve. They ended at the wrist in closed cuffs or open frill. Engageantes were worn from mid- to the late 19th Century.One pair cream lace undersleeves 33cm long. Frilled around wrist with two hook & eye fastenings. Lace insertion, plus nine narrow lace bands to top of sleeve. As worn in 1880'scostume, female -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, The Three Bells, 2006
Flyer for a presentation of costume and customs of bygone days.Flyer for a presentation of costume and customs of bygone days, by Anne Dixon for Whitehorse Historical Society, 8 July 2006Flyer for a presentation of costume and customs of bygone days.clothing and dress, whitehorse historical society inc. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Boongarry Avenue, Blackburn, Autumn 2023
A photocopy of an article from a National Trust magazine pertaining to the landscape classification for Blackburn Lake and Bell Bird Streets.non-fictionA photocopy of an article from a National Trust magazine pertaining to the landscape classification for Blackburn Lake and Bell Bird Streets.boongarry avenue blackburn, blackburn lake, national trust of australia victoria -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Carillon Tower, 2017, 15/09/2017
carilon tower, bells, ballarat town hall -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Carillon Tower, 2017, 15/09/2017
Colour photograph of the carrilon tower ourtside Ballarat Town Hall. carillon, ballarat town hall, bells -
Inverloch Historical Society
000978 - Photograph - Robin Bell's house originally E M (Murray) Halford's house - Inverloch-Korumburra Rd, Kongwak - taken July 1997 - from Nancye Durham
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Ballarat Masonic Centre - Roger Porteous Library and Robert Bell Archive
Photo/Document, Provincial Grand Masters of England
Paper Document 1896Slightly tattered document with bottom Rt Hd Torn corner with Fold markings -
Ballarat Masonic Centre - Roger Porteous Library and Robert Bell Archive
Sepia Photograph, Holy Royal Arch Chapter Photo
Sepia Photograph. Man with white whiskers, in Masonic regalia of the Janitor in the Chapter degree, holding a Sword upright in his right hand, gloves in his left hand standing beside an ornate chair (part).Photograph is labelled by an embossed photgraphers name across the bottom. " Richards & Co 19 STURT STREET BALLARAT." Plus an ensignia (coat of alms) placed between the 'Co and the 19" janitor, freemasons, ballarat, circa 1900 -
Ballarat Masonic Centre - Roger Porteous Library and Robert Bell Archive
Journal, The Victorian Freemason January 10th 1884, Publication Date 10/1/1884
Vol 2 No 5 The Victorian Freemason Journal "January 10th 1884, Melbourne Victoriajournal, the victorian freemason -
Ballarat Masonic Centre - Roger Porteous Library and Robert Bell Archive
document, Provincial Grand Lodge of Victoria, Quarterly Communication August 1 1860, August 1st 1860/
Blue foolscap sheet folded with 3 creases crosswise. Black type with large heading. "1860 1st August - Quarterly Communication" "Watermark - John Miller - extra super - Glasgow - 1860"grand lodge, v.w bro h.w. lowry p.g.m., masonic lodge, freemason, 1860 -
Ballarat Masonic Centre - Roger Porteous Library and Robert Bell Archive
photo doc, Provincial Grand Masters, 02/12/1896
Document with 29 photos. tattered re folds & torn right corner bottom rt corner -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, Doug Colquhoun, 27/04/1954 12:00:00 AM
Yields information about Ballarat Trams and streetscapes, the scrubber tram and the Bell Street loop, early 1960's.Black and white print of Ballarat of No. 38 in Sturt St, just to the west of Lydiard St with No. 19 in the background. Tram has the destination of Gardens via Drummond North, No. 19, Sebastopol. IN the background is the Waldorf shop premises, tram stop signs. Photo by Doug Colquhoun 27/4/1954. Two copies. Photo print courtesy of Port Dock Railway Museum, now the National Railway Museum. See worksheet 4311 for letter and details of prints sent to Bill Scott, 19/10/2001. Any photo credit to mention NRM Collection.On rear of copy 1"SEC Ballarat / 38 / Sturt St / 27/4/54 2118 / D A Colquhoun " Copy 2 "DAC" in ink, bottom right hand corner.trams, tramways, sturt st, city, tram 38, tram 19 -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Clothing - Belt decoration
She was nearing the end of her voyage, close inshore off Cape Otway at Curdies Inlet (now called Schomberg Reef), east of Peterborough and 150 miles westward of Melbourne. When the wind suddenly dropped the ship drifted onto an uncharted reef and became stuck fast. There was no loss of life ans all the passengers, crew and mails were taken off by a passing coastal steamer, the Queen, out of Port Fairy the following morning. The passengers' luggage and some of the cargo was rescued, but the weather worsened and work was abandoned and cargo littered the beach. The wreck was sold for salvage to local merchants: two were drowned in attempts to reach her. It became a popular wreck site for diving and over 100 relics have been handed in. The bell of the ship is in the Warrnambool Museum, southern Victoria. Relics at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum include a cannon, a communion set, a brass candlestick, and a diamond ring.A diamond shaped brass belt decorationschomberg, salvage, peterborough -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Journal, Kewriosity : December 1986 / January 1987
Kew playgroups are great! [Highbury Grove; Woodlands Avenue] / p1. A gentle reminder about Kew's By-laws - Don't smoke your neighbour out / p1. Dates for December / p2. [Community] Notices / p2. Christmas services / p2. Commentary - The year that was / Cr Joe Ormando, Mayor of Kew p3. Good gardening - Trees: friends or foes? / Peter Davies p3. Profile - Cr James McKenzie / p4. Family Carols in Petrie Square / G Petrie p4. Would you like to be part of Kewriosity [Editorial committee] / p4. In Brief [Post Office complex classified; Don't forget to put your bottles out; Images of Kew; Kew Full Day-care Centre; School Holiday Program] / p5. Children's Services update [ Kew Children's Services Consultative Committee] / Krista Bell p5. Kew Community House [Courses for 1987; VCE (TOP) ; Pamphlet; Christmas Greetings; Christmas Beak-up] / p6. Overmantle returns to Villa Alba after 90 years / p6. Memories of a motor mechanic [Eric Buzza; Williams Motors; 1st Kew Scouts] / p7. Fine music all the way [3MBS] / p7. What's what in the playground? [Hays Paddock; Willsmere Park; Hyde Park; Eglinton Reserve] / p8. Having fun underwater [Kew Skindiving Club] / p8. Australia's fastest growing sport [East Kew Bowling Club] / G Petrie p8. Keeping you informed [Citizens Advice Bureau] / p8. Kew Citizens' Band [European] Tour Appeal / p8.Kewriosity was a local newsletter combining Kew Council and community news. It was published between November 1983 and June 1994, replacing an earlier Kewriosity [broad] Sheet (1979-84). In producing Kewriosity, Council aimed to provide a range of interesting and informative articles covering its deliberations and decision making, together with items of general interest and importance to the Kew community and information not generally available through daily media outlets.non-fictionKew playgroups are great! [Highbury Grove; Woodlands Avenue] / p1. A gentle reminder about Kew's By-laws - Don't smoke your neighbour out / p1. Dates for December / p2. [Community] Notices / p2. Christmas services / p2. Commentary - The year that was / Cr Joe Ormando, Mayor of Kew p3. Good gardening - Trees: friends or foes? / Peter Davies p3. Profile - Cr James McKenzie / p4. Family Carols in Petrie Square / G Petrie p4. Would you like to be part of Kewriosity [Editorial committee] / p4. In Brief [Post Office complex classified; Don't forget to put your bottles out; Images of Kew; Kew Full Day-care Centre; School Holiday Program] / p5. Children's Services update [ Kew Children's Services Consultative Committee] / Krista Bell p5. Kew Community House [Courses for 1987; VCE (TOP) ; Pamphlet; Christmas Greetings; Christmas Beak-up] / p6. Overmantle returns to Villa Alba after 90 years / p6. Memories of a motor mechanic [Eric Buzza; Williams Motors; 1st Kew Scouts] / p7. Fine music all the way [3MBS] / p7. What's what in the playground? [Hays Paddock; Willsmere Park; Hyde Park; Eglinton Reserve] / p8. Having fun underwater [Kew Skindiving Club] / p8. Australia's fastest growing sport [East Kew Bowling Club] / G Petrie p8. Keeping you informed [Citizens Advice Bureau] / p8. Kew Citizens' Band [European] Tour Appeal / p8. publications -- city of kew (vic.), kewriosity, council newsletters, community newsletters -
Freemasons Victoria – Antient York Lodge No. 80
Installation Card, Installation Card Fitzroy Lodge No.79
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Kew Historical Society Inc
Journal, Kew Historical Society, Newsletter No.132, September 2020
There once was a creek [Connors Creek] / Julie King p1. History news [Coronavirus (COVID-19), Michael Tuck grandstand, grants,] p3. The men who bought Kew: the Fenwicks and Edward Bell / David White p4. The Henty Garden at Tarring: Ruyton Girls’ School / Felicity Renowden p6. Paddocks, parks and bye-laws: regulating behaviours by and within municipalities / Robert Baker p8. A significant donation [Margaret Picken’s property illustrations] / Robert Baker p10. From the collection [North Indian scarf embroidered with a needle] / Robert Baker p10. The albums of Eva Grant: photographs and descriptions of historic houses / Robert Baker p11.Published quarterly since 1977, the newsletters of the Kew Historical Society contain significant research by members exploring relevant aspects of the Victorian and Australian Framework of Historical Themes. Frequently, articles on people, places and artefacts are the only source of information about an aspect of Kew, and Melbourne’s history.non-fictionThere once was a creek [Connors Creek] / Julie King p1. History news [Coronavirus (COVID-19), Michael Tuck grandstand, grants,] p3. The men who bought Kew: the Fenwicks and Edward Bell / David White p4. The Henty Garden at Tarring: Ruyton Girls’ School / Felicity Renowden p6. Paddocks, parks and bye-laws: regulating behaviours by and within municipalities / Robert Baker p8. A significant donation [Margaret Picken’s property illustrations] / Robert Baker p10. From the collection [North Indian scarf embroidered with a needle] / Robert Baker p10. The albums of Eva Grant: photographs and descriptions of historic houses / Robert Baker p11.kew historical society (vic.) -- periodicals., kew historical society (vic.) -- newsletters, kew historical society (vic.) -- journals -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Journal, Kew Historical Society, Newsletter No.112, September 2015
Historic Maps of Kew / Robert Baker p1. Exhibitions p3. Quarterly Book Sales p3. Meetings & Lectures p3. New Members p3. For Whom the Bell Tolls / Suzanne McWha p4. Tuesday Volunteers p5. The Red Menace / Robert Baker p6. Philip Slobom p7. Daily Life in Kew: The Summer of 1885/86 / Andrew Frost p8. Recent Acquisitions / Robert Baker p10. Annual General Meeting / Tony Michael p10. Form of Appointment of Proxy p11. Nomination Form p11. Membership & Donations p12.Published quarterly since 1977, the newsletters of the Kew Historical Society contain significant research by members that explore aspects of the Victorian and Australian Framework of Historical Themes. Frequently, articles on people, places and artefacts are the only source of information about an aspect of Kew, and Melbourne’s history.non-fictionHistoric Maps of Kew / Robert Baker p1. Exhibitions p3. Quarterly Book Sales p3. Meetings & Lectures p3. New Members p3. For Whom the Bell Tolls / Suzanne McWha p4. Tuesday Volunteers p5. The Red Menace / Robert Baker p6. Philip Slobom p7. Daily Life in Kew: The Summer of 1885/86 / Andrew Frost p8. Recent Acquisitions / Robert Baker p10. Annual General Meeting / Tony Michael p10. Form of Appointment of Proxy p11. Nomination Form p11. Membership & Donations p12.kew historical society (vic.) -- periodicals., kew historical society (vic.) -- newsletters, kew historical society (vic.) -- journals -
Heidelberg Theatre Company Inc..
program, Jingle bells has five tongues by Connie Brownlee directed by Connie Brownlee
1958, 47a, city of heidelberg repertory group, heidelberg theatre company inc, youth production, directed by connie brownlee -
Vision Australia
Textile - Object, Illawarra Staff tshirt
White size 16 tee shirt with Illawarra Staff printed in flocked lettering across the chest. Back has no imagery.White tee shirt with black velvet writingIllawarra Staffassociation for the blind, advertising -
Vision Australia
Textile - Object, Association for the Blind white tshirt
White size medium sized tee shirt with Association for the Blind across the chest and on the back.White tee shirt with navy blue writing across chestAssociation for the Blindassociation for the blind, advertising -
City of Greater Geelong
Watercolour, Pen & Wash, H Lang, Bells Terrace 9-15 Pevensey Crescent
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Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1907
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Certificate - Photograph, colour, Melbourne District Nursing Society certificate of employment, 08.07.1913
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, sepia, 1916
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, c.1922
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Digital image, 1905
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1905
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 -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 1905
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