A Black board with white text about BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) The replica medal includes a round silver metal with text "For God and the Empire" and a ribbon with two big red stripes on white background. The British Empire Medal (BEM) which maybe awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service. 5 RAR Recipients: Sgt R G ArmitageBritish Empire Medal (BEM)'s details and names of recipientsmedal, 5 rar, british empire medal, sgt r.g.armitage, replica medals

Awarded to Methodist Deaconess Norma Enid Anguey by Sir Henry Winneke at Government House, Melbourne on 18th June 1979.British Empire Medal on red grosgrain ribbon edged in grey. Pin on the back.british empire medal, deaconess norma enid anguey, methodist deaconess

Joyce Hayward was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1981 for services to the arts in Warrnambool. The British Empire Medal was instituted in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire and in 1922 became a separate award known as the British Empire Medal. Joyce Hayward came with her husband Cyril to Warrnambool from England in 1955. For 30 years they were the dominant figures in the performing arts organizations in Warrnambool. Joyce Hayward was the Director of the Warrnambool Theatre Company from 1955 to 1985 and directed more than 80 plays and musicals. She founded the Warrnambool Calisthenics Club, helped develop the Holiday Actors organization and was a key figure in the revival of the Warrnambool Arts Council in the 1970s. She was a Life Member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company. She also helped establish the Performing Arts Centre in Warrnambool. She received the Warrnambool City Council Citizenship Award in 1970.It is a significant honour to be awarded a British Empire Medal and the acquisition by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society of the medal awarded to Joyce Hayward is of considerable importance. It is a rare item.This is a silver medal with a bar attached and clip at the back for the wearer and a red corded ribbon in a bow form on the silver attachment at the top. There is also a separate piece of red ribbon. The medal box is red leather material and lined with cream silk and velvet. Side one: E11R, Instituted by King George V., 4 armorial images, crown Side Two: For God and the Empire, For Meritorious Service, image (possibly Britannia) and a sun british empire medal, joyce hayward

The Order of the British Empire was formed in 1917 to reward service to the British Empire in the United Kingdom and abroad. Originally having only a civil division, a military division was added in 1918 to acknowledge distinguished military service of a non-combative nature. The Order has five classes of appointment in each division and a medal of the Order. In descending order, the classes are: Grand Cross (GB); Knights and Dames Commander (KCB and DCB); Commanders (CBE); Officers (OBE); Members (MBE), and Medal (BEM). Mrs Joyce Hayward along with her husband Cyril, had a 30 year association with the Warrnambool Theatre Company. They acted, directed and produced a number of works from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. Mrs Hayward taught drama and speech at Warrnambool High School and St Ann’s College. They both worked towards reviving the Warrnambool Arts Council.. They were involved in Christ Church choir, readings for the blind, Probus and Penguin club. They retired to Bribie Island in 1985. Joyce Hayward died aged 97 in 2007. Joyce Hayward played a significant role in the development of the performing arts in Warrnambool. The British Empire medal is an award of some importance and recognizes the contribution Mrs Hayward made to the Warrnambool Community. Both Mrs Joyce Hayward and her husband Cyril were awarded the British Empire Medal. Cream paper with black typed text. Navy blue seal at top. Framed in black and gold plastic frame. Governor General Commonwealth of Australia printed at top. warrnambool, joyce hayward, cyril hayward, british empire medal, joyce thora hagon hayward

Awarded to Deaconess Norma Enid Anguey by Sir Henry Winneke at Government House, Melbourne on 18th June 1079.British Empire Medal citation with informal photograph of recipient, Deaconess Norma Enid Anguey. The citation and photograph has been pasted onto non-archival card.

First established in 1922, the British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to subjects of the United Kingdom who had provided meritorious service at a management or non-commissioned officer level. It consists of a silver coloured medal depicting a seated 'Britannia' with the sun above her left shoulder. Around the edge of medal is written 'For God and The Empire for Meritorious Service'. On the reverse of the medal is a crown above the letters 'ER II Instituted by King George V'. Four heraldic lions surround the edges and is hung from a pink ribbon with pearl-gray edges. This medal was presented to Hugh Jeffrey, date unknown, for his service to people with visual impairments. 1 silver medal with rose pink and grey ribbon inside burgundy boxmedals, hugh jeffrey

David Aloysius Patrick McKenzie-McHarg, L.I.B, O.B.E was born on 20th June 1918 in Albury, NSW to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura May (Dunne) McKenzie-McHarg. McKenzie-McHarg served on the Council of the United Shire of Beechworth for more than a decade during the 1960s-70s, including seven years as president. He was renowned as a public speaker and played a significant role in the community. In recognition for his outstanding achievements and services rendered to the Beechworth community he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976. David McKenzie-McHarg died on 6th June 1992 and is buried in Beechworth Cemetery. David McKenzie-McHarg’s wife, Marjorie Jean McKenzie McHarg, was well known to the Beechworth community as a brilliant pianist and played at all the balls and house parties. Apparently, she could play without sheet-music and would only have to hear a tune once to play it to near perfection. Together, they were a formidable asset to the Beechworth community over many years The British honours system has various orders, usually relating to the monarchy, military and colonial officials. An OBE (or order of the British Empire) is given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. This Order was established by George V in 1917 in response to recognising the thousands of men and women who served in a variety of non-combatant roles during the First world war who didn’t otherwise receive any formal recognition but were certainly worthy of acknowledgement. Recommendations for appointments to this Order were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, however this soon became available to Commonwealth countries as well. However, Australia officially ceased to recommend the Order of the British Empire in 1989 with the establishment of the Order of Australia. Silver badge suspended from red ribbon with pearl-grey edges. The badge is in the form of a cross patonce (having the arms growing broader and floriated toward the end), the obverse of which bears the same field as the star pictures George V and Queen Mary. The reverse bears George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. Both are within a ring bearing the motto of the Order: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. The presentation case in which the medal is housed is of a black outer boarder edge leatherette finishing, block letters in gold OBE. The inside has a cream velvet base with a silk padded liner to the roof with the full set of Royal Mint Crest Mark. Obverse: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE / burke museum, obe, obe medal, beechworth, david mckenzie-mcharg, british honours system, george v, beechworth community, order of australia., order of the british empire, marjorie jean mckenzie mcharg

non-fictionThis book is a record of those Australian servicemen who were awarded British and Foreign awards for service in South Vietnamroyal australian navy, royal australian army, royal australian air force, campaing service medal, 1 rar, 1 apc tp., 105 field battery, 161 fd battery rnza, 3 fd trp (rae), 1 aust log spt coy, 161 recce flight, army distinguished service order, armed force honour medal, air medal for valour, british empire medal, bronze star, civil actions medal, commander of the order of the bath, commander of the order of the british empire, conspicuous gallantry medal (flying), distinguished conduct medal, distinguished flying cross, distinguished service order, distinguished service cross, education and cultural service medal, ethnic monorities medal, gallantry cross, george medal, legion of merit, life saving medal, military cross, military medal, military merit medal, meritorious unit commendation, national defence medal with bronze star, national defence medal with silver star, national medal of merit (civil), the national order of the republic of vietnam, navy service medal, presidential unit citation, soldiers medal, silver star, social welfare medal, staff service medal, training service medal, united states air force outstanding unit award, united states navy meritorious unit commendation, united states navy unit commendation, victoria cross

British Empire Medal. (Awarded to Jean Hughes) in Red presentation box.stawell

Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905, the daughter of John and Annie (nee Cameron) Gilbert. She had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. She died in 1989 aged 84. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Gilbert was not only the founder of the Orbost Historical Society and Museum but was a teacher at bhe Orbost High School for many years. She contributed much to the community as she was involved in so many aspects of it. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.A black / white photograph of an elderly women accepting an award from a young womanl. Below the photograph is a medal and inscription on a light blue buff card. This is all inside a light blue wooden frame with gold edging.on front - "British Empire Medal, Miss M. Gilbert for Services to Orbost High School and Education in Greneral"gilbert-mary-orbost

Medals, set of seven (7) (replica) medals WW2, Military Medal (MM) British Empire Medal (BEM) 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45 Efficiency Medal. passchendaele barracks trust, bob english collection, medals, ww2, pbt95to96

Donated by Mary Gilbert passionate historian of Orbost. Her work in education and community was recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal.This item is an example of an early 20th century porcelain domestic item.Small porcelain cup and saucer. Green background with gold plated circle and violets on front.Bottom of cup - "267cup saucer domestic-items-crockery porcelain gilbert-mary

This item was owned by Athur Lock who lived in the Wodonga district after World War 11. As well as being a Rat of Tobruk, Arthur made a significant contribution to the community and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1972 for services to young people and the Wodonga community. He was involved in the scouting movement for over 50 years. Arthur was also an amateur radio operator with call number VK3AULThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A leather case with surrounding strap and metal buckle. The case contains 2 brushes.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, arthur lock

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. . Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. These scrapbooks contain articles which reflect the social standards of the 1960's.Two scrapbooks containing pasted in cut-out magazine articles on manners, presentation and clothes for young women.Handwritten on the front cover of 1840.1 : Words of Wisdomgilbert-mary scrapbooks 1960's

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. .Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. These scrapbooks contain articles which describe historical events of the 1960's.Three scrapbooks containing clippings of newspaper articles of historical events. A list of contents is pasted on the front cover of each.Handwritten on the covers: 1842.1-Mary Gilbert Book1 ; 1842.2 - Mary Gilbert Book 2 ; 1842.3- Mary Gilbert Book 3gilbert-mary scrapbooks 1960's

This certificate was awarded by the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch to Miss H. Hutchinson (Hanna) on 17.5.1946 in Appreciation and loyalty to Service personnel as a Member of the Eaglehawk Ladies Auxiliary during the War years. The Auxiliaries efforts abled the furnishing of the Club rooms and raise 230.00 Pounds for the Returned Soldiers Distress Fund. Hanna was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal in 1978 Refer Cat No 8212.2 for her Sister Florrie and Photo Cat No 8200P. Certificate on cardboard cream coloured with ornate edging in red, blue and brown, all printed text in black & blue, covers the years 1939 - 45, dated at the bottom.Main points, "Eagle Hawk RSL Sub Branch", "Presented to Miss H Hutchinson"brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, certificate, ehrsl

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.This item is an example of late 19th century English porcelain.Hand-painted Conway plate with illustrations of birds, sunsets, butterflies and sailing ships. Cream background.Back - British coat of arms. 3 logos.plate domestic crockery porcelain conway gilbert-mary

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. . Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.This item has aesthetic significance. It was owned by Mary Gilbert, a prominent Orbost personality, the first curator of the Orbost Museum. Handmade, tall carved wooden vase painted red. Bush scene painted black with pokerwork.vase ornament-wood gilbert-mary

The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island. The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.Jack Robinson Oswin: Many of the trees now flourishing in the cemetery grounds were planted by Jack Oswin and his wife Coral. Born in Mildura in 1909, his association with Phillip Island started when he attended the Cowes Primary School during the war years. He was foundation member of the Phillip Island Conservation Society and played a key role in the purchases of the area of land known as Conservation Hill. In the early 1980s he was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition for his services to conservation. Jack died on December 4th 1990, aged 81 years.phillip island cemetery, jack robinson oswin, coral oswin, nancy mchaffie, edith jeffery

This programme is for the 1956 Warrnambool production of ‘The Heiress’. It was produced by Joyce Hayward, assisted by her husband Cyril. Joyce Hayward produced more than 80 plays and musicals in Warrnambool over a 30 year period and was a life member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company (as the Warrnambool Musical and Dramatic Society was re-named). Cyril Hayward acted in more than 40 plays in Warrnambool and stage-managed more than 50. Together they dominated the cultural scene in Warrnambool from 1955 to 1985 and were chiefly responsible for the establishment of the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre (now the Lighthouse Theatre). Both received British Empire Medals.This program is of interest as an early example of the plays produced in Warrnambool by Joyce Hayward assisted by her husband Cyril. The Haywards had a major influence on the cultural life of Warrnambool for 30 years in the second half of the 20th century. The advertisements in this programme are also historically important.This is a soft cover programme of eight pages. It has an orange cover with black printing. The programme has many advertisements, information on the cast and the play produced. The booklet has been stapled but the staples have been removed.Front Cover: Warrnambool Musical & Dramatic Society presents The Heiress, a Play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, Warrnambool Town Hall, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 15th, 16th, 17th Nov. 1956, Programme 1/-warrnambool musical & dramatic society, cyril & joyce hayward, warrnambool

Harold Jackson Bailey Burrell was known as (Harry). He served in the the 38th Batt pre WW11 (refer 297.2P). He then enlisted in the 2nd AIF No VX59659 on 30.7.41 age 20 years. He initially served in the 2/8th Armoured Regiment. They were disbanded and they moved to Royal Australian Engineers as part of Landing Craft Companies. Awarded the Military Medal over the period 9/10th June 1945 at Porton Bougainville. He was discharged from the AIF on 15.2.46. With the re introduction of CMF Training he re enlisted again No 3/92361 in 1948. Awarded the British Empire Medal in the Military Division on 1.1.1954. Refer also 290, 296.2P..1) Typed copy of award "B.E.M." to W.O. 2nd Class H. J. B. BURRELL, MM, No 3/92361, awarded 01/01/1954. .2) Cardboard backing for .1) .3) Typed copy of Award "MM" to Sapper H.J.B BURRELL VX59659, 9th & 10th June 1945 by Sir Winton DUGGAN .4) Cardboard backing for .3). citations, military, bem, mm

Joyce Hayward and her husband, Cyril came from England to Warrnambool in 1955. For 30 years she and her husband were dominant figures in the performing arts organizations in Warrnambool. Joyce was the Director of the Warrnambool Theatre Company from 1955 to 1985 and directed more than 80 plays and musicals. She founded the Warrnambool Calisthenics Club, helped develop the Holiday Actors Company and was a key figure in the revival of the Warrnambool Arts Council in the 1970s. She was a Life Member of the Theatre Group. Along with her husband she helped to develop and build the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre. She was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the arts in Warrnambool in 1981. Warrnambool City Council gives Citizenship Awards annually. This is a significant item as it was an important award received by Joyce Hayward, a prominent person in the Warrnambool arts scene for 30 years. This is a bronze-coloured medallion presented to Joyce Hayward as a citizenship award in 1970. It is circular in shape with the crest of the City of Warrnambool on one side and a laurel wreath with inscriptions on the other. It has a metal ring at the top for hanging the item. It is in a black leather box lined with red velvet and white silk and includes a small metal stand to display the medallion. Medallion – City of Warrnambool, Dieu et Mon Droit, By These We Flourish Citizenship Award, J.T.H.Hayward, 1970, Stokes Melb. joyce hayward, warrnambool city council

This music stand belonged to Eva Veronica Gaspar. Miss Gaspar (1913 -1978) was one of Warrnambool's most notable musicians and photographers. She gave free music lessons to Warrnambool and district children, organised choral festivals and ran a printing business. She was a life member of the Warrnambool Music Society and organized the Mozart Music Festival for many years. She was a Warrnambool Citizen of the Year 1956 and was awarded a British Empire Medal in 1972 for her services to music. She also conducted the Warrnambool Civic Orchestra, St. Joseph's church choir, junior choirs and recorder groups. In 1977 she held an exhibition at the Warrnambool Art Gallery of her photographs, drawings and monochromes. This music stand was used by Eva Gaspar mainly in Mozart Hall in Gilles Street. This stand is of interest as a memento of the work of Eva Gaspar an important musician in Warrnambool in the twentieth century.This is a wooden music stand with a circular base on four feet. The base has an outer ridge with a shallow indent and a domed top into which the pedestal is attached. The pedestal has decorative features . The ledge at the top is rectangular shaped with a projecting curved edge at the base. The top has a compartment for holding music and/or notes. The pedestal is attached to the top tray with a circular brace and metal screws. The whole item has been varnished but is stained and rubbed. Underneath the tray are stencilled letters in white paint.C. W. M.S.eva gaspar, music stand

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]CL052.1 and CL052.2 Stiffened linen cuffs with chrome studs or cuff links. There is a laundry number inside the cuff.presbyterian deaconess, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]CL051.1 and CL051.2 Round metal Presbyterian Deaconess' badges. The badges have writing around their blue edges and a white cross and bush in the centre. The badges each have a safety chain. The badges are in a maroon leatherette jewellery box which has a handwritten label on it."My Deaconess Badge" "Non ministrari sed ministrare"presbyterian deaconess, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]CL050.1 and CL050.2 fob watches with white enamel faces and on a black cotton cord. CL050.1 has Roman numerals and CL050.2 has Arabic numbers and a second hand inset. "My Deaconess Badge" "Non ministrari sed ministrare"presbyterian deaconess, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]Dark stained wood backed oval hand mirror.presbyterian deaconess, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]Six pairs and four odd assorted cuff studs in a green plastic box with a clear lid which bears an inscription."Where are those darned studs? RIGHT HERE WITH BEST WISHES FROM"deaconess hilda foster, sunday school council of victoria, australian inland mission, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster, mother christmas, presbyterian girls' home elsternwick

Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]Four starched white linen collars each apparently made from two cuffs. Some with laundry marks.presbyterian deaconess, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster