This is a photograph taken from the painting by McCubbin of Lady Janet Clarke, a prominent Melbourne philanthropist who worked for social welfare issues and was a driving force in the early days of the Melbourne District Nursing Society. At the end of 1885 for her work with MDNS she was given a Testimonial Dinner where she was presented with a letter signed by 429 people expressing their thanks for her visits, kindness, sympathy and charity shown toward the sick poor. In 1887, at her home, she held the first function to raise money for the Society. Lady Janet Clarke was a generous and hospitable prominent socialite of Melbourne; a kind and sympathetic philanthropist who worked tirelessly for social welfare issues. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February 1885 and on the 9th of April a Special General Meeting was held to elect the committee for the following twelve months. Lady Clarke was elected a Vice-president; a position she held until being appointed President, when Mrs. Simon resigned on the 7th of June 1887, a role Lady Clarke held until she became ill in 1908; except during her trips overseas, when the role was held by another until her return. Her management and organizational skills enabled MDNS to flourish in its earliest days. She was actively involved taking her turn on the Superintendent sub-committee where she accompanied a Trained nurse when she visited patients; checking that high quality nursing care was maintained, as well as observing the patient's social condition; even giving a personal donation to a special case in need. The patients of the Society were so grateful for her sympathy, kindness and love that when she and her husband, Sir William Clarke, were going overseas at the end of 1885, a Testimonial was given for her at Scots Church District-hall where 200 attended to show their appreciation of her work carried out with MDNS. She was presented with a Bible from them, and their letter signed by 429 working persons expressing their thanks. In a time of great financial need of the Society, Lady Clarke offered the ballroom at her home, 'Cliveden', for a monster Cake, Flower, and Dairy produce Fair which raised a substantial amount saving the Society from closure. She promoted the Society and led it in further fund-raising events, such as the annual Ball, and Fairs where she often manned cake stalls. Near Christmas each year she made a special appeal to the public for 'comfort and good cheer' which could be given to poor families visited by the Society. During the depression of 1890 she had thick soup prepared in the Cliveden kitchens and this was distributed, with bread, from her home, and from a school room, to hundreds of the poor. In 1892 Lady Clarke agreed to represent the Society during her visit to England. During her years of leadership MDNS expanded; Nurses uniforms were introduced; lectures - for example, on hygiene and on the prevention of sickness and the treatment of children, were given by doctors for the patients; further Trained nursing staff were employed; Midwifery was introduced to the poor, the Society extended beyond the city centre and bicycles were introduced for transport; a system for regular annual subscriptions was introduced and sufficient funds were raised for the Society to rent its own premises, with Lady Clarke paying for a subscription to Mullen's bookstore each year for the use of the Nurses in the Nurses Home. As well as her work for MDNS she held roles in many other organizations . She donated a substantial amount of money to build a Hostel for Women University Students attending Trinity College, later named the Janet Clarke Hall. Lady Janet Marion Clarke died at Cliveden, aged 57 years, on the 28th of April 1909; a lady held in high esteem and affection by all she knew.This is a black and white photograph of a painting of Lady Janet Clarke. She is looking forward and has a serious visage; she is wearing her long dark hair drawn up and back and in her left ear a small dropped ear ring can be seen. She is wearing a light coloured, long sleeved, floral frock with a material short cape section seen over the top of her left sleeve. Her left arm is crooked with her hand resting just under a flower brooch fastened in the centre of her frock. She has a choker around her neck with a brooch in the centre..Janet Lady Clarke, president 1889-1908.From the painting by McCubbin.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, lady janet clarke

The move to build the Mechanics Institute was started in 1883 and the foundation stone was laid by Lady Janet Clarke in 1885. The Shire of Bulla took it over in 1922 to be remodelled as the Soldier's Memorial Hall.A black and white photograph of the Sunbury Mechanics Institute in Stawell Street, Sunbury. The building complete with portico sits behind a picket fence with pine trees at the front and side.memorial hall, clarke, janet (lady), william (sir), mechanics institute, shire of bulla, stawell street, sunbury, soldier's memorial hall, foundation stones, george evans collection

The Sunbury Gun was placed in this airconditioned room in the Village Green after it was restored. A coloured photograph of the Sunbury Gun in the Village Green precinct.gun, sunbury, village green, starkie fountain, fountains, clarke, william (sir), russell, janet (lady), starkie, joseph, war memorials, monuments and statues, church of england, churches, george evans collection

A black and white photograph of the Church of England Women's Cricket eleven photo taken infront of the Rupertswood Gates.sport, cricket, church of england, churches, clarke, janet (lady), rupertswood gates, women, george evans collection

The article confirme the Guild was first created in Melbourne and that the name was copied by English committees around 1932-1933 as Lady Janet Bailey reveals :" I must admit we flagrantly took that title from Australia".Two columns article published in the Agelady huntingfield, ladies harbour lights guild, lhlg, lady janet bailey, amy brown

The 'Meeise' French car is parked outside the former Mechanics Institute Hall in Stawell Street, Sunbury. J Eadie was responsible for the building of the hall in 1885 and the foundation stone was laid by Lady Janet Clarke. The former Shire of Bulla conducted their council meetings in the hall from 1923 until 1956 when new offices were built in Macedon Street. Later the RSL took over occupancy of the hall and it became known as the Memorial Hall. In the early 1970s Stawell Street was cut off to traffic and incorporated into the Village Green.Over the years the Memorial Hall has been the venue for many community events from debutant balls, flower shows, local gatherings, celebrations and markets to name a few.A sepia photograph with a cream border of a tree lined street with a building in the foreground and a vintage car parked outside the building. Tall pine trees are growing behind the fenceline.mechanics institute, shire of bulla

in 1887 six Ashford Litters were purchased by St John Ambulance Association after Lady Janet Clarke (of Rupertswood) and her friends raised enough money to allow these items to be ordered. These were Victoria's first official ambulances. The litter consisted of a two wheeled undercarriage with elliptical springs which supported a stretcher. It has four legs which support the carriage when stationary but fold up to form handles so that one person could push the machine while another pushed. Four Ashford Litter ambulances were located at the Russell Street, Little Bourke Street, King Street and West Melbourne police stations. Another was located at the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street and from 1896 the sixth was located at the Eastern Hill Metropolitan Fire Brigade station. Initially is was expected that police and fire fighters would take patients to hospitals if required.Two wheeled ambulance cart with sprung wheels.ashford, ashford litter, st john

This book was a prize given to Marion Mahood in 1935 from the Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Ballarat. Marion Mahood was a Warrnambool-born lady who spent most of her working life nursing at Prince Henry’s Hospital in Melbourne. In retirement she was active in community affairs in WarrnamboolThis book is of interest because, with the school badge embossed on the front cover, it is a good example of the type of prize awarded by private schools in Victoria in the early to mid 20th century. It also has a connection to a resident of Warrnambool, Marion Mahood.This is a dark blue leather-covered book of 796 pages. The cover has gold lettering on the spine with some gold ornamentation and the badge of Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College embossed in gold on the front cover. The book has an Introduction and 54 chapters of storyline. There are several black and white illustrations scattered throughout the chapters. The book plate is printed and pasted on to the back of the front cover and handwritten material in black ink is included in the name plate. There is a slight gouge in the leather on the back cover.‘Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Ballarat, Awarded to Marion Mahood, Prize, Sewing, Form 1VA, Janet M. McDonald, Principal, December, 1935’.clarendon presbyterian ladies’ college, ballarat, marion mahood

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jackls restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. Community residents who made submissions included Russell Yeomans speaking on behalf of the Eltham Gateway Action Group and Eltham District Historical Society, Des Ryan on belaf of Eltham Senior Citizens, Angela Newhouse, others on behalf of Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and Judge Book Village, Tom Munro, Ian Jennings, Margartet Ball a fifth generation descendant of the Shillinglaw family, one of the early settlers of the area and owner of the land that was sold to Council, Frank Burgoyne who said "there will be a lot of creaking and rumbling in the cemetery if this goes through. So many old people who have done so much for Eltham are buried up there and it is up to us to pass on what they left to the younger generation. Eltham is a beautiful spot; why louse it up?" A second article "Anger over reserve power" by Laeta Antonysen provides commentary from the three Planning Special Committee community members, former Eltham Shire Councillor Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske about the process that took place and the first time use of the spoecial reserve power to overturn the decision of the committee. Barry Rochford, Nillumbiuk CEO defends the use of the power.The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott, russell yeomans, eltham district historical society, eltham senior citizens, des ryan, our lady help of christians primary school, judge book village, angela newhouse, tom munro, ian jennings, margaret ball, shillinglaw cottage, frank burgoyne, andrew biasci, barry rochford

BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH OF UNKNOWN LADY.TO DEAR JANET. WISHING TOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR. FROM NELLIE. MISS J. BRANIGAN.local history, photography, photographs, early citizens

The original Victoria Theatre opened on 16 February 1856 with a season by Lola Montez. She performed several farces and her famous spider dance, delighted the diggers and enraged the sensibilities of respectable people, with Henry Seekamp in the famous "whipping" incident with Montez in Ballarat. The program consisted of popular melodramas, farces and hits such as Rob Roy, The Lady of Lyons and the Count of Monte Cristo. The nautical drama Black-Eyed Susan was also very popular. This production "The Piper and Red riding Hood" was performed by The Mid-Night Players (Janet Low, Fay Jones, Natalie Jones, Fiona Hanrahan, Elizabeth Dale, Mark Jones, Bruce Roberts, Geoff Wallis, Matthew Brooks, Andrew Dark and Tom Rendall) at the replica Victoria Theatre at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.A5 booklet with black ink printing on white card and paper.VICTORIA THEATRE THE PIPER AND RED RIDING HOOD THE MID-NIGHT PLAYERS ballarat, drama, melodrama, the piper and red riding hood, teh mid-night players, janet low, fay jones, natalie jones, fiona hanrahan, elizabeth dale, mark jones, bruce roberts, geoff wallis, matthew brooks, andrew dark, tom rendall, victorian theatre, sovereign hill

One copy of Bendigo Sub-branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A. Annual Victory Ball held at the Town Hall, Bendigo on August 15th, 1950. Guests of Honour were The Hon. Sir Norman Martin and Lady Martin. Card is cream with gold print on the front and a gold RLS badge. Other printing is blue. The inside of the tri-fold has a Dance Program of 28 dances and a space for Autographs. The other side has the Debutantes: Lesley Cornwell, June Beck, Genny Allan, Thea Abe, Margaret Phillips, Patrica Hall, June Tebb, Lexie Munro, Janet Neyland, Norma Sheard, Norma Richards and Vicky McCaw. Trained by Mr & Mrs G Hudson. Chaperone: Mrs F. Jackson. Flower Girl: Barbara Abe. Partners: Des Pearse, William Thomas, Junior Allan, Alf Whitely, Norman Goodwin, Frank Richards, Max Farnell, Allan Farnell, Allan Holmes,Lachlan Neyland, Frank Metcalf, Graeme Seddon and Kevin Murphy. President Bendigo Branch R.S.L.: Col G V Lansell. Chairman Ball Committee Mr F E Jackson. Hon. Sec. Ball Committee: Mr J W Swatton. MC: Mr R Wright. Printed by Hocking & Sloan Print.Hocking & Sloan Printevent, social, victory ball, r.s.l. bendigo collection - annual victory ball 1950, the hon sir norman martin, lady martin, lesley cornwell, june beck, genny allan, thea abe, margaret phillips, patrica hall, june tebb, lexie munro, janet neyland, norma sheard, norma richards, vicky mccaw, mr & mrs g hudson, mrs f jackson, barbara abe, hocking & sloan print, des pearse, william thomas, junior allan, alf whitely, norman goodwin, frank richards, max farnell, allan farnell, allan holmes, lachlan neyland, frank metcalf, graeme seddon, kevin murphy, col g v lansell, mr f e jackson, mr j w swatton, mr r wright

Colour photograph. Janet England, Chair of Trust, standing in the ground floor foyer beside the reception desk, addressing the attendees of the official opening weekend. Pink signs behind JE direct to Art sale and free seminars. Lady in black stands behind JE, unidentified. official events, historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments

To celebrate 100 Years of operation, a Centenary Garden Party was held at Government House and volunteers were presented with tokens of appreciation for their involvement with the Association for the Blind. The Honorable Richard McGarvie, Governor of Victoria, and Lady McGarvie handed out pins to the many volunteers from around the state who have given service.1 photo album of colour photographsVolunteer Awards (100 years)association for the blind, john wicking, janet wicking

This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. 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 was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson 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 the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. 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. 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 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. 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 and mother 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 Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith

This photograph is a visual record of Mr. Ken Mason who was appointed to the Committee of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) In March 1975 and held the position of Honorary Treasurer from August 1975 until October 1979 when he was appointed President of the Board of Directors, a position he held until 1993. Women held the role as President of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from its founding in 1885 for the next 94 years. Mrs. John Simson was President from 1885 until late 1888. For these first three years Mr. T. Harlin was Honorary Secretary of the Society and Mr. McKinnon the Honorary Treasurer; from then these roles were held by women. The other formal positions, and the vast majority of members of the Committee, were women, with up to four Reverend gentlemen being on the Committee each year over the next years. Throughout this time the Society expanded in the areas it serviced, commencing in inner Melbourne and expanding throughout the Melbourne suburbs. It began with their two Trained nurses (Nurses) living in their own home close to the area (district) in which they carried out their nursing care walking the streets of inner Melbourne. From 1891 the Society rented several premises for use as a Nurses Home and for administrative purposes and where the bicycles the MDNS purchased for use by their Nurses in 1903 could be housed. In 1914 the Society purchased their own premises at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and in 1919 there first four cars were purchased. The Society underwent further expansion with the building of the After-Care Home (later Hospital) next to their Nurses Home in Victoria Parade which meant the running of two Divisions – the After-Care and the District Nursing Division. The one Committee ran the two Divisions until the time of the separation of the Society and After-Care in 1957. In late 1888 Lady Janet Clarke became President and held this role until her death in 1908, except for extended times when she was overseas when Lady O'Loughlen held the role. Mrs. Hood was President from 1909-1911, Mrs. F.A. Lang from 1912-1914, Mrs. F. Tatham from 1915-1923, Mrs. G.G. Henderson from 1924-1947, Mrs. F. E. Shillabeer from 1948-1949, Lady Lowe from 1950-1951 and Mrs. George Simpson from 1952-1957. When the Society and After-Care separated in 1957 the District Nursing Division became the Melbourne District Nursing Service with its own Committee. Mrs. J.P. Major, formerly Miss Beatrice Mary Williams who was a Sister with the Society, and became its Matron before marrying Dr. Major, became the first President in 1957 until her death in 1958 when Mrs. George Simpson became President. She held this role until 1964, then Mrs. E.G. Wilson held the role from October 1964 to mid 1967. During this time MDNS was granted Royal patronage and the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. Mrs. D. Hallenstein held the role of President from 1967 to 1974 and during this time RDNS was granted a Coat of Arms. Mrs. J.L. Frew M.B., B.S. was appointed President in October 1974 and held the position until October 1979 when Mr. K.W.G. Mason took over the role. During these years, the RDNS service continued to expanded with more Centres built throughout the Metropolitan area, more Trained Nurses employed and the RDNS now had an increased fleet of vehicles. Black and white head and shoulder photograph of Mr. Ken Mason who has thinning white hair and is wearing glasses. He is dressed in a grey self striped suit and is wearing a white shirt and a light grey tie which has black and white stripes.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns president, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mr k.w.g. mason

This 1890s photograph shows the early uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (known as 'Nurse', in those days), when visiting patients to administer nursing care.The Nurse is speaking with a patient who is sitting in his back garden. It shows the style of clothing and the rear of a weatherboard house of that era. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse (Nurse), Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. 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 was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson 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 the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. 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 and clothes 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. 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 a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a white apron over her grey full length uniform, and wearing a white cap. She is standing and looking down at a man dressed in a white shirt and dark jacket and pants. He is sitting outside the rear of a weatherboard house, the boards of the house are applied vertically. A wooden ladder leans against another wooden building.melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns

The Library held books on all aspects of health and nursing, and staff members when undergoing Education had access to information held in the Library. The RDNS Librarian was available to provide access to particular information for many RDNS staff. The Library also holds the RDNS Archives.From its inception in 1885 the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Committee recognized that a high standard of knowledge was required to nurse the sick poor in the community, so only Trained nurses (Nurses) were employed to carry out this work. From early times Lady Janet Clarke paid a yearly subscription, for MDNS Nurses, to Mullen’s Select Library, which became Melville & Mullen’s, so the Nurses could increase their knowledge. In 1966 MDNS gained Royal patronage becoming Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) which developed its own Library of books on health care subjects and employed a Librarian who also cares for the RDNS Archives.Black and white photograph showing two Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), staff selecting books from the RDNS Library. The lady on the left hand side of the photograph has her dark hair drawn back and is wearing a floral blouse under a dark top and cardigan, and a dark grey skirt. She is standing with her left arm extended and is selecting a book from the top shelf of the four shelf book stand. The Sister to her right, who has short dark hair and is wearing a dark tunic style frock over a light grey skivvy, is crouched with her left hand in the 2nd bottom shelf and her right arm extended selecting a book from the bottom shelf. Each shelf of the book stand is filled with various sized dark and light covered books.Photographers stamp. Quote No. DR 9mdns, melbourne district nursing society, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns library