READINGS recorded 1959 in Alan Marshall’s study, Eltham • See the White Feathers Fall (Ourselves Writ Strange) • The Chinese Herbalist (I Can Jump Puddles) • The Press (How Beautiful Are They Feet) • The Drought (I Can Jump Puddles) TALES FROM THE SPEEWAH, recorded 1 May 1959 in Nicholas Hall, Melbourne, at ‘Readings From Australian Writers’ presented by the Australiasian Book Society on behalf of the Melbourne May Day Committee. REMINISCING recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. Chairman, Nicholas Heiderich. At two stages throughout the recording a substantial rain storm can be heard on the roof almost drowning out the presentation.Two TEAC MX1 compact audio cassettes labelled Alan Marshall Here! Part 1 (#0128 red and Alan Marshall Here! 2 (#0129 yellow) Tape 0128 Side A Dubbed from original tape (1959) READINGS recorded 1959 in Alan Marshall’s study, Eltham • See the White Feathers Fall (Ourselves Writ Strange) • The Chinese Herbalist (I Can Jump Puddles) • The Press (How Beautiful Are They Feet) • The Drought (I Can Jump Puddles) TALES FROM THE SPEEWAH, recorded 1 May 1959 in Nicholas Hall, Melbourne, at ‘Readings From Australian Writers’ presented by the Australiasian Book Society on behalf of the Melbourne May Day Committee. Tape 128 Side B REMINISCING (part 1) recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. (Concluded on tape 0129) Tape 0129 Side A REMINISCING (part 2) recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. Chairman, Nicholas Heiderich. (Part 1 on tape 0128) Converted to MP3 files EDHS_05002-1 Readings 43.9MB; 0:34:31 EDHS_05002-2 Tales from the Speewah 15.6MB; 0:12:49 EDHS_05002-3 Reminiscing 86.9MB; 1:21:05alan marshall, alan marshall bungalow, audio cassette, audio recording, australiasian book society, healesville art gallery, melbourne, melbourne may day committee, nicholas hall, nicholas heiderich, readings from australian writers, ruth heiderich

Contents: • The Carrucan Dairy by Russell Yeoman • Our Annual General Meeting • May Excursion – John Street Mud Brick Precinct • Empire Day by Ann Constable • . . . . More Than A Family Reunion by Irene Kearsey • Eltham Scouts • Eltham District Welfare Committee – a history by Jenny Ellis • My People: Alan Marshall talks about . . . Eltham in the early days • Alan Marshall • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o William McMahon Ball o George Bird • Annual general Meeting • Vale – Dr Malcolm Harrop OAM • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society

Newspaper Clipping from "The Post", 12 May 1993, Page 7, "Communiy meal plan"'.A group of 140 Italian senior citizens may be granted use of Bedford Park youth hall and kitchen one day a week to prepare and eat a traditional Italian meal together in Ringwood. Ringwood Council's policy and resources committee directed officers to consult with the hall management committee, Italian senior citizens and the senior citizens' consultative committee and report back to council on the possibility of the Italian group using the hall one day a week.

Came from the Gwen Goedecke|The pennant was donated to the society when the Municipal Offices in Alexandra Ave was being cleaned out.Flyer and Badge from What Can I do to Help Clean up the future|Flyer Clean Up Day Warning You must Register|Folder for Clean up Australia|1st Sunshine Beautification Group Garden Competition Pennant|Minutes of Sunshine Beautification Group 6th February 1986 at Sunshine Municipal Offices Alexandra Avenue Sunshine|Newspaper Article Star Weekly 11 January 2005 Brimbank is filthy dirty pigsty claim|Newspaper Article Brimbank Messenger 21 March 2000 Clean up not just single day|Newspaper Article Herald Sun 13 October 1994 Scribble scrapped|Newspaper Article 21 December 2004 Council rubbished for removing litter bins|Typed Letter 25 April 1991 Clean up Australia Day|Typed Letter 31 March 1981 The Sunshine Advocate Pruning of street trees|Typed Letter 21 June 1983 Sunshine International Womens Year Action Committee beautify the Ballarat Road Land|Typed Letter 6 June 1986 Conduct a Tidy Street|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 5 June 1986|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 7 August 1986|Typed Letter from 9 July 1986 RJ Cantrill Plant Advisory Officer Department of Agriculture Parasitic Wasp|Typed Letter 21 October 1987 to Mr Bill Fogarty Harzardous Materials Storage and Transport Strategies for Local Government in Melbourne's Western Region|Typed Letter 4 May 1988 Mr John James Town Clerk Saving Trees|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 12 May 1988|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 2 June 1988|Notices of Motion 14 June 1988 Litter|Typed Letter from IC Patience Deputy Town Clerk 13 June 1988 Nomination suggestion for Mrs Beth Argle for the 1988 Women's Award|Typed Letter 23 June 1988 Mr B Griffin Chief Health Surveyor New Litter Act|Typed Letter 23 June 1988 Mr J James The Town Clerk request for $500|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 7 July 1988|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 3 November 1988|Typed Report Metropolitan Area Improvement Programs General Information on funding conditions March 1991|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 4 April 1991|Typed Letter to Gwen about Tidy Street Competition and Keep Australia Beautiful|Flyer Sunshine Beautification Group Keep Australia Beautiful program March 1993|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 1 September 1994|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 6 October 1994|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 3 November 1994|Handwritten Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 3 October 1996|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 5 November 1998|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 4 February 1999|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 5 April 2001|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 5 June 2003|Typed Minutes Sunshine Beautification Group 3rd February 2005|Letter to Sheryl Ashley 30 December 2004 Removal of Rubbish Bins at Bus Stops and Public places|Handwritten Letter to Gwen Goedecke 1 February 1999|Newsletter December 1998 Tootgarook Wetlands|Sash for 1st prize in Sunshine Beutification Group Garden Competitionsunshine beautification group

Letter from Legatee Leigh Johns to Legatee President WR Mehan regarding guest speakers at Tuesday luncheons. He was suggesting that to increase attendances that they may consider a special luncheon once a month. Suggestions included Father-Son Day, Sporting Day, Political Day, etc. Legatees met regularly and had guest speakers to entertain and inform on different subjects at their Tuesday Luncheons. This document was from a file of information about guest speakers (see also 00812-00822 and 00829-00837). The Programme Committee was responsible for organising the speakers. A record that the speakers at Legacy functions were from different walks of life and the subjects varied. This was a thoughtful proposal to have guest speakers from more varied life experiences.White paper, black type, a photocopy of a letter to L/- W.R. Mehan, President of Melbourne Legacy from Legatee Leigh Johns about weekly luncheons.Signed Leigh Johnsspeakers, programme committee

Two Legacy widows, from Essendon, Tess Bendon and Lorna Tozer. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies and some were committee members at different clubs. Presumably there had a been a meeting at Legacy House of members from the many clubs (including Hampton, Highett, Caufield). The photo was used in an issue of The Answer in May 1992. It is assumed that the date was 1991 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 911030B-15 could mean 3 October 1991, along with 00645, 00646, 00647, 00648, 00649, 00650, 00651 and 00661 - 00666. Photos of the committee members of Widows clubs were taken by a professional photographer in 1991.Black and white photo of two Legacy widows and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 911030B-15. Pg 3 in and "Tess Bendon, Lorna Tozer" in pencil.widows, widows club, committee

Early examples of Melbourne Legacy Club newsletters, covering the activities of Melbourne Legacy Widows' Club. Information includes a notice from the Chairman of the Widows' Committee, dates of meetings, possible day trips and theatre outings, and cruises. The ladies were welcome to attend card afternoons, indoor bowls competitions, outings and tours. The newsletters are published five times a year (January, May, July, September, November). These editions are from 1978, 1979 and 1980. The November 1977 edition mentions it was the 106th edition, the first edition was in 1960, previously there had been a quarterly magazine but the distribution was limited, they changed to a 4 page newsletter format to reach more of the widows. The September 1979 edition includes a photo of Lord Mountbatten when he met Legacy children, in reference to his death. The March 1980 edition mentions that the Widows Club rooms had been refurbished and the key handed over to the Widows Club President Mrs Ina Kearney - it was a momentous event since there was a membership of over 13,000 widows. A photo of this event is at 00410. The newsletter was priced at 2c a copy. The price of theatre tickets were $3. The full copy of January 1976 has been added to show the usual layout. Other editions haven't been scanned.The newsletters bring to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy in the early years.Black typed printed newsletter x 29 editions from 1978 to 1980, No 107 to 124, each edition 4 foolscap pages.newsletter, activities

Examples of Melbourne Legacy Club newsletters, covering the activities of Melbourne Legacy Widows' Club. Information includes a notice from the Chairman of the Widows' Committee, dates of meetings, possible day trips and theatre outings, and cruises. The ladies were welcome to attend monthly meetings, card afternoons, indoor bowls competitions, outings and tours, plus the annual fete and Christmas concert. The first edition of the newsletter was in 1960, previously there had been a quarterly magazine but the distribution was limited, they changed to a 4 page newsletter format to reach more of the widows. By 1990 it had grown to 12 pages, then 16 pages in May 1991 with the introduction of black and white photos, and then to 20 pages in November 1991. Various pages of interest have been added to show different news items. Other editions haven't been scanned.Brings to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy in the early years.Black typed newsletter x 10 editions from 1991 to 1992, each edition 12, 16 or 20 pages. No 185, January 1991 No 186, March 1991 No 187, May 1991 (photos started appearing) No 188, July 1991 No 189, September 1991 No 190, November 1991 No 191, January 1991 No 192, March 1992 No 193, April 1992 No 194, July 1992newsletter, activities

For more information there is a similar envelop with stamps at the Melbourne Museum : https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1692627There were five issues in the 'Famous Australians' series released as follows: Issue 1, November, 1968; Issue 2, November, 1970; Issue 3, May. 1973; Issue 4, August, 1975; Issue 5, November, 1976.Have a look at the description from Melbourne Museum: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1692627stamps, first day cover, first day of issue, adam lindsay gordon, famous australians, lachlan macquarie, john duigan, reginald duigan, edward john eyre, philately

This photograph was taken in early stages of development of Museum at Buna Barracks. Museum was officially opened 1 May 1988.Colour photograph of group of guests at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Museum, Buna Barracks 28 February 1982. Three ladies and four gentlemen, one in uniform." Mrs. M. Hough, Mr. Don Campbell Museum Committee, Lt. Col M Hough, The Hon TW Mitchell CMG " Towong Hill ", Mrs. Elyne Mitchell noted Authoress, daughter of Sir Harry Chauvel, Guests at Museum, 8/13 Open Day Buna Barracks, 28 February 1982.

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 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 RDNS Sisters are both holding the 1st day Cover Envelope issued by the Australian Postal Department in 1985 to commemorate the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society on the 17th of February 1885. A stamp is in the right hand top corner of the envelope. The main body of the stamp is pale blue. On the top of the stamp, written in deeper blue/grey, are the words "Centenary of District Nursing Services 1985" Below this, and to the right, is a pale bone colour original sign on a metal fence which reads, in white capital letters, "Melbourne District Nursing Society" Standing on the left in the foreground is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) in her long grey uniform frock with white collar, cuffs and belt. She is wearing a grey helmet style hat which has a white hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre. Her black shoes can also be seen. She is holding a bicycle; only the front wheel and part of the frame and the handlebars, which have a brown nursing bag strapped to them, can be seen, The nursing bag and handlebars cover part of the MDNS sign. At the bottom of the stamp, on a strip of white background, are the words in capital letters "Australia 33c". Below the stamp is a rectangular1st mark. On the left half of the envelope are some sketches of several two storey buildings either side of a set of steps. Some adults and children are standing on the steps as well as in the foreground; some are sketched and others dressed in various coloured clothing. In the foreground right in front of steps, stands a lady with her hair drawn up and wearing along grey frock and white apron; partly seen against her right side is a small child dressed in brown. Sister Willie Fleming is the Supervisor of the RDNS Sunshine Centre and Sister Phillipa Kariko is Supervisor of Essendon Centre. They are wearing their RDNS uniforms of white short sleeve blouses under royal blue V neck tunic style frocks. The RDNS insignia is round and has royal blue writing on a white background. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed 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 towns in UK’. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Service 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 at a Hospital 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 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, not the term ‘Sister’ that is used these days. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. 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 they 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. A Midwifery Service commenced in August 1893 with Nurse Fowler the first trained Midwife. She had previously worked with the Society carrying out General nursing. The Society expanded its areas using public transport and with the Society purchasing bicycles in 1903, before procuring its first cars to cope with the influx of patients during the Spanish influenza epidemic in 1919, though these were sold in 1927 due to their poor condition..A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled and in the early 1950s, and now as Melbourne District Nursing Service, seven Ford Prefect cars were bought followed by twelve Ford Anglia vehicles in 1955. Having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own fleet of Holden vehicles by the mid 1960s and the Motor Auxiliary ceased operating in 1971 as by then all staff employed were required to have a driving licence. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Holden vehicles were replaced with grey Holden Torana vehicles. After several years the fleet was changed to white Toyota Corolla vehicles. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966, which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so a large paper map was used by the Sisters visiting patients in the areas passed Seville. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Over its years of expansion the RDNS Trained nurses (Sisters), continued to visit patients in their homes and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as Amputees, those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Poliomyelitis, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Willie Fleming, who has curly blonde hair, and on the right, Sister Phillipa Kariko, who has short dark hair. They are standing outside Essendon RDNS Centre.. They are both wearing their RDNS summer uniform of dark V neck tunic style frocks, with emblazoned RDNS insignia on its upper left, over short sleeve white blouses, Each are holding an envelope with writing, sketched buildings and figures on the envelopes left side, and a stamp is on the upper right corner. Below the stamp is writing in a rectangle. Behind the Sisters is a brick wall with them hiding some of the white capital letters of the words 'District Nursing Service' and 'Essendon Centre'. Windows and part of the fascia of the building is seen behind this.Handwritten informationmelbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns centre, sister willie fleming, sister phillipa kariko, rdns 1st day cover centenary envelope

Victorian Trotting Club (V.T.C.) Elsternwick Park Member Ticket and Fixture for Season 1886Victorian Trotting Club (V.T.C.) Elsternwick Park Blue Booklet/Folder with Gold Writing with attached Blue Ribbon containing Member Ticket and Fixture for 1886 SeasonFront and Back Cover: V.T.C. / Season 1886. Inside Left: Victorian Trotting Club Elsternwick Park / No S39 / Season 1886 / Issued to Mr Bennett Esq / Not Transferable / Thos. Haydon Secretary / This Ticket entitles you to all the Privileges of Membership, which includes Admission for yourself and two Ladies to the Grand Stand / Its loss or non - production will render you liable to payment and the money will not be refunded / By Order of the Committee. Inside Right: Fixtures for 1886 / Saturday January 23rd / Wednesday March 17th (St Patrick's Day) Cup Meeting / Saturday April 24th Easter Saturday / " May 8th / " July 3rd / " August 28th / Wednesday October 13th Caulfield Cup Week / Wednesday November 3rd Melbourne Cup Week / Saturday December 18th / Andrew Sherar, 11 Collins street West, Melbourne. harness racing, trotting, membership, ticket, 1886, victorian trotting club, elsternwick park, mr bennett esq, fixture