White metal linked belt. Links have alternating patterns. One pattern solid with faded green centres, the other a grid design. As a fashion accessory they are commonly known as nurse's belts. The links reflect the design of the buckle and are joined by simple rings.Back of links and buckle: EPNS belt, white metal (epns), nurse's belt

Belts on nurse uniforms were made to be detachable for ease of laundering. Ethel May Ogilvy (nee Stoddart) became a Red Cross Nurse during World War I after completing a course in Nursing and Hygiene conducted by the St John Ambulance Association in November 1914. The Red Cross was ostensibly non-military in line with its principles of neutrality and independence. While a group of 20 nurses were sent to Europe by the NSW Division of the Red Cross, most Red Cross nurses, like Ethel, contributed to the war effort at home. They filled a need created by the exit of a large number of Australian nurses to the front and by the influx of seriously injured personnel who were brought back home. In 1919, Ethel Stoddart married Arthur James Ogilvy, a veteran of the Boer War and World War I. The couple moved to Emerald in 1936 where they lived the remainder of their lives. These belts are part of a complete World War I Red Cross nurse uniform held by the Museum which was worn by a young woman who later moved to Emerald. The uniform is emblematic of the variety of ways in which women contributed to the war effort.Three pairs of white starched belts for a nurse uniform. One belt (1/3) has a long narrow rectangular shape with two buttonholes at each end. The other belt (2/3) has a triangular shape at one end with two press studs (rings) at this end. There may have been two posts at the other end at one time. The third (3/3) has three buttonholes at each end.At one end of belt 1/3 hand printed: 'E. M. Stoddart' At one end of belt 3/3 hand-written: 'Stoddart' and underneath printed '?8412'red cross, world war 1, nurse uniform

The buckle was awarded to nurses after successful passing of their first year examination ("first professional") and was a prized object. When the buckle was withdrawn in 1972 with the introduction of a new style of trainee nurses uniform without belt and buckle nurses protested at the change. In response the buckle was then awarded after the staffing year.Circular silver metal buckle with four pierced circular sections spaced at equidistant intervals around the buckle's edge.Intertwined initials of hospital 'SVH' in blue enamel edged with silver metal on circular relief at centre of badge. Manufacturer's name 'Swann & Hudson Frankston' inscribed on reverse of badge. st vincent's hospital melbourne, nurses uniform

The nurse uniform is worn for hygiene and identification. The traditional nurse uniform consists of a dress, apron and cap and although there have been variants, the basic style has remained recognizable. Blue and white hounds tooth fabric dress with front opening tab containing 5 (white fabric over metal) buttons. The dress has a pocket over the left breast and a Maltese cross patch is sewn on the left sleeve . There is a starched, white removable collar, cuffs, belt and apron. The cuffs and belt have 5 out of six removable buttons with brass split pins. "Bronwyn Griffith" name tag sewn on to collar as well as F839 written in pen. E213, D.L. Ross, E.37 written in pen on belt. E877 written in pen on dress. G.N. Barton name tag and J.Williams, E.507 written in pen on one cuff. L. Susan Draper name tag and E.822 written in pen on the other cuff. E213, D.L. Roo?, E.37 written in pen on apron.nurse uniform, nurse cap, nurse collar, nurse apron

This uniform would have been worn by the students of the Ballarat College of Advanced Education, School of Nursing. The colour of the uniform was changed at the request of trained staff in white.This apricot princess style dress with a central front zipper and side pockets has a collar and short sleeves. The back has a yoke with side pleats and a half belt between the seams. There is machine embroidery on the collar and sleeves. There is a blue logo printed on the left breast. Original sales tag attaches to sleevePrinted in blue - Ballarat C.A.E. Nursingnursing, university of ballarat, ballarat college of advanced education nursing, nurse uniform, textiles, costume, apron

Coat worn by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.This coat is part of a complete uniform set held by the Shepparton RSL. The uniform has representative and historic significance as an example of the style of uniform worn by nursing staff of the Australian General Hospital during the 1940s and into the 1950s. The uniform set has social significance to the Shepparton area, being owned and worn by a serving community member who was born in Numurkah, enlisted in Shepparton and returned to the community in later life.Shin length grey woollen double breasted coat fastened with three buttons on front centre. Interior bakelite or plastic button fastens panels on interior. Two hip-height pockets with folded flap on exterior. Grey fabric belt fastened with a metal buckle; belt is held in place with two fabric loops on either side of the waist. "AUSTRALIA" shoulder flashes on both left and right shoulders; on left arm a blue and brown rectangular colour patch and on the right arm, a blue square patch with embroidered crown and the words "BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES." Epaulettes on either shoulder carry two metal badges signifying a senior Sister and fastened with a metal button. A pin is missing from the base of the epaulette. Interior lined with purple-grey lining; pocket on interior left chest and manufacturer's label at base of neck underneath loop.Shoulder flashes read "AUSTRALIA" and "BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES". Label reads "TAILORS & HABIT/MAKERS/J. RAVENSDALE/& SON/NICHOLAS BLDG./SWANSTON ST MELBOURNE/SISTER DANSON". Buttons read "AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES"second world war, world war ii, medical, wwii, nurse, women

Part of a jacket worn by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.This belt is part of a complete uniform set held by the Shepparton RSL. The uniform has representative and historic significance as an example of the style of uniform worn by nursing staff of the Australian General Hospital during the 1940s and into the 1950s. The uniform set has social significance to the Shepparton area, being owned and worn by a serving community member who was born in Numurkah, enlisted in Shepparton and returned to the community in later life.Grey fabric belt fastened with a metal buckle; belt is held in place with two fabric loops on either side of the waist.second world war, world war ii, medical, wwii, nurse, women

This uniform was worn by student nurses at the Hillcrest Psychiatric Hospital in Adelaide in the early 1970s. In 1964, Northfield Mental Hospital was renamed Hillcrest Hospital. .1) Mid pink waisted and darted uniform with a front pocket (with H H embroidered) on left breast and side pockets on skirt. Buttoned up the front, with three buttons on top and a placket with four hidden buttons on skirt. There is a hook and eye at the waist and a separate belt with two buttons and buttonholes. There is a collar and cuffed short sleeves, a back yoke and a center inverted pleat. .2) A lined (double layer) woollen royal blue cape with collar and neck tie and a hook and eye clasp.Embroidered on top pocket - H Hnursing, hillcrest hospital, student nurse uniform, nurse cape, costume, textiles, cape, uniform, hillcrest psychiatric hospital

A grey uniform denoted three years of training.A short-sleeved grey cotton nurse's uniform (.1). It has cuffed short sleeves, a collar and buttons at the top. The belt (.2) is a paler grey ribbed cotton.On the uniform inside the back of the neck : G.A. THOMPSON S 559 On the belt : L. WARD S 533nursing health uniform nurse's-uniform

Miss Ethel Lynn nursed in England for a time in her later life. She did private nursing at Orbost Hospital until she had a fall and broke her hip -1950's.The Lynn family is well-known in the Orbost area. Ethel Lynn is believed to have been working at Bairnsdale in 1924. Two white linen collars to be worn on a nurse's uniform. A white linen belt to be worn with a nurse's uniform.E. LYNNnursing health lynn-ethel uniform-nursing

This is a photograph of Annabella McKenzie who trained at The Royal Melbourne in the 1890's. The Royal Melbourne Hospital was the first hospital in Victoria – established in 1848 to serve the young and thriving community of Melbourne. Prior to the transfer of nursing education to the university sector, nurses were trained in a course of instruction in hospital nursing schools that awarded a certificate in general nursing. These courses were generally for a three-year period, and nurses were paid employees of the parent hospital. Annabella Mckenzie Fisher was born into the Mckenzie family and married into the Fisher family. She married Fisher James Fisher, a Lochend farmer.The Fisher family was a very early Orbost farming family.A hand-coloured photograph in an oval shaped wooden frame. It is of a woman in a nurse's uniform of a dark coloured dress with a white bib apron and black belt. The cuffs of the long sleeved dress are white. She is wearing a white cap. The oval frame is painted gold and is decorated on each side with flowers in relief.On back in pencil - Anna Bella McKenziehealth nursing fisher_annabella-mckenzie royal-melbourne-hospital

1. Portrait, full length of a soldier standing at ease. He is holding a single rifle with bayonet fixed. He has a peaked cap and the 3"webbing belt on. he is standing in a yard of some sort. Corrugated iron shed in back ground. 2. Portrait, full length of a soldier. Standing legs apart. He is holding a riding crop. he has a leather covered watch. He has one chevron on his left forearm above that are crossed flags. He is wearing a leather bandolier. He has a peaked cap. 3. Group portrait of Australian soldiers on a ship. 13 men - bare headed and slouch hats and 3 peak caps. In the bottom foreground is a small monkey. 4. Group portrait of soldier patients and nurses. 11 men and 4 nurses. The three in front are seated.1. xx 2. On rear - To Dear Auntie from Walter McGillivray. 3. On rear - Thomas Robert Jones 6 Bn 1914, 5 Re-inforcements. No. 1982 23 years Tom Jones and mates. 4. On rear - Edwin W Jones 3511 46 Bn "Snap of some of the ward taken in the garden. I am on the very end, taken the first day I was allowed out of bed," On front is a card and name Ned.passchendaele barracks trust, photographs, ww1

Winter Service Dress Capt Linda Elliot, R.A.A.N.C Refer Cat No 4308.1) Jacket, khaki wool/polyester with rank epaulettes 3 pips, white metal buttons, red lanyard. .2) Shirt, light khaki polyester. .3) Trousers khaki wool/polyester. .4) Beret felt dark green colour with A.A.N.C badge. .5) Belt, plastic webbing, khaki colour with metal clasp buckle. .6) Tie wool khaki. .7) .8) Socks wool khaki..1) Epaulettes on shoulder, Officer rank Capt R.A.A.N.C .4) Beret badge, R.A.A.N.Cuniforms, service dress, raanc

This uniform was worn by Sister Winifred Ride during World War 2.. Nurses played a key role in the conflict through their care and compassion to the servicemen who were wounded and sick.The nurses uniform is symbolic of the sacrifice and service of the many women who served their country in WW2. Grey fitted, lined jacket with long sleeves, collar and lapels. Three front metal buttons buttons and two smaller buttons on each sleeve. Dark green epaulette with four metal buttons on each shoulder (Right side is faded). Two hip pockets with one button fastener. One internal pocket with small grey button. Unit patches on each sleeve and four inverted service chevrons on right sleeve at wrist. Two ribbon bars containing 5 Campaign Ribbons on left side of front, attached with standard 'brooch' fitting . Belt (same material as jacket) passes through two loops on back of jacket and is fastened by two buttons, hidden when belt is fastened. Metal buttons stamped with map of Australia with crown above and the words Australian Military Forces around. Makers label inside back below collar: " /tailors and habit makers, J .RAVENSDALE & SON Nicholas Bldg Swanston Street Melbourne". Name of owner handwritten "Sister Ride:"

Photograph - black and white. A photo of a friend of Elma Wells, a nurse named Mabel Anderson. Nurse uniform puffed sleeves, large belt buckle. At the front foot the name Creelman, Sydney. On the back Creelman & Co. Art Photographers, Burlington Galleries, Sydney ArcadeCreelman, Sydney.person, individual, nurse, mabel anderson. elma wells collection. nurse.outfit.

The best example of a [ca.1900's] uniform of a Alfred Hospital Nursing Student uniformTrainee Nurses Uniform [circa 1900]. Compiled from multiple donations and reproduction items. Reproduction mop hat made from cotton organza and grosgrain ribbon. The dress is made from a fine herringbone cotton fabric in the style of 1900s uniform. Gathering at waistband. The apron is also a reproduction with high round neck made from starched cotton. The starched collar is an original, it has square edges. It is stained at neckline and an overall yellow colour. Two starched cuffs. Belt made from starched cotton, Key chain [reproduction] with small metal scissors and 4 keys. Arm band made from cotton material with red felted wool Maltese cross badge attached.Armband inscribed Alfred Hospital in black ink. Belt inscribed 648 in black ink

This a belt which fastens to a Women’s nurses dress of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corp.The garment was a sealed sample 26 feb 1962. It is unknown when the dress was replaced. It is a representative example of this type of uniform in the period.The dress is in excellent condition.Light green cotton belt with 3 sewn holes ( for fastener) 30mm apart,a gap of 50mm with 3 more holes at one end of belt.At other end a sewn opening of 30mm with another similar opening 70mm from first.women’s, raanc, short sleeve, uniform, dress, royal australian army nursing corp

Northern District School of Nursing nurse's base uniform 1950s - 70s.Blue cotton uniform worn beneath white apron. The uniform is open at the front with eight button holes in right placket for buttons and shanks to attach. There are corresponding buttonholes on left side for closing, a small pocket at top left and a pocket at RHS of skirt. There is a small buttonhole at back of neck to attach white collar and white cuffs are attached to sleeves with two white buttons. The front has gathering from below the shoulders and the back top has an inverted pleat at centre. There is a white belt with two white buttons at one end attached with shanks and three sets of two button holes at the other end for closing. There is a white cap with frill and a line of blue braid above the frill indicating a third year trainee. There is a white apron with four buttonholes at the waist for closing and for the two shoulder straps.A white tag with Joy Lewis' in red is attached to all items. N.T.S in black marking pen is printed on back hem of neck. There are many black marking pen numbers and letters on the cap: NTS, BAS, 574, BH5, 530, 574 The apron has the name Lewis and figures 638 in black marking pen on inside of waist.nurses uniform, northern district school of nursing

Abbess- Nuns were permitted to travel and wore apparel reflecting fashion of the era. This brought criticism which led to uniformity. The veil symbolizes obedience humility and service. In the modern nurse the veil is a symbol of service to mankindMiniature Doll 30cm tall. Dressed in fawn coloured fitted dress with beaded belt falling the length of the dress with cross emblem. Doll is wearing fawn coloured head type veil/scarf. Name tag - Abbessnursing uniforms, nursing history, northern district school of nursing, miniature doll

This photograph depicts the Sister-in-charge with a group of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS,) Trained nurses, 'Nurses", with their bicycles, which were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The bicycles enabled their Nurses to visit more patients over a wider area. They are identified as: L-R back row: Trained Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis, Young. L-R front row: Isobel Curnow, Annie Roberts, Isabel Hawkes (Sister in Charge), Becker. Their uniforms were a grey cotton dress with white collar, cuffs and belt and their was a red Maltese cross on their pith helmets. They gave nursing care to the poor in the inner Melbourne and close surrounding areas (districts). On the 17th of February 1885, just 50 years after Melbourne was founded, a preliminary meeting of ladies and gentlemen who were anxious to form a society to provide "skilled nursing" for the sick poor in their own homes was held in Mrs William McCulloch’s home at Spring Street, Melbourne. At this meeting it was decided “that the association would be called the Melbourne District Nursing Society”, the first Society of its kind in Australia, and “that the special object of the Society shall be to secure skilled nursing for the sick poor in their own homes”. On the 16th of March a Committee was formed to “arrange for engaging one "duly qualified nurse”. On the 1st of May 1885 a Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed at £100 per annum, and a second Nurse, Mrs. Joanne Cannon, commenced six months later. In that era the term ‘Nurse’ was used even though they were ‘qualified’ i.e. ‘trained’ nurses. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality Trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed, as well as providing wood and coal in the winter. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expensive provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary is increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Sepia photograph of eight Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses posing with their bicycles in a park; some are partly hidden. Nurse's uniforms consist of long grey dresses with white belts, cuffs and collars and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross in the centre. Oblong leather nursing bags of varying sizes are strapped to five of the bicycles. In the centre is Sister-in-charge – Mrs Hawkes (in white); to her left are 4 Nurses and to her right 3. L-R – Front row – Trained Nurses Curnow, Roberts, (Hawkes) and Becker. Back row – Nurses Taylor, Steele, Francis and Young. Trees and a palm are in the background. The bicycles have two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), bicycles, nurses, uniforms, mdns, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse annie roberts, sister-in-charge isabel hawkes, trained nurse taylor, trained nurse steele, trained nurse francis, trained nurse young, trained nurse becker, trained nurse isobel curnow

The photograph is taken in Mr. Spartel's home in St. Kilda. The MDNS uniform worn under her white gown was a dark grey cotton frock with a belt. The grey stiffened and brimmed felt hat had a light grey hatband with a red Maltese cross attached in the centre. Sister J. Faust is about to redress a wound on Mr. Spartel's abdomen. The photograph is a record of wound care being given by MDNS trained nurses in a patients home during the 1950s. This photograph appeared along with an article in The Sun newspaper Oct 17 1952.The Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885, provided wound care to their patients, who ranged in age from the very young to the elderly. As research developed better products and dressing materials, the methods and medication applied to wounds changed. MDNS received Royal patronage in 1966 and as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the Education department developed programs, such as the Wound Specialist program, and the Leg Ulcer Management Program, to provide their Trained nurses (Sisters) with methods of best quality care. The Sisters liaised with the patient’s Doctors and hospitals to provide information on the progress of patient’s wounds and to receive any change of wound care from the Doctors. When RDNS introduced Wound Care Specialists they carried out assessments and provided advice and support to the District Sisters working in the field. On the left of the black and white photograph is Mr. George Spartel, who has dark short curly hair and is lying on his bed. His shoulders and head are resting on the white pillow with his head against the wooden slatted backrest of his bed. His torso is bare and part of a white wound dressing can be seen on his upper abdominal area. A dark grey covering is over the lower portion of his body. He is smiling and looking up at Sister J. Faust from Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) who is standing to the right of his bed.Sister Faust, who has dark curled hair, has her arms raised behind her neck as she reaches the ties on the white gown she is wearing over her uniform. She is wearing her grey brimmed uniform hat. Behind her is a wooden table, with a dark coloured radio on its right, and a jug with a doily over it, on the right.mdns, melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), nurses, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns wound care, mr george spartel, sister j. faust

The RDNS Sister is about to leave to visit patients in their homes in the community to administer nursing care as advised by a Doctor. The RDNS insignia on the door of the car is a round badge with a royal blue circle around the edge with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" in white, and the centre section is in three parts ,with the upper and lower sections white, and a royal blue centre strip with the large white capital letters "RDNS".Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (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 cars 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. Black and White Photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister about to enter one of the new light grey 2 door Holden Torana RDNS cars. The Sister, who is smiling, is wearing her uniform grey peaked hat over her long dark hair which is drawn back. She is wearing her long grey coat with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve and is holding the partly opened driver side door of the car with her left hand. She is holding the handle on the top of her rectangular black nursing case with her right hand. To the right, the grill and black number plate, with the white writing displaying "KXF 024", can be seen. The round RDNS insignia is on the upper centre of the car door. The car is the same width all over, has a flat bonnet which joins a sloping windscreen adjoining a flat roof which runs along and joins a short back window running down to a boot. A black tyred wheel can be seen under wheel arches at the front and near the rear of the vehicle. In the background to the left is a mid size bare tree; behind this portions of several parked cars and behind them a multi storey building with the Written words "Rioby House". To its right and directly behind the car is a mid size bare tree and behind that the end view of a brick building with a hip roof. Barry Sutton Photographer. Quote KL 52rdns transport, rdns uniform, royal district nursing service, rdns

The photograph of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Holden Torana vehicles was taken in the RDNS Headquarters car park at the rear of 452 St Kilda Road. These cars are part of the RDNS fleet, with others housed at RDNS Centres. The cars were used by the RDNS District nurses to visit patients in their own homes. This photograph depicts two door Holden Torana cars of 1972.Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (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 cars 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. Black and white photograph of 14, some partly hidden, new grey Holden Torana two door vehicles parked in two rows in the RDNS concrete based car park. The cars are parked with their front lights, grill, bumper bars and number plates facing the left of the photograph. The cars are seen side-on with the full side-on view of the two cars at the beginning of the rows seen in the foreground of the photograph. The flat bonnet is the same width as the rest of the body of the car; the windscreen slopes upward and joins the flat roof; there are two wiper blades resting at the base of the windscreen. In line, and at the level of the windscreen, a quarter window, and two windows divided by a narrow pillar can be seen running along the side of the car above the slightly convex body work and front door. The rear window slopes back from the roof and the slope continues on the upper bodywork of the boot lid. A metal strip runs along the side of the car about half way down the bodywork, and another runs just up from the beginning of the front wheel arch to the rear wheel arch; beside the front wheel arch is the word 'Torana'. The round, with capital letters 'RDNS', insignia can be seen on the upper centre of the front door of the two cars. The solid wheel caps have the Holden logo on them. The front grill which runs between the headlights on either side of the car, slopes slightly backwards from the central Holden badge. The bumper bar below this is metal. Black number plates with white written capital letters and numbers 'LFA - 208' and 'LFA - 207' are seen on two of the cars in the front row. The tops of two front seats with headrests and the top of a long back seat can be seen inside the car. A tall brick fence is seen running along the rear and right hand side of the car park. In the left background is a two storey building with a flat roof, and behind this on its left is a part of a tall building and to its right part of a bare tree can be seen. To the buildings right rear part of a house can be seen. In front and to the right of this is a three storey brick building, with the top two storeys seen above the car park fence. Multiple windows run along both levels of this building which has a tiled hip roof. The tops of some bushes are seen behind parts of the car park fence.Barry Sutton Photographer's Stamp Quote KX83rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport, rdns headquarters, rdns car park

This photograph is a good view of the car park at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, with the new Torana two door vehicles. The RDNS insignia seen on some of the cars is a thin royal blue circle with the words "Royal District Nursing Service" written in white capital letters. The centre section is in three with the top and bottom section white and the centre section royal blue with the large capital white letters "RDNS" written across it.Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used, and bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state two were sold in 1922 and the others later. In 1922-23 three Peugeot cars were purchased and a woman Chauffeur, 'Miss Sword', was employed who lived in the Home and was also in charge of the garage. MDNS was expanding and a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take the Trained nurses (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 cars 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. Black and white photograph taken above, and giving a "birds eye view", of the car park and latest fleet of grey Holden Torana two door vehicles owned by Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The fourteen cars are parked in two rows with the front of the cars facing to the left of the photograph. The round RDNS insignia is seen in the upper centre of some car doors. A tall brick wall is seen along the rear and right hand side of the car park. Two fire extinguishers are seen attached to the lower area of the rear brick wall in the open space between the two rows of cars. In the background and to the left, a road, some cars and parts of two brick buildings are seen as well as several small bare trees.Barry Sutton's Photographers Stamp. Quote KX 86royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns headquarters, rdns carpark,

The 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home' was built by MDNS in 1926 and the name changed from 'Care' to 'Hospital' in 1934. It was located at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. This photograph is taken three years after Miss Dorothy Tupper was appointed Matron of the District Nursing Division of the Society in 1941. The Sisters in this Division worked in the community giving nursing care to people in their own homes.From its foundation in 1885 the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS, were instrumental in giving care to their patients, and to assist them if they had financial problems or resided in poor living conditions. Miss Dorothy Tupper, who as a Trained nurse, had undertaken a course in hospital housekeeping at London Prince of Wales Hospital, was contacted by MDNS in 1939 and, possessing both business and humanitarian qualities, was asked to organize their newly established Social Service Department. As the MDNS Social Service Sister, she assessed the living conditions in patient's homes. She continued in this role until being appointed Matron of the Society's District Nursing division in 1941. Matron Dorothy Tupper announced her retirement in December 1962. As Matron for 22 years she played a major role in the employment and management of an ever increasing nursing workforce as well as help oversee the expansion of the service. Matron Tupper was known for her keen sense of duty, her high professional standards and never-failing concern for patients. The photograph was taken by Sun Newspaper photographer and appeared in an article about the MDNS in September 1944Black and white photograph showing Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Matron, Dorothy Tupper, standing side on, and to the left, of three District Trained nurses (Sisters) who are seated in the grounds of the After-Care Hospital. Matron Tupper is wearing a light coloured uniform which has a belt and a centre box pleat on the lower part of the skirt; a grey brimmed hat with a darker grey hat band sits over her short dark hair. She is looking down at the first Sister on the seat who is looking up at her. The Sisters at either end of the seat are wearing dark grey double breasted coats with lapels; the collars of their light colour uniforms can be seen. Both are wearing grey brimmed hats over their short dark hair. The Sister at the far end is wearing glasses and the Sister near Matron Tupper is holding a book. The centre Sister has shoulder length dark hair and is wearing a light coloured long sleeve uniform. She is also holding a book. Both these Sisters are looking toward Matron Tupper. The seat is made of wood and is against the concrete veranda of the building behind. Scrolled metal lace work is directly behind them with a round thin concrete post to the left of Matron Tupper and the other end of the lace work is fixed to the concrete square corner columns. One turns to the right and the concrete wall of the veranda attached can be seen running in front of part of the brick wall of the building.after- care hospital, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, nurses, matron, mdns social service department, rdns, royal district nursing service, matron dorothy tupper

This photograph shows Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained Nurses (known as 'Nurse' in those days) attending to a family in the early 1900s. It also shows their uniform which had a red Maltese cross in the centre of the pith helmet. The bicycle seen is the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS in 1903. The Nurse's bag is seen strapped to the handles of the bicycle. In February 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first District Nursing Society in Australia, was founded and the decision was made to only employ fully qualified nurses who had trained in a Hospital. In those days they were known as 'Nurse'. One Trained nurse, was employed in March, and a second employed six months later. They worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and only attended patients seen by a Doctor. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses liaised with the person's Doctor. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, 'Nurse', wearing their full length grey uniforms, with white collar, cuffs and belt, and white pith helmets with a Maltese cross applied. One Nurse is standing and holding her bicycle, while the other is kneeling and holding a small child. They are in the garden behind a horizontal weatherboard house. A man dressed in dark clothes is also kneeling beside the child. There is a child, dressed in white, in the doorway of the home, and a lady, dressed in a full length black dress and a white apron, is standing in front of the wooden fence in the garden. The bicycle has two large wire spoked wheels at either end of the black V shape bicycle frame; a rubber tyre runs around the outside of each wheel. The metal handlebars are a horizontal configuration and are attached with a central column into a black vertical column at the front of the V shape bicycle frame which has ‘fork shaped’ thin metal pierces running down either side of the wheel attaching the frame to the central hub of the wheel. The rear wheel is attached the same way to a central column at the rear of the frame which runs up to V shape solid seat. At the bottom of the V of the frame a pedal is attached with a rotating arm on either side of the bicycle and on the right side the rotating arm is attached to a sprocket which has a chain running around it back to a smaller sprocket on the hub of the back wheel. The chain has a thin metal guard over it. There are narrow thin metal mud guards running a short distance above the top of each wheel.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns transport, rdns, royal district nursing service

These are the first two Malayan nurse recipients of an Australian Imperial Force Scholarship. This entitled them to spend three months with the Melbourne District Nursing SocietyNurses from Malaya came to Australia under the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F) scholarship program.Black and white photograph of Malayan nurses, Miss Alice Chia and Miss Ooi Soh Im. Both Malayan nurses have dark short hair and are wearing glasses. They are wearing long grey coats which have collars and a belt, and dark brimmed hats. The nurse on the left is carrying an oblong case in her right hand and the one on the right has a white folded document in her left hand. They are standing on a path. Part of a brick building is to their left and rear, and a set of stairs is to the right rear. Part of a window can be seen to the left and some low bushes in front of the building. melbourne district nursing society (1885-1957), rdns, royal district nursing service, aif scholarship program, miss ooi soh im, miss alice chia

Matron F. L. Gordon and the Sisters are standing in front of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. The Nurses lived in this residence from 1914-1953. In 1926 the After-Care Home was built next door. This image was taken twelve months after the name of the Society changed from 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care 'Home' to 'Hospital'. The photograph shows the uniform of the District Division of the Melbourne District Nursing Society in the 1930s, with the uniform dress made of grey cotton. Their brimmed hat was made of felt with a cotton hat band with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. From its founding in 1885 until 1891 the Trained nurses, called 'Nurse' in those days, of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked from their own homes which were located in the vicinity of their areas (districts). In November 1891 MDNS was able to rent a two story terraced house at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton, at £65 a year, which contained accommodation for three Nurses and one pupil nurse as well as being used as their Headquarters. They left from their Nurses Home each morning and returned at the end of their shift to write up their book work before retiring for the day. Three years later, in 1894, they moved into a larger terraced house at 49 Drummond Street Carlton which was rented at ‘a very moderate rental’. There was a Board room, apartments for the Nurses and pupil nurse, a large dispensary which patients could attend each evening to have prescriptions signed and bottles refilled with ‘homely remedies’ and elixirs, which were administered for e.g. Consumptive cases. Doctor’s prescriptions were filled at the Pharmacy. Cupboards containing donated blankets and bedclothes for needy patients were kept in this room, and it was here where the Nurses kept their nursing bags which were refilled at the end of each shift ready for any emergency and for the next day. A list of Doctors the Nurses could call was kept by the telephone. The Home also had a kitchen where nourishing soup was made and distributed twice a week to the needy. Milk was also distributed when needed. In 1902 they moved into rented premises at 188 Leicester Street, Carlton and two years later, in 1904, to premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. They remained there for ten years and an Auction of furniture was held before their next move giving an idea of some of the contents: - Carpets, linoleum, walnut and oak sideboards, dining tables, walnut dining suite, Vienna chairs, walnut bedroom suite, cedar wardrobes, chests of drawers, duchess chests, bedsteads and bedding and general furnishings were for sale. In June 1914 at last the Society had sufficient funding to purchase their own terraced premises, ‘Floraston’ 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood which became their Headquarters and Nurses Home. In 1926 the After-Care Home for recovering patients, (later called After-Care Hospital) was built by the Society next door, running from 41-47 Victoria Parade (became No. 45); the District Sisters continued to live at No. 39. In November 1953 the District Nursing Division moved into their new Headquarters and Nurses Home at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, with a change of name to Melbourne District Nursing Service in 1957. With Royal patronage, this changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) in 1966. As District expanded, and now with outlying districts to service and with a full fleet of District cars, Sisters lived in their own homes and visited their District Centre each morning to collect their work for the day and returned there at the end of their days work in the community to carry out their administrative work. The digital image shows Matron, Miss F.L. Gordon, wearing a white uniform and veil and a dark coloured cape standing amid a group of eleven District Trained nurses (Sisters), from the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). Two Sisters are to her left and the others to her right. They are standing in front of a grey building. The Sisters are wearing their uniforms of grey long coats with lapels; the coat is secured with a belt around the waist. This is worn over their grey uniforms, with white collars. Each Sister is wearing their uniform grey brimmed hat with a Maltese cross attached to the light hatband, and are carrying a square shaped nursing case. They are standing in two rows, with some on the veranda of the building and some in front on the path; two Sisters are just off the path amid the shrubs. Part of the grey concrete building can be seen behind the Sisters with the open door to the left and part of three long windows seen to its right. One Sister has her lower left arm resting on the veranda rail.'Miss F.L. Gordon, Matron, and some of the District Sisters'mdns, melbourne district nursing society, 39 victoria parade, collingwood, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurses home, miss f.l. gordon, mdns uniforms, mdns matron