Grey felt nurse's hat, broad brimmed with black band with silver and red badge attached.Dunkerley Ltd. Akubra 1969 Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Badge.nurse's hat

WW2 Nurse (Hat H089, Cape U105, Dress U939, Stockings U839, Shoes U111)uniform, ww2, army

VAD Nurse Jacket U107, Hat H089, Shirt U185a, Tie U186, Overcoat U108, Dress U101, Stockings U101a, Shoes U293.uniform

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

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Six men sit in front of the group (Mr Imhose stands fourth from the left in front row), upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 10 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2491 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on cardHandwriting reads: "Mental Hospital / Beechworth / Miss A. J. Ross / about 82 in 1944".mental asylum, beechworth, mayday hills, mayday hills hospital, victoria, mental health, history of mental illness, treatment of metal illness, asylum, hospital for mentally unwell, miss a.j. ross, nurse, staff, doctors

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Five men sit in front of the group, upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 12 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2490 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on cardFrazer & Vallance Photographers Melbournemental asylum, beechworth

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

Part of a nurses' uniform during the Second World War. Khaki wool felt hat with wide brim and burgandy-brown grosgrain ribbon band with bow on right side. The hat also has a grosgrain sweatband with a maker's label sewn in on the interior. This is marked in ink with manufacturers' label. Elastic chip strap on interior has deteriorated and broken in half.Label on interior reads "MADE IN AUSTRALIA/UIM/N451-1943/SIZE 6 5/8 - 21 1/4 in." second world war, world war ii, world war 2, world war two, wwii, nurse, medical, women

Part of a nurses' uniform during the Second World War. Khaki wool felt hat with wide brim and burgandy-brown grosgrain ribbon band with bow on right side. The hat also has a grosgrain sweatband with a maker's label sewn in on the interior. This is marked in ink with manufacturers' label. Elastic chip strap on interior is secure and matches colour of grosgrain.Label on interior reads "N513/1943/MADE IN AUSTRALIA/6-5/8"second world war, world war ii, world war 2, world war two, wwii, nurse, medical, women

Part of a nurses' uniform during the Second World War. No exact matches for a female "W Wilson" were found in research, though the hat could have belonged to Nancy Wilson, born in Carlton to W Wilson.Navy wool felt hat with wide brim and navy grosgrain ribbon band with bow on right side and black rising sun badge on centre front of ribbon. The hat also has a synthetic sweatband on the interior, on to which a cotton label has been sewn with the name "W. WILSON". Elastic chip strap on interior has deteriorated and broken in half.Label on interior reads "W. WILSON" second world war, world war ii, world war 2, world war two, wwii, nurse, medical, women

Photos relate to James Worland MILLS No 3441 59th Battalion. .1) James MILLS is 3rd from R standing with arms crossed. .2) James MILLS is 2nd from L without a hat, 3rd row from front. .3) James MILLS is 2nd on L. Refer Cat No 169P for his service details..1) Photo, black / white, showing a large group of soldiers & nurses standing & sitting outside a large building. .2) Photo, black / white, showing a large group of soldiers & nurses standing & sitting outside a large building. .3) Photo, sepia, showing a large group of soldiers & nurses with 3 children standing outside outside a large building. .4) & .5) Photos, black / white, copies of .2) & .3). .1) “Versailles 18.6.19 YMCA” .2) “Paris 17.6.19 YMCA” .3) “Paris 20.6.19 YMCA” .4) “Paris 20.6.19 YMCA” .5) “ Paris 17.6.19 YMCA”photographs, 59th, paris, ymca

Bertie HARWARD No 3854 AIF. Refer Reg No 341P for his service details..1) Post card photo, sepia, portrait of a soldier with slouch hat, background clear. .2) Post card photo, sepia showing 1 seated & 1 standing soldier in studio background. .3) Photo, sepia, showing a large group of hospital inmates, nurses & 2 small boys..1) On rear: To Mrs HARWARD 48 Arnold St Bendigo - (3854) Pte B Harward 12th Reinforcements 5th Battalion 2nd INF Brigade, On Active Service AIF .2) On rear: France 22.12.17 Yours affectionately Bert Harward .3) On rear: 28.9.18 Sulby Hall Hospital Welford Rugby England Bertie Harward 2nd from right front rowhospitals nurses, australian soldiers

Gladys Elva Mole VFX17199 Australian Army Nursing Service. Refer Cat No’s 1899, 1901.4 medals and service history. .1) Two photos, colour, side by side in the one frame. On the left is a Nurse in grey uniform with hat & tie. On the right is same Nurse in uniform with red cape. The frame is brown stained wood with gold band. .2) Photo, colour showing Gladys Mole standing beside her uniform that is on a mannequin. The frame is brown stained wood with gold band,.1) " Capt Gladys Mole VFX17199" .2) "Gladys Mole with her wartime uniform prior to going on display."photography - photographs,, frame accessories, medicine, nursing, military history, army

This hat is part of the uniform 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 felt hat with 60mm brim. Brown hat band 30mm wide with narrow stripes top and bottom. Narrow stripes red and grey at top of band, grey and red at bottom of band.Inner hat band marked with "N231, 6 7/8, 1942"

Hat Voluntary Aid Detachment "VAD" nurses (part of UC003) (Also can havea Rising Sun hat Badge for late WW2)(Also Part UC013)headgear, army

Grey felt wide brim hat with black hatband and red and silver corps badge of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps. Service Dress HatHat badge - 'Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps', 'Pro Humanitate'nurse, hat, barbara frances black, t/captain

Sister M Morrison and R B Keeble were nurses at 28 Camp hospital TaturaBlack and white photo of Sister M Morrison and Sister B Keeble. Both wearing a suit with buttoned up jackets, tie and hat. Lace up shoes.sister morrison, sister keeble, nurse, 28 camp hospital, camp 1, danson, "tatura" by wh bossence

28 Camp Hospital TaturaBlack and white photograph of four hospital staff. Sister J Berryman in Nurses uniform with veil; an A.W.A.S Cook; a German Orderly; Sister E. Henderson in army uniform and hat. Standing in front of an unknown object on a path. Trees behind.28 camp hospital, tatura, nurse, awas nurse, orderly, uniform

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.School 66 Black and white photo of five nurses sitting at a table in the staff dining room, in full uniform including capes and hats. From rear of photo: right to Left: Nicki Barber (now Seromble), Marg Waugh (now Watts), Val Rothacker.nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 66

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.2 Large white sheet - 5 Photos - 4 coloured one black and white there are names for each photo. Black and white photo has 5 men and 5 women. Top coloured photo has 5 men and 5 women. Middle coloured photo has 4 women seated. Bottom left hand side photo has 7 ladies taken outside on lawn with building in back ground. Bottom photo right hand side has 4 women with statue of lion in middle. 2nd page has 4 coloured photos two at top similar and bottom has 5 women in hats and fur stolesnursing history, nursing information

Royal Australian Army WRAAN Corps. 00066 .1 Silver buttons made by K.G.Luke Melbourne Kings crown & map of Australia 1 centremetre x 2 00066.2. Hat badge, Queens crown, white metal, slider fitting. 00066.3 Buttons, grey felt covered, 2 centremeters x2 00066.4 Officers shoulder pips, white metal & enamel. 00066.5 Cloth shoulder boards with maroon officers pips, cut off uniform 10 x 5 centremeters plus buttons x 2

Australian badges mounted on card. 1 Rising Sun Hat Badges, 6 x Collar badges including a silver nurses type, 6 x Australia shoulder titles.

Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and is standing with a group of RDNS staff in the Education Department at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Sr. Rowley is wearing the RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a blue/grey V neck tunic style dress made of herring bone winter material. She, and the lady in the white dress, are displaying the RDNS winter beret made of the same herringbone material as the RDNS winter dress.From its earliest years when the Trained nurses (Nurses) of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS began to wear uniforms the chosen colour was grey, though the style changed throughout the years as fashions changed from the late 1800s through to the 1970s. Their Nurses firstly wore long grey frocks, and on their heads, a white cap with a long white tail hanging from the centre back. When bicycles were introduced the headgear changed to a white pith helmet adorned with a red Maltese cross in the centre front. This was held on with a veil going over the hat and tied under the chin. Over the years there were complaints that the veils became wet in the rain and they asked for a change of uniform, but this did not happen until 1921. Later the Trained nurses (Sisters) complained their skirts became wet when riding their bicycles in the rain and asked, when raining, to be able to wear breeches and gaiters. This was granted provided they wore aprons when attending patients. It was not long before the uniform changed to a shorter length grey frock, red cardigan, grey coat and grey brimmed hat; later changed to a peaked grey hat. In 1966 MDNS were granted Royal patronage. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), the uniform was redesigned and colour changed in 1971. By 1972 the Sisters were wearing the new winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style frock made of blue/grey herringbone winter material with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, and a beret of the same material. In summer the uniform became a royal blue V neck tunic style frock, with the RDNS insignia on the upper left, worn over a short sleeve white blouse. A royal blue peaked hat with the RDNS insignia in the centre front was worn at first and then only worn on official occasions. This uniform was worn until changed to a corporate style in the mid 1980s,This black and white photograph depicts six Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) staff standing in two rows in front of closed long grey curtains. They are looking at the camera and smiling, some are partly hidden. L- R back row - A lady who has short dark hair and is wearing a grey and black patterned frock. Next is a lady with her black hair drawn back; is wearing black pants and a black sleeveless V neck jacket over a white skivvie. The next lady has wavy short dark hair; is wearing white slacks, a light grey jacket with lapels and the pocket on its upper left has a vertical zip in the centre. She has a black and white striped scarf around her neck. Front row L-R - A lady with shoulder length black curled hair who is wearing a white uniform style dress and is turned toward the right of the photograph. Her right hand is on the top edge of an RDNS beret which is held on its edge with the inner white lining seen, and the upper section showing the deep front of the beret which has a central RDNS logo. To the right of this, is Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley who has short dark straight hair; is wearing dark rimmed glasses and is wearing a light grey skivvie under a darker V neck tunic style dress. She is turned toward the left of the photograph and her right hand is holding the bottom edge of the RDNS beret and her left hand is on the top edge. The next lady, on the far right, has shoulder length black curly hair and is wearing dark grey slacks, and a black round neck jumper over a white blouse with the peaks and cuff seen.Barry Sutton MA 23 rdns, rdns education, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, sister pat (paddy) rowley

Combination Sepia and Black & White Photos Total 5 dated from 1921-1924 depicting life for the Hill family at that time. Posing for photo after a swim Queenscliff February 1921, four ladies dressed in white two wearing hats 1 boater1 broad brimmed, Dressed For Dinner on a Sunday Rita, Dora, Doreen and Zita, two on left are dressed in white one with black band at waist, third girl wears a white blouse and dark skirt girl at right white top and patterned dress, all appear to have necklaces date unknown, Leisure time at Hanging Rock 1923, Five men all in dark suits with white shirts and hats, four ladies two wearing white dresses one with large brimmed hat another hidden by a man dress has circular pattern, two vehicles of the same make canvas roofs no side curtains, note small circular windows at back, Hanging rock 1 January 1923, background large trees. Nurse in all white nursing Rosa also dressed in white in the grounds of the Bendigo Base Hospital 1924. Two girls one in drivers seat and other in back-seat both dressed in white another persons left hand on the back door of the car Hanging Rock 1 January 1923.Hilda Hill Personal Collectionaustralia, history, post war life

Elizabeth Maitland Anderson was born c1887, daughter of William Anderson and Elizabeth MacKay. After she retired she lived at the Loyal Orange Lodge in Station Street, Box Hill South. She died on 14 May 1974 at Box Hill. She was cremated and ashes interred at Springvale Cemetery – Banksia, Wall H, Niche 302. Elizabeth Anderson opened Mosgiel Prvate Hospital in 1923 and was the Matron there from 1923-1950. She had been Matron of the Queen Victoria Hospital for four years. She lived next to the hospital at 297 Mont Albert Road from 1923-1930s. 'Mosgiel' was very highly regarded by medical practitioners and patients alike. After her retirement in 1950, along with with Doctors Roberta and Agnes Donaldson, she opened the Elgar Private Nursing Home in Elgar Road. Elizabeth Anderson was particularly involved with Moral Re-Armament and supported activities that took place in the Melbourne Home and Centre for Moral Re-Armament.A black and white photograph of an older lady wearing a hat and a coat.mosgiel private hospital, queen victoria hospital, elgar private nursing home, elgar road, mont albert road, nurses, nursing homes, health professionals, melbourne home and centre for moral re-armament, miss elizabeth maitland anderson, dr roberta donaldson, dr amelia roberta donaldson, dr agnes donaldson

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 Certificate was presented to Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Nettie Osborne on completion of six months employment with Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS). This is the only example of a MDNS Nurses certificate in the RDNS collection. In 1913 the MDNS Nurses had their board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses provided. Newly employed Nurses were paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. .Following the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in February 1885 to care for the sick poor in Melbourne, subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided that only nurses who had attended a Hospital Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society. After interviewing several candidates, it was on the first of May 1885 when the first Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed by MDNS with a salary of £100 per annum. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, "on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district". A Doctor agreed to assist the Nurse with advice at any time. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some poor social conditions they found. A second Nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon was employed by MDNS six months later, with a trial period of six months which was extended. They were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to illness through the heaviness of the work. Nurses salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and then when establishments were rented by the Society and the Nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They liaised with Doctors and provided high quality trained nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. They provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many nurses only remained with the Society for several months. A Trained Midwife was employed in August 1893. The work was arduous, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used; straw hats were worn in summer. Over the years the Nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Public transport was also used over the years, in conjunction with a Motor Auxiliary from 1929 to 1971. MDNS began with its own small fleet of vehicles in the early 1950s which gradually expanded into a full fleet.The coloured Certificate is made of white paper attached to a buff card forming a boarder. It is in gold print on the white background which has a thin gold border. In large bold script are the words "Melbourne District Nursing Society" In between the words "District" and "Nursing" is a red Maltese cross which extends above and below the writing. Underneath this, in smaller capital letters, are the words "For Nursing Sick Poor In Their Own Homes"/. Below this in bold script are the words "This is to Certify that"/. Under this, written in black handwriting, is "Nurse Nettie Osborne"/; below this in script is "has acted in the capacity of District Nurse", then in black handwriting the words "Six Months"/. The next two lines read "having fulfilled her Duties to the satisfaction of her Committee, /"and appreciation of her Patients". The Certificate is signed in black by Mary Leeper, Vice President; Kate Hood; Hon. Treasurer; C.M. Tatham Hon. Secretary, and has Date; 8th July 1913 in black handwriting. On paper attached with tape to the back of the Certificate, is a copy of a photograph of two unidentified people. [Possibly Nettie and her husband]. Some small marks, and in one area a small area of cracking is seen on the white background of the certificate.certificates, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurse nettie osborne