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. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.A two-page letter addressed to Mr.K.Dodgshun M.L.A outlining the concerns of the manager and president of the Ouyen and District Hospital Board. The major concerns were the shortage of nursing staff and the financial situation of the hospital. The letter appeals to the State and Federal Governments for immediate assistance. The letter is dated 2nd November, 1948.nursing, nurse training, post-war nursing, ouyen, ouyen and district hospital

Ouyen is a rural township near the centre of the Mallee region in north-west Victoria. It is on the Sunraysia Highway, 100 km south of Mildura, and is a railway junction for the lines to Mildura and westwards through the Mallee to Murrayville and Pinnaroo, South Australia. In 1903 the railway line was extended from Woomelang (80 km south of Ouyen) to Mildura, the site of an irrigation settlement on the Murray River. The prospect of farming in the Mallee had been enhanced by settlements at Hopetoun and Lascelles (both near Woomelang), and the opening of the railway line invited settlement along its route. Settlers began arriving in the Ouyen district in 1906, and the township was proclaimed in 1909. It is thought that the name was derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ghost or waterhole. West of Ouyen an area of land extending to the South Australian border was found to be adequate for farming and contained bore water (1906). Settlement spread westwards from about 1909 to Walpeup and beyond. Ouyen began functioning as a service centre. A school was opened in 1909 in a coffee palace and public hall. Within 15 years of its settlement Ouyen had 900 people, and was the administrative centre of Walpeup shire (1911). A shire hall was built in 1918. A district hospital was built in 1929, and a higher education school was opened in 1928. It became a high school in 1952. A Catholic primary school was also opened in 1952. By the 1930s, though, Ouyen had a local court, four banks, an agricultural society, sporting and racing clubs, and local industries such as cordial making, plaster sheet, a freezing works and an electricity generation plant. Silos were later built for the storage and railing of cereal grains."A Mallee Album. Reflections on Mallee Life" published by Local History Resource Centre, Ouyen. Foreword by The Local History Resource Centre Committee, Ouyen. A collection of images from the area and brief description associated with each image. Published in Australia by Local History Resource centre, Ouyen, 1988. White colored hard cover book. Black and white photograph on front cover. Titles printed in black. Book includes black and white photographs of local people and events. 153 pp.mallee, ouyen

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. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". One typed page on memories of the start-up of NDSN at Lister House First intake of nurses to get into NDSN 1950 starting at Lister House. To commence a standardised nurse's training. Bendigo was chosen as a central location involving the cooperation of several hospitals Bendigo, Mildura & Swan Hill Base hospitals plus smaller hospitals in Echuca, Castlemaine, Dunolly St. Arnoaud, Ouyen & Kyneton. Single typed page of memories on yellow paper covers the start-up of the school and the training for the nurses.all documents were regarding the compilation of the ndsnga inc. book "the first of its kind"

The Northern District School of Nursing in Victoria, Australia Graduates Association: The closure of the Northern District School of Nursing (NDSN) in Bendigo:Closure and TransitionNDSN, Australia's first independent nursing school, has closed after nearly 40 years of training nurses in central and northern Victoria. School 108 was the last after almost 40 years of nurse training. All general nurse training in the region will now be conducted in colleges instead of at NDSN. The school began in 1950 at Lister House, a historic mansion in Bendigo. It was certified as a training school for registered nurses in 1951, working with several regional hospitals. Initially, NDSN collaborated with hospitals in Castlemaine, Kyneton, Bendigo, Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca, St. Arnaud, Dunolly, and Ouyen. Over time, some hospital affiliations changed, with trainees from smaller hospitals gaining clinical experience at larger base hospitals in Bendigo and Mildura. All students attended Lister House for study blocks during their three-year training. The school was known for its highly trained and experienced tutors.Staff numbers dwindled as the school closed, with tutors moving to other jobs, hospitals, or early retirement.The last tutor to leave was Mary Ryan, who had been at Lister House for over 10 years. The school, once lively, is now described as silent and empty, likened to a 'morgue.'Former students and staff find the emptiness unsettling, highlighting the emotional impact of the closure. Despite the sadness, staff members emphasize the school's positive environment and achievements. The assistant dean notes high retention and pass rates, indicating strong academic performance. Over the years, significant renovations were made, including the construction of a new hall.Staff express pride in these improvements and the school's development. The School of Nursing in Bendigo has a rich history, remembered fondly by many Victorians who trained there.Staff, such as Mary, found it rewarding when former students returned to share their career progress and experiences. Anecdotes include students reaching out for support, such as requesting references to secure jobs while traveling. Graduation balls ('grad balls') were a significant tradition, known for their fun, themed events and memorable costumes. Themes ranged from 'Your fantasy' to 'Wear something you've never dared to wear before.'The final grad ball for School 108 is scheduled with the theme 'The wake,' marking the end of an era. The NDSN building currently stands empty, with its future undecided.A feasibility study is underway to consider repurposing the building, possibly for a government department such as the Health Department.Other groups have shown interest, but the final decision will be made by the Health Minister, Caroline Hogg.Northern District School of Nursing Graduates Association - Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express Tues 18 July 1988 by Linda Harrow Page 14 This item contains the following document: 3792.9a From the article black and white photo of Lister House 3792.9b Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express 3792.9c From the article black and white photo of the first group of general nurses ever to be trained at the Northern District School of Nursing 3792.9d Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Express 3792.9e Part of the Article "They will nurse fond memories of their school" from the Midland Expressnurse training, lister house, history, mary ryan