Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul. In 1638 St Vincents de Paul and Mademoiselle de Gras taught simple nursing procedure to young peasant women. They worked in the home hospital and battlefield. Their duties were arduous no pain relief was known and they were exposed to infection. In the 20 century the sisters of St Vincents De Paul are working worldwide nursing teaching caring for orphans the aged lepers. They shared in advances in medical science.30cm Miniature Doll dressed in bright blue shimmering dress with matching capeName tag Sisters of Charitynursing history, nursing uniforms, northern district school of nursing, miniature dolls

Booklet produced by St Vincent's Care Services presenting a timeline of Eltham Retirement Centre 1955-2015 when it was purchased by St Vincent's Health Australia. Also includes Sisters of Charity Heritage timeline 1815-2015. Eltham Retirement Centre was previously known as Judge Book Village. judge book memorial village, judgebook, st vincent's health australia, timeline, chronology, sisters of charity, eltham retirement centre, aged care services

Embroidered by Sister Mary St Gregory Slattery RSC. Sisters of Charity. St. Vincent's Convent, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW.Exceptional example of embroidery.Cream linen with self coloured embroidery in a copy of Aemilia-ars Italian work. Many open work designs and satin stitch surrounds and deep peaked edge."1911" stitched near a cornerembroidery, mats, aemilia-ars, 1900-20, australia

The sampler was found by a sister Agatha in a house left to the Sisters of Charity by 2 elderly ladies who were visitors, and later patients at Caritas Christi hospice for the dying in Kew (Letter in Archive file). Cross stitch and satin stitch sampler in soft coloured silks, on very fine beige linen. There are various spot motifs of flowers, birds, a giraffe and a man which surround a verse, name and date. There is a strawberry border on 3 sides and a scroll border at the base."Sarah Ann Fellows work, 1884" Verse on sampler Swift as the winged arrow flies, My time is hastening on. Quick as the lightning from the skies My wasting moments run. My follies Past O God forgive My every sin subdue And teach me henceforth how to live, with glory in thy view. Above lower border "Done at the Catholic School Sedgley"embroidery, cross stitch, england, samplers, mid 19th century

Published: The Age 10 December 1934 Published title: RELIGIOUS PAGEANTRY AND FERVOR MARKED CLOSE OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. Published caption: Thousands of men and women marched in the Eucharistic procession yesterday which brought the Congress to a close. The picture above shows the procession headed by the Children of Mary in Bourke-street and turning into Spring-street, in front of Parlia ment House. Right (top) — The procession leaving the starting point at St. Patrick's Cathedral and below, the Papal Legate carrying the Host under a canopy borne by a guard of laymen and preceded by white-clad girls scattering rose leaves, incense bearers and the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms. The end of the procession in front of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital from which the final benediction was given by Cardi nal MacRory from an altar on the bal cony. The Papal Legate carrying the Host is passing through the assemblage of surpliced priests. On the left is an aerial picture taken just as the Children of Mary at the head of the procession are taking up their places for the final assembling. In the left top corner of the picture is St Patrick's Cathedral, from which the procession started, and in the right lower corner is Mount St. Evin’s Hospital. The space immediately in front of the hospital was reserved for the processionists while on either side is the crowd that assembled to take part in the final service. Trove article identifier: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205067634 Religious pageantry and fervour The National Eucharistic Congress took place from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 December 1934. An initiative of the Roman Catholic Church, it was their contribution to Melbourne’s Centenary Celebrations. 200,000 Catholics resided in Melbourne at this time – one quarter of the city’s population. While the Congress was aimed at Catholics, and acted as an opportunity to reinforce their living faith and homage, it contained a variety of events of splendour, solemnity and significance designed to appeal to Melbournians, and would additionally provide incentive for people to travel to Victoria, thereby creating an economic benefit to the state. The Procession of the Blessed Sacrament concluded the week-long Congress. Commencing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, it covered a two-mile route via Gisborne, Collins, Elizabeth and Bourke streets, then to Victoria Parade, where a final benediction was pronounced by Cardinal MacRory from the balcony of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital (today the site of St Vincent’s Private Hospital). An estimated 100,000 took part. Onlookers line Swanston Street, some standing at the entrance to Tate’s Tea House – a well-known Melbourne landmark located in the basement of the Manchester Unity Building. The white-veiled Children of Mary Sodalists strew rose petals in the path of the canopy, covering the jewelled Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament of consecrated Host (bread) and carried by the Cardinal. Church hierarchy in scarlet robes walk alongside, followed by incense bearers, the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms, and a guard of honour of laymen of the city and country parishes. In the foreground is a tiered pole. This is one of 800 “Venetian Lights” specifically installed for the Centenary along all principal thoroughfares. “The poles are painted white, the superstructure resembling three trumpet lilies are made of durable fibro-cement, and their colour scheme deepens from clear yellow on the top cone to orange on the lowest, with slender rims of vermilion and white. Each cone is flooded with light externally from three lamps concealed in the one below it. There is also a painted coat of arms from which spring a trophy of flags.” – Australian Home Beautiful Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie. Research by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie: This photo was taken on Sunday 9 December 1934, looking from the Melbourne Town Hall (corner of Swanston and Collins streets) across the road to the Manchester Unity Building. This is the afternoon procession concluding the Catholic Church’s National Eucharistic Congress in Melbourne - a procession of the Blessed Eucharist through the Melbourne city. It commenced at St Patrick’s Cathedral, and covered a two mile route via Gisborne, Collins, Elizabeth and Bourke streets, then to Victoria Parade where a final benediction was pronounced by the Cardinal from the balcony of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital (present day St Vincent’s Private Hospital). An estimated 100,000 took part in the march. The people lining the streets a men in suits and hats, women in coats and hats, and children in their “Sunday best”, kneeling beside the road, many with their hands clasped in front of them. The small girls ahead of the canopy covering the Host are pale-blue clad, white veiled Children of Mary Sodalists, who strew rose petals to pave the way of the Cardinal carrying the jewelled Monstrance (Blessed Sacrament of consecrated Host (bread)), together with church heirarchy wearing scarlet robes. Behind came incense bearers and the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms, followed by a guard of honour of laymen of the city and country parishes. The Children of Mary Sodalities was a religious body which aimed at fostering in its members an ardent devotion, reverence, and filial love towards the Blessed Virgin Mary, initially embracing the pupils and orphans of the schools and institutions of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. In 1847, Blessed Pius IX affiliated them to the Jesuit Roman Sodality. They were distinguished by a medal suspended from a blue ribbon, and once a fully-fledged a Child of Mary wore a distinctive blue cape. On the extreme right foreground of the photo can be seen an intriguing piece of artistic design – a tiered pole. This is one of the 800 “Venetian Lights” specifically installed for Melbourne’s Centenary along all principal thoroughfares. “The poles are painted white, the superstructure resembling three trumpet lilies are made of durable fibro-cement, and their colour scheme deepens from clear yellow on the top cone to orange on the lowest, with slender rims of vermilion and white. Each cone is flooded with light externally from three lamps concealed in the one below it. There is also a painted coat of arms from which spring a trophy of flags.” Note the sign for Tates Tea House - a well-known Melbourne landmark, located in the basement of the Manchester Unity Building. References: RELIGIOUS PAGEANTRY AND FERVOR MARKED CLOSE OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. (1934, December 10). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205067634 Eucharistic Congress (1934, December 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 11. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10997817 National Eucharistic Congress, Melbourne. (1934, December 6). The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), p. 28. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104371824 'The year of the Melbourne Eucharistic Congress: 1934.' The Campion Society, https://campion.australiancardijninstitute.org/ch-7-the-year-of-the-melbourne-eucharistic-congress-1934/ 'Melbourne Eucharistic Congress 1934.' Panoramic photograph, https://emhs.org.au/catalogue/emdf0123 The National Eucharistic Congress, Melbourne, Australia December 2nd-9th, 1934. Edited by Rev. J.M. Murphy and Rev. F. Moynihan, The Advocate Press, Melbourne. 'Children of Mary Sodalists', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodality_of_Our_Lady 'Dressing Melbourne for the Duke' (1934, October 1). The Australian home beautiful : a journal for the home builder, p. 21, 58. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2950922209 Photographer notations on slide: "Eucharistic Congress Procession on Swanston St B61" [sic - actually Collins Street].events, religion, parades, catholic church

This book comes from the property of Lyndoch near the mouth of the Hopkins River. George Rolfe, a tea merchant from Melbourne, established Lyndoch in 1875 and Miss Florence Lake, daughter of Miss Annie Lake, later Mrs George Rolfe, inherited the property with her sister Annie. In 1920 Florence Lake built a large house called Lyndoch. She had a Rolls Royce car and a chauffeur and was a tireless worker for local charities. Florence Lake died in 1946 and the property became the site of an Aged Care Facility in Warrnambool. Florence Lake’s house now forms part of the hostel section of this facility. This book would have been in the Lyndoch library during Florence Lake’s time there. D K Broster ( Dorothy Kathleen) was a popular writer of historical novels in the early part of the 20th century. The Flight of the heron being her most acclaimed.This book is of interest as it came from the historically-important property and house known as Lyndoch and so it is connected to Miss Florence Lake, a prominent person in Warrnambool in the first half of the 20th century. This is a hard cover book of 439 pages. It has a red cover with black lettering on the front and spine. It also has a dust cover which has a colour image of a man in late 18th century attire and a shield containing a yellow poppy. The dust cover is partly torn away. The book has 46 chapters. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘Lyndoch Xmas 1937’lyndoch, florence lake, history of warrnambool

In the early stages of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme the State Electricity Commission took over the financial and construction responsibility of the Tawonga District General Hospital building at a cost of 27,000 pounds. This included the removal and re-erection of the ex-military Bonegilla ward from Wodonga while in addition they carried out all the necessary building works that allowed the hospital to operate as a functional unit. The work was completed and handed over to the Hospital Committee of Management on September 1, 1949. Local residents raised 3,400 pounds through fund raising. The balance was met by the SEC and the Hospital and Charities Commission. The initial project was to provide for a basic temporary hospital which was later to include an Operating Theatre, Offices, Store, Mortuary and a Nurse’s Home, until the establishment of a permanent medical premises. Following the opening, 455 patients were admitted to the Tawonga District General Hospital and 254 operations were performed in the first year. The hospital relocated to Mount Beauty in the former SEC administration offices located in the town centre. Official opening of the 18 bed Tawonga District General Hospital was on April 29 in 1961. The old weatherboard building was demolished around the late 1900’s to early 2000’s and replaced with a new modern brick building. Alpine Health CEO Mr Lyndon Seys oversaw the opening of the new Mount Beauty Hospital in November 2001 alongside Board of Management President Mr Andrew Randell, other board members and politicians. The Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme the State Electricity Commission played a pivotal part in the planning and initial funding of the Tawonga District General Hospital, with a view to providing medical support for its many workers on the Hydro scheme. Later, spouse and family members of workers were also able to access medical assistance The hospital was originally located in Tawonga away from the majority of the patients as the Hospital and Charities. Many SEC workers and their families have received medical care at Tawonga District General Hospital and Alpine Health over the years. A number of family members of SECV workers as well as other dedicated staff have provided high quality medical attention and support in all the facilities as nursing staff, support staff and volunteers. Many past staff members and their families still remain living in the Kiewa Valley area 19 Colour photographs of the Tawonga and District Hospital situated in Mt Beauty circa 2000. Including photographs of interior and of some staff members1. No markings 2. G Ryder at front entrance 3. Sister G Ryder in the Resuscitation Room 4. Nurse D Hateley in the Kitchen 5. Nurse D Hateley in the Casualty Room 6. Sister W McClelland in new nurse’s station 7. R Forrest, G Ryder, ?, M Ranton 8. Nurse D Hateley in the Pan Room 9. Tawonga District General Hospital: Resuscitation Room 10. Hospital Hallway 11. Empty Nurses Station 12. Tawonga District General Hospital: Nursery 13. Patient Tea Room 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18. No marking mt beauty district hospital, tawonga district hospital, bonegilla ward, ryder family

Sister Elizabeth McGovern, Sister Mary Lacey, Sister Mary Griffiths, and Sister Gerardus Thistlewaite were all nuns of the Brigidine Order in Beechworth in the second half of the twentieth century. They had backgrounds in teaching and office work. As nuns, their contributions to the community included teaching, running camps, being there for community members wishing to talk to them or pray, and visiting prisons and hospitals. During their time in the order, the role of the nuns in Beechworth shifted due to the closing down of the Priory School, and changes in where housing for nuns was provided. The oral history also includes stories of boarding at the convent in the 1950s, and reflections on how the experience of being a nun has changed due to increasing immersion in the modern world, and the move from convent to house. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Sister Elizabeth McGovern, Sister Mary Lacey, Sister Mary Griffiths, and Sister Gerardus Thistlewaite's interview with Jennifer Williams is revealing of the history of the Brigidine order in Beechworth, and the role religion and nuns played in the wellbeing, education, and life of the community in the latter half of the twentieth century. It is significant both for what it illustrates about the lives and motivation of the Sisters, and for what it tells us about how the role of religious education and figures shifted in Beecjhworth from 1950 onward. It is especially illuminating about the experience of women in education. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a series of digital recordings that were originally recorded on multiple cassette tapes. The cassette tapes are black with a horizontal white strip and are currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. They up to 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Sister Elizabeth McGovern, Sister Mary Lacey, Sister Mary Griffiths, Sister Gerardus Thistlewaitelisten to what they say, listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, nuns, brigidine sisters, brigidine convent, school, religion, prison, boarding school, modernization, food, women's history, teaching, teachers, education, hospitals, beechworth hospital, charity, old priory, father stockdale, easter, beechworth 1950s

In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the DepressionAudio tape interview with sisters Doreen Domenica Favalora, and Josephine Monica Faveloro; cake and food shop owners. Daughters of Salvatore and Gina Favaloro. Doreen was born in 1915, and Josephine in 1920. Both attended school at St Mary's College, Doreen, c1920-1933, and Josephine, 1925-1938. The tape has been converted to a sound file. The 120 minute interview can be listened to, and the notes viewed, at the Bendigo Historical Society. By appointment only. The sisters lived at 137 Forest Street (not the one in the photo) Generations of the Favaloro family have attended Catherine McAuley College and its predecessor colleges St Mary's and Marist Brothers'. A book has been released documenting the progressive family migration from Salina, Italy to Bendigo. The family went on to run many much-loved businesses in Bendigo including cafes, fruit shops, theatre kiosks and caterers. A book has been written called 'The Favaloro Family of Bendigo: The Early Year 1895-1942' by Robert McWilliam. The photo and article are from the Bendigo Weekly Newspaper Friday April 7th 2006history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes, doreen and josephine favaloro

Letter, dated 3 April 1996, from The Bendigo Irish Association Inc. thanking The Colonial Bush Band for their participation in their Annual St Patrick's Day Charity Concert. Signed by Greta Balsillie, Secretary. The letterhead across the top of the page has 6 shamrocks with 1 large and 3 small kangaroos in front of the shamrocks.person, individual, peter ellis oam, peter ellis collection, the bendigo irish association inc, robert rossiter, the colonial bush band, family care sisters, greta balsillie

From EDHS Newsletter No. 135 - November 2000 Marion and Russell Yeoman have had a letter from Margaret Taylor of Eltham England which includes the following:- "John Kennett went on a tour of West Norwood cemetery with the 'Edith Nesbit Society" and his eye was accidentally drawn to a mention of John Edmond SCHLOTEL 1838-1905 who was buried in ELTHAM VICTORIA. His mother was an Eltham girl." "Sophia (Sophie) Rowley, 1802-1870 was the daughter of James Rowley of Eltham (U.K.) who was an assistant teacher and married to Ann, maiden surname Tyhurst. She had older brothers and sisters baptised in Eltham 1795- 1801, namely Charity, Maria, Arthur Partridge, James Union and then Sophie, born 9th October and baptised 31st October 1802." "We have no idea where or when (not Eltham we think) but she apparently married Mr Charles Schlotel, who was possibly three years younger than herself. Their offspring included John Edmond SCHLOTEL 1839-1905 who was buried in your Eltham, Victoria. " This seemed like a bit of challenge to Marion who paid a visit to the Eltham Cemetery and almost immediately located the grave of Edmund John Schlötel who died on 12th May 1905 and was buried there on 14th May. The headstone says he was late of Brixton England. This is a double grave with no indication of who else is buried there. Cemetery records show that Elizabeth Schlötel was buried there in 1917. The records say that Edmund Schlötel came from Brighton England but a hand written version of Brixton or Brighton could easily be confused. Death records in the La Trobe Library record the death at Eltham in 1905 of Edward John Schlötel, son of Charles Bartholemew Schlötel and Sophia Ann Rowley. There appears to be nothing in the Evelyn Observer about Schlötel's death. SCHLOTEL.—On the 12th May, at his residence, Eltham, Edmund John Schlotel, late of Brixton, England, in his 66th year. Family Notices (1905, May 20). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 60. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139806588 A Google search in 2026 revealed additional information: E. J. Schlötel. (2026, May 10). Retrieved from https://nzhistory.govt.nz/suffragist/e-j-schlotel Elizabeth Salmon married Edmund John Schlötel, an accountant, on 17 October 1881 in Dunedin. Edmund had arrived on the Sebastian into Port Chalmers on 8 October 1859. He lived at Spylaw station in Otago before moving to Dunedin. In 1878 Edmund was the only candidate for the office of Mayor of North-East Valley and so was declared duly elected. Three years before this petition was signed Elizabeth and Edmund’s five roomed house in the North-East Valley was destroyed by fire. It was insured for £610 (about $109,000 in today’s money). (Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley.) Elizabeth Salmon was born about 1851. She had a daughter, Nina, who was born about 1876 and was an accomplished violinist. The fire that destroyed their home was in 1890 - in the mid 1890’s the family moved to Victoria, Australia. Edmund died at their home in Eltham on 12 May 1905 and Elizabeth died in December 1917 – they are buried together in the Eltham Cemetery. Eltham Cemetery transcription details of the headstone recorded in November 1984: SCHLOTEL In loving memorry of Edmund John Schlotel late of Brixton, England, died 12 July 1905 aged 63 (Broken stone) edmund john schlötel, elizabeth schlötel (nee salmon), eltham cemetery, gravestones, film - kodak gc 400-6, headstones, russell yeoman collection, scan - 35mm negative

Illustrated book with dust jacket. Book is bound in black material, with title, author's and publisher's name printed in silver ink on spine. Dust jacket has background of mid-blue with narrow re borders top and bottom. Title in red, silver and black ink, authors name in white print on front and spine. Also on front is an oval shaped colour photo of the hospital. On the back cover is an image of the hospital logo and motto translation in white print.non-fictionFounded as a religious hospital by the Sisters of Charity in 1893, St Vincent's has become a distinctive part of Melbourne life. 'Ways of a Hospital" offers an engrossing look at the development and the culture of the hospital and it's place in the social history of the city.st vincent's hospital melbourne, hospitals-victoria-history, medical services, nurses

Illustrated hardcover book with dustjacket. Book has a mid-blue cover, with abbreviated title and authors surname printed in gilt on spine. The dustjacket has a coloured photograph of the front of the hospital as background. An oval black and white photograph of Sister Esther (Mother Foundress of the Community of the Holy Name) is superimposed at the top right front corner. Full title and author's name is printed in white at bottom of front. Abbreviated title and author's name printed in white on spine.non-fictionA history of St George's hospital, Kew. Hospital was founded by the Church of England in 1912 and administered by the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Name until 1949. In 1925 a midwifery wing had been added, and the hospital was registered as a Midwifery Training School. The hospital was sold to the Victorian Hospitals and Charities Commission in 1949.st george's hospital, kew, hospitals-victoria, midwifery training, medical trainining, church of england, ellerslie

The photograph is taken in the Waiting room of the Ante-natal Clinic at the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. On the 23rd of September 1930 the Ante-Natal Clinic opened at the MDNS After- Care Home. This photograph also shows Matron and Sister's uniforms in the 1930sThe Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home, (later called After-Care Hospital), in 1926, for these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Trained nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In 1957 the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital separated and the Melbourne District Nursing Service was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. On the 5th of October 1966 the name changed to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) after being granted Royal patronage. Black and white photograph showing seventeen seated ladies, some partly hidden, six small children, and the Matron and two Sisters of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home. The Matron is wearing a white uniform and veil, and the two Sisters are wearing grey uniforms with white collars and veils, one is holding a baby and the other a small child dressed in dark clothing, they are on the far left and rear of the photograph. The ladies are wearing either grey or black clothing, several are wearing hats and some are wearing berets. They have short or shoulder length dark or lighter coloured hair. A Doctor, with short dark hair and wearing a white coat, is standing at the far right on the photograph. On the left, a window can be seen behind one of the Sisters. The wall at the rear of the room is paneled. after-care home, mdns, melbourne district nursing society, ante-natal clinic

This image shows two of the 'Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home' Sisters who worked in the After Care section of the Society during the 1930s. The image was taken on the balcony of the After Care Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It depicts the style of uniforms worn by trained nurses (Sisters) in that era. The Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) built, then opened, the After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Melbourne Hospitals who required recuperation before returning to their home. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic, and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own nursing staff and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A trained Almoner was employed in 1934 but only stayed twelve months due to the amount of work required. Due to shortage of trained Almoners, a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. In the 1950s the Hospital and Charities Commission decided to take over the After-Care Hospital, so the Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Hospital separated and the Melbourne District Nursing Service was formed, setting up Headquarters at 452 St. Kilda Road. With Royal patronage the name changed in 1966 to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS).Digital image of two Sisters from the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) After-Care Home standing on the balcony of their building. The Sister on the left hand side is wearing a dark cape over her white uniform; she wears a white veil over her dark hair. The Sister on the right hand side is wearing a long white apron over her grey uniform which has white cuffs on the sleeves. She is wearing a white veil over her dark hair. They are leaning on the scrolled metal rail of the balcony which runs along the grey building; part of which can be seen behind them.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, after-care home, rdns, royal district nursing service, nurses uniforms

Mr. Bralsford,the Transport Manager at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), is instructing RDNS staff in the responsibilities of driving an RDNS vehicle. The Sisters were undergoing a Post Basic Course given by RDNS Educators, Car maintenance was necessary from 1937 when a car was donated by the Rotary Club to Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS). Another car was donated, by General Motors-Holden, via the Duchess of Gloucester, in 1947, and the fleet began to grow from 1950 with seven Ford Prefects being provided by the Hospital and Charities Commission. For many years Melford Motors in South Melbourne maintained the MDNS fleet, until the fleet grew to the point of, the now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) providing its own Car Maintenance Division to service the cars regularly. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, (RACV), attended any breakdowns which occurred when nursing staff were on the road. Each new Sister employed by the Service was taken out for a driving test before she drove a District car. 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; 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 they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. 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 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 those that did the Warburton and Powelltown area worked off a large paper map. 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 showing Mr. Bralsford instructing RDNS staff. In the left foreground is Sister (Sr) Liz Thomson who has her dark hair drawn back, is looking down at a piece of white paper resting on the arm of the wooden chair on which she is sitting. In front of her are the back views of Sr. Betty McDonald with curled dark hair and to her right is Sister Joanne Wilkinson. Mr. Bralsford, who has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and wearing a grey coat, is standing in front of them pointing to a blackboard with his extended left arm and hand. He is looking down, and has his right hand on a piece of white paper on a desk. A strip heater is high on the left hand wall.Photographers stamp and Quote No. GW 101royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns education, melford motors, racv, sister liz thomson, sister betty mcdonald, sister joanne wilkinson, mr bralsford