in the early part of the 20th century, Warrnambool's residents had their share of health problems.according to the Annual report by Dr H I Holmes in 1921. Diphtheria, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, polimyelitis and scarlet fever were common afflictions. The sanitary system or lack thereof was the primary source of much of this illness. The healthcare facilites were much better and the hospital was well run and was further improved by the opening of the baby health centre which was opened in October 1921. The centre was situated in Liebig street at the Town Hall and was open three days a week to offer advice to mothers regarding their babies. and Sister Riley was in charge. Miss Florence Lake who opened the centre was a well known resident of the town and generous benefactor of the Warrnambool base hospital.. Florence along with her sister inherited the Lyndoch estate from George and Annie rolfe in 1920. She was well known around the district for her good nature and humour. As her sister married and moved to Italy, she continued to run Lyndoch as it had always been. She died in November 1946 This plaque has historical and social significance as it notes the time in the history of Warrnambool when health came to the fore of public interest and importance. It also commemorates one of Warrnambool's better known citizens and the beginnings of the maternal health system in the cityThis heavy stone plaque grey in colour, with polished surface, is rectangular, with lettering cut and coloured in gold. all the lettering is in capitals. It is possibly graniteWarrnambool Baby Health Centre. This stone was laid by Miss Florence Lake 1st October 1927. F M Pattison President, C M Merrett Hon Sec.warrnambool, warrnambool baby health centre, sister riley, florence lake

In the words of Donor, Betty Stone, "Owned by my aunt Mrs Elsie Mary (nee Dale) Towers, born 24 December 1895, daughter of Ellis and Ann Dale, of Latrigg, Wangoom, Warrnambool. This beaded bag was a personal gift from Miss Lake to Elsie Dale sometime in the early 1930s. Miss Lake was a member of a leading Warrnambool family whose property Lyndoch was situated by the banks of the Hopkins River. After completing her nursing course at Warrnambool Hospital and working there for a time, Elsie Dale was appointed Sister-in-Charge of the newly formed Baby Health Centre, which initially operated in temporary accommodation at or near the Council Chambers. In 1928 the Centre moved into new brick premises on Liebig Street. The building comprised of five rooms, a back yard and a front veranda where mothers parked their prams. The Warrnambool Standard reported in February 1928. The purpose of the Clinic is to the saving of infant's life. Many mothers attended the Clinic in the former location. They were able to acquire valuable knowledge from Sister Dale who is in charge of the Clinic and also have their infants weighed and measured each week. During the early days of the Centre Miss Lake, as a patron, took a keen interest in all aspects of the Centre and co-operated very closely with Sister Dale. Miss Lake would often call in at the centre while her uniformed chauffeur would wait beside her limousine parked in the street outside the Baby Heath Centre. I also recall my aunt driving to Lyndoch to discuss matters concerning the Centre with Miss Lake. Miss Lake purchased this evening bag in England, and upon her return from her overseas tour in the early 1930s, presented it to Sister Dale as a token of appreciation. Dedicated to her vocation, Sister Dale gave unstintingly of her effort, time and resources to create an attractive venue for mothers to visit. Her contribution to the welfare of all mothers and babies in the Warrnambool area, particularly during the Depression years, was considerable. Sister Dale, who drove a Dodge Tourer car, visited mothers in their homes when necessary and regularly visited the indigenous settlement at Framlingham. Amongst my early childhood memories are those of accompanying my aunt when she drove to the Nestles factory at Dennington to purchase large tins of dried milk baby food which she then delivered to the mothers who lived at the Framlingham settlement. Sister Elsie Dale retired in 1949 and moved to Mooroopna after her marriage to Solomon Towers. (Died aged 75 years 27 July 1971) (Note: For additional information please refer to Betty Stone’s book “Pioneers and Places - A History of three Warrnambool Pioneering Families” ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees Families)This item is associated with the families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the "Pioneers' Register" for Warrnambool Township and the Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. Elsie Dale was the first Sister to work in the newly established Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool.Beaded evening bag or clutch purse. The bag was a gift to Elsie Dale from friend Miss Lake, purchased in England early 1930's. The fabric is covered in tiny white beads and features a floral design in browns and greens. The bag has two bead-covered handles and the lining includes a small pocket. Part of the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection'.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, elsie dale, miss lake, lyndoch, handbag, purse, evening bag, beaded handbag, beaded purse, ladies' accessory, clutch purse, warrnambool baby health centre, infant welfare centre

This set of baby scales is believed to have been used in a Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool. The first Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool was opened in Liebig Street in October 1921. It was initially run by Sister Riley. The development of Baby Health Centres in Victoria was largely due to the work of Dr Isabella Younger-Ross (1887-1956). She was born in Warrnambool to Henrietta and John Younger (the Younger department store operated in Liebig Street Warrnambool for over 60 years). Isabella Younger Ross studied medicine in Melbourne and Glasgow and she was a prominent worker in the field of maternal and infant welfare for over 40 years. These scales are retained as an example of the type of equipment used in baby health centres in the early to mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.This is a metal set of scales with a rectangular base tapering at one end. At the top is attached a metal receptacle for holding a baby and underneath this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item is painted yellow and green but the paint is well rusted and peeling in places. 15 lb.warrnambool baby health centres, dr isabella younger-ross

The Country Women’s Association of Australia advances the rights and equity of women, families and communities in Australia through advocacy and empowerment, especially for those living in regional, rural and remote Australia. The Country Women’s Association of Victoria was founded in 1928 and the Warrnambool Branch was founded in 1931. The branch has given assistance through the years to the Red Cross, Baby Health Centres, the Warrnambool Hospital, bush fire relief, mental health and aged care and it has regular displays of country arts and crafts. In 1961 the C.W.A. Centre and Rest Rooms were opened in Kepler Street, Warrnambool. In 2016 the group celebrated the 85th anniversary of its founding.This booklet is of interest to researchers and others wanting a brief outline of the history of the Warrnambool Branch of the Country Women’s Association. This is a small booklet of 12 pages. The front cover is white with black printing and it has a yellow back cover. The booklet has black plastic spiral binding. The pages contain printed information, photocopies of newspaper articles, a knitting pattern and other photocopied material. The booklet has been produced in-house by the Warrnambool Country Women’s Association.‘Looking Back at 85 Years, the History of the Warrnambool Branch of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. 1931 until 2016 and Still Going Strong.’country women’s association, history of warrnambool