Historical information
Dr Ian Stephen MacLeod Murphy (1905-1981) studied at Geelong College (1919-1922) and then Melbourne University (1929-1937). He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in 1939 and served as a navy surgeon for the duration of World War II. He moved to Emerald in 1947 after running a successful medical practice in Hampton, with the intention of retiring and breeding turkeys. But Emerald and the surrounding districts had no doctor, so for the next 34 years, Dr. Murphy provided tireless medical care to the local community. Dr Murphy was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1977 for devotion to the health of the community. He died in 1981 at the age of 76 years and a Memorial Fund was set up in his name to provide support for local students studying Medicine. This collection of memorabilia of the life of Dr Murphy was donated by his nephew, Rod Usher.
Significance
These objects belonged to Emerald's first and much-loved GP and represent significant events in his life.
Physical description
VEMU1647.1 Rowing Cap - Geelong College
VEMU1647.2 Naval Cap - Royal Australian Navy Commander or Captain WW2
VEMU1647.3 Tin Army Helmet WW2
VEMU1647.4 Mug Intercollegiate Boat Race
VEMU1647.5 Mug Ballarat Hospital Medico's
VEMU1647.6 Pocket Badge Royal Melbourne Hospital Surgeon
VEMU1647.7 Pieces of Shrapnel which hit I.S. Murphy on head
VEMU1647.8 Medical Registration Certificate 22.12.1937
VEMU1647.9 Geelong College Flag
VEMU1647.10 Rudder Ormond College Students Club 1931 Cox I.S.Mc. Murphy
VEMU1647.11 Wooden Shield Geelong College 1921-1922
VEMU1647.12 Program from Scotts Hotel
VEMU1647.13 Paperwork Celebration Dinner at Emerald Country Club for New Year Honour.
