Historical information
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 on April 29 in 1961. Kiewa Valley House nursing home was officially opened on March 6th, 1985, with a new lounge extension opening in May, 1993. Prior to this, residents had to travel to Beechworth, Wangaratta or Wodonga for care. 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.
Significance
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. Many SEC workers and their families have received high medical care at Tawonga District General Hospital and Alpine Health and/or as residents of Kiewa Valley House 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 three facilities as nursing staff, support staff and volunteers. Many past staff members and their families still remain living in the Kiewa Valley area
Physical description
Set of 13 colour photographs of past nursing staff and support staff from Tawonga District General Hospital, Kiewa Valley House & Alpine Health
1. Marg Hickey, Barbara Clark & Margaret Ranton
2. Cheryl Clutterbuck & Rosemary Forrest
3. Margaret Ranton
4. Margaret Ranton holding unknown infant
5. Gwen Goss
6. Barbara Clark & Margaret Ranton
7. Margaret Ranton, Sue Zeinert & Jenny Piera
8. Margaret Ranton, Gloria Ryder & Jenny Piera
9. Sue Wesley, Ruth Barton, Margaret Ranton, Rosemary Forrest & Nola Henry
10. F Bogaski & H Sigmund
11. Maintenance Supervisor H Sigmund
12. Gardener Fred Keat & Handyman Joe Trezise (1977)
13. Nursing staff in new hospital
Inscriptions & markings
1-9 No markings
10 F Bogaski & H Sigmund
11. Maintenance Supervisor H Sigmund
12. Gardener Fred Keat & Handyman Joe Trezise (1977)
13. Nursing staff in new hospital
