Historical information
A memorial to still born babies at Eltham cemetery lies under the trees on the west side. A plaque within a garden bed states:
“Cherished, but not cradled. This small garden is adjacent to a communal gravesite for stillborn babies, or those who died soon after birth. They were all born and /or died at Queen Victoria Medical Centre and buried between March 1979 and April 1986.”
The landscaping was funded by Stillborn and Neonatal death Support (SANDS) Vic. Members. It also initially had a low wooden seat in place. (No longer in place as of April 2022)
The Queen Victoria Medical Centre itself was founded in 1896 and at the time was one of only three hospitals worldwide founded, managed and staffed by women. The Centre has since merged and amalgamated with the Monash Medical Centre.
EDHS records indicate that the communal burial site was also fo bodies that were donated to science.
Physical description
Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips
Inscriptions & markings
Kodak GC 400-9