Historical information
The Northern District School of Nursing in Victoria, Australia Graduates Association:
History of the School
Managed by a committee including hospital administrators, medical professionals, and nursing leaders from several regional hospitals. Associated with major hospitals in the Northern District, including Bendigo Base, Mildura Base, Castlemaine, Echuca, Swan Hill, St. Arnaud, and Kyneton District Hospitals.
Provide high-quality theoretical and practical nursing training. Raise the standard of nursing education in the region. Maintain the highest principles of nursing practice. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a Proficiency Certificate or higher educational qualification. Application involves submitting forms, certificates, an interview, an aptitude test, and a medical examination.
A three-month probationary period follows initial acceptance. Preliminary Training School: Four-week introductory course covering basic nursing, anatomy, hygiene, and practical skills. Practical experience in various hospital departments, guided by senior staff. Study Block Plan: Includes several blocks of theoretical and practical instruction throughout the three-year program.
Regular school exams and two state exams (First Professional and Final State) are required for progression and graduation. Nurses work a 40-hour week with at least one or two days off per week and three weeks of annual leave. Accommodation is provided in comfortable hostels with good facilities. Uniforms are supplied free; nurses provide their own shoes and stockings. Salaries and allowances are regulated, with deductions for board and free medical care.
Additional Information Post-Graduate Opportunities. Senior positions require further experience and additional certificates (e.g., Midwifery, Infant Welfare).Diploma courses available in administration, teaching, and specialized nursing fields. Bursaries are available for advanced study.Career Prospects: Graduates can pursue roles in administration, teaching, ward and departmental leadership, district and visiting nursing, industrial and school nursing, and more.
Opportunities existed both within hospitals and in community or specialized settings.FAQs and Practical Details. Minimal training costs (mainly exam fees and personal items).Living out allowances and travel expenses are covered. Four training intakes per year; waiting periods are short if qualifications are met.
Physical description
Northern District School of Nursing Graduates Association - The life of Dawn Mary Buffham (nee Harris) 03 April 1928 to 18 Mar 2016
This item contains the following documents:
3792.27a The life of Dawn Mary Buffham (nee Harris) 03 April 1928 to 18 Mar 2016
3792.27b Copy of above
The biography of Dawn Mary Buffham:Early. Born in 1928 in the Cohuna District, youngest of five sisters.
Attended school locally and worked at the State Savings Bank before entering nursing. Trained at Bendigo Base Hospital (1945-1947), then worked at Elmore and Rochester. Completed midwifery training at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, and further training in Infant Welfare at Berry Street.
Served as Acting Matron at Lister House, responsible for all aspects of nursing, including midwifery. Remembered as an immaculate and reassuring tutor, known as 'Sister Harris.' Gained experience in remote areas with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School Medical Service in Darwin. Worked in Canada as charge sister and supervisor of a paediatric hospital, helping set up a government paediatrics program.
Returned to Australia to set up the Queen Victoria Baby & Paediatric Unit in 1970. Met and married Fred Buffham in 1972 after a brief courtship. Settled in Goroke, Wimmera, and became active in parish and community projects, including the Goroke Community Health Centre, swimming pool, and golf club development.
Continued nursing, especially in geriatric care, and was instrumental in expanding local health services. After moving to Bendigo in 1991, was deeply involved in St. Therese's Parish, Lions Club, hospital volunteering, and social groups.Interests and Legacy. Enjoyed travel, especially to Asia and New Zealand, and valued arts, culture, and family.Remembered for her energy, goodwill, loving nature, and dedication to community and family.
