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The little township of Elmhurst in the beautiful Pyrenees Ranges, just east of Ararat, is all set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre.
On November 13, 1916, the Bush Nursing Centre opened in Elmhurst.
At that time, the sons of the local farmers had left to fight in World War One. Horse and cart was the most common form of transport and electricity had not reached the district.
Infant mortality, nationally, accounted for 25 per cent of all deaths.
This was the year when the enthusiastic people of the Elmhurst Progress Association established a nursing centre to provide care for the local families in Elmhurst and the districts of Glenpatrick, Glenlogie, Glenlofty, Crowlands and Amphitheatre.
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In the early 1900s the inadequacy of nursing services and the lack of trained nurses in rural Victoria was observed by Lady Rachael Dudley.
She, along with a number of influential people, campaigned to establish a Bush Nursing Service in Victoria. The Elmhurst Centre, the 18th Victorian Bush Nursing Centre, opened.
The Ararat Advertiser reported on November 9, 1916, ‘On the 13th November 1916 another bush nursing centre is about to be opened…the new bush nursing centre is situated midway between Maryborough and Ararat… Nurse Alice Gore… has been appointed in charge’.
Over the years the annual reports provide a view into the world of the bush nurse, and show that the nurses often went above and beyond the official duties of their role.
They overcame isolation, transportation difficulties and limited access to medical facilities to become an indispensable part of the community and the backbone of the Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre.
Memories of past nurses and the profound impact they have had on the community of Elmhurst and district has been captured in Heart of Elmhurst District – Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre 1916 to 2016.
The diary of Sisters Dolphin, Taylor and Deverall (pictured above), dated April 1935 to May 1942, is mentioned in the commemorative book, written by Dr Wood and her daughter Katie and set to be released at the celebration of the 100 years of service of the centre to the Elmhurst community on November 9.
Its release will go along with the official unveiling of the commemorative plaque.
Centre manager, Alison Oliver, said activities were planned on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with the major events of the bush market and the Grand Dance on Saturday, November 12.
“That is so people who are usually at work can come along and celebrate all that is great about Elmhurst, and the Bush Nursing Centre,” she said.
The bush market, from 10am-2pm on November 12, will be held in the streets surrounding the nursing centre.
The Bushwackers will play at the Grand Dance, which will include a spit roast. Bookings are essential. Book online with Eventbrite, or ring the EBNC on 5355 5000.