Originally published October 31, 1934
MILDURA moved a step nearer to its long sought goal of modernity when the Governor of Victoria (Lord Huntingfield) opened the new Community Hospital.
If there was any doubt of public interest, is was dispelled by the great crowd that had gathered by the time the Governor and Lady Huntingfield arrived; and the enthusiasm with which the opening gesture of pulling apart the flag curtains that screened the door beneath the front portico was greeted proved that the establishment of such an up-to-date institution had full public approval.
The ceremony was again favored with the clear blue sky and bright sunlight that is such an attribute of the Mildura district, and the seating accommodation for 2000 people that was provided proved entirely inadequate.
Well before the time set down for the ceremony, long lines of parked cars made avenues for the approach of hundreds of people on foot, and the ground in front of the hospital held a sea of faces as the early arrivals listened to the energetic appeal for funds made by Mr F. Arlington Burke, who spoke with a mingling of earnestness and humor that achieved its result in donations that amounted to a considerable sum.
On the balcony above the portico provision was made for the vice-Regal party.
At either end, the Violet Murrell cot and the cot donated by the Carwarp branch of the Country Women’s Association were displayed, and the modern operating table, presented by the Mildura district branches of the CWA, was also to be seen.
Below the portico, the main doors were screened by the Australian flag and the Union Jack, arranged as curtains, neither a cord leading to the balcony above to allow them to be pulled apart for the official opening by the Governor.
The Matron, sisters and nurses, in full uniform, were gathered beneath the balcony in a prominent position, and the real nature of the work of the hospital was made evident to the public by the sight of bandaged heads at the windows of the convalescent solarium.
At one window, too, a patient evidently able to listen, but not well enough to sit up, was seen propped up on a pillow.
Once during the ceremony a nurse came along and adjusted the pillow, lingered an instant at the window to view proceedings, and then continued with her duties that would not brook delay.
New beginnings – opening of new Mildura Base Hospital in 2000
