Highlighting Queensland’s links to the Centaur Memorial Fund for Nurses

This week John Oxley Fellow (2015) Dr Madonna Grehan presented highlights of her research for staff at SLQ. In her presentation ‘Something tangible to show our gratitude’ – a history of Queensland’s Centaur Memorial Fund for Nurses, Madonna talked to select events that occurred across Queensland. The Centaur Memorial Fund for Nurses was established in Brisbane in 1948, as a tribute to the State’s nurses for their service in war and peace.

Prospective candidates lining up to enter in the Centaur Memorial Fund’s inaugural Queen of the Nurses Quest, March 1948. [Image possibly taken at Brisbane General Hospital] Image by State Library of Queensland.

Staff members from all areas of the library were invited to Madonna’s presentation as a way of thanking them for their support in helping to bring to light this Queensland story, with the individuals and organisations involved.

Within weeks of the sinking of 2/3 AHS Centaur on 14 May, 1943, two posters authorised by Prime Minister Curtin and commissioned by the War Publicity Office were distributed to every Australian workplace. Artist Bob (Arthur) Whitmore. Image of slide presentation.

Candidates in Queen of the Nurses Quest meet for morning tea at the Nurses Quarters, Repatriation General Hospital Greenslopes with Centaur Memorial Fund members, December 1948. Arrows point to Nurse Gympie – Marjorie Spiller and Nurse Maryborough – Beryl Crow. Image of slide presentation.

In 1949 Gladys Moncrieff was engaged for a Queensland concert tour, marketed as “Centaur Presents”. A core group of artists travelled with Miss Moncrieff and local musicians provided support acts. Image of slide presentation.

In 1949 Gladys Moncrieff was engaged for a Queensland concert tour, marketed as “Centaur Presents”. A core group of artists traveled with Miss Moncrieff and local musicians provided support acts. Image of slide presentation.

Followers of the JOL blog can read more on the Centaur Memorial Fund in Madonna’s blogs.

Madonna also referred to Sadie [Sarah] Charlotte Macdonald (1875-1970). In 1948 ‘…Sadie joined the Centaur Memorial Fund’s quest to establish a recreational and educational centre for the nursing profession. Sponsored by the Army in the “Queen of the Nurses’ Quest,” Sadie and her committee raised £4000 in ten months. This money went towards the purchase of Centaur House in Queen Street.’ Sadie was aged 73.

Read the full story on the WWI blog – The diggers’ friend: Sadie [Sarah] Charlotte Macdonald (1875-1970).

Staff who attended Madonna’s presentation agree it was both informative and riveting.

Thank you Madonna! Image by State Library of Queensland.

For more background information, State Library’s Project Coordinator Myles Sinnamon posted an article on the sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship (AHS) Centaur in 2013.