Nurses Memorial Centre - honouring nurses, past, present and future

Honouring nurses past

A powerful beginning

• War time nurses who when faced with danger and death demonstrated extraordinary attributes including: courage, tenacity, inventiveness and humour
• NMC was founded as a living memorial to Australian nurses who lost their life in WWII. It now honours nurses who served in any war, a non-warlike operation or humanitarian program
• The original home on St Kilda Road housed nursing organisations including the then – Royal Victoria College of Nursing (ANF Vic) and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (now RCNA)
• NMC has significantly contributed to enhancing the professional status of nursing in Australia

Honouring nurses present

Since its inception in 1948, the NMC has:

• Honoured our nursing war heroines through the annual Commemorative Service – a moving ceremony held the Sunday before Anzac Day, attracting people of all ages.
• Hosted an annual ANZAC Day lunch for current and ex service personnel
• Advanced the delivery of health care in the community through the award of postgraduate scholarships to Victorian nurses and midwives
• Awarded almost $2 million to further the education of nurses and midwives in Victoria.
• Accepted tax deductible donations from individuals and organisations committed to excellence in the delivery of nursing care in Victoria.

Honouring nurses future

NMC aspires to be:

• A leader in furthering nurse education in Australia through the award of scholarships
• A keeper of the history of wartime Australian nursing – the living memorial