The Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association, with branches in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, and the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association, which operated solely in Victoria, merged to benefit the profession in 1924.
Both associations had long recognised the advantages of a merger, but various differences posed challenges. However, by June of the previous year, a conference held in Melbourne led to an agreement to form a governing body to oversee the affairs of both associations. This new entity was known then as the Australian Nursing Federation with Evelyn Paget Evans appointed as its first Secretary. A position she held to 1950.1
In the leadup to ANF’s first meeting, the Sydney Morning Herald reported in its Women’s column of the historical event.
The article read: For many years the affairs of the nurses of Australia have been in the hands of two associations – the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association (which has branches in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania) and the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association, which is, as its name implies, wholly Victorian. Both these associations have realised for some time past that amalgamation would be in the best interests of the profession, but there have been various points of difference, which have been difficult of adjustment.
In June last a conference was held in Melbourne, and an agreement reached whereby a governing body was formed, which is to have control over the affairs of both these associations. This body, which is known as the Australian Nursing Federation, will hold its first committee meetings in Sydney during the coming week, when representatives of all the States will assemble to ratify the constitution and start the necessary machinery. To mark this important occasion, the committee will be entertained by the Council of the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association at dinner at the Wentworth Hotel, after which a lengthy agenda will keep them engaged for three or four days.
This federation, which has been so much desired, and over which so many conferences and discussions have been held, will place its members on a much higher plane than was formerly the case, and enable them to be represented on the International Council of Nurses, an honour which has hitherto been denied owing to the lack of unanimity between the two associations.2
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 24 May 1924, page 12
References
1. Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation, Evans, Evelyn Paget (1881-1960) Published by the Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology. eoas.info/biogs/P004408b.htm sourced June 2024
2. The Sydney Morning Herald Sat 24 May 1924 page 12 Women’s column, TROVE, National Library of Australia. trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16138441?browse=ndp%3Abrowse%2Fplace%2FNew%20South%20Wales%2FS% 2Ftitle%2F35%2F1924%2F05%2F24% 2Fpage%2F1225910%-2Farticle%2F16138441# accessed online 5 June 2024
One Response
I am wondering if the late Miss Mavis Avery, a dear nursing friend of my mother’s was involved in the merger. I understand she may have been however I’m unclear on any details. I know Mavis had championed a professional status and tertiary education for nurses