Tweddle Celebrate Centenary at Government House

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

We are grateful to Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC for hosting Tweddle at Government House today to pay tribute to our founders and all involved on Tweddle’s incredible 100 year journey dedicated to infant, child & family health and welfare.

The Tweddle Board, Member for Footscray Katie Hall, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen, past and present staff, Life Governors, Tweddle Mothercraft trained nurses and guests were privileged to share an afternoon tea to acknowledge and celebrate Tweddle’s Centenary.

Tweddle Chair Ms Whitmore acknowledged everyone present who had an important connection to Tweddle. This included 1939 Tweddle baby Jim Hevey who has documented Tweddle’s history, and Tweddle volunteer Carol McDonald.

It was wonderful to see Tweddle trained Mothercraft nurses connect, some after 50 years. The celebration offered the opportunity for staff and community partners to reflect on Tweddle’s incredible achievements and growth.

Tweddle commenced as The Society for the Health of Women and Children of Victoria, co-founded by Dr J W Springthorpe, Sister Maude Primrose and Mr J Hume-Cook and funded by businessman Joseph Tweddle.

Their priority was to disrupt the then significant infant mortality, malnutrition and infection affecting thousands of Victorian babies. Today, the health and wellbeing of babies continues to be Tweddle’s priority.

Tweddle continues today with passion as an active and proud voice for babies, toddlers, their families and communities.