We have loved hearing stories of Tweddle through our new Tweddle Centenary Facebook Page. Tweddle Mothercraft nurse Suzanne Kelly has sent us reflections of her time at Tweddle and has allowed us to share them with you.
Starting at Tweddle ( 1978 ) was a brave move for myself and fellow graduate, Jenny Hurwood. I was a young Graduate from Footscray Technical College – Applied Social Science – Pre School Mothercraft Nurse. We were both offered positions at Tweddle after an invitation from Matron Margot Ballard & College Tutor – Joan Faragher.
I was Suzanne Clayton then …now Suzanne Kelly. I commenced at Tweddle with feelings of excitement and a little apprehension.
We were the first to work there, who had trained in a college setting and not at Tweddle. Before this time, all Mothercraft Nurses working there, I believe had been trained at Tweddle. It took a little time, but we were welcomed. I felt accepted & really enjoyed the team camaraderie.
I worked under the guidance of Matron Margot Ballard, who was always impeccably groomed with her high bun and high standards. Matron Ballard ran a very well organised centre, with lots of routines and order to how things were to be done.
I learned over time there was a softness to her ( just as long as those exacting standards were upheld …) I also have fond memories of some of the Sisters I worked alongside, Sr Mary Beckett, Sr Elizabeth West, the lovely Sr Rowe and many other wonderful staff who were there at this time.
Sr. Beckett was always up for a good chat about the footy (Bulldog fan forever) It was a happy time for all the girls when Sr Beckett would sometimes bend the rules a little and come up with some ways to inject fun & break the routines of day to day at Tweddle (both for the children, parents and staff.)
I was passionate about achieving good outcomes for babies, children and parents who I was working with. Something to this day, over 40 years of working with families, I still hold very close.
The shift work was interesting with extended times on night shift & sometimes sleeping over at the Nurses Home in Adelaide St. I remember the lounge room there, how everyone would gather around the small tv, & the only phone that was nearby attached to the wall.
Within hearing distance of all to hear everyone’s private dating conversations 🙈😉it was hard not to know all that was going on in most people’s lives…
The shift disliked by all was the 10 am – 7 pm shift. There were also lots of fun and laughs shared with the girls & little things we did to boost morale & team building.
I recall used to pick up our stiffly starched hats from the top of the fridge in the kitchen. The uniforms were interesting. Striped blue dresses, brown stockings with regulation nursing shoes, starched hats & the most prickly woolen nursing capes. No Apple watches back then, it was our upside-down nurse’s watches.
What a sight we must have been, we often got tooted in our travels as cars drove past along Barkly Street. I remember pushing very big old heavy prams ( definitely vintage collector’s items now ) with a baby or two inside and holding children, who were on leads, walking alongside. Our daily walk, fresh air and exercise.
I remember putting clothing together for each of the children for the next day to wear and bath times in the big bath there. Lots of fun and doing our best to bring smiles to the children who were in our care.
Some of the children who are very much often thought of by me, are Mandy, Michael, Layla, Ian, cute Ruth with her blonde hair, babies Tom and the sweet twins I’m holding in the photo.
I recall so many of the families who came to Tweddle with despair and faced challenges. It was uplifting, seeing how their time and care at Tweddle helped with a hand up, giving them skills & support to achieve good outcomes.
I remember coming up with different ideas for activities and how things were done. The change was a bit of a struggle back then, but some ideas were taken on board. I loved art activities with the children and enjoyed creating some murals over my time at Tweddle. One is seen here near the Toddlers House.
I enjoyed being rostered on as toddlers cook…looking back I think times have gone full circle. Tweddle was certainly ahead of the time with most foods being prepared from scratch & with fresh ingredients. I’m sure others will recall always having on hand a jug of stewed puréed apple, homemade custard & delights like shepherds pie and yes, even cooked brains 🙈
Everything was stored in glass and thoroughly cleaned. We seemed to do a lot of cleaning back then and sterilising. I was always petrified using the autoclave ( nicknamed the bomb 💣) then.
I remember some of the girls I worked alongside, Ros who is in picture number 6, Margie Barlow, Vicki Blampied, Julie Dearing, Marilyn, Kerry, Leanne and many more will come to mind when we catch up to reminisce. I’m still friends with Jenny, who is now Jenny Dark.
I also give thanks to Margaret Hughes, who invited me along on a girls Centralian Bus trip to Ayers Rock ( as it was known back then )…I met my husband on this trip and we have been together for over 40 years. Yes …a girls trip where we decided before we went ..no guys it was just time for the girls to have fun 🤔
A special thanks to Hilda & Jean, the loveliest ladies who always had a smile & looked after us nurses with hot meals & snacks.
I remember times too when it was a special meeting day or event & Dame Jacobena visiting. My goodness, everything was polished and shiny. 40 plus years later, I am still working with babies, children & supporting families.
I have had a wonderful career working in a variety of settings from Early Childhood settings, Schools and with all age groups. I returned to studies over that time and currently practice as a Paediatric Massage Consultant – teaching baby massage.
My passion is empowering parents & strengthening child/parent connections. Raising happy, healthy, adaptable, kind humans.
Even though my time wasn’t lengthy in years at Tweddle, I hold close very special memories and valuable things I learned that I carried through both in my personal and professional life.
Early Childhood Education practices may change and fads come and go, but the constant is the importance of connection, kindness, compassion. Gentle, loving support underpins everything.
Thank you Suzanne from all of us at Tweddle, and the families you cared for.
