Dash, Sandra, Lindsay, David, Langtree, Tanya, and Biedermann, Narelle (2025) Beyond the great wall of Brisbane: Early twentieth century healthcare in the North Kennedy region, Queensland. In: Looking Up Australian Historical Association Annual Conference: Abstracts. From: Looking Up: Australian Historical Association Annual Conference 2025, 30 June - 3 July 2025, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

PDF (Abstract Only) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

Formalised, coordinated healthcare services were introduced in Queensland at the turn of twentieth century, marking a period of significant reform. These changes, such as the introduction of nursing registration and the establishment of a standardised nursing curriculum, led to improvements in the quality and safety of healthcare provided. While some literature (Patrick, 1987; Strachan, 1996) documents how these reforms were implemented in Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, little is known about how these reforms were integrated into Queensland hospitals beyond Brisbane’s city limits.

In the early twentieth century, the North Kennedy region—spanning between Cardwell in the north to Bowen in the south and extending west to the Great Dividing Range—was considered remote. Towns within the North Kennedy region such as Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Ingham and Home Hill, faced unique challenges during this transitional healthcare period. These challenges were compounded by the harsh climate, chronic under-resourcing related to ongoing supply-demand mismatches, and limited infrastructure.

This presentation showcases the findings from a study which explored the history of nursing and health care in the North Kennedy region between 1910 and 1925. Drawing on primary sources from the region, the presentation will illustrate how local health workers adapted and successfully implemented Brisbane’s mandated reforms, all while navigating the climatic, environmental and infrastructural constraints associated with living and working in a remote area. By sharing these findings, this presentation aims to demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity demonstrated by north Queensland’s early healthcare professionals, thereby offering new insights about this transitional period in health.

Item ID:	91176
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	nursing history, north Queensland
Date Deposited:	06 May 2026 23:19
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420599 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 50% 43 HISTORY, HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 4303 Historical studies > 430302 Australian history @ 50%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2099 Other health > 209999 Other health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
	More Statistics