ambulance

The Mount Isa Ambulance was established in 1924 by Mr W.E.A. (Archie) Jones. The service was known as the Mount Isa Ambulance Transport Brigade was not at that time affiliated with the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB). The The ambulance building was an iron shed located near the site of the present premises. There was just sufficient room for Superintendent Jones to camp because the shed had to serve for dressings and casualties, and the lean-to beside it provided the ambulance vehicle bay. The Centre acquired its first car in 1925. As there was no Hospital in Mount Isa, all hospital cases had to be taken to Cloncurry. Prior to the purchase of its own vehicle, the Centre had managed by hiring a car, truck or anything available, from a local resident and transporting the patient to Duchess. It was a proud day when, in December 1930, the new timber building was officially opened. Although unpainted, it was considered at that time to be one of the best buildings in the district. It had a septic system and running water (unlike many homes in Mount Isa at that time) but at that stage did not have electric power. During the 1939-40 financial year, some extensions were made to the building and a permanent bearer was appointed to assist the Superintendent. Mr Jones, therefore, had operated a one-man centre for 15 years. Source: www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/docs/history/Mount-Isa.pdf

Used to see them taking people from USS Sanctuary, back to 1st Marine Division, in Da Nang

In 1923 the Innisfail Centre opened an Honorary Centre at Banyan (Tully), and on 6 January 1925, a Sub-Centre was established at the Tully Central Mill in a hut supplied by the Mill authorities. The first Officer-in-Charge was Mr A.J. Wingate who held the rank of Deputy Superintendent. The plant consisted of one collapsible stretcher. As time went on the local Ambulance Advisory Committee thought it was necessary to increase the staff and Mr W.H. Davey, Ambulance Officer of the Railway Department, was appointed. The matter of a new building and quarters had been under consideration for some 15 months, and plans were submitted to the Department of Public Works for approval. In February 1926, a plan with estimates was received from the Minister for Public Works, for the erection of a building in Bryant Street. The estimated cost was £2,800, plus £130 for the erection of a washhouse if required. The estimated cost prepared by local contractors ranged between £1,100 and £1,300 for the same building. Through the generosity of the residents of the Cardwell Shire sufficient funds were raised to erect new premises by June 1927. In 1959 the Committee decided to erect new premises at the corner of Watkins and Plumb Streets. Tenders were invited and the tender accepted was that of W.E. and S.J. Sorensen for £13,661. Upon completion, the Centre building was officially opened by Mr Hugh Miller, ME President of the QATB State Executive Committee on 10 July 1960. Source: www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/docs/history/Tully-Silkwood.pdf