automobile

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

Probably still there!

At a meeting held in the Bundaberg Council Chambers on Friday 6 June 1907 under the presidency of the Mayor, Ald A.E. Avenell it was decided to ascertain the views of the principal residents regarding the advisability of requesting the QATB State Executive Committee to open a Branch Centre in Bundaberg. From 29 August to 31 December 1907 officers attended to 120 patients and travelled 169 miles. The honorary staff performed 346 hours of duty. The first patient treated in the casualty room was Thos Pritchard who had sustained a puncture wound in the palm of his left hand while opening an oyster. The first ‘call out’ was in response to a request from a police officer. However, upon arrival at the Railway Station, it was found that the Brigade’s services were not required. The first donation received was from H.A. Skyring and Sons and the first contributor was Mr H.S. Skyring. The next step of progress was in 1912 when a four-wheel ambulance field wagon pulled by two horses and complete with two stretchers was acquired. The splendid service of the QATB by this time had been worthily recognized by the public of Bundaberg and the district with their most generous financial support to the extent that the Committee in 1912 decided to build a new Centre on land that had been acquired in Maryborough Street. Source: www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/docs/history/Bundaberg.pdf