Snapshot of the past

A photograph capturing local mothers queuing up with their children outside the health centre in Queen St, Warragul.

Whilst not dated, it is believed this queue was for the triple antigen vaccination. Note the fashions and prams captured.

This health centre was located in Queen St. The brick building stood where a carpark is today, adjacent to the TAFE Gippsland’s Warragul campus.

The idea for a baby health centre in Warragul was first brought to Warragul Shire Council in 1923 following 223 babies born in the town during 1922.

Although council voted to grant £125 per annum to help establish a Warragul centre, this was overturned a year later with several councillors stating there was no urgent need.

In the years to follow, an old tram was situated in Railway Park fronting onto Queen St for mothers to feed and change their babies.

In 1934, Sister Mitchell operated out of temporary premises at the Shire Hall with the care of mothers and babies being the objective.

The brick, purpose-built baby health centre was opened October 1934 on land made available by the Railway Commissioners but funded by the Warragul Shire.

Population booms occurred over the years with 620 babies born in Warragul in 1953. To put this into perspective, in 1954, the population of the Warragul township was 5324.

The first play centre was run in the garden at the side of the Queen St health centre, run by mothers who volunteered to supervise. This gave other mothers a chance to do their shopping without taking their small children.

The child maternal health centre is today located in Normanby St, Warragul.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul displays a range of historical photographs. It is open every Thursday between 10am and 2pm and the second and fourth Sunday of each month between 2pm and 4pm.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@ warragulgazette.com.au.