One hundred and sixty babies and their mothers helped us to celebrate our 160th year last Friday at a morning reception hosted by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AM.
Held at the historic Government House, the event was a great opportunity for 160 families to show off their babies, meet each other, and tour the State Rooms and gardens that were opened for all to enjoy. A collection of photos have been published on the Women’s facebook page.
In her speech, the Women’s Board Chair, Ms Lyn Swinburne AM thanked the Governor, who is the Women’s Patron, for her support and commitment to women’s health.
She went on to welcome the families and babies for attending the event and generously sharing their stories and experiences in support of the Women’s.
“The women and babies here in this room represent a small proportion of the almost 9,000 women and babies we care for each year. Even so, each one is special to us,” she said.
“We are proud of the standard of care we are able to provide to all our patients and it is particularly heart-warming to see your babies here today – healthy and happy after entering the world via the Women’s.”
The Governor spoke about the history of the Women’s which was founded in 1856 as a place where the poorest and most needy women could give birth and receive proper medical and nursing attention.
She said that while Melbourne was marvellous for some, the allure of gold had left many women without support or the means to care for themselves or their children.
Over the past 160 years, the Women’s has grown to become Australia’s largest specialist hospital dedicated to improving the health of all women and newborns.
It is also a leader in advocating for new approaches to women’s health and greater recognition of the different health challenges that women face throughout their lives.
Information on how to support the work of the Women’s for another 160 years can be found on our Donate webpage.