Dear Monument Australia visitors, we are a self-funded, non-profit organisation, dedicated to recording monuments throughout Australia. Over time the costs of maintaining this website have risen substantially (in fact they are probably larger than those of many companies who exist for profit). In the past we have borne all the costs associated with maintaining the website but we are now having difficulties in paying the monthly expenses.
If Monument Australia is useful to you, please make a donation to keep this historical and educational resource available. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Matron J. WallerPrint Page 
A plaque commemorates Miss. J. Waller who was the former Matron of Simla from 1923 to 1935.
In 1916, during World War One, wounded soldiers were returning to Toowoomba and the Red Cross was asked to find a suitable home for them. 'Finchley', the home of Dr. Edwin Roberts, was granted free of charge to the Red Cross for this purpose. Later, 'Finchley' became a private hospital status and 'Simla' became available for the soldiers. It was rented from the owners for many years and vacated in the late 1930's. Visitors to 'Simla' included the Prince of Wales, Governor General of Australia, State Governors and Generals Birdwood, Robertson and Grant.
Matron J. Waller, whose death occurred in a private hospital in Toowoomba on Tuesday last, was one of the best known and loved figures in military and Red Cross hospitals. Owing to ill-health, Matron Waller was unable to serve abroad during the war, but joined the nursing staff at Kangaroo Point Military Hospital. For a short period In 1919 she was acting matron of Grange Hill, Red Cross Home, and when Rakeevan, Graceville, was taken over by the Red Cross as a convalescent home, Miss Waller was appointed matron. When that home was closed she was appointed to at similar position at Simla, Toowoomba, which she held until the time of her death. The welfare of the patients was always Matron Waller's first consideration. It was known among her friends that she saved many a down and out soldier both by monetary assistance and the influence of her strong personality. The funeral took place at Dungog, New South Wales.
Telegraph (Brisbane), 31 January 1935.
Location
| Address: | 549 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba R.S.L. Club, Toowoomba, 4350 |
|---|---|
| State: | QLD |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -27.564731 Long: 151.952462 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Medicine |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1923 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1935 |
Dedication
IN MEMORY OF
Miss J. WALLER
MATRON OF SIMLA
1923 - 1935
