Members visit of the Concord Rehab Hospital
Jenny, one of our members from the Younger Members Social Club, shared with us the story of a memorable outing with her club to the Concord Repatriation General Hospital during September. The journey took the group from the legacy of Australian military nursing history through to the level of care being provided to today’s veterans and their families. The day was organised with the support of Meg Green AM and Younger Members Social Club Coordinator, Dianne Vogt.
As a career Nursing Sister, Meg played a significant role in establishing the E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum. Thanks to her connection along with Di’s coordination and collaboration with Concord volunteers and staff, their group was welcomed and treated to a very special behind-the-scenes experience.
The historical and contemporary story of the hospital and museum
Concord Repatriation General Hospital, located in Sydney, has a rich history as both a major teaching hospital and a centre for veteran care, originally established as a military hospital during World War II. Today, it continues its legacy by providing world-class medical and rehabilitation services to veterans and their families, including through the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and the dedicated accommodation facility, Fussell House. Adjacent to the hospital’s main campus is the newly opened E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum, which honours the contributions of Australian military nurses from the Boer War through to the Vietnam War. The museum, named after Mrs Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane AM MBE, serves as a bridge between the hospital’s historical roots and its ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served. The Younger Members Social Club’s visit was designed to give members a deeper appreciation of this continuum—connecting the sacrifices and service of military nurses with the comprehensive care now offered to veterans and their families at Concord. The day’s program, thoughtfully organised by Meg and Di, included both a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and an exploration of the hospital’s modern facilities, highlighting the continuing relationship between remembrance, healing, and community support.
The Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane (E.M. Lane) Concordians’ Museum
The E.M. Lane Concordians’ Museum was opened on 9 May 2025 and named in honour of Mrs Ethel ‘Stalky’ Lane AM MBE, who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War II, with postings at Concord Repatriation Hospital, Dubbo and Tamworth, as well as an assignment on Morotai in 1945–1946, where she cared for prisoners of war.
The ladies explored exhibits showcasing Australian military nursing uniforms dating back to the Boer War, along with diaries, personal papers, photographs and memorabilia from military nurses spanning the 1890s through to the Vietnam War. “This amazing history needs to be preserved so the dedication and service of these wonderful women is never forgotten”, Jenny said. In a community where the spotlight often falls squarely on the soldier, this exhibit reminds visitors that war’s weight is carried by many shoulders, the women who served beside the men, and the women who lived on after them. As war widows, this group of women could see a common trait between the military nurses and themselves; sacrifice.
The Museum’s mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Australian military nursing resonated strongly with their group, showing everyone the importance of honouring these women and ensuring their service is never forgotten. This was a day to remember; war widows honouring military nurses, and in doing so, seeing a reflection of their own strength and endurance.
National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and Fussell House
After the museum tour, they enjoyed lunch together at The Hub, seated along the edge of The Green. Soon after, they were welcomed by the Clinical Operations Manager for the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and Fussell House, who guided members through the state of the art facilities and the work being carried out to support veterans and their families.
The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare offers a unique, holistic model of care, bringing together a team of health professionals dedicated to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans. Members also visited Fussell House, a 19-room accommodation facility providing a home away from home for veterans and their families while they receive care at Concord. “An amazing facility, Fussell House provides veterans and their families from across Australia with a home away from home.” Said Jenny.
