Imagine travelling by camel through the scorching Australian outback, your nursing kit bouncing along beside you. That was the reality for Sister Winnifred Howie in 1912. She was the first nurse sent to the remote town of Maree by the District Trained Nursing Society (DTNS), now known today as RDNS Silverchain.
Maree was a world away from the city hospitals Sister Howie was used to. With no proper medical facilities, she treated patients in the local hotel, battling dust storms and sweltering heat. Her patients came from all works of life – hardworking cattle station families, Aboriginal communities, and even Afghan camel drivers. From snake bites to difficult births, Sister Howie faced it all with an unwavering commitment to care and compassion.
But Sister Howie wasn’t just a district nurse, she was a fierce advocate for improving access to the health to those who could not access it. She advocated for better health care in remote communities, and her efforts led to the building of Maree’s first hospital in 1916. The community rallied around her, donating everything from furniture to bath heaters to make the hospital a reality.
Sister Howie’s legacy extends beyond Maree. She went on to lead the DTNS in the role of Superintendent of Nursing, expanding the role of district trained nurses across South Australia ensuring that thousands of people received the care they needed. Her dedication to improving health care in remote and regional communities earned her a Member of the British Empire Medal in 1949. She resigned not long after but continued to provide health care through the auxiliary of the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Sister Howie’s story reminds us of the pioneering spirit that has driven Silverchain for over 130 years. It’s a story of care, connection, and innovation, and an ambition to create a better care system for all Australians. As we celebrate our anniversary, we honour Sister Howie for shaping our organisation into what it is today.
Read more about our 130 years of care, connection and innovation.
