After the Japanese surrender in 1945, the AIF members who were returning from Malaya (now known as Malaysia and Singapore) began discussing a suitable memorial to recognise the enormous bravery of the thousands of prisoners of war and Malayan communities that provided support and kindness to the captive forces over a very difficult three year period.
At a conference of senior AIF officers in 1945, a committee was appointed to consider suggestions and make recommendations for a suitable memorial. After much deliberation, it was decided to adopt the recommendation of Major Cade to form a scholarship to train nurses in Australia with a view to them returning to Malaya and use their new found skills helping those in greatest need.
The AIF MALAYA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND was established in 1947.
The first Annual Report in December 1947 noted that £10,714 was raised. £5000 of this was funded largely by surviving members of the AIF (each one contributing four days of their pay). There was also a substantial donation from the Red Cross.
This LIVING MEMORIAL continues to provide a lasting expression of gratitude to the communities of Malaya by providing education and training for nurses to work in those communities.
With the support of the Red Cross, the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Singapore, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, State Trustees and Curtin University, the scholarship continues to train nurses some 67 years later.
Over this period a number of Australian institutions have provided nursing training, including:
· Melbourne Children’s Hospital
· Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Frankston
· Melbourne Presbyterian Babies’ Home, Camberwell
· Melbourne Kindergarten Training College, Kew
· Melbourne District Nursing Society
· Victorian Bush Nursing Association
· Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital
· Melbourne College of Nursing
· Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital
· Curtin University of Technology
To date, more than 70 nurses have been trained in Australia before returning to Malaysia or Singapore to work within their communities.
The health care delivered in local communities in Malaysia and Singapore has been substantial – surpassed only by the goodwill generated.
Here are just some of the stories of nurses who have gained additional knowledge and skills or higher nursing qualifications through the AIF Scholarship.
