Nursing stories of sheer grit and resilience shine at centre

An exhibition that chronicles the colourful past of Clermont and Blair Athol’s Hospitals will continue to show at one of Isaac’s premier museums.

Reflections of Resilience, which dives into historical nursing tales, is now on display at the Clermont Historical Centre.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the exhibition will leave visitors fascinated by the sheer grit of Clermont locals who fought against all odds for a cottage hospital to tend to the sick in the 1800s.

“Visitors can explore a make-shift 1960s hospital ward, browse a 1920s-1960s surgical instrument collection and view an authentic World War Two nurse’s uniform,” Mayor Baker said.

Division 1 Councillor Greg Austen said the exhibition features a nine-metre long timeline to transport visitors back to an era where doctors, nurses and midwifes pioneered medical services in the district.

“Their drive for compassion changed the course of Clermont’s history,” Cr Austen said.

“Beatrice Huston, a local Clermont lady, challenged the status quo by becoming the first Queensland nurse to enlist in the Boer War in the 1900s. What an inspiring story we can share with our locals and visitors of the resilient nature of Clermont women.”

This exhibition accompanies Back on Track which focuses on the evolution of local racing clubs and stories of the characters, horse and jockeys.

Clermont Historical Centre, which is located on Gregory Highway, will be open from Wednesdays to Saturdays between 9am and 3pm.

Admission prices for entry are $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $3 children under 12 years and $15 per family with two or more children.

The Back on Track and Reflections of Resilience exhibitions run from 24 March 2021 to 18 December 2021.

For more details on Clermont Historical Centre’s opening times please visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).