A plaque unveiling was held for Sister Leah Rosenthal QAIMNSR, MM, ARRC was held on Sunday 16^th May 2021, everyone enjoyed a cuppa before we walked to where Leah lies resting.

Our President, Malcolm Gray welcomed everyone. Jane Annois spoke about her Great Great Aunt where we reflected on her bravery and extraordinary work that she did in the first World War and at Vimy House.

Jane together with her sister Kathy and brother Richard unveiled Leah’s plaque.

Leah was born in 1879 to Joseph Rosenthal and his wife Martha née Avinski. She graduated as a nurse at the Alfred Hospital in 1904 and continued  her nursing  career there until 1910 when she & Belle Jobson took over the running of Windarra Private Hospital in Toorak. Leah in her fourth year of active service with the Army at Flanders was awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal. On more than  one occasion she had been recommended for honours by her commanding Officer and matron for heroic conduct at casualty stations under shell fire. Leah was attached to the first casualty station and travelled around France where she saw many atrocities. When Leah returned to Australia she and her friend Belle bought an existing Private Hospital in Queens Road, overlooking Albert Park Lake, which they named Vimy House. And ran for 10 years until her death on 4 October 1930 and was buried with her sister Fanny – Jewish H Graves 86 & 87

Born – 16 January 1835 – Paderborn, Germany
Died – 16 September 1912 – Elwood

Gold prospector, drover, farmer and one of the last surviving members of the Burke and Wills Expedition to die.

When Burke set out from Cooper’s Creek with a bare 3 months supplies on his ‘dash’ to the Gulf of Carpentaria, he left William in charge of the camp.

After waiting more than four months, and with his own supplies running low, he finally decided to abandon the camp on 21 April 1861, leaving the “DIG” tree on Cooper’s Creek

Our Guest Speaker – Dr Douglas McCann gave a very informative talk which was enjoyed by all.

The plaque was unveiled by David Brahe, the great grandson of William

Refreshments were served on and around the verandah of the Lodge.