Florence DOWLING

DOWLING, FLORENCE (b. Summer Hill, NSW, 12 Nov 1904; d. Castle Hill, NSW, 18 Sept 1988). BCA matron.

Flo Dowling joined BCA on I Dec 1931, highly recommended by Archdeacon Langford-Smith (q.v.) as a trained nurse. She was sent to Ceduna, where the Society's 'hospital' had just been moved from a cottage to a house in the town. Supported usually by two staff, she served as matron at Ceduna for 32 years. Conditions were primitive, and Matron Dowling contributed many ideas for the erection of the Council-built hospital in 1937. She supervised the BCA nurses in Ceduna, Penong, Wudinna, Cook, Tarcoola and Coober Pedy. The staff grew to three doctors, two pilots, a radio operator, a technician, a pharmacist, and twenty nursing sisters. A nursing home was added in 1952.

She was extremely efficient and able, but kept in the background, supporting the doctors. Her strength was evident in the long hours of work and travel. She was the means by which a number of people came to Christian faith, and she encouraged others in their ministry.

Flo Dowling resigned on 30 June 1963 to care for her sister. She lived in retirement at Mowll Village, experiencing deteriorating sight.

BCA mins

BRIAN DICKEY