Dorothy Roseby personal papers, ca. 1925-1988

MLMSS 8480

fonds

ca. 1925-1988

Textual Records, Clippings

411727

0.18 metres of textual material (1 box)

Dorothy Roseby MBE (1915-1992), was the first Secretary of Royal Australasian College of Physicians. The Roseby family in Australia has a strong tradition of service to the community and to education in keeping with its Congregational and Methodist background.

Dorothy attended MLC School, Burwood (then known as Methodist Ladies College). She was dux of the school in 1931 and head prefect in 1932, when she won an exhibition to study science at the University of Sydney. Graduating BSc in 1936, she completed a secretarial and typing course while doing part-time teaching at the University. Thus equipped, early in 1937 she took on her first fulltime job, as senior secretarial assistant at the University Appointments Board.

Dorothy worked there until July 1938 when she was offered the position of secretary of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. She was the first, and for some time, the only employee of the young College. From its foundation in 1938 until her retirement in December 1974, she was an important and influential figure during its early development and growth. She joined a recently incorporated body of only 230 Fellows.

Dorothy was awarded the MBE in 1964 for her services to medicine, and in 1975 was made an Honorary Fellow of the College. Soon after her retirement the College council appointed Dorothy as honorary archivist. With her knowledge of the history of the College she was able to do much to ensure that important records were preserved for historical purposes.

Dorothy died in January 1992. By that time there were over 5000 Fellows in the College, and its influence had spread widely, particularly in South-East Asia and the Pacific. After her death, The College Council established a memorial to her in the form of a staff development award titled “The Dorothy Roseby Award”.

Reference:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians. http://www.racp.edu.au (accessed 17 May 2012)

Letter and brochures relating to Roseby Preparatory Anglican School for boys and girls, 1988. Includes letter from Principal Wendy Lamerton and brochures containing history of founder Edith Roseby Ball

Pamphlets relating to Royal Australian College of Physicians, 1978-1985. Includes history and tribute to its First Secretary Dorothy Roseby and Dinner for Foundation Fellows

Letter, program and statutes relating to Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1954, 1960-1963. Includes letter from M. L. Tyrrell, secretary to the Governor General to Dorothy Roseby advising her of her appointment to the Civil Division of the Order and program of ‘the Service of Dedication in St Paul’s Cathedral’

Letters and telegrams from friends and colleagues to Dorothy Roseby congratulating her on her M.B.E., ca. 1963-1964

Newscuttings relating to Dorothy Roseby’s career as Secretary of Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 1938-1947, 1961- 1976. Includes some photocopies.

Letters from Aunty Rose (Rose Roseby), 1940, 1963-1970

Letters from Aunty Amy to Lyle Roseby, 1964-1966

Three school certificates, ‘The Elxcelsior’ magazine and school prefect insignia relating to Methodist Ladies College Burwood, 1930-1933

Souvenir program ‘Gay Dogs Revue’ at Savoy theatre, ca. 1934-1935

Two autograph books of poetry, ca. 1925-1928

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012