Sister Kenny Museum
Local community members established the Sister Kenny Museum to honour Sister Elizabeth Kenny, a pioneer in the treatment of Infantile Paralysis - polio. The museum was officially opened in 1997 and has been run by a dedicated team of volunteers for almost thirty years.
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The prevention and near eradication of polio has been one of Rotary's major success stories over the past decades.
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When Jindalee Rotary member Mike Langford visited the museum in 2020, he saw the connection between Sister Kenny's work and Rotary's mission, and he was inspired to help revitalise the museum. Liaising with the museum's committee and the Jindalee Rotary board, Mike set the wheels in motion for this major project.
Remastered Documentary
The first stage of the project was to remaster the 1940s-era documentary depicting Sister Kenny’s life and work, and to provide a new TV on which to play it.
Roof Restoration
The roof was repainted and a new sign was developed to promote the museum to passing travellers.
Bill Relief
Solar panels were installed on the roof, helping to reduce growing energy costs.
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Funding
Sincere thanks go to State Government Member the Honorable Pat Weir, the Rotary District Grant, the Rotary Clubs of Toowoomba, Toowoomba North, Chinchilla, and Sumner Park, the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund, the members of Jindalee Rotary who contributed significant time and expertise to this project, and the community who continue to support us.
Timeline
The final stage in the revitalisation of the museum was the installation of a timeline depicting the history of Polio, including both Sister Kenny's work and Rotary's worldwide mission.
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The timeline was officially unveiled on the 16th of August 2024 by Her Excellency the Honourable Doctor Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.
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