Mary Debenham (nee White): The Girl Guide Who Took Healthcare to Outback NSW by Rail

There’s an old Girl Guide motto: “Be Prepared.” More than a simple phrase, it encouraged girls to remain ready in both mind and body to help others whenever needed.

Few embodied that principle more completely than Sister Mary White (later Mary Debenham). What began as a childhood interest because “it was such fun” became a lifelong commitment to service through both the Girl Guide movement and the Far West Children’s Health Scheme.

After training as a nurse at Sydney’s Prince Henry Hospital, Mary graduated in 1934 and accepted an appointment with the Far West Children’s Health Scheme (now Royal Far West), where she worked until 1943.

The journeys themselves were demanding.

“Her carriage used to be hooked onto a goods train and then shunted off into the sidings at each town.” “Sometimes we stopped one day or three days or four days, depending on the next goods train,” she said. ²

For long stretches, Mary lived alone on the rail car. “I was just by myself; it was a very lonely job and extremely hot in the summer. You would go into the kitchen and see your eggs cooking on the windowsill,” she said. ²

Despite the isolation and harsh conditions, Mary understood the importance of her work. Mothers would often travel up to 150 kilometres over rough country roads to access advice and support for their babies.

“In my early days, I went out when they were still giving babies mixtures of flour and water and tea, and you had to try and tell them not to use that kind of food,” Mary said. ²

Her commitment extended beyond the clinic itself. Once consultations were finished, Mary often organised children into games and dancing on railway platforms, creating moments of joy and connection for families in remote communities.

“The arrival of the baby health train was often a highlight in a country town’s social life, as well. In those tiny towns, we all used to gather around at night and have a big barbecue.” ²

While working for the Far West Children’s Health Scheme, Mary also volunteered as a Roving Commissioner for the Girl Guides, helping establish Guide groups in regional communities and supporting girls who lived in isolated areas.¹

During holiday periods, she also assisted with Far West Camps, extending her support to even more country children and families.

The impact of her work was widely recognised. Following her resignation as a Clinic Sister, the Tumut Branch of the Far West Children’s Health Scheme wrote to Mary on 10 May 1945 to express both their regret and appreciation.

“We, the members of the Tumut Branch of the Far West Children’s Health Scheme, have the highest regard for the grand job that you did for the young people of our community, once again expressing our regret at your resignation, and wish you the very best that life can give.”

Mary’s commitment to children continued long after her years on the clinic rail car.

“When Mary finished her travelling with the clinic rail car, she became a District Officer of the Child Welfare Department, a position she held for 24 years. In 1951, she started Croydon Girl Guides Company and Lidcombe Air Rangers. The Air Rangers undertook a great deal of training at Bankstown and Mascot Airports and held many meetings with the Air Cadets.” ³

“During this period, as a District Officer, there was a need for Mary to give evidence in court, particularly in relation to custody and welfare issues. It was there that she met Justice Arthur Debenham, at Redfern Court.” ¹

In 1969, Mary married Justice Arthur Debenham. She was 61 and he was 72. By all accounts, they shared a devoted partnership. ³

Reflecting on her many achievements, Mary remained characteristically modest.

“It is quite an achievement to have gone from Guide Leader to a Member of the State Council. It has been a privilege to pass my knowledge on,” Mary said of her vast achievements. ¹

By the Numbers: Mary’s Far West Service

• 126 schools visited
• 548 home visits
• 169 visits to doctors, police and branch members
• 164 children seen at the clinic car
• 34 branch meetings attended
• 401 babies weighed
• 13,374 miles travelled by train
• 9,943 miles travelled by car
• 670 miles travelled by plane

Whether travelling thousands of kilometres across remote New South Wales, supporting mothers and babies through the clinic rail car, advocating for children through welfare services, or volunteering in regional communities, Mary Debenham dedicated her life to helping others.

Her story is one of determination, compassion and service. Through her work with the Far West Children’s Health Scheme, she helped bring healthcare to families who would otherwise have gone without, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Royal Far West today.