In 1937, at just 11 years old, Olive Murray embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. Born and raised on a farm in Bendemeer, NSW, Olive’s childhood took a challenging turn when she suffered a severe injury to her right leg. After years of treatment and struggle, she found hope at the Far West Home in Manly, now known as Royal Far West.
A life-altering injury
In 1934, at the age of eight, Olive’s right lower leg was crushed in an accident when her family’s truck slipped sideways, trapping her between the vehicle and a tree. She was rushed to Tamworth Hospital, where doctors considered amputation. A young doctor named Dr. Buckley, determined to save her leg, used an experimental treatment with a Dettol-based drip. Thanks to his efforts, Olive’s leg was saved, but she remained with a weakened, turned foot that would require extensive care.
Finding hope at the Far West home
Three years later, a doctor in Uralla recommended Olive be sent to the Far West Home for further treatment. Traveling from Tamworth to Sydney by train with a Far West nurse, she arrived in Manly for what would become a nearly two-year stay. The transition was daunting—her first time in the city, her first train ride, and an entirely new environment.
“On the way to Manly, the Sister called into her home in a multi-story building somewhere in the city. I remember standing outside her door, looking down the stairwell of the building and thinking it was the biggest hole I had ever seen. It scared the daylights out of me.”
Upon arrival, Olive was introduced to life at the Far West Home. The children attended school, went on outings to Taronga Zoo, and took ferry rides to Circular Quay. She fondly remembered passing by “Little Luna Park,” where the owner would occasionally invite the children in for free rides. These experiences, though simple, left lasting impressions on the young country girl.
“After some time at the FAR WEST HOME, they had a photographer come to take a photo of me before they began to fix my leg. The photographer arrived with this terrible contraption which I later found out to be a camera on a stand. I had never seen one like his before so I didn’t know if he was going to really shoot me or not. I was scared stiff and you can see how scared I was by looking at the photo which was printed in the Far West magazine in 1937.”
Medical treatment and care
Olive underwent surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to straighten her foot. During her time at the Home, children requiring hospital visits traveled by public transport. The care she received at Royal Far West helped her regain mobility and confidence, though she would continue to wear a leg brace until 1978.
Dr. George Moncrieff Barron, whose house was next to the Far West Home, treated minor health concerns. He, along with Reverend Stanley Drummond, the founder of the Far West Scheme, frequently visited the children, offering support, storytelling, and singing songs like Red Sails in the Sunset and When I Grow Too Old to Dream.
“We attended church services every Sunday. One Sunday we would attend the Methodist church in Manly and many times, Mr. (REV) STANLEY DRUMMOND himself would conduct the service. On alternate Sundays, we would attend the Presbyterian Church up the hill.”
Olive was sent home after 6 months, but unfortunately, she was sent back to the Far West Home after another injury caused from jumping off the roof of the family woolshed causing a dislocation in her hip.
“I was sent home for six months but went back to the FAR WEST HOME after I jumped off the roof of our woolshed and dislocated my left hip as I always landed on my good leg. I had another visit to the RPA hospital where they ended up putting me in plaster from my ribs to my big toe on my left leg. I had to stay in bed for 3 months and every day I was wheeled out onto the front verandah overlooking Wentworth Street. I shared the verandah with another girl also called OLIVE, who was from Lake Cargelligo or not far away from there.
After my leg and foot were straightened as well as they could I had another photo taken. This photo is also in the 1937 magazine. They made a leg-iron for me that went from just below my knee to the heel of my shoe. I wore this iron until 1978 when new technology allowed my ankle to be set in a permanent position so that the iron was no longer needed.”
A community that cared
Matron Elsie Hill, the dedicated leader of the Home, was known for her kindness and compassion. Though some nurses were strict, others created special memories for the children—like sneaking out to buy ice blocks for them when they had spare pennies. Olive fondly recalled finding sixpence in the sand at the beach, a small fortune that meant several treats.
Christmas at the Far West Home was magical. For many children, it was their first encounter with a Christmas tree. Olive recalled the amazement of receiving a doll from Santa—an unforgettable moment of joy and belonging.
“I spent Christmas of 1938 at the HOME and we were taken to the Manly Public School and joined the children from the holiday camp. This was my first sight of a Christmas tree and I thought it was magic, and when Santa called my name and gave me a doll, I was dumbfounded. I could not believe that Santa knew my name, let alone that he would give me a doll. All the kids were given a metal black and white FAR WEST HOME badge, which we had to wear when we were outside the HOME, eg. Visiting Doctors in the city, going to the Zoo, the beach, going to the pictures or going to the shoe store to get new shoes.”
A legacy of gratitude
Years later, Olive continued her connection with Royal Far West. She moved to Coffs Harbour with her husband Cecil, where they grew bananas, often donating cases to the children at the Home. In 1989, she began volunteering at the Coffs Harbour Royal Far West Op Shop, dedicating her time to supporting the organisation that had given her so much.
Olive’s story is a testament to the incredible work of Royal Far West and the impact it has had on the lives of thousands of country children. She shared her journey at the Royal Far West Conference in 2004, ensuring her experiences would be remembered. Her family has since donated her story to be displayed within Drummond House, fulfilling Olive’s wish that future generations would understand the incredible legacy of care, healing, and hope provided by Royal Far West.
Honouring Olive’s legacy
Royal Far West has stood as a pillar of support for country children for 100 years, and stories like Olive’s remind us of our purpose. As we celebrate 100 years, we honour the resilience of children like Olive and the unwavering dedication of those who have supported them along the way.
Story & images provided by Olive Walker, nee Murray Halls Road, Coffs Harbour March 2004.
Olive was a patient for nearly 2 years and presented her story in person at the ROYAL FAR WEST Conference in 2004. Olive passed away 23rd Dec 2004
Her framed story was donated by her family at the 100 years Centenary, 5th Dec 2024. Thank you to Jill Gill for taking such care in preserving these memories.
