Nellie Constance Morrice

Nellie Constance Morrice, (31 March 1881 – 11 April 1963) was an Australian military and civilian nurse. She served in Egypt, Greece, England and France during the First World War and was awarded the Associate of the Royal Red Cross. She was later secretary of the New South Wales Bush Nursing Association for 23 years, overseeing significant growth in its coverage.

Early life Nellie Constance Morrice was born on 31 March 1881. Her parents were Sarah Mary (née Hale) and grazier David Morrice. She was the seventh born in a family of 11 children.

Nursing career Morrice trained to be a nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, commencing in November 1903. She became a staff nurse in 1906 and was awarded her certificate in 1907 having worked in theatre, providing instruments and dispensing medication. She then completed midwifery training before working with private patients from 1907 to 1909, including as senior sister at a private hospital in Randwick. On arrival in Egypt, she nursed with the No. 2 Australian General Hospital at Mena House, working under matron Nellie Gould.

During her time in Egypt, Morrice handmade a doll for her niece, complete with nursing uniform, which she named "Sister Helen". The doll is held in the collection of the Australian War Memorial.

Morrice left France in December 1918 and returned to Australia on HMAT Demosthenes,, working as matron. She received her discharge on 9 July 1919. At the time of her retirement in January 1947, 31 remained open, while several had been transferred to health department management. In the 1934 Birthday Honours, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her work as secretary of the NSW Bush Nursing Association. Her investiture, by Governor-General Sir Isaac Isaacs, took place at Government House, Sydney on 15 September 1934.

Morrice died at her home in Chatswood on 11 April 1963.