From left: Matron Ellen Gould [Miranda] - Boer War nurse. Sister Lavinia Russell [Hurstville] - drowned while escaping from Singapore. Lieutenant Beryl Bonfield post-war matron of Sutherland Hospital. Pictures supplied

The Shire Military History Club is seeking information about former military nurses from St George and Sutherland Shire.

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Their service, sacrifice and legacy will be honoured in a new memorial at Woronora Memorial Park, which will be unveiled on International Nurses Day, May 12.

Among those laid to rest in the cemetery are:

• Matron Ellen Gould, of Miranda, a Boer War nurse.
• Sister Lavinia Russell, of Hurstville, who drowned while escaping from Singapore.
• Lieutenant Beryl Bonfield, post-war matron of Sutherland Hospital.

"There are many more army, navy and RAAF nurses, yet to be discovered in Woronora Memorial Park," club president Clive Baker said.

"We would like to hear from anyone who can provide new information."

The club and Woronora Memorial Park have worked together on the project to honour "the significant, and often under-recognised, contribution of Australian military nurses who served across conflicts in challenging and dangerous environments".

"Australian war nurses have demonstrated extraordinary skill, resilience and compassion, often working close to the front lines, in field hospitals, on hospital ships and in captivity," Mr Baker said.

"Their contribution has always been essential, and this memorial ensures it is permanently recognised and remembered."

Chief executive of Metropolitan Memorial Parks, Denise Ora, said the unveiling "provides an opportunity to reflect on the courage and care shown by military nurses, whose service has often taken place quietly but under extraordinary circumstances".

Australian historian and author Colin Burgess, who explores the subject in his new book Sisters Under Fire, will speak at the event.

The ceremony will also include a moment of reflection acknowledging the nurses who lost their lives in the sinking of the hospital ship Centaur in 1943, one of the most tragic events in Australia's wartime medical history.

Unveiling of the Military Nurses Memorial will take place on Tuesday May 12 from 10am to 11am.

• Clive Baker can be contacted on 0424 235 885