Edith Barrett ran a small general practice in Melbourne but devoted her energies to voluntary work concerning the health and welfare of women and children. She founded the Bush Nursing Association in 1910 with her brother James and was associated with the Red Cross from 1914-1937. She was appointed OBE - Officer of The Order of the British Empire (Civil) - 15 March 1918 for her work with the Red Cross Society. She was also appointed CBE - Commander of The Order of the British Empire (Civil) - 24 May 1918 for her work with the Red Cross Society.
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BARRETT, EDITH HELEN (1872-1939), medical practitioner, was born on 29 October 1872 at Emerald Hill, Victoria, eighth child of Dr James Barrett and his wife Catherine, née Edkins. Educated at South Melbourne College, in 1888 she matriculated in eight subjects but did not sign the matriculation roll until 1897 when she began a medical course at the University of Melbourne; she graduated M.B. in 1901 and M.D. in 1907. Four of her brothers, including (Sir) James, were also doctors. Edith was resident medical officer at the Melbourne Hospital in 1901 and three years later joined the honorary medical staff of the Queen Victoria Hospital, from which she retired in 1934.
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