Summary

Australia New South Wales Sydney
Purdy Memorial Medal for Final Aggregate for the Health Inspectors Certificate, Sydney Technical College1936 (AD)
Mint: Amor
Other Details: This Purdy Memorial medal is a 'Tribute From Health Week' issued by Sydney Technical College. It depicts John Smith Purdy, a distinguished health worker who worked as metropolitan medical officer of health in Sydney. He was influential in slum clearance and contributed to Sydney's falling death rate through improvements in sanitation and food purity. After World War I Purdy lectured in sanitary law at Sydney Technical College. In 1921 he became President of the Health Society of New South Wales, as well as contributing to the Australian Association for Fighting Venereal Disease and the Town Planning Association of New South Wales. Thereafter he became Chair of the Public Health Association of New South Wales. He died the year this medal was issued. Sydney Technical College was established in 1878 as a state-subsidized technical facility providing scientific, technical and professional training. In 1949 the New South Wales University of Technology took over operations on the campus.

Physical Description

An unissued specimen bronze prize medal (51 mm diameter) featuring a bust of J.S. Purdy facing wearing suit with waist-coat and tie. The surfaces have been lacquered as part of the manufacturing process.

Obverse Description

Bust of J.S.Purdy facing, wearing suit and tie; around at left, J.S.PURDY in field right, 1872 / 1936

Reverse Description

Above flaming winged torch and plaque for engraving name of winner, PURDY MEMORIAL MEDAL / SYDNEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE; below plaque, FINAL AGGREGATE / HEALTH INSPECTORS / CERTIFICATE / A TRIBUTE FROM HEALTH WEEK below open olive wreath the makers name AMOR C.H.E

Edge Description

SPECIMEN ONLY impressed

Significance

John Smith Purdy was a distinguished health worker who worked as metropolitan medical officer of health in Sydney. He was influential in slum clearance and contributed to Sydney's falling death rate through improvements in sanitation and food purity. Purdy lectured in sanitary law at Sydney Technical College. Sydney Technical College issued this medal in his honour in the year that he died. -University of Melbourne Bright Sparcs web site http://www.asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P002504b.htm. -D.Tout-Smith 24/9/2003.

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