Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (Q.A.T.B.) Ladies Committee silver badge

The Q.A.T.B. was formed in 1902, evolving from the City Ambulance Transport Brigade (C.A.T.B.) which began in Brisbane in 1892. The badge features a red Maltese Cross, a common symbol in ambulance services, designed by two C.A.T.B. Bearers, Seymour Warrian and Eustace Jack, while travelling to and from Ipswich by train for first aid instruction in 1892. The Maltese cross was highly favoured by Queen Victoria, arising from her special sympathy for the sick and injured, and her high regard for those who served others.
The Q.A.T.B. was responsible for instructing in first aid, transporting the sick and injured, and teaching basic nursing and sanitation principles. The Ladies Committee would have been involved with fundraising efforts for the Brigade, among other roles.
In 1991, the Q.A.T.B. became a state-run service, transitioning into the Queensland Ambulance Service (Q.A.S.).

A.J. Parkes was an experienced die sinker from the Royal Mint, London. He founded his business at 3 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, in 1896, producing medallions, medalets and uniform buttons and badges for the armed forces and Government departments. His work was of high quality, and he increased the business to produce a wide range of medallic products, including this badge.