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Place Names Register Extract

Welton Parade

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Name Welton
Type Designation Parade
Place Id 24558
Place Type Road
Status Registered
Date Registered 30 January 2014
Locality / Suburb  
  Kilgariff
Local Government Area  
  Alice Springs Town Council
History/Origin Welton Parade is named after Doctor Bert Welton, who flew thousands of miles on medical survey work and established routine visits to stations and missions covering the southern half of the Northern Territory.

Dr Bertram Edward Welton (1908-1986), known as Bert, was a medical practitioner who worked in Central Australia during the mid 20th century. He played a key role in delivering health services to remote areas of the Northern Territory between 1948 and 1955.

In 1948, after a six month search for a suitable Australian candidate was unsuccessful, the position of Assistant Medical Officer in Alice Springs was advertised in the United Kingdom. Dr Welton was appointed to the role and departed England in August that year to take up the position. He arrived in Central Australia at a time when medical staff were limited and demand for services in remote communities was growing.

Dr Welton served as Medical Superintendent at Alice Springs Hospital from 1948 to 1955. During his time in the Northern Territory, he undertook aerial medical patrols to remote communities, missions, and pastoral stations throughout the southern half of the Territory. He was also involved in efforts to control tuberculosis outbreaks, often flying to outlying areas to provide clinical care and follow up services.

In 1957, following his work in Central Australia, Dr Welton completed a Graduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene at the University of Sydney. This further study reflected his interest in the health challenges specific to remote and tropical regions.

While working in the Northern Territory, Dr Welton was presented with a painting by renowned artist Albert Namatjira, in recognition of his medical service. The artwork is now held in the collection of the National Museum of Australia.

Dr Welton and his wife, Margaret Mary (née Haite, 1914-1980), had three children. After leaving Alice Springs in 1955, he relocated to New South Wales. He died in 1986 and was buried at Camden Catholic Cemetery, on the outskirts of Sydney.

Sources:
English Doctor For Alice Springs (1948, July 1). Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93187969
Kettle, E. (1986). Health Services in the Northern Territory: A History 1824?1970 (Vol. 2). Darwin: Department of Health, Northern Territory Government.
University of Sydney. (n.d.). Welton, Bertram Edward ? Alumni record. Sydney Medical School Museum and Alumni Database. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine/museum/alumni/viewuserdetail.php?id=7942
Find a Grave. (n.d.). Dr Bertram Edward Welton (1908?1986). Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130263243/bertram-edward-welton

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
30/01/2014 Date added to the Register
12/02/2014 NTG G6
15/06/2017 Extension - Certified Plan S2017/029
14/12/2021 Certified Plan S2021/071 - Extension
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