Accessing Health Services: Challenges for People from Migrant and Refuge Backgrounds
This webinar explains some of the barriers to access and engagement with health care services experienced by people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. It outlines the context of refugee health during settlement in Australia, and some issues of particular concern.
CPD HOURS: 1
Registration Year 2024-2025
Course Content
This webinar explains some of the barriers to access and engagement with health care services experienced by people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. It outlines the context of refugee health during settlement in Australia and some issues of particular concern.
Three main problems affecting access and engagement are explored. These are unfamiliar environment, inadequate health information sharing, and trust and privacy. These issues are illustrated by including observations and comments by people from refugee backgrounds.
Strategies are suggested to help reduce barriers of language, culture, unfamiliar health system and to develop trust between the health care worker and patient.
Three main problems affecting access and engagement are explored. These are unfamiliar environment, inadequate health information sharing, and trust and privacy. These issues are illustrated by including observations and comments by people from refugee backgrounds.
Strategies are suggested to help reduce barriers of language, culture, unfamiliar health system and to develop trust between the health care worker and patient.
Learning Outcomes
In this session, you will:
- Gain an understanding of issues impacting health care for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
- Recognise barriers to accessing and engaging with health care
- Examine strategies to support access and engagement for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds
- Review the importance of building trust, and health information sharing, for refugees who may be unfamiliar with the Australian health care environment
Our friendly office staff are more than happy to help if you require any further information.
PHONE: 07 4151 3884 (select option 1)
EMAIL: enquiries@nursingcpd.com.au
Terms & Conditions
PHONE: 07 4151 3884 (select option 1)
EMAIL: enquiries@nursingcpd.com.au
Terms & Conditions
Amanda Bowden
Amanda has a PhD in Cultural Anthropology (the study of human cultures) and has worked in various roles towards addressing inequalities that indigenous peoples, as well as asylum seekers and other people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, may experience.
Amanda’s current role with Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) means she can share her fascination with the multiple realities we humans create, through cultural competence training, as well as working with communities to improve access to aged care services in Brisbane for people from CALD backgrounds.
Belinda Kippen
Belinda’s strength is her unwavering curiosity and genuine interest in people. She has learnt the importance of being authentic and understands that people respond positively when they feel heard.
Belinda is passionate about supporting nurses and midwives so they can come back to work each day and care for others. She does this by providing individual and group Clinical Supervision using the Role Development Model and is an experienced Supervisor with over 280 sessions under her belt.
She values the opportunity to listen and learn from others and is totally focused on solutions.
Belinda is passionate about supporting nurses and midwives so they can come back to work each day and care for others. She does this by providing individual and group Clinical Supervision using the Role Development Model and is an experienced Supervisor with over 280 sessions under her belt.
She values the opportunity to listen and learn from others and is totally focused on solutions.
Clinical Supervision provides nurses and midwives with time to reflect on their practice and supports them to craft their own solutions.
Belinda has seen how Clinical Supervision can support professional growth and improve mental health and wellbeing.
Belinda is an experienced health professional (nursing and midwifery) who has worked in clinical, education and leadership roles in community, hospital and not for profit settings.
Anne Evans-Murray
R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.
Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences & seminars throughout Australia & New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias & ECG interpretation, chest x-rays interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertion training and leadership. She conducts accredited advanced life support training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
Anne has a passionate commitment to empower all clinical staff through increased awareness and knowledge of the critically ill patient’s condition so that timely intervention is implemented, which will benefit patient outcomes.
She is the author of three books; “ECGs Simply”, “Interpretation of Chest X-rays Simply” and ‘Uncomplicating Life, Simply’. Her ECG book is a textbook sold in many universities in Australia.
Dean King
Dean King is a highly-qualified healthcare professional and dynamic nurse leader with a wealth of industry knowledge, experience, and expertise.
As a Leadership Specialist, Dean provides expert education, training, and coaching that inspires individuals, groups, and organisations to realise their full leadership potential. With over 12,800 hours of coaching experience and professional expertise in emotional intelligence, team building, conflict resolution and stress management, Dean has consistently produced exceptional results for others at both a personal and professional level.
Denise Donati
RN, RM, B App. Sc. Nurs., M. Nurs, CertIV Small Business Management
Denise Donati is a Registered Nurse/Midwife and has worked in assisted reproduction for more than 20 years. In 2006 Denise was invited to Vietnam to assist establish a local Fertility Nurse Training Program. Denise has also presented extensively in the UK and South East Asia on topics relating to assisted reproduction.
In 2007 Denise set up her own IVF Clinics with two doctors, Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast and Fertility Solutions Bundaberg in Queensland. In 2017 she started offering bulk bill IVF and FET treatments at her clinics to offer people more achievable treatment models.
In 2014 Denise was invited to author a chapter in the book Organization and Management of IVF Units: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. She wrote on Patient Management: A Nursing Perspective which was released in 2016.
In 2019 Denise established another business called Sneak Peek Ultrasounds, offering elective 2D, 3D and 4D scans so that mums and dads in waiting and their family and friends can meet and bond with the baby before it’s born. She is expanding this business model into a diagnostic specialised Gynaecology and Pregnancy Ultrasound service called Precision Imaging for Women which will open in 2020.
Denise works as an advanced practitioner in Assisted Reproductive Technologies with her roles include performing intra uterine inseminations, ultrasound scanning and embryo transfers.
fertilitysolutions.com.au | enquiries@fssc.com.au | 1300 337 845 (1300 FERTILITY)
Diabetes Queensland
Diabetes Queensland is the peak body for people with diabetes in Queensland - providing a single, powerful and collective voice for the diabetes community - and has been since 1968.
We are a team dedicated to supporting people with diabetes.
Our vision is to see a world free of diabetes and its complications. It drives everything we do - every program we deliver, every message we share, and every resource we develop. Through our programs and partnerships with industry, government and community groups, we work to ensure diabetes care is always improving and evolving.
Our vision is to see a world free of diabetes and its complications. It drives everything we do - every program we deliver, every message we share, and every resource we develop. Through our programs and partnerships with industry, government and community groups, we work to ensure diabetes care is always improving and evolving.
Diabetes Queensland helps people at risk of diabetes and those affected by the condition by providing trusted information and guidance on how to minimize their risk of complications. The organisation is responsible for the delivery of the National Diabetes Service Scheme in Queensland. The scheme provides products and information to approximately 190,000 registered Queenslanders.
We deliver a range of diabetes education and support services to improve knowledge and self management behaviour, including youth camps, peer support programs, group self management programs and specific programs and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally Diverse groups.
Diabetes Queensland strives to ensure people diagnosed with diabetes receive the best possible care, by providing practical education and support for health practitioners. We deliver a range of health professional training programs for Pharmacy, Primary care, and Aged care.
Elissa O'Keefe
Adj A/Professor Elissa O'Keefe RN, NP is a health industry pioneer, a highly-experienced clinician and educator and was the first nurse practitioner in the ACT.
She has an honorary appointment as an Associate Professor in the College of Adjuncts at the University of Canberra in the Faculty of Health. This is an integral part of the University's commitment to build closer linkages to government, industry and the community.
Elissa is the current Chair of the Australian College of Nursing Cosmetic Nursing Community of Interest. Elissa is the lead author of the first ever Australian standards and scope of practice document for cosmetic nursing has published in peer-reviewed journals both nationally and internationally and is often called on for comment in the industry. She was a contributor to the recent "bible on skin rejuvenation" for consumers the Slow Ageing Guide to Skin Rejuvenation.
Our award-winning company was born when, during her career in cosmetic medicine practice, Elissa realised that there was a need for flexible, high quality, post-graduate continuing professional development for health professionals with regard to lasers and other light-based therapies that were evidence-based and pitched at the high level required of this complex landscape.
Elissa lives in Canberra with her surveyor husband, two fun and interesting adult children, a crazy kelpie, a moggie and a pond full of goldfish.
www.bravura.edu.au | 1300 001 808
Gail Aylmer
R.N., B.N., M.N. (Advanced Practice), M.N. (Mental Health Nursing)
Gail has worked for the last 10 years as a Public Health Nurse within the Communicable Disease team of a Queensland Public Health Unit. Gail has a diverse employment history working primarily in Australia plus also spent 18mths working as an Agency Nurse in England.
Over the last 3 decades, she has held positions as a Nurse Academic, Nurse Educator, Infection Control CNC, Surgical Unit Clinical Nurse and Clinical Nurse at Tuberculosis Control Units both in Brisbane and London. During her career, Gail worked in nursing administration as an (acting) Nursing Director for a period in excess of one year. Gail holds a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, a Master of Nursing Degree (Advanced Practice) and a Master of Mental Health Nursing Degree. Gail is an authorised Immunisation Program Nurse and has a Certificate in Training and Assessment.
Gail has travelled extensively over the last 4 decades and in 2016 developed and led a Nurses for Nurses Study Tour to India. This tour was bursting with fabulous experiences and attendees ‘saw the real India’ encountering some of the more interesting and important public health issues within India.
Gail’s other special interests include immunisation across the lifespan, communicable and infectious diseases. She feels strongly about supporting and advocating for the nursing profession, in particular, frontline nurses believing they are the absolute heroes of healthcare.
Jen Sanderson
Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Therapist
Jen is a Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema therapist and is near completion of her PhD using ultrasound to assess lymphoedema tissue composition. Jen has clinical experience in both public health and private practice and currently runs her own Physiotherapy business in Brisbane.
Jen also works as a clinical advisor and educator for Medi-Rent, which is a company that distributes medical devices including compression pumps.
Dr Julie Martyn
PhD
Julie Martyn is a senior lecturer who commenced in USC's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine in February 2016. Her academic career commenced at the Fraser Coast campus in 2005.
She is a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years' experience in acute medical and surgical nursing. Julie completed her Master of Education in 1999. Her dissertation was titled 'The relevance of professional development to nursing practice: A study of professional development in a small provincial hospital'.
She went on to complete her PhD in 2015. Her doctoral research was an appreciative inquiry of medication administration and her thesis is titled ‘An appreciative inquiry into medication administration by registered nurses: The Untold Story.’
For more than 20 years, Julie has worked and lived on the Fraser Coast. During the last 15 years as a nursing academic at the Fraser Coast campus, Julie received several awards and commendations for her contributions to teaching and learning.
Julie actively engages with health care professionals locally and abroad and is establishing her post-doctoral research program in fields of medication safety and health worker continuing education.
Most recently, Julie was funded to undertake research into the continuing education needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care Practitioners in primary health care services and Personal Care Workers in residential aged care facilities. The reports from these projects gained national attention, and Julie was commissioned to extend the work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care Practitioners. The success of this project is a highlight in Julie's research career to date.
Julie is committed to nursing education and advancement of the profession through research, evidence-based practice and authentic learning experiences.
Jules Aitken
MSc (Nurse Practitioner), RN, CDE
Jules Aitken is an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner specialising in Diabetes, Metabolic and Chronic Disease and Weight Management. She attained her Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
She is also a registered Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE) registered with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) gaining her Certificate of Diabetes Management at the University of Technology Sydney. She has worked within the Diabetes, Weight Management and Metabolic and Chronic Disease arena for over 20 years.
She is also a registered Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE) registered with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) gaining her Certificate of Diabetes Management at the University of Technology Sydney. She has worked within the Diabetes, Weight Management and Metabolic and Chronic Disease arena for over 20 years.
Working both independently and within specialist clinics, Jules coordinates the care of clients with complex diabetes, metabolic and chronic conditions.
She has participated in research projects involving weight management, diabetes, metabolic and chronic diseases and has presented at nursing, allied health, medical and community events at local, State and National level.
She is a mentor for diabetes educators with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association and also provides education and mentorship for student nurses, RNs, EENs and other health professionals within private organisations.
She is also an member of External Advisory Committee for Queensland's University of Technology Master of Nursing programme.
She has participated in research projects involving weight management, diabetes, metabolic and chronic diseases and has presented at nursing, allied health, medical and community events at local, State and National level.
She is a mentor for diabetes educators with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association and also provides education and mentorship for student nurses, RNs, EENs and other health professionals within private organisations.
She is also an member of External Advisory Committee for Queensland's University of Technology Master of Nursing programme.
Jules as is also part of the Global Midwives and Nurses Rotary Group and is currently part of the Leadership team.
Lilliana Levada
RN, MSN - Perioperative Nursing Education Consultant
Lilliana Levada is an experienced clinician with over 35 years of clinical experience in perioperative nursing (instrument, circulatory, anaesthetic, PACU, educator, consultant and manager nursing roles), intensive care nursing, patient flow management, after-hours hospital management and patient safety management.
Lilliana is passionate about nursing research and patient safety and uses this to translate science into practice. In the past, this has led her to become a lead reviewer for ACORN Standards and engage in providing consultancy for healthcare management.
She firmly believes that continuous improvements in nursing practice are paramount, and loves when Nurses cause 'revolution' and evolution in healthcare practice.
She is also involved in medical missions donating her time to time and expertise to those causes.
Louise Webber
Masters Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner), BA (Hons), RN
Louise has over 25 years of experience in Wound Management and established her Private Practice (Wound Therapies) in 2014.
She has worked in several public hospitals and Community settings in Australia and overseas. She currently works collaboratively with several Aged Care Providers and private hospitals and runs her specialist community wound clinic.
Louise was previously an Honorary Clinical Fellow for Australian Catholic University and continues to participate in research projects with a leading Queensland University.
Louise is passionate about wound care and strives for best practices. Additionally, she has participated in several international working groups for Pressure Injuries and Leg ulcers and frequently presents at workshops, conferences & seminars.
She is a mum of two, loves the Sunny Coast lifestyle and attempting to play golf!
Maria Clemente
BScN, RN, JD, GradDip, Solicitor
Maria Clemente is a registered nurse and solicitor. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (honours) at Brock University in Canada. She worked in rural Ontario in the areas of Emergency and Aged Care.
In 2019 she relocated to Australia and studied at Bond University, obtaining a Juris Doctor with first class distinction. Since then, she has been admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia.
Mary Andrew
Mary has a long history working in aged care, with 25 years experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs in various roles addressing
the complex health and support needs of the Veteran community.
Mary joined the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
almost 10 years ago – initially as Co-ordinator of the Community Visitor Scheme
(CVS), now the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) – training and
matching CALD volunteers with consumers from similar backgrounds / language /
and cultural experiences. This was to provide friendship, support and
connection for residents to combat social isolation.
As a PICAC Project officer Mary is actively engaged in
delivering training and professional development to aged care staff and
management, highlighting the diverse needs of CALD aged consumers and the
priority of inclusive care provision. She provides one on one support to
providers and links them to resources promoting best practice models of care.
She actively participates in local aged care networks –
liaising and advocating with providers, professional bodies, and industry
stakeholders regarding the care needs of CALD communities.
Mary has a background in Pharmacy, gaining a qualification in Ireland before migrating to Australia in the early 80s.
Dr Michael Sinnott
MBBS, FACEM, FRACP
Dr Michael Sinnott is a senior clinician and innovator with strong management, research and education skills. Dr Sinnott was involved in clinical medicine for over 35 years before retiring in 2018; the majority of that time was in the Emergency Department.
In the field of research, Dr Sinnott promotes an evidence-based approach to emergency medicine research and practice, and the development of a culture which generates and supports research findings. Dr Sinnott was a driving force in designing the Queensland Emergency Medicine Research Foundation.
Dr Sinnott has contributed to over 40 publications and is a world-leader in research regarding staff safety in healthcare. His expertise lead Dr Sinnott to become involved in the development of safety guidelines and legislation in the USA, and safety standards in Australia.
In the commercial space, Dr Sinnott is the Co-Founder of Qlicksmart Pty Ltd and Smartstream Pty Ltd, who innovate and commercialise safety medical devices.
National Asthma Council
The National Asthma Council Australia exists to build the capabilities for people to breathe well and facilitate best-practice care for people with asthma and allergies.
As the trusted authority leading the attack against asthma, we set and disseminate the standards of care through our responsive and evidence-based asthma guidelines, practice tools and resources and renowned education program.
We actively work to assess and address the impacts of asthma through advocacy and collaboration with policy makers, stakeholders and Australian and international asthma and lung health organisations.
Through our Sensitive Choice program, we provide the public with essential information about asthma and allergy management and empower consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services.
Nelle Francis
Nelle Frances is an Autism Consultant and Trainer and mum to a 28-year-old autistic son, daughter to an ASD father, and a Special Needs Educator with over 2 decades of experience.
Nelle believes all behaviour is sensorily driven, and that sensory sensitivity is the most misunderstood characteristic of the Spectrum.
She believes that if we look to the senses we can decode all behaviours displayed by those on the Autism Spectrum.
She believes that if we look to the senses we can decode all behaviours displayed by those on the Autism Spectrum.
She works with Autistic individuals of all ages teaching them to recognise their body signals in relation to sensory input, which increases their ability to self-regulate. This has a beneficial flow on effect to all areas of their lives – communication, social ability, relationships and employment.
Nicole Blackley
R.N., M of HP., SRHNA
Nicole Blackley is a clinical nurse at the Wide Bay Sexual Health Service. She works as a community educator, working with health care professionals, schools and their nurses, community agencies and young people.
Nicole has been a registered nurse for 22 years, completing a Bachelor of Nursing in 1998, Master of Health Promotion in 2013 and Sexual Health Nurse Authorisation in 2020.
After graduation, Nicole has worked in a range of clinical settings including hospitals, correctional centres, drug treatment before moving into sexual health specialty in 2017.
Pam Bridges
R.N., BACH in Social Welfare, Grad Dip Health Services
Pam is a Registered Nurse with a BA in Social Welfare and a Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management. She has had an extensive career in the aged care sector which has included working with the Commonwealth Department as a Commonwealth Nursing Officer; as the Residential Care Manager for the State Peak Association for 10 years; Commissioning a new aged care service and becoming the Director of Nursing/General Manager.
Additionally, Pam has been involved in a wide range of State and National Committees and Reference Groups where she has represented industry views and interests.
For the past seven years, Pam has run her own aged care consultancy - Pam Bridges Consulting - and has worked closely with providers to assist them with quality processes, audits, funding reviews, strategic planning, complaint investigations and much more. She has also undertaken request from the Coroner to act as an expert witness on several occasions.
Pam has been a member of the Nurse Advisor and Administrator Panels since these were set up and continues to work in these capacities for organisations experiencing difficulties.
While mainly involved in the residential care sector, in recent years Pam has become involved with organisations providing home care services also.
Pam, as part of her long association with Nurses in Management Aged Care (NIMAC), has been committed to providing aged care workers with professional development opportunities.
Dr Pam Savage
Dip N (Lon), BA, MHPEd, Dip Law, EdDoc, MACN
Pam had an extensive background in clinical Nursing, education, and remote area Nursing both in Australia and overseas.
As a Lawyer and Clinician, this background is brought to her role as adjunct Lecturer to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as Aboriginal Health Workers.
Pam is a Barrister at Bar (NSW) and a published author and her book “Law for Student Nurses: applied principles” is now in its third edition.
A major focus of her current work has been designing undergraduate and postgraduate law courses for Nurses and community health workers.
As a regular contributor to Nursing CPD, her blogs and webinars address issues of professional and legal governance that have relevance to Nurses working in many environments.
As a regular contributor to Nursing CPD, her blogs and webinars address issues of professional and legal governance that have relevance to Nurses working in many environments.
Dr Pammie Ellem
RN MN PhD CCN MACN
Dr Pammie Ellem is an experienced Registered Nurse and Specialist Breast Care Nurse who has always been passionate about oncology care/cancer nursing in regional, rural and remote areas. Having grown up in rural QLD, Pammie understands firsthand issues and strengths created by the tyranny of distance experienced by those living in rural and remote areas.
Additionally, Pammie has experience in rural family support and telehealth which compliment service delivery to isolated communities of which she is a strong advocate.
Additionally, Pammie has experience in rural family support and telehealth which compliment service delivery to isolated communities of which she is a strong advocate.
Another key interest of Pammie’ s is engaging clinicians in research, enabling fellow clinicians to become involved in research and higher education, not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of the patients in their care. The nursing profession needs more researchers at the bedside.
As Industry Liaison Educator Academic and Lecturer, Pammie is able to combine her interests of regional, rural and remote care within her role to assist in providing an enriched pathway for tomorrow’s nurses and today's clinicians.
Robyn Wortel
Clinical Education Specialist
Robyn Wortel is the Clinical Education Specialist for AVANOS Medical and has been in that role since 2017. Robyn has worked for the company for over 20 years and transitioned to the commercial medical industry too many years ago to admit to after graduating as a registered nurse and working in Operating Theatres in Melbourne.
Robyn has found working with clinicians in the digestive health space both challenging and rewarding – there are so many touchpoints for patients requiring enteral nutrition as well as for their clinical support team and personal care givers.
Sandra Ilett
RN RM BaHlthSc (Child Health) Grad Cert (Continence)
Sandra Ilett is a Registered Nurse and Midwife and for the past 20 years has worked as a Continence Nurse. She also has a Bachelor of Health (Child Health) and a Graduate Certificate (Continence).
Sandra works in private practice as a sole provider in a home visit service within a 100km radius of where she lives near Childers. This continence care is provided to clients of any age through the lifespan.
Sandra also works one day per week as a Practice Nurse for Childers Family Medicine.
Silvia Borges
With more than 10 years experience in supporting people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds in a variety of contexts, Silvia has joined Diversicare in September 2011 as the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) training officer.
She has since been researching, developing and delivering training modules focused in culturally appropriate care for older Australians.
She has since been researching, developing and delivering training modules focused in culturally appropriate care for older Australians.
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN
Sue is the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network. Sue is a key contributor to the online education platform Nursing CPD – a Continuing Professional Development platform to assist Nurses in meeting their annual CPD requirements.
As a Registered Nurse, Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a number of certificate courses in Psychiatry of Ageing, Gerontology, Chemotherapy Administration, and Training and Assessment. She is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Mindfulness Practitioner, and Clinical Supervisor.
Sue has extensive experience as a clinician, educator, and senior manager. She has presented at local and international conferences on many topics including, key issues in healthcare, such as the psychological impact of the work that Nurses do and how the work requirements to deliver healthcare impact the health of the clinician. Other topics presented comprise of Nursing Leadership, Emergency Management, Mental health, Aged Care, Advanced Life Support, Assertiveness, Grief and Loss, and Workplace Bullying.
Sue is passionate about making a difference in how the community and Nurses experience the healthcare system.
“Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and work in difficult environments that can take advantage of their commitment to ensuring the best possible care is delivered.
To continue to meet professional and community expectations Nurses and Midwives need to acknowledge their unique contribution to health care delivery and assert their collective strength to safeguard the community and ensure their ongoing professional needs are recognised and met.
To continue to meet professional and community expectations Nurses and Midwives need to acknowledge their unique contribution to health care delivery and assert their collective strength to safeguard the community and ensure their ongoing professional needs are recognised and met.
Healthcare should be delivered by competent, knowledgeable individuals to ensure the best possible experience for the recipient of that care. Nursing is a fabulous profession. The knowledge and skill of the individual Nurse will have the greatest influence on the happiness and health outcomes of each and every client”.
Vicki Evans
Vice President, WFNN
Vicki Evans is Vice President of the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses. She has been involved in Neuroscience nursing in a variety of positions, both public and private, in Australia and the USA. She has completed tertiary studies in Management and Neuroscience and is employed as the Clinical Nurse Consultant: Neuroscience at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney.
As the WFNN Vice President, she has also been the Scientific Chair for the WFNN Quadrennial Congress – Sydney 2001, Canada 2009, Japan 2013, Croatia 2017 and soon to be Darwin 2021. She was Editor of the Australasian Journal of Neuroscience for seven years; was awarded Life Membership of the Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association and is author of the board game - Cerebral Tap ©.
Vicki is well published and her professional interests and research involves traumatic brain injury and concussion.
Wendy Newton
RN, RN, Cert IV Grad Cert (Perioperative)
Wendy is an experienced Registered Nurse with over 30 years of post-graduate experience. During the last 20 years. Wendy has worked in the perioperative environment, primarily as an anaesthetic Nurse.
Although she has also worked in other areas of the perioperative environment, including endoscopy and as Clinical Nurse in Anaesthetics, relieving the Theatre Manager for periods of leave.
During this time Wendy contributed to ACORNS Standard for the reprocessing of reusable medical devices. More recently she has been working in a Post Anaesthetic Care Unit.
Currently, she works in Alcohol and Other Drugs as a methadone Nurse while she is working toward a PhD examining the policies concerning animals in Aged Care and how these policies might affect both residents and animals.
Geoffrey Atwell
Geoffrey is the Business Development and Corporate Subscription Accounts Manager for Nursing CPD. Geoffrey has extensive experience in both Business Management and IT Infrastructure large scale deployments. Over the past 20+ years, Geoffrey has worked extensively in the Human Services sector in Queensland for some of the Industries largest providers.
As a Senior Operations and Business Manager, Geoffrey has worked extensively in both the Aged Care sector (a number of years in the early days with Nursing CPD Director Sue Walker) as well as the Disability sector, employed by two of Queensland’s not-for-profit providers, Uniting Care and Endeavour Foundation.
Geoffrey’s roles with both Organisations included Regional Accountant, Program Manager for a large ICT Project, Business and Senior Operations Manager for Central and North Queensland.
Geoffrey is passionate about Customer Service and strives to provide the absolute best customer experience for everyone involved.
Geoffrey welcomes you to send him a quick email or give him a call. He’s always happy to assist wherever possible.
Helen Kansky
Helen is a specialist in Continuing Professional Development events organisation. Helen has worked in this field for the past 10 years and during this time has gained a thorough understanding of the CPD requirements of Nursing Professionals.
In addition, Helen manages the intricacies of providing excellent Conference Programs with the key requirements to ensure an exceptional educational travel experience. She has a vast array of administrative skills that she applies to ensure that every NFNN Conference attendee has a most enjoyable and fruitful CPD education travel adventure.
Helen enjoys exploring various cuisines and the challenge of recreating them at home for her family.
Dr Wendy McIntosh
RGN, RMHN, Grad. Dip MH, MN, Cert IV Workplace Assessment & Training, Group Leadership Cert, MRCNA, MANZCMHN, AANZPA
Establishing her own company Davaar Consultancy Training & Development in 2005, Wendy has over 30 years as a health professional (clinical, education and research), twenty-five of those years in mental health.
Areas of specific interest and passion for Wendy include: professional supervision, professional boundaries, professional identity, links between childhood trauma and mental illness and workplace bullying.
Wendy has over 20 years as a psychodrama trainee – a life long learning. She is committed to using experiential learning in the work she does with individuals and groups.
Regularly presenting workshops at national & International conferences, Wendy consistently receives feedback on her passion, knowledge and creativity as a presenter & facilitator. Wendy is continually integrating learning and insights she gains from the work she does in professional boundaries.
Wendy has developed internet training tools and education packages for individuals / organisations and delivers webinars for a variety of organisations nationally and internationally. With the assistance of six podcast episodes titled ‘Professional Boundaries’, Wendy is exploring and guiding listeners on their own personal and reflective journey through boundaries.
This series of professional boundaries podcasts has been picked up by the School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University to be used in their curriculum. Further podcasts are currently in production.
Wendy was Charter President of the Global Nurses & Midwives Rotary Club. An innovative, diverse and inclusive Rotary Club whose members come from around the world.
Areas of specific interest and passion for Wendy include: professional supervision, professional boundaries, professional identity, links between childhood trauma and mental illness and workplace bullying.
Wendy has over 20 years as a psychodrama trainee – a life long learning. She is committed to using experiential learning in the work she does with individuals and groups.
Regularly presenting workshops at national & International conferences, Wendy consistently receives feedback on her passion, knowledge and creativity as a presenter & facilitator. Wendy is continually integrating learning and insights she gains from the work she does in professional boundaries.
Wendy has developed internet training tools and education packages for individuals / organisations and delivers webinars for a variety of organisations nationally and internationally. With the assistance of six podcast episodes titled ‘Professional Boundaries’, Wendy is exploring and guiding listeners on their own personal and reflective journey through boundaries.
This series of professional boundaries podcasts has been picked up by the School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University to be used in their curriculum. Further podcasts are currently in production.
Wendy was Charter President of the Global Nurses & Midwives Rotary Club. An innovative, diverse and inclusive Rotary Club whose members come from around the world.
Testimonials:
"Wendy was such an incredible host/teacher and she held space so beautifully that everyone felt safe.” - Captains Starlight Professional Boundaries Workshop 2019
"Everyone needs a pocket Wendy! The compassion, understanding, knowledge and tenderness is exactly what I need in my practice.” - Georgina Lewis, Professional Boundaries Workshop 2019
www.daavar.com.au
wendy@davaar.com.au
0411 385 573
wendy@davaar.com.au
0411 385 573
Helen d'Emden
Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Dietician
Helen is an advanced accredited practicing dietitian and credentialed diabetes educator. Her academic experience includes a Masters of Philosophy at the School of Medicine, University of Queensland. Her experience with type 1 diabetes including the OzDAFNE program includes thirteen years of clinical and research experience working with children, adolescents and adults living with type 1 diabetes at Mater Health.
Her current role at Diabetes Queensland involves developing online education modules, delivering OzDAFNE in regional centres, DESMOND and SMARTS programs, as well as working in clinics in Western Queensland.
Amanda Callaghan
Credentialed Diabetes Educator
Amanda Callaghan is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. She has cared for many women over the past 15years with gestational diabetes predominantly antenatally and postnatally within both community and hospital settings.
She understands the challenges involved for pregnant women. She knows how important a multidisciplinary team approach is to maternal and fetal outcomes. She would like all practitioners to have access to relevant evidence-based information.
She understands the challenges involved for pregnant women. She knows how important a multidisciplinary team approach is to maternal and fetal outcomes. She would like all practitioners to have access to relevant evidence-based information.
It is for this reason that she continues her involvement with the Queensland Statewide Clinical Network and now works for Diabetes Queensland.
Donna Itzstein
Credentialed Diabetes Educator
Donna joined the Diabetes Queensland team as a Diabetes Educator in 2016 after pursuing her interest in Diabetes by studying at Southern Cross University.
She has been a community pharmacist since 1988 and loves to help people to get the most out of their medications and promote health in general.
Donna says “I see the real impact Diabetes and other related health conditions have on people and their families and how with the right information and support they can turn their lives around.”
She still works as a community pharmacist when not at Diabetes Queensland and visits people at home to review their medications. You might find her on the Diabetes Queensland helpline as she loves a chat.
Fleur Kelly
Credentialed Diabetes Educator
Fleur has a passion for health professional education which provides the skills to support clients with diabetes management. Fleur’s passion for assisting clients with diabetes management began in the primary care setting, using chronic condition management strategies, within GP practices.
Fleur is involved in the Advisory Committees for two University Graduate Certificates in Diabetes Management Courses delivered in Queensland. This ensures best practice pedagogy and robust evidence is available to student diabetes educators, which allows for quality clinician graduates. Fleur is currently enrolled in her Masters in Health Professional Education to improve her skills in teaching and learning.
Fleur also thoroughly enjoys collaborating with consumers to improve diabetes outcomes and is DESMOND trained to assist with this collaboration. She began at Diabetes Queensland delivering a similar program which fuelled her passion for group diabetes education.
Fleur has a wonderfully supportive family and with her husband, have parented four lovely children. They also have a dog and three cats to keep them company. Family and friends, reading and learning and music are always the foundation of Fleurs’ day to day life and she considers herself very lucky to enjoy her home life and her work life.
Dale Cook
Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Dietician
Dale is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and holds qualifications in health promotion, training and assessment, and fitness. She studied dietetics when her husband was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as an adult. She has been promoting improved nutrition and wellbeing for 25 years with a broad career spanning private practice, and the university, government and NGO sectors working with both individuals and public health programs.
Dale has joined Diabetes Queensland to follow her passion of promoting good health for people with diabetes. She delivers health programs.
She is married with two adult children and a flock of chickens and birds.
Nicole Mclure
Credentialed Diabetes Educator
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Nursing and post-graduate qualifications in Diabetes Education and Management, Paediatrics and Paediatric Critical Care Nursing. Nicole has spent the past 9 years working in primary care and General Practice.
She is a member of APNA (Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association), representing them on the Exercise is Medicine Advisory Council, and as a Nurse Network coordinator for Brisbane North.
Nicole works part-time as a CDE in General Practice in Brisbane and part-time with Diabetes Queensland where she is involved in the visiting CDE program, a joint collaboration between Diabetes Queensland and the Western Queensland PHN providing services and health professional education and support to improve care for people with diabetes in remote areas.
Narelle Williamson
RN, Respiratory Educator
Narelle has over 25 years’ experience in both the acute hospital setting and primary health care. She is an experienced Respiratory Educator, working for the NAC for the past 11 years.
She has been educating patients in various primary care respiratory clinics in Eastern Melbourne over this period, whilst also presenting for the National Asthma Council’s Asthma Best Practice for Professionals program.
Narelle has just recently resigned after 15 years, as Nursing Manager at a large, highly regarded, general practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She continues her passion for chronic disease management and preventative health.
Narelle has over 25 years’ experience in both the acute hospital setting and primary health care. She is an experienced Respiratory Educator, working for the NAC for the past 11 years.
She has been educating patients in various primary care respiratory clinics in Eastern Melbourne over this period, whilst also presenting for the National Asthma Council’s Asthma Best Practice for Professionals program.
Narelle has just recently resigned after 15 years, as Nursing Manager at a large, highly regarded, general practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She continues her passion for chronic disease management and preventative health.
Emma Luck
Emma Luck is a perioperative nurse educator at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in the Metro South Health District. Emma has previously specialised in the intraoperative and circulating instrument nurse roles, and is also practiced in the anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic nursing roles.
Emma has previously educated undergraduate nurses in the tertiary sector, and is published in nursing literature.
In 2018, Emma served on the review committee for the bi-annual Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (ACORN) national standards and was the co-joint ACORN QLD education chair.
Emma holds two postgraduate diplomas and is currently studying a masters degree in clinical leadership.
Pamela Doherty
Pamela Doherty has worked with Children by Choice as their Education and Training Co-ordinator since 2009. Children by Choice provides counselling, information and education services on all options with an unplanned pregnancy, including abortion, adoption and parenting. Children by Choice has been working to advance Queenslanders' reproductive choices, and to improve access to safe and legal abortion since 1972.
Children by Choice are recognised nationally and internationally as a key advocacy group for the needs and rights of women in relation to reproductive and sexual health. For more information about our work visit http://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/
Children by Choice are recognised nationally and internationally as a key advocacy group for the needs and rights of women in relation to reproductive and sexual health. For more information about our work visit http://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/
Narelle Williamson
Clinical Nutritionist
Audra Starkey is a Clinical Nutritionist, Accredited Trainer, Shift Work Veteran and founder of The Healthy Shift Worker podcast that receives over 2000+ listener downloads each month from around the world. She is also the author of The Healthy Shiftworker – a website dedicated to helping those who may be struggling to stay healthy whilst working 24/7.
After accepting a voluntary redundancy from Qantas in 2014, Audra went on to complete a Bachelor of Health Science degree majoring in Nutritional Medicine with the sole purpose of giving back to her profession upon graduation.
With a special interest in preventative health, she went on to found The Healthy Shift Worker, a company that provides shift work specific wellness services to individuals, along with corporate wellness programs via her signature Healthy Shift Worker Wellness Seminars.
She is a huge fan of tennis, or more specifically Roger Federer, and lives in Brisbane with her shift-working husband Dale.
https://healthyshiftworker.com/
Audra Starkey is a Clinical Nutritionist, Accredited Trainer, Shift Work Veteran and founder of The Healthy Shift Worker podcast that receives over 2000+ listener downloads each month from around the world. She is also the author of The Healthy Shiftworker – a website dedicated to helping those who may be struggling to stay healthy whilst working 24/7.
After accepting a voluntary redundancy from Qantas in 2014, Audra went on to complete a Bachelor of Health Science degree majoring in Nutritional Medicine with the sole purpose of giving back to her profession upon graduation.
With a special interest in preventative health, she went on to found The Healthy Shift Worker, a company that provides shift work specific wellness services to individuals, along with corporate wellness programs via her signature Healthy Shift Worker Wellness Seminars.
She is a huge fan of tennis, or more specifically Roger Federer, and lives in Brisbane with her shift-working husband Dale.
https://healthyshiftworker.com/
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Please Note
Integration of the CPD Portfolio is underway and any historic data and previously completed CPD sessions and certificates will be made available soon.
Don't worry, your records are safe and if you need a copy of your portfolio urgently, please contact us on 07 4151 3884 (select option 1).
Don't worry, your records are safe and if you need a copy of your portfolio urgently, please contact us on 07 4151 3884 (select option 1).
Anything to do with the care of patients over 65 including residential and community-based care eg dementia, delirium, polypharmacy, mental health, specific health conditions relating to the aged etc.
Covers health care where a patient receives active, short-term treatment usually in a hospital setting eg perioperative, cardiac care, emergency, critical care and trauma.
Theoretical competencies reviewing key areas of clinical risk.
Refers to health care which addresses chronic health conditions including palliative care usually delivered outside the hospital setting. Other topics include diabetes, drugs, and alcohol.
Issues relating to mental health care.
Encompasses prevention, cross-infection, public health, and immunisation.
All things Nursing relating to law, ethics, leadership, therapeutic relationships, clinical assessment, documentation, and best practice. Other topics include self-care, professional and personal growth.
Anything relating to medication.
Health issues relating to children and women including midwifery.
All things relating to clinical wound care.
Lisa Gorman
Lisa is an integral part of the Nursing CPD team with her extensive experience and provides expert administration support. In addition, she is highly involved in content creation and implementation on various websites and has a keen eye for design.
Lisa also provides exceptional customer service, both over the phone and via email, to our clientele.
During her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her family, horse riding and gardening.
David Ruzicka
Masters Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner), Master of Palliative Care
David is a nurse practitioner with over 14 years of clinical experience in palliative care. David has worked in both the acute and community sector within various Queensland health facilities throughout the state. He has proven ability as a palliative care clinician and researcher, as well as with mentoring and motivating staff. David has completed a Master of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner) with distinction and a Master of Palliative care and is currently employed as a Nurse Practitioner within the Palliative care service in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health service.
Colleen Reid
In 1974 Colleen thought she would become a nurse for a little while. Forty five years later she retired from nursing remains engaged and interested in the nursing profession and continues her work in nursing education.
During those years she became increasingly drawn back to psychiatry, working with people who were experiencing life very differently and who were at risk of ever- increasing marginalisation.
During those years she became increasingly drawn back to psychiatry, working with people who were experiencing life very differently and who were at risk of ever- increasing marginalisation.
For many years she had the privilege and challenge of working especially with people diagnosed with personality disorders and trauma induced conditions. She maintains a lasting appreciation and respect for their journey and their resilience.
Colleen has worked in Public and Private Hospitals, Community settings and Nursing Education.
Colleen completed her Psychiatric training first, then her General and Obstetric training in the last cohort of hospital trained nurses in Auckland. She has a BA Humanities and a Grad Certificate in Adult Education.
Dr Chamindika Konara
B.ENG [BIOMED], PHD [BIOTECH
Dr
Chamindika Konara received her Doctorate in Biotechnology from University of
Queensland and her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the National
University of Singapore.
As an ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 accredited auditor, Dr Konara has strong experience in implementing systems for quality improvement and change control.
Dr Konara works within the biomedical sector to translate research and product concepts into practical solutions for healthcare facilities.
She has contributed to the education of perioperative staff through her roles at Qlicksmart Pty Ltd and StaffandPatientSafety org, and provides ongoing education to medical students as well as medical industry professionals.
In 2022 Dr Konara presented at the AORN ( and ACORN ( virtual conferences and she will be presenting at the AORN Global Surgical Conference Expo 2023
As an ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 accredited auditor, Dr Konara has strong experience in implementing systems for quality improvement and change control.
Dr Konara works within the biomedical sector to translate research and product concepts into practical solutions for healthcare facilities.
She has contributed to the education of perioperative staff through her roles at Qlicksmart Pty Ltd and StaffandPatientSafety org, and provides ongoing education to medical students as well as medical industry professionals.
In 2022 Dr Konara presented at the AORN ( and ACORN ( virtual conferences and she will be presenting at the AORN Global Surgical Conference Expo 2023
Mairin Monteath
Mairin Monteath is a passionate advocate for workplace safety. Since receiving her Bachelor of Communications from the University of Queensland, Mairin has worked with healthcare professionals and medical device innovators to streamline how safety solutions can be effectively implemented into healthcare facilities' existing processes.
Completing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Design from Monash University in 2023, Mairin develops Continuing Professional Development resources based on the latest research into staff and patient safety initiatives, including publications for the European Operating Room Nurses Association and Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union.
Mairin has also authored conference presentations for the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo and ACORN Perioperative Leadership Summit.
Completing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Design from Monash University in 2023, Mairin develops Continuing Professional Development resources based on the latest research into staff and patient safety initiatives, including publications for the European Operating Room Nurses Association and Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union.
Mairin has also authored conference presentations for the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo and ACORN Perioperative Leadership Summit.
Swaatha Haji
Swaatha Haji (she/her) is a passionate leader in community health and advocacy.
Swaatha holds a Masters in Global Public Health from Griffith University and has extensive experience working with clients from multiple African, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities. This has directly informed her understanding of the different health challenges these diverse communities experience.
Being from a Somali African background herself, Swaatha has co-planned and co-delivered health information sessions to the Somali community in Brisbane. She has also conducted, analysed, and produced a research study to assess the effectiveness and impact of the health information sessions on participants.
Swaatha is especially passionate about FGM/C, given that the Somali community has one of the highest rates of FGM/C in the African communities. Swaatha is determined to be part of creating better maternal health outcomes for pregnant women and people affected by FGM/C.
Swaatha graduated from the inaugural National Education Toolkit for Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting Awareness (NETFA) Leadership Program in 2022.
Sara Yousif
Sara Yousif (she/her) has been a member of the Mater Refugee Health Advisory Group (known as the ‘G11’) for 6 years. Originally from Iraq, she spent six years in Syria prior to living in Australia and has many connections with Arabic speaking communities in Brisbane.
She worked as a Case Manager Assistant and Arrival Coordinator at Multicultural Australia for 6 years where she met many new arrivals through the Humanitarian Support Program (often at 1am and 4am at Brisbane Airport!) She now works as a Mental Health and NDIS Support coordinator with the Richmond Fellowship Queensland.
She worked as a Case Manager Assistant and Arrival Coordinator at Multicultural Australia for 6 years where she met many new arrivals through the Humanitarian Support Program (often at 1am and 4am at Brisbane Airport!) She now works as a Mental Health and NDIS Support coordinator with the Richmond Fellowship Queensland.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in sharing critical information about public health directions to community leaders and social media community channels by working closely with the CALD COVID Health Engagement Project and Queensland Health to record audio messages in Arabic. She is a passionate advocate for health, especially mental health and women’s health.
She has co-ordinated, co-presented and engaged with community members to participate in health workshops in partnership with Mater Refugee Health, Qld Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), TRUE Relationships and Reproductive Health and TAFE Qld.
She has co-ordinated, co-presented and engaged with community members to participate in health workshops in partnership with Mater Refugee Health, Qld Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), TRUE Relationships and Reproductive Health and TAFE Qld.
Sara graduated from the inaugural National Education Toolkit for Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting Awareness (NETFA) Leadership Program in 2022.
Mi Nguyen
Mi Nguyen (she/her) is a Senior Project Officer at the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH), a community-based national organisation that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of migrant and refugee women. She currently leads PACE Leadership, a program that strengthens migrant and refugee women’s capacities to take on leadership roles in their workplaces and communities.
Mi has worked in not-for-profit organisations supporting migrant and refugee communities for over a decade, and has extensive experience in promoting gender equality, women’s leadership, inclusion, health and wellbeing.
She has worked in various capacities, including program management and coordination, communications, research and capacity building. Mi holds a Master in Development Studies with a gender specialisation.
She has worked in various capacities, including program management and coordination, communications, research and capacity building. Mi holds a Master in Development Studies with a gender specialisation.
Dr Paula Foran
PhD RN, FACORN
Dr Paula Foran comes from a perianaesthesia nursing background. She has many publications to her credit including published articles and several book chapters on perianaesthesia and surgical nursing.
Paula currently sits on the ‘Victorian Perioperative Council’ and the case review sub-committee in morbidity and mortality for the Department of Health.
Paula is the sub-editor for the Journal of Perioperative Nursing and manages the column, ‘Emerging Scholars’ where Paula assists postgraduate students to see their publications come to fruition.
Paula has been a guest speaker and presented keynote presentations at national & international conferences. She has been awarded the ‘Most Popular Presenter’ for her keynote address at the International Collaboration of Perianaesthesia Nurses, and Best Oral Paper award at the European Operating Room Nurses conference in The Hague.
Paula completed her research PhD in 2012 and currently is the Unit Coordinator of the master by coursework subjects (CNA802 & CNA803) and the Master Clinical Nursing Coordinator at the University of Tasmania.
Dr Shreya Singh
Phd, MA, BA
Dr Shreya Singh has a PhD from the University of Queensland, and has Masters degrees from the University of Warwick and the University of Delhi.
She has extensive experience in teaching and interdisciplinary research, working with diverse stakeholders to achieve positive organisational change.
Dr Singh is passionate about community education and safety, with a focus on empowering frontline staff.
Amy Gibson
BPharm GCertHlthProfEd MClinPharm
Amy is a credentialed clinical pharmacist with experience across a range of sectors including community pharmacy, corporate pharmacy operations, multidisciplinary teams, residential aged care and general practice where she is currently positioned as a practice pharmacist and manager.
As a general practice pharmacist, Amy works with GPs to enhance quality use of medicines at both a patient and practice level. She has a strong patient-centred focus and believes in empowering patients to make informed choices about their healthcare needs through education and advocacy.
Amy has completed post-graduate studies in clinical pharmacy and education and has held her consultant pharmacist credentials for more than a decade.