Voluntary Assisted Dying in Aged Care
The role of the Registered Nurse
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now part of Australia’s end-of-life care landscape, bringing new responsibilities — and challenges — for aged-care nurses. This session unpacks what VAD means in practice, clarifying the legal, ethical, and professional obligations of registered nurses. Learn how to respond confidently when residents raise the topic, understand your rights around participation or conscientious objection, and ensure compassionate, lawful care in every situation.
CPD HOURS: 0.5
Registration Year 2025/2026
Course Content
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now a lawful end-of-life option in most Australian jurisdictions and represents one of the most significant changes to aged-care nursing in recent years. For registered nurses, understanding the intersection between legal frameworks, ethical responsibilities, and compassionate care is essential. This course draws on the End of Life Law Toolkit (ELDAC, 2024) to explain what VAD means in practice, how it coexists with palliative care, and the professional boundaries nurses must uphold when caring for residents who explore or pursue this option.
Reference:
VAD enables eligible adults to choose to end their life with medical assistance under strict safeguards. It exists alongside, not instead of, palliative care, and many residents who consider VAD are already receiving end-of-life support. Nurses are often the first professionals approached when the topic arises. Responding appropriately requires an understanding of jurisdiction-specific legislation and organisational policy. In most states, nurses may not raise VAD as an option but can provide factual information or refer the person to an authorised practitioner when asked. Clear, compassionate communication and accurate information are central to ethical practice.
Each state and territory has its own legislation defining who may access VAD, who may participate, and what procedures must be followed. In some jurisdictions—such as Queensland and the ACT—registered nurses can administer VAD medication if trained and authorised. Regardless of participation, nurses must always comply with documentation, reporting, and safety requirements.
Ethically, nurses are guided by the NMBA Code of Conduct to practise with respect, integrity, and accountability. Supporting a person’s right to make lawful choices does not necessarily mean personal endorsement of those choices. Nurses must balance respect for autonomy with their own moral beliefs, communicating openly with their team and residents about their position. Conscientious objection is a professional right, but it carries a responsibility to ensure that residents’ lawful access to care is not impeded.
Not all aged-care services participate in VAD, and policies vary widely. Nurses should familiarise themselves with their organisation’s stance, declare any conscientious objection early, and ensure continuity of care for residents who choose VAD. Even when opting out, nurses remain responsible for providing general nursing, comfort, and palliative care.
The emotional impact of VAD can be considerable. Nurses may experience moral distress or uncertainty and should seek supervision, debriefing, or peer support when needed. Ongoing reflection and education help sustain professional resilience and ethical clarity in this evolving area of practice.
Voluntary assisted dying presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the nursing profession. It requires sound legal literacy, ethical awareness, and compassionate communication. By staying informed, reflective, and professionally accountable, nurses can ensure that residents receive care that honours both their rights and the nurse’s professional integrity.
Reference:
End of Life Law in Australia (ELDAC). (2024). Voluntary assisted dying in aged care: Roles and obligations of registered nurses. Retrieved from https://www.eldac.com.au
Disclaimer: This content is based on the ELDAC factsheet “Voluntary assisted dying in aged care: Roles and obligations of registered nurses” and reflects the educator’s interpretation for professional learning purposes.
Why this Session may be Relevant to your Work
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now part of the legal framework of end-of-life care across most Australian jurisdictions, meaning nurses in all care settings — particularly aged care — are increasingly likely to encounter residents, families, or colleagues who raise the topic. Whether or not a nurse personally participates, understanding the law, ethical obligations, and scope of practice is essential to providing safe, lawful, and compassionate care.
Learning Outcomes
In this session, you will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and professional responsibilities of registered nurses in relation to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) within aged-care settings.
- Apply ethical reasoning and professional judgement when responding to residents or families who raise voluntary assisted dying as an option.
- Integrate organisational policy, jurisdictional legislation, and professional standards to provide lawful, safe, and compassionate care to residents involved in VAD processes.
- Reflect on personal beliefs and professional values to manage moral distress, maintain professional boundaries, and provide person-centred care regardless of participation status.
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, and more...
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
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN
Sue Walker is an Australian nurse, conference director, CPD specialist, and nurse educator with a strong public health focus with experience spanning clinical practice, leadership, education and health system improvement.
Sue is the Director and Co-Founder of Nurses for Nurses (NfN), delivering national and international conferences, study tours and professional development programs for nurses and midwives. She is also a key contributor to Nursing CPD, an online education platform supporting nurses to meet NMBA Continuing Professional Development requirements through accessible, evidence-based learning that is firmly grounded in real-world practice.
Sue is the Director and Co-Founder of Nurses for Nurses (NfN), delivering national and international conferences, study tours and professional development programs for nurses and midwives. She is also a key contributor to Nursing CPD, an online education platform supporting nurses to meet NMBA Continuing Professional Development requirements through accessible, evidence-based learning that is firmly grounded in real-world practice.
Sue holds degrees in Nursing and Health Administration, a Master of Primary Health, and postgraduate qualifications in areas including psychiatry of ageing, gerontology, chemotherapy administration and training and assessment. Her career has included frontline clinical roles, senior management and education leadership, giving her a practical, end-to-end understanding of how healthcare policy, workforce pressures and clinical realities collide at the point of care, in the community and across the system.
A sought-after presenter in Australia and internationally, Sue focuses on the issues nurses actually face at work — not just what looks good in policy documents. Her areas of interest include leadership without titles, public and population health, professional boundaries, workplace culture and incivility, bullying and moral distress, emergency management, aged care, mental health, advanced life support education, and the long-term psychological impact of caring work. She is particularly passionate about strengthening clinical judgement, professional confidence and practical strategies that protect both patient safety and workforce sustainability.
Sue is known for education that is evidence-based, unapologetically practical and grounded in the lived experience of nursing. Her programs move beyond surface-level wellbeing conversations to explore how organisational design, risk management and workforce policy shape daily practice and long-term career outcomes.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: nurses and midwives are not just the backbone of healthcare — they are critical decision-makers whose knowledge, judgement and advocacy directly influence patient outcomes and system safety. Sue’s goal is to ensure nurses and midwives are supported and professionally empowered to meet the growing complexity of modern healthcare while sustaining long, fulfilling careers.
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 manner that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but also 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, and seminars throughout Australia and New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG interpretation, chest X-ray 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 empowering all clinical staff through increased awareness and knowledge of the critically ill patient’s condition, so that timely interventions can be implemented, benefiting 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.
Dr 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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
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.
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.
Amy has completed post-graduate studies in clinical pharmacy and education and has held her consultant pharmacist credentials for more than a decade.
She currently works as an integrated onsite pharmacist in aged care, providing support to GPs, nurses, residents and their families to provide safe and effective use of medicines.
Amy also acts as a mentor and educator for pharmacists who have recently graduated as well as to pharmacists who may be established, but are moving into more clinical areas of practice.
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Muireann Wynne
RN, BSN, MSN (Clinical - Emergency), PGDip ClinRedesign
Muireann Wynne is an accomplished nursing leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical and non-clinical settings. Beginning her career in Ireland before relocating to Australia in 2012, she has progressively advanced into executive leadership roles.
Muireann is recognised for her expertise in workforce strategy, nursing excellence, and healthcare innovation. She is dedicated to fostering professional growth and creating environments where nurses can thrive.
Muireann is recognised for her expertise in workforce strategy, nursing excellence, and healthcare innovation. She is dedicated to fostering professional growth and creating environments where nurses can thrive.
In addition to her executive responsibilities within a major South East Queensland health service,
Muireann remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders. Balancing her professional achievements with family life, she understands the complexities of career progression and personal commitments, making her a strong advocate for sustainable and fulfilling nursing careers.
Muireann remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders. Balancing her professional achievements with family life, she understands the complexities of career progression and personal commitments, making her a strong advocate for sustainable and fulfilling nursing careers.
0408013739
Lisa Lucas
RN, BSN, MSN (Emergency Nursing - Trauma)
Lisa Lucas is a multi-award-winning Nursing leader with over 20 years of experience across specialties including Oncology, Surgical, Cardiology, Retrieval Services, and Emergency Nursing.
With 16 years spent in major emergency departments, she has held senior leadership roles such as Nursing Director, Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Nurse Educator.
With 16 years spent in major emergency departments, she has held senior leadership roles such as Nursing Director, Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Nurse Educator.
Recognised for her commitment to the profession, Lisa was awarded Nurse of the Year in 2020 (Year of the Nurse and Midwife), Nursing Director of the Year in 2023, and nominated for Nursing Leader of the Year in 2024.
Coming from a family of nurses spanning three generations, Lisa is passionate about mentoring and professional growth. Her dedication to developing future nurse leaders inspired her to co-found The Hive Development, expanding her impact beyond her immediate team.
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