Newsletter
AUTUMN EDITION 2024
CATSINaM acknowledges our core funding provider and supporter, DoHAC
In this edition
The CATSINaM Newsletter will be released every quarter. Our Newsletter will celebrate and showcase stories about CATSINaM members. If you are a CATSINaM member with a deadly story, interesting insight, or awesome news that is relevant to our community, we want to hear from you! Contact enquire@catsinam.org.au
We will continue to provide monthly email updates about what is happening in the nursing and midwifery space.
CATSINaM Secretariat Updates for Members
Message from the President, Kenton Winsley
Dear CATSINaM Members,
HOLDING TEXT
Message from CATSINaM CEO Dr Ali Drummond
Dear CATSINaM members,
I know the year is quickly getting underway, but Happy New Year! We decided not to do a separate January and February newsletter, assuming that we wouldn’t have that much to share. Nek minit, we got a massive newsletter. Please enjoy this Autumn Edition, scroll on, and check out updates from the CATSINaM team and information on events and professional development opportunities.
I want to dedicate my first 2024 CEO message to acknowledging the passing of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, a Yankunytjatjara woman, a formidable advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, and an inspiring nursing and midwifery leader.
Dr O’Donoghue is CATSINaM’s founding patron. She participated in the 1997 National Forum for the development of strategies to increase the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in nursing, on Gadigal Country, which led to the establishment of CATSIN – the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses.
Dr O’Donoghue was the inaugural Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) (1990-1996). Under her leadership, ATSIC submitted to the Steering Committee: Nursing Education, which advocated for increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives.
This Steering Committee was tasked with reviewing the transition of nursing education from hospital-based pre-registration training to university undergraduate education, and for proposing reform recommendations.
I had the immense privilege of meeting Dr O’Donoghue while I was a board member for the Lowitja Institute, Australia’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health research institute. Star-struck is an understatement for how I felt when I first met Dr O’Donoghue. It was an absolute privilege to experience her knowledge so generously shared, including stories that demonstrated her political prowess. And geez, she made me laugh with her stories.
Reflecting on the loss of Dr O’Donoghue, I am reminded of her integrity, tenacity, wit, and her poise. A legend of our disciplines, and our mob.
A state funeral will take place at 1pm on Friday, 8 March 2024. It will be livestreamed on the South Australian Government’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, Dr O’Donoghue’s family has requested consideration for people and organisations wishing to honour Dr O’Donoghue, to donate to the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation.
My sincere condolences to her family. Thank you, Dr O’Donoghue! You will be missed.
Au Esoau,
Ali.
Remembering Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue
Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue was originally denied training as a nurse because of her heritage, sparking her lifelong advocacy mission and achievements. [Source: X – Leanne King]
Esteemed Indigenous rights activist and the first Aboriginal person to train as a nurse at South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Hospital, Doctor Lowitja O’Donoghue, has died aged 91.
A valuable political consult for both the 1967 referendum and the Apology to the Stolen Generation, the Yankunytatjara leader was honoured in a statement from her family who confirmed she had passed away peacefully, surrounded by her immediate family, on Kaurna country in Adelaide on Sunday.
“We thank and honour her for all that she has done – for all the pathways she created, for all the doors she opened, for all the issues she tackled head-on, for all the tables she sat at and for all the arguments she fought and won,” it read.
“She was admired and respected universally, sought after to meet with dignitaries of the highest standing from all over the world, whilst being equally as loved in her own nation.
“As an Australian ‘National Living Treasure’, we shared her with admirers far and wide, but we always loved having her home close to us.”
The former Australian of the Year was born to an Aboriginal mother and pastoralist father at De Rose Hill in South Australia’s APY Lands before being taken away to a children’s home at just two years old along with her two other sisters.
SA’s first Aboriginal nurse
During her time at the children’s home, Dr O’Donoghue was trained to be a domestic worker which led to a nursing aide job at the Victor Harbor hospital.
Dr O’Donoghue’s plight for equality began early in her career and she rose to notoriety after successfully lobbying to become the first Aboriginal person to train as a nurse at Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) in 1954, after initially being denied due to her Aboriginality.
Dr O’Donoghue’s at the RAH. [Source: ABC News]
“The matron … stood me up in the corridor outside her office and just told me very bluntly that I should go to Alice Springs and nurse my own people,” she told the National Film and Sound Archive in 1994.
“Alice Springs of course being a place I had never been to and ‘my own people’ being a people that I didn’t know. So of course that really hurt me, but I didn’t give up.”
With support from then – Premier Sir Thomas Playford, the decision was overturned and Dr O’Donoghue became South Australia’s first Aboriginal nurse and stayed in the profession for a decade, spending time in India with the Baptist Overseas Mission.
A large legacy left for all
After a decade in nursing, Dr O’Donoghue was a welfare officer for South Australia’s Department of Aboriginal Affairs, kickstarting a long career in the public service sector.
She campaigned for the 1967 referendum, which changed the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the population and make laws for them. Dr O’Donoghue’s advocacy saw her made a member of the Order of Australia in 1977 before continuing as the founding chairperson of the National Aboriginal Conference (NAC).
In 1984 she was named Australian of the Year and became the inaugural chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission four years later – a Commission that replaced NAC.
The 90s saw Dr O’Donoghue lobby the Keating Federal Government to recognise Aboriginal land ownership through the Native Title Act and the 00s brought an opportunity to advise then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – particularly those of the Stolen Generations – in 2008.
She received a plethora of other accolades for her work including a papal honour from Pope John Paul II, a NAIDOC lifetime achievement award and seven honorary doctorates.
Just two years ago, the non-profit Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation was set up to continue her legacy.
Paying tributes to the late trailblazer
In a tribute, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured Dr O’Donoghue’s faith in the possibility of a more united and reconciled Australia despite years of discrimination.
“Throughout her time in this world, Dr O’Donoghue walked tall – and her example and inspiration made us all walk taller,” he wrote in a statement posted on X.
“Dr O’Donoghue was a figure of grace, moral clarity, and extraordinary inner strength.”
(Article sourced from hellocare)
Reflections from CATSINaM Elder
Aunty Dulcie Flower reflection [Source: CATSINaM]
CATSINaM’s Elder Aunty Dulcie Flower shares her reflections for Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, and sorrow learning of her passing:
“Lowitja was Lois when I met her for the first time in mid-1968, she was a public servant in South Australia during the reign of the late Don Dunstan’s premiership of South Australia.
The parliament of South Australia had made a statement recognising Aboriginal Land in the state, and it was the first time in Australia that an official statement had been made.
Lois said, “It doesn’t go far enough, it’s not legislation, nothing’s changed.”
She would attend the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders annual conferences (FCAATSI), as a delegate.
She organised a gathering on the history of FCAATSI a few years ago.
Lois became a Registered Nurse and worked tirelessly on improving health status of Aboriginal people.
At the time, ATSIC leadership was a huge challenge, but she managed to ensure positive and lasting changes were made to many people’s lives.
Lois later chose the name Lowitja and became a founding patron of numerous organisations, one of which was CATSIN – now CATSINaM.
Lowitja attended the inaugural meeting of Aboriginal Nurses organised by Sally Goold (Bamblett) and her team, I was the only Torres Strait Islander Nurse there and was so pleased to have TI Nurses included.
Dr O’Donoghue mentored Sally and many others, and she was known to stay for the full conference (when it was usual custom for dignitaries to just put in an appearance).
Lois had a great love for Aboriginal people, and took pride in being an Aboriginal woman able to achieve the best possible outcomes she could for people.
She was humble, had a good sense of humour, and was loyal, a busy woman, yet always making time to mentor others, so they could achieve their goals.”
Dr Lowitja’s life is to be celebrated, and her legacy lives on.
Read Aunty Dulcie’s reflection in Croakey Health
If you would like to donate to the Lowitja Institute Foundation, click here
Amber Wighton, Wiradjuri woman and registered nurse, received the top commendation for Bachelors of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. [Source: CATSINaM]
Over the past five months, working in the corridors where healthcare and heartbeat intertwine, you’ll find Amber Wighton, a proud Wiradjuri woman and Registered Nurse at Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH).
A valued member of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM), and recent graduate from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Amber’s journey speaks volumes about the challenges she faced and the cultural disparities we still must overcome.
“I always wanted a dream for myself, but you have to remember that it was hard,” says Amber.
Amber’s passion for her people and their health began at an early age.
As a jarjum, Amber would go to work with her father, a proud Jarowair Giabal man, and a dedicated Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer in the Barunggam (Toowoomba) region.
It was during these moments; she felt an overwhelming sense to follow her father’s footsteps and help others through their health battles.
After the loss of her father and finishing school, Amber took a break to reassess what it was she held in her heart.
Despite the barriers existing, Amber forged a path forward towards her dream commencing a bachelor’s in nursing science in 2020, joining CATSINaM and meeting Aunty Leone Smith, an important cultural connection.
“Aunty Leone has been (and continues to be) a significant part of my journey, always knowing the right times to reach out for a yarn or send me a supportive email… she has helped me through my studies and gain confidence along the way.
“Despite many uphill battles, I persevered with my degree, with Aunty Leone walking alongside me every step.
“A mentor is so important to guide us on our way; that deeper understanding of cultural, social, and academic support, is valuable and made all the difference,” says Amber.
Now, Amber’s dedication has paid off, earning top commendations in her studies and working hard in a busy clinical space severely underrepresented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It is often hard navigating both university and clinical health environments due to emotional stresses, racism, ethical dilemmas, imposter syndrome, but confidence is key in empowering others, through mentorships, deeper connections, and CATSINaM.
“With just 3% of nurses in the sector identifying, the time for greater representation is now… we have the potential to transform the sector, create more opportunities, break down barriers, and foster greater leadership among Indigenous healthcare professionals.”
Amber continually makes her mob proud, paving the way for others.
“I hope to leave a trail for others, breaking down barriers that exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and showing them that confidence and resilience will define our journey.”
Unstoppable Amber yarns with Indigenous Services Mentor, and registered nurse of over 50 years, Aunty Leone Smith. [Source: CATSINaM]
Refer a friend to join CATSINaM
You get: 40% off the ticket price to attend the National Conference 2024!
They get: CATSINaM welcome pack valued at $80.00!
Our Refer A Friend promo is open now to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives only. Meaning, you need to be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife (or currently studying nursing and midwifery) and a CATSINaM member, who has successfully referred an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife (or they are currently studying nursing and midwifery).
That’s a huge saving $$$
What’s not to love about CATSINaM?
Any questions, sing out to enquire@catsinam.org.au
CATSINaM’s National Conference - Save the Date
Join us for this incredible three day event, and hear from leaders in the field.
Beneficial for members, and all health professionals from across Australasia who want to feel inspired and connected to our highly esteemed network.
Tickets for the annual National Conference 2024 are on sale soon!
Taking place on beautiful Walyalup Country (Fremantle, WA), this is an incredible opportunity.
For exhibition booth enquires, sing out to enquire@catsinam.org.au
See the Refer A Friend promo in this edition – you may qualify for 40% off the ticketed price!
In Recognition of our Nurses and Midwives
CATSINaM’s International Nurses and Midwives Day 2024 theme has been announced: The shades and colours for the future.
We are asking you, our deadly members, to get involved!
If you can drop us a 30 second video explaining why you love nursing and/or midwifery we will share it with our entire network!
We are also making a short film to help celebrate!
Available to view online early May, this will spark a nationwide wave of change, gratitude, and celebration of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives.
So be sure to join us, and take part in International Nurses Day and International Midwives Day from across the country!
CATSINaM encourages organisations, businesses, and individuals to get involved, by:
- Join us on Facebook and view our original short film in early May
- Like and share our short film (via SMS, FB, LI, Insta)
- Comment or tag a colleague, workplace, family member, or friend who has been instrumental in your midwifery or nursing journey
- Share during your staff meetings, and encourage your team to yarn through their nursing and/or midwifery journey.
- Create a short video of your own (30 secs), sharing a memorable piece of your nursing and/or midwifery journey, then tag us or send your vid to our team: enquire@catsinam.org.au
- Not a nurse or midwife? That’s cool! We all know one amazing nurse or midwife who works hard to help care for others. Be sure to tag them in the comments online so we can celebrate as one!
CATSINaM encourages universities, health providers, governments, and the community to help us celebrate The shades and colours for the future.
Filming is now underway for our short film. [Source: CATSINaM]
Membership Survey
Come on CATSINaM Community, we want to hear from the rest of you!
Over 600 of our valued members have stepped up to support CATSINaM!
All participants get a FREE GIFT ** valued at $50 (look out for the postie!).
Once completed, you will be automatically entered into our major draw for a QANTAS * return flight from anywhere in the country!
Fingers crossed, the winner might be you!
*Please note the QANTAS prize is for return flights only. It does include airport transfers, seat upgrades, extra luggage, or inflight purchases.
**One gift per person valued at over $50.00. This is not $50.00 cash. This is not a $50.00 voucher. One gift per member, as packaged by CATSINaM.
The CATSINaM Members survey closes March 11, be quick!
Proactive engagement in key advocacy
In response to vital health matters, CATSINaM recently submitted to two significant consultations:
- The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care National Nursing Workforce Strategy
- The Australian Government Treasury Pre-Budget.
The National Nursing Workforce Strategy submission emphasises the opportunity for transformative change within the nursing profession, particularly in addressing the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The submission proposed a series of actions to grow and develop our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse workforce and to better prepare all nurses to work with and serve the healthcare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A dedicated member Workforce Strategy Working Group, comprised of experts, played a pivotal role in shaping this submission.
The working group members included:
- Dr Ali Drummond, Meriam le and Wuthanthi, Co-chair
- Dr Lynne Stuart, Mandandanji,Co-chair
- Professor Catherine Chamberlain, Trawlwoolway
- Susan Walker, Worimi
- Sharon Bilney, Wirangu/Kokatha
- Nean Tatnall, Dja Dja Wurrung
- Emma Thurling, Palawa
- Krysta Davis, Kalkadoon & Waayni
- Christine Birch, Nurragga
- Tania Day, Ngarrindjeri
- Kelly Trudgen, Gumbainggyir Nation
We thank and acknowledge our members, for their invaluable dedication with this works.
In another stride, CATSINaM lodged a Pre-budget Submission with a focus on securing funding to expand strategic activities. Aligning with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, CATSINaM’s proposals target leadership investment, culturally safe clinical placements, and advanced cultural safety education for nurses and midwives.
This initiative reflects CATSINaM’s commitment to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan, reinforcing the importance of collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and communities to improve healthcare outcomes.
CATSINaM invites you to delve into the details of these submissions, as we continue to champion genuine community engagement, self-determination, and cultural safety across the health system.
- CATSINaM Submission to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care National Nursing Workforce Strategy Consultation
- CATSINaM Pre-budget Submission 2024-25
Your support and awareness contribute to advancing transformative changes in nursing and midwifery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Cultural Safety Education
CATSINaM invites practising Nurses and Midwives from all career stages, clinical and non-clinical roles, and backgrounds who may or may not have built an understanding of Cultural Safety and/or Cultural Humility to consider our nationally recognised short course, Murra Mullangari.
The program is one aspect of your lifelong learning towards achieving Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility in Nursing and Midwifery practice, especially when caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It also contributes to eliminating racism and addressing inequities in the Nursing and Midwifery workforce and health outcomes.
Key learning outcomes
- An understanding of the history, origins, and concepts of Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility in Nursing and Midwifery
- Insights into the culture of power and its implications on the Nursing and Midwifery workforce; and
- Clarity towards consciously transforming the health inequities as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; and,
- An awareness of the key initiatives being taken to address inequities in the Nursing and Midwifery workforce and health outcomes including the role of Nursing and Midwifery practitioners.
Join us on beautiful Gimuy Walubara Yidinji (Cairns)
CATSINaM invites you to the ‘Growing Deadly Families’ Mentorship Workshop.
The mentorship workshop aims to:
- Increase understandings of roles and responsibility.
- Create a mentoring network.
- Initiate the pairing of mentors and mentees for support and knowledge sharing.
CATSINaM will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals.
To be eligible, you must be:
- For Mentors
- A CATSINaM ordinary member.
- Willing to mentor the mentee in 2024.
- Available to travel to Cairns 19-21st of March 2024.
- For Mentees
- A CATSINaM student member
- Currently enrolled and studying Midwifery, Child Health, and Perinatal Mental Health.
- Living in Queensland.
- Available to travel to Cairns 19-21st of March 2024.
Workshop details are as follows:
20th March (arrive on the 19th)
Cairns – Crystalbrook Flynn (Cairns)
8:30am – 5:00pm
Facilitator: Duane Vickory ETMP Perspectives – See LINK for bio.
Places are limited. Please submit the EOI form by COB on the 29th of February 2024.
Email enquire@catsinam.org.au
Blue Lagoon looking across the ocean on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji [Source: Cairns Regional Council]
Survival, Invasion, Australia Day. [Source: CATSINaM]
Let us commit to healing and reconciliation through truth-telling, compassion, and greater self-determination. [Source: CATSINaM]
CATSINaM Scholarships
Heads up, there’s some deadly opportunities on the horizon.
We are excited to announce applications will OPEN very soon for the following Scholarships:
- Integrity Health and Safety Professional Development Bursary – awarded up to $1000
- Royal Flying Doctors Remote Clinical Placement Scholarship – awarded up to $2500
- Growing Deadly Families Textbook and Uniform Bursary (QLD Members only) – awarded up to $1000
Please keep an eye out for our email yarns and check out our socials for the official opening announcement.
Sing out for support regarding above opportunities to enquire@catsinam.org.au
HESTA Student Scholarships
The scholarship portal is now open for current midwifery students.
Win 1 of 8 scholarships to attend the ACM National Conference in Melbourne in September.
The scholarship includes your 3-day conference ticket including the gala dinner and $500 towards your travel and accommodation expenses.
Travel the world to pursue your passion
Would you like to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue that you’re passionate about, and come back to share your knowledge for the benefit of Australia?
Apply for a Churchill Fellowship today, the sky is the limit.
Churchill Fellows have created some incredible innovations, including Questacon, the Playschool Theme song, and Unit Pricing in Supermarkets, Neighbourhood Watch, just to name a few.
Follow your heart, innovate and inspire. [Source: Winston Churcill Trust]
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Application
The annual PSANZ Congress provides the opportunity for experts from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to come together to share, learn and network.
In 2024, there is the opportunity for Indigenous experts to come together before the opening ceremonies to share knowledge, skills and expertise in a culturally supportive and safe environment.
This will include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, Pasifika peoples and tangata whenua (indigenous whanau Maori from Aotearoa New Zealand) and provides a unique opportunity to meet and wananga (learning places) with the support of PSANZ.
It will be the first time that an opportunity such as this has occurred and is in keeping with the 2024 Congress theme of ‘whiria te tangata’ weaving people together.
The Burnet Institute will be sponsoring several Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, clinicians or consumers who work in perinatal health in Australia to attend the 2024 PSANZ Congress from Monday, April 8 – Wednesday, April 10, and the Indigenous Hui being held Sunday, April 7.
The scholarship includes 1 x PSANZ 2024 Full Registration, return airfares, and 3 x nights accommodation for successful applicants.
Applications close Wednesday 28 February.
2024 Australian Nurses and Midwives Conference
Taking place in Melbourne on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 September, this intensive event features a range of international, interstate, and Victorian speakers exploring professional and clinical issues and innovations in nursing, midwifery, mental health, and aged care.
Nursing and midwifery clinicians, researchers, academics, and leaders will present on a range of contemporary professional issues and clinical practice innovations.
First Nations Health Funding Transition Advisory Group
The advisory group looks at services for First Nations people that could be delivered in the future by First Nations-led organisations.
It plays an important role in reviewing our activities and recommending the best use of funding by the First Nations Health Funding Transition Program (FNHFTP).
Upcoming consultation workshops
Take part in these exciting consultations led by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Add your valuable insight. Delicious refreshments will be provided at all workshops:
| City | Date | Local time | Venue |
| Brisbane | Fri 1 Mar | 9am to 1pm | Pullman Brisbane King George SquareCorner Ann & Roma Streets, Brisbane |
| Darwin | Tue 5 Mar | 10am to 2pm | Mantra Pandanas43 Knuckey Street, Darwin City |
| Adelaide | Tue 5 Mar | 10am to 2pm | Stamford Plaza150 North Terrace, Adelaide |
| Wollongong | Thu 7 Mar | 10am to 2pm | City Beach Function Centre1 Marine Drive, Wollongong |
NAIDOC Nominations Open
The National NAIDOC Week Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across ten award categories, including art, culture, education and training, sport, environment and leadership.
Nominations CLOSE March 8.
Winners will be decided for each Award category:
- past and current achievements;
- demonstrated excellence in the nominated category;
- the individual’s and/or group’s status as an inspirational role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community; and/or
- the individual’s and/or group’s future goals and their likely impact.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses, and organisations can be nominated for the Creative, Caring for Country and Culture, Education and Innovation Award Categories.
Nominations close on 8 March 2024
APNA short course: Cardiovascular Disease
This course has been developed to provide primary health care nurses with knowledge of current guidelines for assessing and managing CVD risk.
[Source: APNA]
Nursing Festival
Calling for abstracts!
APNA invite you to submit an abstract or presentation for the Essential Health Summit 2024.
The Essential Health Summit includes APNA’s Festival of Nursing, Lifestyle Medicine 2024, and the first Primary Health Care Congress.
Abstracts can cover both clinical and non-clinical aspects of nursing.
Submissions close May 1
Looking for work? Check out IndigenousX
IndigenousX is 100% Indigenous owned and operated.
It has grown to become one of Australia’s most trusted and respected Indigenous media platforms.
International Council of Nurses
Join the International Council of Nurses for the 13th Network Conference, in September in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
NATSIEHC24
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC24) will be held from 22 – 24 May 2024.
Australasian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion
Conference theme: Weaving knowledge for injury prevention and safety promotion; creating a new way together.
Abstracts are now open for submission and have been extended until 27th October.
Newcastle NSW, Alcohol and Drugs Forum
Join DANA for an informative and engaging program, which will deepen your professional knowledge in the Alcohol and Drugs Nursing specialism.
The event is a one-day forum for nurses and midwives on 12 April 2024.
Health watch
The WHO has released a first-ever list of 21 antimicrobials earmarked as “authorised for use in humans only”, in efforts to protect against overuse and abuse of critical first-line drugs that need to be protected by overuse in animal and plant health sectors, and consequent antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Read more
WA nurses and midwives accept pay offer
WA’s nurses and midwives have reluctantly concluded their long-running battle with the state government over pay and conditions, with union members voting to accept one of two offers put to them.
Key points:
- Nurses have voted to accept the state government’s latest pay offer
- The agreement will only be in place until October
- The parties will then return to the negotiating table
The Australian Nursing Federation has accepted a 3 percent annual pay rise with a professional development allowance for all nurses and midwives between $700 and $1,400.
[Source: ABC news]
Keeping little ones safe from disease
Childhood immunisation helps protect us like a shield. Getting jarjums vaccinated on time is simple, safe, and effective.
It can protect them, our Elders, and the community from serious diseases. With little ones back to school, it’s even more important they are up to date with their vaccinations.
You can find out what vaccinations your little ones need on the childhood immunisation schedule. It’s one more way you can keep them safe.
Indigenous Affairs Closing the Gap – NIAA
The National Agreement is a commitment from all Parties to set out a future where policy making that impacts the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is done in full and genuine partnership, with acknowledgement that strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are fundamental to improved life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Hopeful increase
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has applied to the Fair Work Commission to increase award wages for frontline nurses, midwives, and assistants in nursing by up to 35%.
North Queensland’s record-breaking floods
CATSINaM’s thoughts are with our North Queensland and Far North Queensland members and families following last year’s unprecedented rain brought by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, we sincerely hope you managed to stay safe.
Extreme climate and flooding forced thousands of people to evacuate, with Cairns airport closed, roads extensively damaged and residents in the northern beaches cut off completely by floodwaters.
The full impacts of the flood are not yet clear, but there’s significant damage to properties and public infrastructure, and negative effects on industries such as health, tourism, and agriculture. Recovery is ongoing, and our hearts remain with you.
Overrepresented in homeless deaths
Indigenous people are vastly overrepresented among the homeless deaths (examined by the Guardian).
About 20% of the 627 reported deaths involved an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, despite Indigenous Australians making up only 3.2% of the general population.
According to the data, the majority of deaths (56%) occurred in major cities, followed by outer regional areas (15.5%).
Community Forum
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention invites you to join a community forum for the ACT and regions’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
This will be an opportunity to talk about issues regarding Indigenous mental illness and suicide.
Presentations will be made by Winnunga Nimmityjah, Thirrili and Wesley Lifeforce.
The Honorable Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Mental Health will open the forum and Brendan Moyle, Director, ACT Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will facilitate.
- Friday 15 March 10-3pm
- The Terrace, EPIC, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT
- BBQ lunch, coffee, tea, and juice will be provided
- Free parking onsite and easy access to tram and bus services
Reach out to: beth.sturgess@winnunga.org.au for more information.
Nurses and Midwives are at the Heart of Healthcare
We want to celebrate our deadly community.
Our nurses and midwives have the best stories in the nation, and we would love to share your yarns with our subscribed 7000+ readers.
Reach out to enquire@catsinam.org.au
For all corporate sponsorships, advertising, scholarships, and collaborations, email enquire@catsinam.org.au
Unity and Strength through Caring.
Thank you for reading, we look forward to hearing from you sometime soon!
Keep culture strong.
CATSINaM Secretariat