Flinders University Rural and Remote Health was well represented at the recent Remote Nursing & Midwifery Conference in Melbourne. Colin Watson and Fiona Cameron attended with Caroline Brook, Rural and Remote Health Operational Support Officer who manned the Flinders stand and assisted with planning and logistics.

With the aim to promote Flinders Remote Health Practice Program, Colin and Fiona were pleased with the level of interest.

The conference was opened by Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM, the Australian Government’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer who spoke about the changing scope of nursing practice, professional autonomy and increased and improved Medicare billing for Nurses, Midwives and Nurse Practitioners. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) presented an overview on practice concern notifications, scope of practice and delegation & decision making in nursing practice.

Heather Keighley, a Darwin based Flinders nursing academic presented an overview of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023 –2027 (the Framework). It describes the unique context of practice and core capabilities for rural and remote Registered Nurses in Australia.

Northern Territory Top End Primary Health presented their New to Remote nursing programs highlighting innovative strategies for supporting and developing the remote nursing workforce.

The Gala Dinner closed a successful event, and the evening began with the awards presentation. Colin and Fiona presented the Gayle Woodford Memorial Scholarship, jointly sponsored by Flinders University Rural and Remote Health and CRANAplus to nursing student Erica Stone and the Early to Remote Practice award sponsored by Flinders University Rural and Remote Health to Catherine Priestly who is currently working at Wadeye in the Top End New to Remote program.