MEET THE CANDIDATES

It is an honour to be nominated for Director on the ballot. 

Thirty years ago, as a new nurse, I could never have imagined the extraordinary journey my career would take. From delivering clinical care in the Intensive Care Unit, Trauma Department, and surgical/medical wards, to leading research, education and workforce development in primary health care, each step has deepened my commitment to nursing. 

After a decade in practice, I pursued a PhD on the emergence of primary care nursing in Australia. Today, I am Professor of Primary Health Care Nursing at the University of Wollongong. I lead a dynamic research group awarded >AUD$25M funding for projects on workforce development, multidisciplinary care models, and the prevention and management of chronic conditions. My work has been internationally recognised, with induction into the Sigma Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, receiving the Australasian Association of Academic Primary Care Bridges-Webb medal (first nurse) and being named among 100 Outstanding international nurse leaders (https://yonm.org/). Collaboration is a cornerstone of my research, with partnerships spanning England, Ireland, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA and Japan.  

At UOW, I’ve provided strategic leadership in developing the nursing doctoral program from 19 to >60 students, led undergraduate student engagement in primary care coursework and placements, and currently teach research to postgraduate multidisciplinary health professionals.  

My Sigma journey spans >23 years. I’ve served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of Xi Omicron Chapter and led the rechartering to unite five universities into a Chapter-At-Large. I have served as Oceania Regional Coordinator for three terms (2019–25). During this time, I’ve shown strategic leadership and supported chapters through the challenges of COVID-19, developed the first Regional Strategic Plan, and led the first Oceania Regional Event. I’ve also contributed to Sigma internationally through working groups, grant/award reviews, and as a mentor in the Sigma mentoring program. My experience and ongoing Chapter engagement provide insight into the potential for Sigma to expand its international reach while also understanding cultural nuances. This would allow me to authentically represent the global membership and advocate for Sigma. 

Beyond Sigma, I’ve held Editor roles with Nurse Researcher, Collegian, and BMC Family Practice. I currently chair the Australian College of Nursing’s Nursing in the Community Faculty and have served on numerous Boards, including the Australian Association of Academic Primary Care (first nurse) and the International Network for Doctoral Education in Nursing. I am also an Executive Committee member of the Cardiovascular Nurses Council (Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand) and the Australian Multidisciplinary Primary Care Research, Policy and Advocacy Consortium.  

In all my work, I take pleasure in supporting and developing the next generation of nurses, and I am committed to giving back to the nursing profession. I strongly believe in nurturing nursing’s next generation —providing the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead. Sigma’s global community of nurse leaders has the power to transform healthcare everywhere, and I would be honoured to help shape that future as a member of the Board.