MEET THE CANDIDATES

I feel privileged to have been selected as a candidate on the 2025 international ballot for the position of Regional Coordinator – Oceania Region. I have substantial clinical, research and teaching expertise and am committed to nurses’ education and the development of the profession at local, national and international levels to ensure optimal patient outcomes. In particular, I have a passion for nursing research and scholarship which I foster in others to enhance the profile of the profession. Throughout my 40-year career in nursing, I have held multiple substantial leadership roles including my current role as Associate Dean (International and Engagement) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University. My leadership draws strongly on the principles of Ethical Leadership, in that I encourage innovation, am respectful of others’ ideas and values, promote compassion, treat people equitably and lead by example.

I have been a member of the Xi Omicron Chapter at-Large since 2001 and during this time I have held positions of Counselor, Vice-President, President Elect and President. Through serving the Chapter in these positions, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the administration required for Chapters and the roles of all Board members. During my terms as President, I have demonstrated leadership in recruiting members to serve on the Board of Directors, and Governance and Leadership Succession Planning committees. Recently I successfully led an application to add two further institutions to the NSW Chapter which will enhance recruitment and networking opportunities for members and increase Chapter events. Under my leadership, the Chapter has grown to allow the offering of scholarships for students and research grants for members, and participation in philanthropic activities to raise money and resources for vulnerable and under-served populations.

I have already made a long-term commitment to Sigma, having served in various and substantial roles on the Board of Directors for the Xi Omicron Chapter at-Large for over two decades. Additionally, I have served on the Oceania Global Regional Council and in 2019 was recognised for providing global regional council leadership and expertise to advance Sigma's vision. I was on the organising committee for the inaugural Sigma Oceania Regional Conference in October 2021. I have participated as a member of the judging panel for the Chapter Key Awards, have been a convention delegate for two Chapters in the Oceania region, and am a regular peer reviewer for the Journal of Nursing Scholarship. I am committed to further service and extending Sigma’s reach in the Oceania region by supporting regional chapters, engaging nurses in regional events and promoting the benefits of membership. With my already substantial network of international nursing scholars, I am well-positioned to provide international networking opportunities for Sigma members and my service will assist in extending Sigma’s reach as a key global nursing organisation in the region.