ACN Foundation

28/08/2026

We are proud to see South West Health recognise the achievements of Sheldon Omwamba MACN and the impact receiving a Bullwinkel Scholarship in 2025, awarded in memory of Matron Irene Melville Drummond.

Sheldon’s achievements demonstrates why the work of the ACN Foundation matters. By investing in education and leadership development, our scholarship programs help nurses build the skills and confidence to strengthen health services and improve care in communities across Australia.

Sheldon is also a valued member of the ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee, using his experience as a scholar to help create opportunities for other nurses.

Read the South West Health article below to learn more about Sheldon’s leadership journey.

https://buff.ly/gp1V0k6

To make a tax-deductible donation and support the next generation of nurse leaders like Sheldon, visit acnfoundation.org.au or call us on 1800 061 660.

25/08/2026

When businesses such as HESTA support charities like the ACN Foundation, our shared commitment to nurses can create an impact far beyond any single event or initiative.

In this video from the National Nursing Forum, Jess Strawbridge, HESTA’s Key Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, shares what the relationship between HESTA and the ACN Foundation means and why supporting Australia’s nurses matters.

From our International Women’s Day and International Nurses Day events to initiatives throughout the year, HESTA has consistently stood alongside the ACN Foundation to recognise, celebrate and support the nursing profession.

Their continued support helps us create opportunities for nurses, share their stories and strengthen a profession that makes an extraordinary difference in communities across Australia.

Thank you, Jess, and everyone at HESTA, for your ongoing partnership and genuine commitment to nurses. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of partners like you.

24/08/2026

The legacy of Vivian Bullwinkel lives on when nurses are supported to lead with courage, compassion and purpose.

Through the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, the ACN Foundation invests in nurses who can help shape the future of health care.

For Annette Bezzant, becoming a Bullwinkel Scholar connected her own story of family, resilience and service with a powerful legacy of nursing leadership.

Your donation helps ensure more nurses can access the education, development and confidence they need to create lasting change in health care.

Please consider making a tax deductible gift today - https://buff.ly/xmaGlLG

20/08/2026

🌏 Applications are now open for The Journey of Vivian Bullwinkel Study Tour Scholarship 2027 – South East Asia.

The ACN Foundation is offering two scholarships, each valued at $5,000, to support nurses to participate in the Journey of Vivian Bullwinkel in Indonesia from 6–19 February 2027.

Commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Bangka Island massacre, this significant journey will honour Vivian Bullwinkel and the Australian Army nurses who served with extraordinary courage and sacrifice during the Second World War.

Participants will visit sites of historical and cultural significance, deepen their understanding of the nurses’ experiences and reflect on the enduring values of leadership, service, courage and remembrance.

This tour is operated by Jon Baines Tours.

To be eligible, applicants must:

🔹 Be a current ACN Fellow or Member and have held membership for the past three consecutive years
🔹 Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
🔹 Be available to undertake the tour from 6–19 February 2027

Applications close 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 13 September 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/DdySDPD

18/08/2026

17/08/2026

Nurses understand the challenges facing patients, families and communities, and with the right support, they can help create the solutions.

Through the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, nurses like Annette Bezzant are empowered to expand their knowledge, strengthen their leadership and explore new approaches to improving care.

Your gift will help continue Vivian Bullwinkel’s legacy by supporting nurses with the education and development they need to shape a stronger and more equitable health care system.

Donate today: https://buff.ly/xmaGlLG

10/08/2026

When Annette Bezzant reflects on becoming a Bullwinkel Scholar, she describes it as transformative. It expanded her knowledge, strengthened her voice and reinforced her belief that nurses play a critical role in shaping the future of health care.

That is the purpose of the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, to support nurses with leadership development that helps them advocate, innovate and improve care for the communities they serve.

Your donation helps more nurses grow as leaders and bring their learning back to patients, teams and communities across Australia.

Donate here: https://buff.ly/xmaGlLG

10/08/2026

Missed out on purchasing your Nurse Power merchandise at last week’s National Nursing Forum in Melbourne? Good news—you can still order online through Better Merch!

Show your Nurse Power while supporting the ACN Foundation:

Nurse Power Polos — $35 each
https://buff.ly/badZgDa

Nurse Power Hoodies — $55 each
https://buff.ly/SDe8vUi

Nurse Power T-shirts — $29 each
https://buff.ly/lwRJzT9

Every purchase helps support the ACN Foundation and our work to strengthen Australian health care.

10/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our National Nursing Forum raffle prize winners!

Thanks to the incredible support of everyone who purchased a ticket in Melbourne last week.

Congratulations to Serena M, Amy C, Emma G, Jenny G, Caitlin M, Emma F, Fiona D, Belinda A, Shilpa D, Francine D and Jessica C, who shared in 12 fantastic prizes valued at more than $2,400.

A special thank you to our generous prize donors: Pan Pacific Melbourne, Style Mecha, Julio Valdes, Hey Sister Scrub Club, Skechers and Birdsnest. Your support helped make our fundraising raffle possible.

Thank you to everyone who supported the raffle and helped make it such a wonderful success. Every ticket purchased helps the ACN Foundation continue strengthening the future of nursing and Australian health care.