The mental health sector has faced additional challenges in recent years, making the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses’ (ACMHN) 2022 conference more important than ever.

Over 500 mental health nurses from across Australia are registered to attend the conference, to be held at the Gold Coast Wednesday 7 – Friday 9 September, to discuss mental health nursing in a climate of change. Leading academics and experts will present on a vast range of topics including developing eLearning for the mental health workforce, stigma on mental illness and recovery, and educating nursing students about mental health whilst dealing with the additional pressure of COVID-19.

“With all that has happened over the last three years, we are delighted the conference will be going ahead,” ACMHN CEO Stephen Jackson said.

“It is events like this that allow mental health nurses to come together and share ideas, experiences, and new knowledge, which in turn leads to better treatments for consumers. This is especially pertinent given the number of Australians struggling with their mental health.”

Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM will be providing the opening keynote of the conference on Wednesday morning. She will be exploring the significant impacts on the nursing profession and how mental health nurses can be better supported to continue caring for the community.

“We look forward to hearing Professor McMillan’s thoughts on the greater willingness of the community to talk about mental health and recognising opportunities that have come from COVID-19,” ACMHN President, Professor Michael Hazelton added.

Other keynote speakers joining the conference in person include: 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, internationally recognised mental health researcher Professor Kim Foster, and co-founder and director of Recovery Camp Dr Christopher Patterson. Vice-President of the ACMHN, Professor John Hurley, will deliver the oration.

To organise attendance and engage with our keynote speakers or for further enquiries please contact Communications Officer Sophie Howard on: 0409 502 508.