About ACN Foundation

Advancing the nursing profession in Australia

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The ACN Foundation advances the nursing profession in Australia. We provide essential funding and support for nurse-led initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes, foster leadership, and preserve the rich history of nursing. We collaborate with communities to raise the necessary resources, ensuring nurses have the opportunities and recognition they deserve.

Our commitment covers every aspect of nursing, from education and leadership to research and advocacy. By supporting the ACN Foundation, you help shape the future of health care in Australia.

Our mission

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation is committed to providing the necessary funding to support initiatives that enhance, develop, and recognise the invaluable contributions of Australian nurses. Our mission is to improve the health of the Australian community and preserve the legacy of nursing history.

Our vision

We celebrate nurses as leaders in health care, equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities to enhance patient outcomes and advance the profession.

Nurse leadership

Shaping the next generation of nurse leaders to drive positive change in health care.

Research

Pioneering advancements in nursing practices through innovative research and solutions.

Education and scholarships

Providing opportunities and recognition for nurses to grow and excel in their careers.

Advocacy and policy development

Advocating for health policies that benefit all Australians and strengthen the nursing profession.

History

Preserving and honouring the rich history and heritage of nursing in Australia.

Our impact

The ACN Foundation has significantly impacted the nursing profession and the broader Australian community. Our efforts have led to better health outcomes, enhanced professional opportunities for nurses, and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.

Here are some of the ways we’ve contributed:

value of grants, awards and scholarships awarded

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types of grants scholarships and awards administered

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rural, remote and regional nurse recipients

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Meet the people behind the mission

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists of experienced professionals who guide the strategic direction of the ACN Foundation. Their expertise and leadership ensure we stay true to our mission and achieve our vision.

Kath Stein FACN

President

Kath Stein FACN

President

Kath joined the Air Force in 1991 through the Undergraduate Scheme. Following graduation from Curtin University of Technology, she consolidated in the Graduate Program at Fremantle Hospital. In the years that have followed she has served in health facilities across NSW, WA, NT and QLD, with operational experience on exercises and deployments in Australia and overseas. This background supported her health planning role in Headquarters 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing and various policy and governance roles in a number of positions across the strategic centre both in health and non health positions. She was privileged to Command Joint Health Unit Northern New South Wales, the former Director of Defence Force Nursing and is currently the Director of National Operations responsible for the delivery of health care to Defence members nationally. A proud Nurse, Kath is honoured to have been inducted as a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing and welcomes the opportunity to serve as the President. She has raised two fabulous young men, an impressive stepdaughter and indulges one very spoilt puppy, Alfie.

Heather Keighley BN, MIHM, FACN, FCRANA, GAICD

Vice President

Heather Keighley BN, MIHM, FACN, FCRANA, GAICD

Vice President

Heather is a respected and professionally connected nurse leader within the NT and nationally with expertise in health workforce, clinical governance, and leadership. She is a strong advocate for rural and remote nursing and midwifery, health workforce, and primary healthcare. Experienced Board Director and current Deputy Chair for the National Rural Health Alliance.

Her nursing experience is extensive within NT rural and remote settings, from ED and ICU in Alice Springs and Director of Nursing in Tennant Creek, to the Top-End remote communities of Ramingining and Gunbalanya in Arnhem Land. Heather has worked in clinical roles in women’s health and midwifery care, public health management and Director of Nursing for Primary Health Care. As the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer from 2016-2018 Heather coordinated the NTG review of remote nurse safety and led the implementation of the review recommendations to keep remote Territory nurses safe at work.

Professor Georgina Willetts FACN CMgr FIML

Vice President

Professor Georgina Willetts FACN CMgr FIML

Vice President

Professor Georgina Willetts has over 30 years nursing experience and more than a decade of experience in leading nursing and midwifery reform within the healthcare industry, moving to academia in 2011. She has completed two educational programs at Harvard Macy institute in Boston USA and continues to be a visiting faculty there, she received her doctorate of education in 2014 and was awarded the University wide Monash Teacher Accelerator Program honours in 2015.

Georgina is currently Head of Discipline & Course Director in Nursing within the Department of Health Professions at Swinburne University, where she established a new discipline of nursing and contemporary nursing curriculum using innovative teaching strategies. Her clinical interests are medical/surgical nursing, models of care, interprofessional practice/education and professional identity. Her research interests include translational research into the areas of healthcare education, health care workforce, and the performance of professional identity in practice.

Georgina has been an active member of ACN and the Royal College of Nursing for more than 15 years, she is involved in the ACN Policy Chapters and the Emerging Leaders program. Georgina is a Fellow of ACN.

Graham Fountain LLB GAICD GFIREE PRI

Board Director

Graham Fountain LLB GAICD GFIREE PRI

Board Director

LLB, Grad Dip L’ship, Grad Dip Legal Practice, Ass.Dip.Science, NMAS Accredited Mediator, GAICD, GFIREE, PRI

Graham is a transformational leader and strategic thinker, recently appointed to the Board of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). With a career spanning senior executive, board and legal roles across complex public, private and not-for-profit organisations, Graham brings to ACN a wealth of experience in governance, organisational transformation, and strategic leadership.

As Principal Lawyer and owner of Fountain Law Group, a Nationally Accredited Mediator and a Practicing Australian Lawyer (Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria), Graham has built a reputation for guiding organisations through critical legal, structural and cultural change. His expertise ranges from mergers and acquisitions, governance and risk, industrial relations and stakeholder engagement, to negotiating sensitive restructures and advising on high-level strategy.

A seasoned Non-Executive Chair and Director, Graham’s boardroom experience is underpinned by decades leading large multi-faceted organisations. His extensive time in Victoria’s fire services—both on the ground as a volunteer and in the executive suite—has shaped his calm, decisive leadership style. Graham is known for building high-performing teams and fostering cultures that deliver exceptional outcomes even in politically sensitive or high-pressure environments.

Graham’s appointment to the ACN Board reflects his commitment to supporting professionals who play a critical role in Australia’s health system. His governance, legal and strategic acumen will support ACN’s mission to advance the nursing profession and promote safe, quality care across the country.

Passionate about community, Graham has dedicated over 48 years to the CFA, including 10 years as Chief Officer for Edithvale, actively volunteers with local sporting clubs, and serves as a Non-Executive Chair and Director for several community organisations. Outside work, he finds joy in family life, particularly in his role as “Poppy” to his grandchildren.

Sally Pearce

Independent Director

Sally Pearce

Independent Director

Sally has over 25 years’ experience working with organisations undertaking significant change across healthcare, higher education and infrastructure. Sally has an extensive background as a Chief Financial Officer in not-for-profit and NSW Government organisations, including St Vincent’s and Mater Health Sydney and South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Sally is Chair of the Far West Local Health District and the Audit and Risk Committee of the Australian Law Reform Commission. She is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (NSW) and TAFE NSW. She has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong, a Juris Doctor from the University of Technology Sydney and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

James Wagg B.Com CA

Independent Director

James Wagg B.Com CA

Independent Director

James is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in management consulting and executive leadership. After graduating from the University of Melbourne, James joined KordaMentha, an independent advisory firm, where he progressed to become a Partner. In this role, he supported public and private sector clients through complex financial and commercial challenges, helping organisations stabilise operations, clarify strategy, and achieve sustainable growth.

James developed deep expertise in the health and aged care sector, gaining a strong understanding of business and funding models while advising clients during periods of significant change. Currently James serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Silverchain Group, Australia’s third-largest community care provider. He is focused on driving organisational growth and sustainability, with a particular interest in health reform and the expansion of nursing services within Australia’s community care setting.

As the proud son of a retired nurse and brother to a midwife, nursing has always been close to James’ heart.

Adjunct Professor Chris Raftery FACN

Board Director

Adjunct Professor Chris Raftery FACN

Board Director

RN, NP, BNur, MEmergN, MBA(HSM), MNSc(NP), PHD, FACNP, FCHSM, CHE

Adjunct Professor Chris Raftery FACN is a well-respected published and endorsed nurse practitioner, as well as distinguished and dynamic nursing leader who has been part of the profession for over 2 decades. He is Deputy Chair of the Queensland Clinical Senate and a strong advocate for nursing in Queensland and nationally, maximising the full potential of our profession in our current and future health system. As the former national president of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, Adjunct Professor Raftery, having broad clinical and systems leadership experience and credibility across the sector, is a leading identity with the development and growth of advanced practice nursing and the role of the nurse practitioner at the local, state and national levels, informing healthcare policy, strategy, reform and regulation. He also influences capacity building across the system in partnership with key stakeholders, to deliver nursing solutions for state and national health priorities. With additional strengths in innovation, technology and health economics, his contribution and strategic influence in shaping and advancing the nursing profession nationally, continues to maximise our individual and collective opportunities now and into the future.

Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes FACN

Board Director

Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes FACN

Board Director

Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes is a Registered Nurse and has extensive experience within the health and welfare sector nationally. She is highly regarded for her leadership in nursing, clinical governance capability and successful implementation of small and large transformational change programs.

Sue is currently the General Manager, Operations for Healthdirect. She has been the CEO of Diabetes Australia (QLD) and the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for the Northern Territory (NT) Health Department. Sue had a key role in NT Health’s COVID-19 response holding governance and accountability for policy, process, and the establishment of the National Quarantine Facility in Howard Springs.

Sue is a Fellow and Board Director of the Australian College of Nursing and holds honorary academic appointments with Charles Darwin University and the Queensland University of Technology.

Professor Jane Mills FACN GAICD

Board Director

Professor Jane Mills FACN GAICD

Board Director

Professor Jane Mills is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Innovation – Regional) and Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School. A registered nurse with more than three decades’ experience, she is recognised as one of Australia’s leading primary health care academics and has held senior executive roles across two universities.

Jane’s research focuses on rural health, health workforce development, health system strengthening, and nursing education. Internationally known for methodological leadership in grounded theory, she co-authored the influential text Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide (3rd ed., 2022), widely recommended by universities worldwide. She has secured significant research funding, published extensively, and supervised numerous PhD candidates.

Her contributions have been acknowledged through awards including an Australian Government Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching and Rural and Remote Health Advocate of the Year (2024). Committed to advancing health equity, Jane champions education and research as vehicles for positive change in rural and remote communities. She has previously chaired the advisory committee and continues to contribute to national health policy and practice through board and committee service.

Professor Karen Strickland MACN

Board Director

Professor Karen Strickland MACN

Board Director

RN, PhD, MSc, PGCert, BSC, FHEA, FEANS, MACN

Professor Karen Strickland is the Executive Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Edith Cowan University, Perth Western Australia, holds a current Ministerial appointment for the Board of the Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service and Board Director, Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Professor Strickland is an experienced academic nurse leader with significant clinical, academic and research experience across the health, higher education, and social service sectors. Recognized as an expert in the field of cancer, palliative and aged care through various appointments.

Professor Strickland holds a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) from University of Abertay, Scotland, a Master of Science (Nursing) from Manchester University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education from Edinburgh Napier University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and the European Academy of Nursing Science and member of the Australian College of Nursing.

ACN Foundation staff

Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz PhD FACN

Chief Executive Officer

Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz PhD FACN

Chief Executive Officer

Dr Kathryn Zeitz commenced as Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in late 2024, and is an accomplished and respected health executive, academic, researcher, and nursing leader.

Dr Zeitz came to ACN from her previous role as Deputy CEO of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), where she led the Clinical Governance portfolio since 2019. Her extensive acute hospital operational management background has included many roles in Adelaide and at St Vincent’s Health Network in Sydney.

As a key figure in health service management and research, her career is marked by a dedication to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes with a commitment to patient-centred care.

She successfully completed her PhD thesis in clinical nursing at the University of Adelaide in 2003. She has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications from her research interests, which include mass gathering medicine, acute hospital capacity management, and patient-centred care.

Dr Zeitz is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Adelaide and an Adjunct Associate Professor with Flinders University.

Outside her professional roles, Dr Zeitz’s community service has involved a previous Chair of Variety SA and a Board Director for Variety Australia, for which she was awarded Life Membership in 2021.

She is a long-standing volunteer and leader within St John Ambulance Australia, where she is currently a Board Director.

Julijana Trifunovic FFIA

Director of Philanthropy

Julijana Trifunovic FFIA

Director of Philanthropy

Julijana Trifunovic is a highly experienced professional fundraiser with over 30 years in the sector and a Fellow of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA). She has served on several charitable boards and has a deep commitment to giving back, a value embedded in her family’s history.

Julijana began her career as a paediatric oncology nurse before transitioning into marketing and philanthropy, where she has led major fundraising and marketing campaigns. Much of her work has been in the charitable health sector, raising funds to support cancer research, patient advocacy, disability care and health initiatives across Australia.

She is also an alumna of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), having completed the Graduate Certificate in Cancer through the former NSW College of Nursing, linking her clinical expertise with her dedication to supporting health and nursing initiatives.

Shelby Cavanagh MFIA

Fundraising Coodinator

Shelby Cavanagh MFIA

Fundraising Coodinator

Shelby is a dedicated professional who serves as the Fundraising Coordinator for the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation. Inspired by her grandmother, a registered nurse, and her father, an internationally awarded and entrepreneurial registered nurse, Shelby brings a deeply personal dedication to supporting and honouring the nursing profession through her philanthropic work.

In her role at the ACN Foundation, Shelby plays a pivotal role in supporting our Director of Philanthropy in strategising and executing major fundraising campaigns and events.

Her approach blends strategic donor engagement with hands-on creative design to maximise outreach and impact.

Committed to continuous professional development, Shelby will be undertaking studies with the Fundraising Institute of Australia.

ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee

Arun Thomas JP GACN

Committee Chair

Arun Thomas JP GACN

Committee Chair

Arun Thomas RN MACN JP is an experienced Non-Executive Director, mentor, volunteer, aged care nurse leader and a board advisor who combines clinical governance, advocacy, leadership and strategy with crucial regional and cultural insight. As a University Fellow at Charles Darwin University and an Honorary Adjunct Clinical Associate at the Adelaide University, he operates at the intersection of clinical excellence, academic rigor, and strategic governance.

Arun brings over a decade of leadership and governance across health, education, aged care, and social impact, anchored in strategic oversight and a commitment to advocacy and mentoring. His dedication to health equity led to a Ministerial appointment to the Victorian State Multicultural Health Advisory Committee, complemented by board roles with in Touch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, Dementia Doulas Australia, Centre for Participation, and Chair of the ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee, alongside advisory board roles at Institute of Health and Management (IHM) & Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA).

A multi-award winner - including the Victorian Public Sector Residential Aged Care Leadership Award, 7News Victorian Young Achiever of the Year, and RFDS Regional & Rural Health Achiever Award. Arun is a fierce advocate for servant leadership, intergenerational mentorship and sustainable social impact. He remains a dedicated mentor to the next generation of nursing leaders, championing a future where rural and regional health quality, access and inclusive leadership are the standard, not the exception.

Christine Smith FACN (DLF)

Committee Member

Christine Smith FACN (DLF)

Committee Member

Bio coming soon

Sheldon Omwamba MACN

Committee Member

Sheldon Omwamba MACN

Committee Member

Sheldon Omwamba is a dedicated Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator with a strong commitment to aged care, leadership development, and advancing the nursing profession. He currently works in a remote setting with South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS), supporting workforce capability, education, and the transition of nurses into aged care practice.

At the core of Sheldon’s professional journey is a deep passion for supporting and empowering nurses to grow, lead, and thrive. This is reflected in his role as an active member of the ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee, where he contributes to philanthropic initiatives aimed at raising funds to support scholarships and career development opportunities for nurses across Australia. Sheldon is driven by the belief that access to education and leadership development should not be limited by circumstance, and that investing in nurses is essential to strengthening the future of healthcare.

Sheldon’s leadership journey has been profoundly shaped by the support of the ACN Foundation. In 2022, he was awarded the Patricia Slater Award, which enabled him to attend the National Nursing Forum (NNF). This experience ignited his passion for nursing leadership and deepened his commitment to the aged care sector. Building on this momentum, he was later awarded the ACN Policy Fellowship Scholarship in 2024, where he contributed to national submissions supporting aged care reform while further strengthening his leadership capability and policy influence.

Most recently, as a recipient of the ACN Foundation Vivian Bullwinkel Scholarship, Sheldon completed the Institute of Leadership – Nurse Director Leadership Program (NDLP). This experience significantly enhanced his leadership confidence and capability, supporting his transition into his current Nurse Educator role in a rural and remote setting. These opportunities have provided Sheldon with firsthand insight into the transformative impact of the ACN Foundation.

Having experienced this impact personally, Sheldon is deeply motivated to give back. His involvement with the ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee reflects his commitment to ensuring more nurses can access the same life-changing opportunities that have shaped his career. He continues to support the profession through his involvement with ACN’s Chronic Disease Faculty and mentoring emerging nurse leaders.

Sheldon has been recognised for his contributions to the profession, including receiving the 2023 Emerging Nurse Leader High Achiever Award from the Australian College of Nursing and the 2024 Young Alumnus of the Year from Avondale University.

Through both his professional and philanthropic work, Sheldon remains committed to building a stronger, more supported nursing workforce and contributing to meaningful change across the healthcare system.

Louise Lommerse MACN

Committee Member

Louise Lommerse MACN

Committee Member

Louise did not come to nursing through a traditional pathway. Before commencing her graduate year in 2017, her career spanned paramedicine, ambulance dispatch, household management, politics, and nannying across Australia, England, and Germany. Each role built the skills she carries into her practice today—adaptability, communication, and the ability to remain calm in complex, high-pressure situations.

Since becoming a nurse, Louise has worked predominantly across rural and regional settings in both public and private hospitals. Her clinical experience includes emergency nursing, infection prevention and control, dementia care, student facilitation, and clinical education. These diverse roles have shaped her broad, patient-centred perspective and a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses.

Early in her career, Louise joined the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), a decision that proved pivotal to her professional growth. Through ACN, she completed the Emerging Nurse Leader Programme twice, as both a Stage 4 and Stage 5 participant. She was also awarded a scholarship to undertake the Leaders Masterclass and later received a Policy Fellowship, further expanding her understanding of leadership and health policy.

Beyond formal programmes, ACN has provided Louise with invaluable opportunities to contribute and connect. She has written for ACN publications, attended events, and engaged with nurses from across Australia and internationally. Her involvement has extended to several faculties, including serving as Deputy Chair of the Disaster Nursing Faculty.

For Louise, the most standout aspect of her involvement has been the mentorship and support within the ACN community. These experiences acted as a catalyst in her career, helping to reduce imposter syndrome and build confidence in her capabilities. With that support, she found herself pursuing opportunities she may not have otherwise considered.

In recognition of the impact ACN has had on her journey, Louise joined the ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee. This role allows her to give back, support the development of others, and ensure more nurses can access the same opportunities that have so profoundly shaped her own career.

About ACN Foundation

Our mission

Our vision

Nurse leadership

Research

Education and scholarships

Advocacy and policy development

History

Our impact

Meet the people behind the mission

Board of Directors

Kath Stein FACN

Heather Keighley BN, MIHM, FACN, FCRANA, GAICD

Professor Georgina Willetts FACN CMgr FIML

Graham Fountain LLB GAICD GFIREE PRI

Sally Pearce

James Wagg B.Com CA

Adjunct Professor Chris Raftery FACN

Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes FACN

Professor Jane Mills FACN GAICD

Professor Karen Strickland MACN

ACN Foundation staff

Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz PhD FACN

Julijana Trifunovic FFIA

Shelby Cavanagh MFIA

ACN Foundation Fundraising Committee

Arun Thomas JP GACN

Christine Smith FACN (DLF)

Sheldon Omwamba MACN

Louise Lommerse MACN

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