CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Each year, we put a call out for ACNP members to submit their express their interest in joining the organising committee for the upcoming National Conference. Invitations are open to full and associate members - from all states and territories. 

In 2024, we had an overwhelming number of you submit your interest for the 2025 event and this has just shown what an incredible experience this can be!

Members of the committee contribute to the development of the conference theme and then the program content by hand selecting guest keynote and plenary speakers, score and analyse submissions for the concurrent sessions (made through the abstract submission process) with a focus toward the theme selected.

With out such a dedicated committee, this event would just not be possible so we would like to take the opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who submitted their interest but especially to those who make up the 2025 Organising Committee.


Should you be interested in joining the committee in 2025 (for the 2026 event), simply follow this link and submit your expression!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OrganisingCommittee2026
(Please note: EOI close 30 August 2025 with meetings commencing October 2025)

Any questions please contact ACNP Events at events@acnp.org.au



Meet the 2025 Committee Members

CONVENOR

MARGARET NICHOLSON (NSW)
MNP, FACCCN

Nurse Practitioner ICU

I have worked in ICU for over 33 years, and lead an NP led MET response at Liverpool Hospital in SWSLHD. I have been involved in numerous Conference, seminars and education events both at state and Nationally.

Why did you join the Committee?

I enjoy working with enthusiastic committee members who bring not only diversity but thought provoking ideas, including new ways of doing things. It is worth it when you get feedback that delegates have enjoyed the content, speakers and opportunities for networking. It gives me renewed energy to return to my role.

CO-CONVENOR

ANTHONY 'TONY' SUMMERS (QLD)
PD Nurse Practitioner,
MSc Nurse Practitioner, FHEA

Lecturer in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner

This is the 25th year I have been a Nurse Practitioner, and while my primary role is not academia. I work clinically at Caloundra MIIC. I am currently completing research on GP’s views on Nurse Practitioners in the community setting.

Why did you join the Committee?

I enjoy supporting the college and sharing skills and knowledge with peers and colleagues.

CO-CONVENOR

ELLA VAN DER VELDE FIDOCK (QLD)



SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE (CHAIR)

JOHN THOMPSON (VIC)
RN, NP, MANP, FCENA

Lecturer/Nurse Practitioner

I am an experienced Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years in emergency nursing, a CENA fellow and the 2019 Emergency Nurse of the Year. I am passionate about Advanced Practice Nursing and I believe investing in APN roles is crucial to improving healthcare access. I have developed and implemented NP roles in multiple emergency departments and consult on nursing models of care.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined the conference committee to gain valuable experience in organising professional events and to contribute meaningfully to our field. This role allows me to give back to the profession that has shaped my career, while also expanding my network and staying at the forefront of NP advancements.


SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

NIKKI JOHNSTON OAM (ACT)
FACNP MACN MPCNA

Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

Registered Nurse for over 30 years and endorsed Nurse Practitioner for 16 years. I believe all Australians deserve equity of access to palliative care regardless of their diagnosis, age or where they live. Co-Founder of Palliative Care Needs Rounds. inaugural winner of the ACN Australian Health Ministers nursing trailblazing award 2019, recipient of the Order of Australia medal for contribution to nursing. PhD candidate exploring Re-living trauma near deaths and appointed a member of the Professional Review Panel for the commonwealth Government

Why did you join the Committee?

ACNP conference is integral for our professional group. Keeping updated on current evidence and practice ensures quality care for the people we provide services too

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

ELIZABETH 'LIZ' OBERSTELLER (ACT)
Master Nursing (NP) BA (Nursing) RN Grad Cert (Diab) CDE

Nurse Practitioner

I am a Nurse Practitioner and Credentialled Diabetes Educator at Next Practice Deakin in the Australian Capital Territory. I specialise in supporting individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes, emphasising collaborative care to enhance patient outcomes. I am committed to improving lives through education and personalised management strategies.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined to contribute my expertise in nursing and diabetes education, advance clinical research and support evidence-based practice. I am passionate about improving patient care, and value collaboration, innovation and professional development to ensure high standards in nurse practitioner-led healthcare across Australia.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

SONJA ELIA (VIC)
MANP, PGDipAdvClinNurs (Child Health), BN

Nurse Practitioner Immunisation

In 2017 Sonja Elia became Victoria's first Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the field of Immunisation at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. She has a particular interest in vaccine hesitancy, special risk groups, needle phobia, BCG vaccination and immunisation education. Sonja is a current member of the Immunisation coalition, teaching associate with Monash University NP program and holds honorary positions within the University of Melbourne, Department of General Practice and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined the conference committee to gain a deeper understanding of the conference planning process but also to try and help meet the needs of the target audience. I have always been actively engaged in research, so being a part of the scientific committee enables me to contribute to ensuring a balanced conference program. It is also a great opportunity to network and collaborate with other Nurse Practitioners and conference organisers towards achieving a shared goal.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

JULIANE SAMARA (ACT/NSW)
MNNP FACNP

Nurse Practitioner

I am an experienced Nurse Practitioner, recognised for my contributions to clinical practice, research and healthcare leadership in palliative aged care. I am a member of the Commonwealth Aged Care Taskforce where I advocate for improved aged care policies and patient outcomes, driving systemic improvements and promoting dignity for older people in care.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined the ACNP conference committee to "give back" to the nurse practitioner community that has supported my professional growth through advocacy and education. By contributing, I can help shape a meaningful, impactful conference that benefits my colleagues and advances the profession, fostering continued education and collaboration.


WORKSHOP COORDINATOR

MICHELLE BAIRD (NSW)


VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

CRYSTAL AYTON (NSW)

GENERAL MEMBER

MICHELLE PITCAITHLY (VIC)

GENERAL MEMBER

RACHEL ROMANO (VIC)
HBDipMHNsg, GradDipNurs(Mental), GcertDiabEd, MH(NPrac)

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

I have been nursing for 30 years and have been an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner for 3 of those. I have worked in all areas of mental health apart from child and youth areas. My main passion has been looking at chronic disease management with the mental health population.

Why did you join the Committee?

Being a member of the ACNP conference committee allows me not only to showcase how amazing the college is and what an amazing role Nurse Practitioners have in the health system, but I also wanted to contribute and help work towards producing an amazing conference bringing everyone together, especially being our silver anniversary.


GENERAL MEMBER

ESSIE OGUNTADE (VIC)
Registered Psychiatric Nurse

Mental Health Advisory and Response Clinician

I am a registered mental health nurse with over 15 years of experience in acute care, forensic mental health, crisis intervention and psychiatric emergency management. I excel in risk assessment, patient advocacy and mental health training, holding multiple postgraduate qualifications and actively contributing to mental health service improvement and education in Australia.

Why did you join the Committee?

To contribute my expertise in mental health nursing, forensic mental health, and crisis intervention while promoting professional development within the nurse practitioner community.

GENERAL MEMBER

KIRSTY-Anne (Kirsty) BAXTER (NSW)
MNP, MNEd, Dip Oncology

Nurse Practitioner - Cancer Services

I have been a Cancer Nurse for over 26 years and an endorsed NP for the past 4 years. I have extensive Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation experience both within Australia and overseas in the UK and Canada. Since arriving in Australia i have worked within both Metroplitan and Regional healthcare areas holding senior roles within Education, Quality, Management and Cancer Services. I am currently the only endorsed NP for Cancer Services within the MNCLHD.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined the committee to establish connection with other NPs and to learn more about other meta specialities as well as being part of a National Conference. Being a regional NP within an outpatient service can be isolating and difficult to establish a network and I am working to rectify this!

GENERAL MEMBER

TIMOTHY 'TIM' KEUN (ACT)

Nurse Practitioner Emergency

I am an Emergency Nurse Practitioner at North Canberra Hospital. I have been a nurse for 30 years. I have worked in Renal, Primary Health, University and in ED. I am currently the ACT Chapter Lead for ACNP.

Why did you join the Committee?

I am the current ACT Chapter Lead and so excited to have the conference in my patch. Canberra is an exciting place to be!

GENERAL MEMBER

SHARON THOMPSON (TAS)
B-Nurs, Postgrad Cert Critical Care Nursing, MG-MIDW, MNursePrac

Nurse Practitioner

After 24 years working for the Western Australia Health Service, I decided to take my beloved dog and cat on the adventure of a lifetime across Australia. We finally decided to settle in Tasmania in 2022, where I completed my Master of Nurse Practitioner. I now split my time between Emergency and Sub Acute NP care.

Why did you join the Committee?

I joined the organising committee to do my part in supporting and contributing to the development of NP services in Australia and to help smooth the way for our future NPs. What the ACNP and the Nurse Practitioner community is doing, is so important for the betterment of Australian healthcare. The conference helps to bring NPs together and in turn, builds a strong community to make a significant difference in improving healthcare quality and access. It was thanks to one of the first NPs in WA who inspired and encouraged me to pursue this career choice and now I am doing what I can to pay it forward - Thanks Robin!


GENERAL MEMBER

BARBARA 'BARB' HARVEY (ACT)


GENERAL MEMBER

STACEY STYLES (QLD)
NP

Nurse Practitioner

I am a dedicated Queensland-based nurse practitioner specialising in mental health and addiction treatment. With over a 2 decades of clinical experience, I provide compassionate, holistic care to individuals struggling with complex mental health challenges and substance use disorders across regional and urban communities throughout Australia.

Why did you join the Committee?

Further engage with ACNP and be more involved