Inaugural Joan Durdin AM Oration

This event honoured a South Australian who has played a major role in uncovering the historical legacy of nursing and has championed the advancement of nursing through the development of advanced education in the higher education sector.

Held in May, the inaugural Flinders University Joan Durdin AM Oration was hosted by Professor Tiffany Conroy (BNgPrac ’94), Deputy Dean for Nursing Leadership and Innovation. Guests heard from Sarah Brown AM (GradDipHlthAdmin ’15), CEO of Purple House, on her topic ‘The Challenges and Joy of Being a Disruptor: How nurses can change the world (or at least their little bit of it)’. We were honoured to be joined by Joan Durdin AM (DUniversity ’94) for the oration.

Following Sarah’s presentation, a panel discussion took place, centred around leadership in nursing and moderated by Associate Professor Karleen Thornton (BNg(PostReg) ’94), Teaching Specialist (Academic). A Nursing Leadership Mentoring Program was also launched on the night by Professor Alison Kitson, Vice-President and Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Above (back row from left): Associate Professor Grant Davies, Associate Professor Christine Dennis (GDipHlthServMgmt ’98, MHlthServMgmt ’05), Alison Kitson (Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences), and Professor Tiffany Conroy (Deputy Dean for Nursing Leadership and Innovation, College of Nursing and Health Sciences). (Front row from left) Associate Professor Karleen Thornton (BNg(PostReg) ’94), Dr Joan Durdin AM, Sarah Brown AM (GradDipHlthAdmin ‘15), and Adjunct Associate Professor Jenny Hurley (MHlthAdmin ’12).

Left: Dr Fathimath Shifaza (Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences), Dr Joan Durdin AM, Associate Professor Pauline Hill (Teaching Program Director, Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences), and Mr Guy Peacock (Senior Lecturer (Teaching Specialist (Clin)), College of Nursing and Health Sciences). Fathimath, Pauline and Guy are the working group for the Nursing Leadership Mentoring Program that was inspired by Joan.