Dear Fellows and Members
I would like to draw your attention to our statement posted on our website yesterday (Friday 5th September 2025).
At ACMHN we denounce racism and we recognise, celebrate, stand united and support a rich ethnic diversity amongst our membership.
Recent racially motivated protests, sentiments and behaviours throughout Australia have undermined the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of some of our members, and many others in the Australian community. As a First Nations yinaar, your president, and a mental health nursing leader, I stand firmly against racism and promote responsible practice to create culturally safe spaces for all, including in our ACMHN college activities.
I am thinking of the 600 members and delgates making their way to conference in Brisbane next week. Many will be traveling off country, away from the familiar safety of their homes, and will need to dig deep into their courage, and plan carefully to ensure their personal safety in public places - including public transport. I hope that this Statement supports you with the knowledge that we will warmly welcome each into a culturally safe conference ahead for us all. We will hold space for you to enjoy the cultural allyship of your College. Stay strong. Stay Deadly. Travel safely.
I am proud to have the unanimous support of my Board Director colleagues. Together we repsond with both duty and courage to the conditions in Australia in recent weeks. Read our Statement here and share widely if you feel able to do so - Mandaang guwu/ thank you.
Acknowledging the distress caused to First Nations and Culturally, Ethnically and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Mental Health Nurses following recent protests throughout Australia