MASTERCLASS

ACMHN 2025 offers masterclasses for delegates to attend, providing an opportunity to explore topics in depth with leading experts in their fields. Integrated into the core program.

All masterclasses will be held in Plaza 11 at the BCEC
Click here to view the latest conference program.

Masterclass 1 Yarning about Cultural Safety
Session details Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Presenters Prof Rhonda Wilson, RMIT University
Katrina Ward, Brewarrina and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service
Adrienne Lipscomb, University of Melbourne
Erin Alexander, University of Melbourne
Siobhan Sharpe, University of Melbourne
Details This panel brings together Aboriginal voices and allies to yarn about the importance of cultural safety in supporting mental health and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). Designed for mental health nurses and practitioners, the session highlights how culturally safe care fosters trust, promotes healing, and improves outcomes for Aboriginal peoples. Through shared stories and practice insights, panellists will offer guidance on embedding cultural safety into everyday care and working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people and communities.

Masterclass 2 Submissions, lobbying and direct action to achieve change
Session details Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time: 1.30pm - 3pm
Presenters Dr Brent Hayward, Monash University
Dan Prentice,
Mark Fullerton, Queensland Health
Details This workshop will draw on the experience of the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) advocating for nurses and midwives over a broad range of industrial and professional issues by providing strategy options that can be used to affect change at a local or greater level.

At the end of this workshop, participants will have an increased understanding of how to advocate for change at all levels and the factors that must be considered to maximise the mental health nursing voice in these matters.

Masterclass 3 Preparing for a PhD
Session details Date: Thursday 11 September 2025
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Presenters Prof Tanya Park, James Cook University
Prof Brenda Happell, Southern Cross University
A/Prof Adam Searby, Monash University
Prof Rhonda Wilson, RMIT University
Renee Molloy, Monash University
Dr Eric Lim, Murdoch University
Kate Curry, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
Christa Keilar, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
Details This session will discuss how to prepare to commence a PhD. You will hear from current mental health nurses who are PhD candidates and experienced PhD supervisors. There will be time to ask questions and explore what is required to commence and complete and PhD.

Masterclass 4 Private Practice Pathways
Session details Date: Thursday 11 September 2025
Time: 1.30pm - 3pm
Presenters Lee Knight, University of New South Wales
Jess Stone,
Details Things we wish we’d known before we set out in private practice… experienced MHNs, from a range of specialisations and business models, share hacks and hints to give you a head start in shaping your own private practice.

Use the suggested map provided, individualise your journey with the tips that suit your service, and be inspired to create a sustainable practice that is uniquely you.

Masterclass 5 Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Session details Date: Friday 12 September 2025
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Presenters Erin Alexander, University of Melbourne
Siobhan Sharpe, University of Melbourne
Details For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, health and wellbeing are viewed as inseparable. Our understanding of mental health is broader, more holistic, and deeply person-centred compared to mainstream definitions. The Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) model, developed by Gee and colleagues, is a strengths-based framework widely used across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services to support positive health and wellbeing outcomes. It reflects the core relationships and connections that are central to Indigenous cultures. This Masterclass will explore the SEWB model and its application in mental health nursing practice to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Masterclass 6 Credentialing for Mental Health Nurses
Session details Date: Friday 12 September 2025
Time: 1.30pm - 3pm
Presenters Catherine Hangan, Queensland Health
Joanne Wild, Metro North Addiction and Mental Health Services
Details This session will provide an update on credentialing and suggestions for preparing your application.


JOIN THE CONVERSATION
#ACMHN2025
                             

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and we particularly acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as the traditional owners and custodians of land on which the College National Office stands. We recognise the important connection of First Peoples to land, water and community, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.