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. |
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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.