On Saturday, 5 October 2024, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation hosted its inaugural Diamond High Tea at the Rydges World Square in Sydney. This landmark event brought together members of the nursing community, supporters to honour the vital contributions of Australian nurses while raising funds for the ACN Foundation's Bullwinkel Scholars Program. The event coincided with celebrating ACN's 75 years of nursing excellence. The venue sponsor, Rydges World Square added sophistication and hospitality to the day.
The event's Platinum Sponsor, Aware Super, was crucial to its success. Emma Vibert, Senior Partnerships Manager at Aware Super, delivered a heartfelt presentation, sharing her personal connection to nursing through her daughter's experience as a nursing student and interest in mental health nursing. Her remarks highlighted the dedication nurses exhibit in their profession. Aware Super's event sponsorship underscored their commitment to Australian nurses and their professional development. Representing Bank First, the event's Silver Sponsor, Adrian Wilson, Head of Partnership Development, demonstrated the bank's longstanding support for the nursing profession.
The renowned comedian and presenter Jean Kittson, AM, served as Master of Ceremonies, captivating guests with her signature wit and charm. Her blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling enriched the Diamond High Tea experience, ensuring a memorable day for all attendees.
Guests enjoyed performances by singer Dahlia Dior and the jazz trio MiSa Jazz, which added elegance and a relaxed atmosphere as attendees savoured tea and an array of delicious treats, including wine generously donated by Villa Maria Wineries.
A significant highlight of the afternoon was the poignant recounting of the story of the 21 nurses who made the ultimate sacrifice on Bangka Island during World War II with the lone survivor, Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel AO MBE ARRC ED FNM FRCNA. This touching moment reminded everyone of the bravery and commitment exhibited by Australian nurses, both past and present. The legacy of these nurses inspired the Bullwinkel Project, which includes the Bullwinkel Scholars Program. The Bullwinkel Scholars Program is an initiative by the ACN Foundation that provides 22 scholarships. Twenty-one leadership scholarships were awarded in the names of the nurses who lost their lives, and one study travel scholarship was awarded in the name of Vivian Bullwinkel.
The event featured an impactful panel discussion with notable speakers sharing personal connections to the Bangka Island story. Georgina Banks, the author of Back to Bangka, passionately recounted the story of her great-aunt Sister Dorothy 'Bud' Elmes, who perished on Radji Beach. Her storytelling brought the audience closer to the events of that fateful day and emphasised the enduring legacy of these nurses.
Group Captain Kathryn Stein, FACN, ACN Board Director and Director of Australian Defence Force Nursing, shared her experiences as a military nurse and her journey to Radji Beach, illustrating front-line nurses' unwavering dedication and resilience. Lieutenant Claire Knight, MACN, spoke about her experience as a recipient of one of the 2024 Bullwinkel Scholarships in memory of Sister Laura Florence Fairweather FACN, exemplifying the program's mission to empower nurses and honour their legacy. The insights shared by the panellists served as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and spirit that define the nursing profession and the significance of the Bullwinkel Scholars Program.
In addition to the inspiring speeches and stories, attendees had the chance to participate in an exciting silent auction and raffle, with thousands of dollars’ worth of items and prizes, including holidays, diamond jewellery, vouchers, beauty products and luxury hampers, to name a few. A special live auction featured two stunning pieces of diamond jewellery that sparked spirited bidding, showcasing the enthusiasm of attendees in support of the ACN Foundation's mission.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, we raised $28,317 for the Bullwinkel Scholars Program. The Diamond High Tea marked a significant milestone for the ACN Foundation, celebrating the dedication and impact of nurses while looking to the profession's future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, and to all attendees for making this inaugural event an outstanding success, paving the way for future celebrations of the nursing profession's remarkable contributions to the health of the Australian community.
Thank you to our event sponsors
