Primary Health Care Nurses Day – Essential at Every Stage
The first Wednesday of February – today – is Primary Health Care Nurses Day. It’s a day to celebrate the nurses who work in primary health care.
This year’s theme is ‘Essential at Every Stage’, and celebrates the important role nurses play in prevention, early intervention, connection and community care.
I’d encourage everyone to celebrate the day by wearing primary colours (red, yellow, blue) today to celebrate the incredible work being done by the 96,000 primary health care nurses nationwide and highlight the vital work that they do that positively impacts the health and wellbeing of every Australian.
Primary Care Essentials Forum – an event for International Medical Graduates and New Registrars Working in General Practice
We’re inviting International Medical Graduates and new GP Registrars to join us for an orientation event on Saturday 26 March at the Goods Shed in Ballarat. Recognising the unique experiences they bring – as the well the challenges of transitioning to a new health system – this forum aims to support International Medical Graduates and new GP Registrars with practical knowledge, professional connections and a welcoming environment.
Learn more about the forum on our website.
Advance Care Planning Small Grants Program – Submit your Expression of Interest
We’re currently inviting applications through our Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care (GCAHPC) program for a round of small grants as part of National Advance Care Planning Week 2026 (16 – 22 March).
Organisations can apply for grants of up to $1,500 to deliver community‑facing activities or events during National ACP Week. As part of this year’s theme, “Your story, your choice”, activities encourage people to share their experiences and decisions, to think, talk and plan for the care they’d want in the future. Events could be as simple as a morning tea and talk or as creative as a community workshop.
Applications need to be submitted by close of business on Tuesday 17 February 2026, and should be submitted via this form.
RWAV Conference – 5-6 March 2026
Finally, Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) has just released its annual conference program on its website. RWAV has done a fantastic job of pulling together a comprehensive program of speakers and topics that are very relevant for rural health care professionals. I will be speaking at the dinner on Thursday night about the work we do at Western Victoria Primary Health Network – hopefully I will see you there.
You can download the program on RWAV’s website.
Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO
4 February 2026