Member Stories
A historic moment for our union
At the NSWNMA 78th Annual Conference, history was made with the passing of two very important motions regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members’ inclusion within the Association.
These changes to the rules are an acknowledgment that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members need to be heard and represented within leadership roles of the NSWNMA.
The first motion put forward to delegates at Annual Conference was for the establishment of a statewide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Circle. The Circle will operate with the same function as a branch, comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait nurses and midwives from across the state. The Circle will host monthly meetings, allowing members to bring to the table any ideas, issues or concerns that are affecting any of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and our communities, and will allow us to raise these ideas or concerns to the Association in a culturally safe environment for members.
The second history-making motion to pass was the endorsement of two dedicated councillor positions on the NSWNMA’s Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members: one nurse and one midwife position. These two councillor positions are representatives of the Circle who will now be included at the table for Council, ensuring the implementation of policy as determined by Annual Conference and ensuring the deliverance of the rules and objectives of the NSWNMA.
As a proud Aboriginal woman and NSWNMA member, it brings me great joy to be involved in the creation of the NSWNMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Circle.
I would like to personally thank Shaye (Candish) and Michael (Whaites) for their ongoing support to the Circle and our members. I also want to extend a very big thank-you to all the delegates who attended Annual Conference and supported these two historic motions, making them the footprint for the progression and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in the NSWNMA – now and forever walking together in union.
Vanessa Smith, RN