Alfred Health nursing scholarship lunch

Over 300 guests enjoyed the festivities, which included a live auction, knowing that their generous contributions would be helping advance nursing education and leadership at The Alfred for many years to come.

Alfred Health has been committed to nursing education since 1971, developing some of the most influential nurses in the country. Our nursing teams engage in innovative approaches to research, leading teams, learning and professional development.

This international travel scholarship will be awarded once a year to an emerging nurse leader in clinical practice, research, education or management. It will provide them with an opportunity to travel overseas to learn from world-leading services first-hand. This will in turn allow them to bring back new ideas and concepts to nursing at Alfred Health.

Last week’s lunch was held at the picturesque Myer Mural Hall, and guests in attendance were joined by Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, patron of the scholarship.

Her Excellency addressed the audience and spoke of the importance of continuous learning and professional development.

“What a great gift for a professional person to receive the opportunity to be taken out of their every day, to be encouraged, to be enriched, to be stretched to listen to new people, new ideas and new practices,” she said.

Janet Weir-Phyland, Alfred Heath Executive Director Nursing Services & Chief Nursing Officer, echoed the Governor’s thoughts, highlighting the impact that the scholarship will have on Alfred nursing more broadly.

“This inaugural nursing scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for Alfred Health nurses. The Scholarship recognises endeavour and achievement. It furthers the advancement of professional practice in clinical, education research and management,” she said.

“We believe in investing in leaders of the future. It is an opportunity for nurses to be the difference, to be the leader they want to be, to be the inspiring example to others and to achieve great things.”

The lunch successfully reached its goal of raising $50k to sponsor the inaugural scholarship. A big thank you for everyone who attended and supported the special occasion.

This remarkable outcome would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of Janet Spooner DGSJ OAM, who generously volunteered her time and was the major driving force behind the event as Convenor.

The Alfred Foundation would also like to thank journalist Virginia Trioli, who donated her time to act as the lunch’s Master of Ceremonies; our extraordinary team of Alfred volunteers for their help throughout the day; and BankVic, who supported the event as a major sponsor.