The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) was formed in 2012 through the unification of the College of Nursing, Australia and Royal College of Nursing, Australia. Both predecessor organisations had a rich history of championing the nursing profession since 1949.
The Royal College of Nursing, Australia (Est. 1949)
The Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA), originally known as the College of Nursing Australia, was founded in Victoria in 1949. From its inception, the organisation played a pivotal role in advancing the nursing profession in Australia.
Cultivating and maintaining the highest standards
RCNA was dedicated to cultivating and maintaining the highest standards of nursing practice and ethics, raising the status and standard of the nursing profession by training teachers and administrators, and providing postgraduate nurse training, as well as fostering both local and international collaboration among nursing professionals.
Image: The College of Nursing Australia Graduation ceremony 1950
Founders of the College of Nursing Australia
Myrtle Ivy Quicke (née Lindsay) RN RM
Vera Margaret Jackson (née Haughton) RCNA
Annie Moriah Sage CBE RRC FNM
Edith Hughes-Jones OBE RCNA
Jean Millist Lamont RMN RM
The College of Nursing, Australia (Est. 1949)
The College of Nursing, Australia, formally known as the NSW College of Nursing, was founded in NSW in 1949. The organisation was committed to promoting the art and science of nursing and advancing the nursing profession by developing and offering relevant postgraduate education for nurses.
Image: Investiture of Fellows 1952
Founders of the NSW College of Nursing
Muriel Knox Doherty RRC FCN (NSW)
Agnes Mary Lions MBE INC (NSWCN) FCN (NSW)
Margaret Frances Guy (née Looker) OBE FCN (NSW) FRNC
Georgina McCready (née Johnstone) MBE FCN (NSW)
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) today
(2012 to present)
ACN's logo formation
ACN’s logo is a visual representation of our organisation’s key pillars: membership, policy and education, which collectively make up the Australian College of Nursing community.
ACN's leadership
ACN has been privileged to be led by visionary nurse leaders who have not only driven transformative change and progress within our organisation but have also been instrumental in advancing the nursing profession.
PRESIDENTS
Carmen Morgan FACN (DLF)
2013-2015
Adjunct Professor Kathy Baker AM FACN (DLF)
2016
Emeritus Professor Christine Duffield FACN (DLF)
2017-2023
Adjunct Professor David Plunkett FACN
2023-present
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms FACN DLF
2012-2015
Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN
2015-2024
Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz PhD FACN
2024-present
Proudly preserving nursing’s heritage
The National Nursing Archives of Australia is not just an archive; it’s a living testament to the journey of Australian nursing. Our strength lies in the collective memories and contributions of individuals and organisations.
Become a part of our rich heritage
Follow in the footsteps of extraordinary nurse leaders who have been championing for the profession for over 70 years and help us shape the future of nursing. Become an ACN member today to connect with like-minded nurses, progress your nursing career and make your voice heard.