About the event

The Melbourne Region would like to welcome you to the annual Gertrude Berger Oration, which honours the dedication and leadership of World War II nurse Gertrude Berger.

This year, the Oration will focus on the theme ‘Sustainability: Working towards a cleaner and stronger future’ in which you will hear from distinguished leaders and professionals who are making significant contributions towards sustainability and creating a more conscious healthcare environment by advocating for greener practices, as well as exploring strategies to address workforce retention challenges.

These industry leaders will share actionable plans to support the next generation of nurses, aiming to build a stronger and more resilient workforce. There will also be the chance to forge meaningful connections with other members while networking and enjoying drinks and nibbles during the evening.

Registration will be from 5:30pm, with presentations starting at 6pm.

Key Learning Objectives

• To celebrate the memory of Gertrude Berger and her contribution to our nursing profession.
• Understand how organisations and nurses can help reduce the environmental impact of hospital supplies and resources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable healthcare environment.
• Learn about approaches to workforce retention, sustainable nursing practice, and supporting the next generation of nurses, working towards a stronger and more resilient workforce.

About the speakers

Patricia Kitney - Board Member at Medical Pantry

Patricia has extensive experience providing nursing education at both the undergraduate and postgraudate levels. Her clinical interests include Perioperative Nursing, Clinical Education, Health Literacy - particularly for international students, and Clinical Sustainability. 

Additionally, Patricia is employed in the acute clinical setting and has been involved in numerous research projects, with her work widely published. She's also a Board Member at Medical Pantry, an Australian charity that delivers unsued medical supplies to underserved communities, supporting healthcare access and sustainability.

Monika Page - Sustainability Manager at Royal Melbourne Hospital

Monika Page is the Sustainability Manager at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, a position she's held for over a decade. She commenced her sustainability journey in healthcare 15 years ago after graduating with a master's degree in environmental sustainability from the University of Melbourne. Monika believes we can reduce the environmental impact of healthcare by embedding sustainability considerations in day-to-day clinical practice.  

Adjunct Professor Karrie Long, Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer Victoria

Adjunct Professor Karrie Long is a visionary nursing leader with nearly 20 years’ experience driving health delivery innovation to ensure safer and more effective patient care. As CNMO, she provides professional leadership, advice, and direction to the sector, drawing on a unique set of skills acquired across all aspects and levels of nursing, including regional and metropolitan health settings and academia. 

Karrie brings with her an expansive knowledge of Victoria’s public health system gained through her previous roles as a clinician in intensive care and in education, digital health, research, and senior leadership, including the Director of Nursing Research and Interim Chief Nursing Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She has a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Nursing (Rural Critical Care) and a Master of Public Health. 

The CNMO provides strategic clinical leadership and advice to the Minister for Health, Department of Health, senior stakeholders and leaders across government and the broader health and hospital sector on nursing and midwifery. The role represents Victoria at a national level and is a key advocate for Victorian nurses and midwives.