APNA and School Nurses Australia to amalgamate

Media Release    20 December 2021

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) and School Nurses Australia (SNA) have agreed to amalgamate. The merged body will continue to be known as APNA.

APNA is the peak professional body for the 89,000 primary health care nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. SNA represents nurses who work in the nearly 10,000 schools across Australia, including private, public, day and boarding schools.

SNA members voted in favour of the amalgamation last week. As part of the agreement, school nurse members will receive initial complementary APNA membership, and will gain access APNA’s extensive suite of member benefits:

• up-to-date education and resources
• the latest industry news and guidelines
• online communities, expert advice and support, and
• career tools and professional benefits.

APNA Acting CEO Mitch Wall welcomed SNA members to APNA and said the amalgamation process would begin immediately.

“On behalf of APNA members and staff, I would like to welcome SNA members to APNA,” Mr Wall said.

“This merger of APNA and SNA gives all primary health care nurses more influence and a stronger voice with all levels of government and with stakeholders in health and education departments.”

“SNA has a rich heritage of service, having represented the interests of school nurses for more than 40 years. APNA looks forward to honouring SNA’s heritage, hard work and passion,” Mr Wall said.

“APNA will continue to work to achieve positive changes for all primary health care nurses, whether they work in schools, general practice, correctional facilities or in First Nations communities.

SNA President Lisa Chalmers said that amalgamating with APNA was the best option for school nurses.

“The amalgamation of SNA into APNA will achieve long-term viability, sustainability, professional development opportunities and professional growth for school nurses,” Ms Chalmers said.

“This is the best option to continue to deliver vibrant, relevant and expanded member services to the important school nursing profession.”

As part of the agreement, Ms Chalmers will join the APNA Board as an observer until the next Board election.

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Media enquiries: Nick Buchan, nick.buchan@apna.asn.au, 03 9322 9540