Second year of Primary Health Care Nurses Day a huge success

On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, we celebrated Primary Health Care Nurses Day (PHCND), recognising the incredible contributions of over 98,000 nurses working outside hospitals – in aged care, community health, general practice, custodial care, and schools. 

The 2025 PHCND campaign, ‘Treating the whole person,’ highlighted primary health care nurses' expertise and holistic approach.

Individuals and organisations showed their support by wearing red, blue, and yellow, and almost 170 organisations joined the celebration to amplify the campaign's message even further. The collective effort paid off, with APNA’s social media channels reaching over half a million impressions in the lead-up to and on the day.

Spreading awareness nationwide

Billboards in shopping centres nationwide showcased the importance of primary health care nurses, and supporters shared selfies using the hashtag ‘#PHCNday2025’. 

In Canberra, APNA’s CEO Ken Griffin, Board Director Denise Lyons, and Public Affairs Manager Rebecca Burdick Davies met with policymakers to advocate for nurses. Their meetings included discussions with Dr. Mike Freedlander MP on health reform, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan on workforce challenges, and ACT Chief Nursing Officer Marina Buchanan-Grey. The team also visited Next Practice Deakin, celebrating nurses at a Medicare Champion practice. The day ended on Parliament Hill, where Minister Mark Butler posed with an APNA campaign poster, now displayed in offices across the capital. 

Engaging workplaces

Businesses and organisations hosted events, morning teas, and staff acknowledgments, reinforcing the essential role of primary health care nurses in keeping Australians healthy. At the APNA head office, staff gathered for a lunch celebration, showcasing their appreciation for primary health care nurses.

With momentum growing, APNA looks forward to an even bigger PHCND in 2026!