From wound care to wallabies

Japanese nurses visit Melbourne

As part of the Leadership in Action collaboration funded by the Japan–Australia Foundation, APNA had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Japanese nurses last week. They were here to get a closer look at how primary health care works in Australia, and we loved showing them around!

After Monday was spent soaking up Melbourne’s sights and attending a welcome dinner, on Tuesday, the group headed past Geelong to Medical One Waurn Ponds. There, the nursing team greeted them with big smiles and a very Aussie morning tea (yes, lamingtons and Tim Tams featured heavily). Nurses Courtney Foote and Michelle Rempis walked them through how the practice runs, before the Western Victoria Primary Health Network team stepped in to give a broader view of our primary health care system. The visitors then got to see the nurses in action - everything from iron infusions and childhood immunisations to health assessments and wound care.

On Wednesday, the delegation travelled north to Reservoir to visit Summerhill Medical Centre. Head nurse Sonia Chalmers showed them around and chatted about what primary health care looks like on the ground here, touching on teamwork, chronic disease management, and how digital systems help support safer, smoother care. The Japanese nurses also shared a little about their own work back home, including home‑based care, palliative care planning, and how telehealth is evolving (though it hasn’t taken off quite as much since COVID). It sparked some great conversations about holistic care, nursing autonomy, and the similarities and differences in how our two countries support patients.

After a relaxed afternoon exploring Melbourne, the group visited APNA’s offices to meet our Chief Primary Care Nursing Officer, Lisa Collison, and Chief Advocacy Officer, Tarek Dale. Lisa gave an overview of the Australian health system, how APNA works, and the programs we lead. From there, the delegation joined the second Leadership in Action webinar - another opportunity to connect and learn from one another.

On the final day of the visit, we hit the road early and headed to Springs Medical in Daylesford. The group watched nurse Simone Barry perform a scan for the PANACEA‑HF research project, and saw other nurses providing care to local patients across the clinic.

To wrap up the week, the delegation headed back to the city and visited the Frontyard Youth Services, and met nurses from the Young People’s Health Service, part of the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Department of Adolescent Medicine. Nurse practitioner Belinda Tominc shared the incredible work happening at Frontyard Youth Services and how it’s making a difference for young people experiencing homelessness. 

It was a full, energising week packed with shared learning, cultural exchange, and plenty of good conversations. We’re grateful to everyone who opened their doors, shared their expertise, and helped make the visit warm and memorable.