Perth in motion: Building connections and expanding opportunity

Under clear blue skies and warm Perth sunshine, Renee Flynn, Clinical and Education Manager, and Ailia Murray, Program Manager, arrived in Western Australia for a full and purposeful week from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May.

From the start, it felt like more than just a work trip. It was a chance to reconnect with partners, meet new people and take some real steps towards growing the program in WA. This visit, supporting APNA's Nursing in Primary Health Care (NiPHC) and National Nursing Clinical Placement Program (NNCPP), also created an opportunity to share the broader work APNA is leading to support nurses at every stage of their career in primary health care.

Each day was filled with face to face visits with both current education provider partners and those not yet part of the program. Being there in person made a real difference. Conversations were easier, ideas came together more quickly and there was space to talk honestly about what is working well and what could be improved. It was a reminder that some of the best progress happens when we sit down together and share ideas. These conversations often went beyond placements. There was strong interest in how APNA supports nurses working in primary health care through career pathways, education and ongoing professional support. It highlighted the importance of not just attracting nurses into the sector, but helping them stay and grow.

As plans for expansion into Western Australia continue, these moments felt especially important.

One of the highlights of the week was spending time with workplaces that host students. Talking directly with operational managers gave the team a clearer picture of how to better connect with sites and support them day to day. A common theme came through. Many sites are keen to be involved, but are unsure about the steps or paperwork. A simple approach stood out as a way forward. Friendly Teams calls and support from leaders can make the process feel much easier and more inviting.

The response from host sites was strong and encouraging, including from a new urgent care clinic. Their message was simple and clear. They are ready and happy to take students. This kind of feedback shows the growing need for placements and the important role the program plays in building the future workforce.

Renee and Ailia also attended the CRANAplus conference, where they listened to inspiring speakers, which sparked thoughtful conversations about the future of healthcare, the role of AI and the importance of learning from mistakes. Just as valuable were the chats between sessions, which opened up new opportunities to connect with partners and share more about APNA programs, membership and Florence.

Renee gave a presentation at the conference sharing workforce solutions and success stories from tailored placements, highlighting how responding to student interest can open doors into rural and remote practice, as well as primary health care more broadly. These stories showed how the right placement experience can spark longer term career pathways.

Renee presenting on behalf of Lauren Doddo at the 2026 CRANAplus conference

Renee and Ailia at the 2026 CranaPlus conference

Another promising moment was connecting with WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA). This opened the door to new ways of working together and reaching more people across the region. Along with strong interest from education providers, especially around tailored placements, it added to the growing sense of momentum.

It was a busy week. Early mornings and late evenings came with the time difference, and the schedule rarely slowed down. Even so, the energy in each meeting and the shared excitement about what comes next made it all worthwhile.

By the end of the trip, Perth had delivered in every way. Not just in the sunshine and warm welcome, but in the strength of the connections made and the opportunities ahead. This work is helping to strengthen not just placements, but the full career journey for nurses in primary health care across WA.

This was more than a visit. It was a step forward in building a stronger, more connected future for the program in Western Australia.

Join the National Nursing Clinical Placements Program and you too could spark a new career in primary health care. It’s easier than you think! 

Any questions? To speak to the Clinical Placement Programs team, call 03 9322 9500 or email placements@apna.asn.au.

The National Nursing Clinical Placement Program is supported with funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

The Nursing in Primary Health Care Program is an Australian Government initiative.