Leadership in Action: empowering nurses in primary care

What is Leadership in Action?

The Australia–Japan Foundation is funding a collaboration between APNA, Hiroshima University and the Japan Primary Care Association.

APNA is working with Associate Professor Mayumi Kako to connect primary health care nurses between the two countries. Nurses will have the opportunity to share expertise on workforce development, leadership, gender equity, and supporting diverse communities. 

The program includes three webinars, a visit from Japanese primary health care nurses in February, and a return visit by Australian nurses in May for the Japan Primary Care Association Conference in Kyoto. 

Upcoming events

Please note that due to high demand and limited capacity, the webinar registrations are now closed.

Session One

Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 7-8:30pm (AEDT), 5-6:30pm (JST)

Theme: Nursing Care Models Developed in Primary Care

Nurses from Japan and Australia will take the stage to share their real-life experiences of creating new nursing care in their respective settings. 

Webinar registrations are now closed

Session Two

Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026, 7-8:30pm (AEDT), 5-6:30pm (JST)

Theme: Nursing advocacy 

Leaders driving nursing policy and organisations will discuss methods and strategies for "delivering necessary care to those who need it". This session offers perspectives connecting policy, organisations, and the frontlines.

Webinar registrations are now closed

Session Three 

Date: Wednesday, 20 April 2027, 7-8:30pm (AEDT), 5-6:30pm (JST)

Theme: Considering actionable steps for practice

Leaders driving nursing policy and organisations will discuss methods and strategies for "delivering necessary care to those who need it". This session offers perspectives connecting policy, organisations, and the frontlines.

Webinar registrations are now closed

Melbourne Study Tour

Date: 15-22 February 2026

In late February, APNA will welcome a group of nurses and academics from Japan as part of our professional collaboration program with the Japan Primary Care Association.

This exchange, proudly funded by the Australia-Japan Foundation, is all about sharing knowledge and exploring priorities we all care about—workforce development, leadership, gender equity, and care for diverse and vulnerable populations.

Our visitors are eager to see Australian primary health care in action. We’re looking for nurse-led teams and workplaces in Melbourne willing to host a short tour and showcase how you deliver team-based care.

What could this look like?

• Showing our visitors how nurses, GPs and/or allied health professionals work together in your practice, interacting with (consenting) patients
• Walking through your care pathways
• Sharing your insights on primary health care nursing

If you’re passionate about strengthening global nursing connections and can offer a warm welcome, we’d love to hear from you!

Interested? Please email us at research@apna.asn.au

Japan Study Tour 

Date: May 2026

This opportunity has now closed for application dates. 

Join us in Kyoto for the Japan Primary Care Association Conference, where Australian nurses will connect with global leaders in primary care.

Up to five grants will be available to support attendance, including travel and accommodation assistance. 

Priority will be given to nurses who participate in at least two of the three Leadership in Action webinars.