To our loyal Members, past and present, Sponsors, Colleagues and Supporters

It is with heavy hearts but with our chests proud and heads high, that we inform you the time has come to bid our 75-year-old Association a dignified and well-deserved farewell.

As per our previous correspondence, the Executive Committee met and moved a motion followed by a Special General Meeting of our Members in early June, which resulted in the unanimous decision to close the AQNML. We had carefully considered our options after reviewing our financial position, the decline in membership and conference attendance numbers. After many years trying to avoid this difficult decision and continuing our hard work and commitment to uphold our organisation's proud 75-year-old legacy, unfortunately, this extremely difficult time has come. The years during and post COVID resulted in declining conference delegate numbers as well as increasing conference production costs and cost of living pressures, constantly evolving education and other professional development options as well as workforce pressures limiting our members’ availability to attend our always amazing annual conference and networking event.

As the final President, I remain humbled and truly honoured to represent the achievements of the AQNML past and present and although so sad to have moved this motion, I truly believe it is the right decision. I thank you all for your support and I am particularly grateful to my executive committee colleagues as well as Martin and Kate Bishop for your efforts of service in support of the AQNML.

Although the AQNML is now in retirement, we are very excited to announce a new union we have with the Australian College of Nursing Foundation. As voted on at our Special General Meeting, the remaining AQNML funds will be transferred to the ACN Foundation to support the valuable work they do to support our professions. We are also extremely grateful that they will take carriage and care of our historical documents so that this very important information is protected and acknowledged for future nurses and midwives to access so that the courageous work of our past colleagues and leaders continues to be respected and valued. I would like to personally thank ACN CEO Kathryn Zeitz and her team for their time, kindness and dignity as we navigate these next steps together. Please keep an eye out on the ACN platforms for AQNML news and references.

So, after 75 amazing years, that is a wrap for the Matrons Association of Queensland/Directors of Nursing Association (DONA) of Qld/Association of Queensland Nurse Leaders (AQNL) and Association of Queensland Nursing and Midwifery Leaders (AQNML). What an amazing journey! It is on the shoulders of the men and women who bravely paved the way for us that we stand on so strongly today and into our future. Please always remember to be that Leader that takes others under your wing to help them soar like others have done for all of us.

Take care and shine bright.

Attached is a special offer from ACN to all Members and Stakeholders.

Warm regards

Melinda Daniels

AQNML President