Celebrating 100 years
The ANMF and its members have embarked on an extraordinary journey over the decades, driving inspiring changes in conditions and healthcare that benefit both members and the broader community.
Nurses, midwives and carers are the backbone of the ANMF
The remarkable achievements of the ANMF would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our members. Together, we have championed better pay, improved working conditions, and strengthened healthcare for the benefit of our community.
This page celebrates some of our inspiring members. It also features a collection of heartfelt messages from nurses, midwives and carers expressing gratitude for the union that has consistently supported them every step of the way.
Inspiring Members
Hylda Poipoi
Hylda Poipoi, a Nurse Navigator, has supported ANMF campaigns and active in the First Nations branch with QNMU including embedding cultural safety as a new domain in the Qld nurses award and public funding for Integrative Services. With a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, she works remotely in Northern Peninsula Area, advocating for improved health outcomes.
Mel Connan
Mel Connan, one of the first non-hospital-trained nurses in Victoria, has deep ties to union activism through her mother’s role in the 1986 nurses' strike. A palliative care nurse with a back injury, she champions ANMF's no-lifting campaigns and has been active in various campaigns, including fighting for nurse-to-patient ratios and advocating for improved working conditions.
Kate Goodman
Kate Goodman, an ANMF NSW Branch Councillor and passionate advocate for nursing and midwifery, focuses on mentoring and supporting new graduates. With six years of nursing experience across various departments, she actively represents the next generation of unionists. She has participated in campaigns and spoken at union conferences.
Terry Swanson
Terry Swanson, one of Victoria’s first Nurse Practitioners, works in regional Victoria, and has advocated for nurses and midwives since 1996 as an ANMF Job Representative. She was awarded Job Rep of the year and has held the position of Vice President. Terry has played a key role in numerous industrial campaigns, including securing and defending Victoria’s ratios. Terry is a leader in wound management and holds various national and international leadership roles.
Nanette Lawson
Nanette Lawson, a Registered Nurse with 17 years of experience, is a Worksite Representative and an ANMF SA Branch Council member for nearly a decade. She has been actively involved in campaigns for safe staffing, retention, and the past three EBA negotiations. Nanette specialises in Stroke and Neurology care and currently serves as an Epilepsy Nurse Consultant.
Ashleigh Sullivan
Ashleigh Sullivan is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Midwifery Group Practice. She has worked extensively in regional Queensland and is currently working in a rural indigenous midwifery continuity of care model. An active QNMU member, she currently serves as a QNMU Councillor and been part of numerous campaigns including EB 11, Ratios Save Lives (Nurse to Patient), Midwifery Ratios and Public Funding For Homebirth.
