Media doorstop to launch campaign:
When: Tuesday 10 March 2020 at 12.30pm
Where: The Charles Garden opposite the Launceston General Hospital
Who: Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary alongside ANMF members sharing their stories

Today, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) announced the launch of a new campaign to highlight the strength and commitment of nurses, midwives and care workers across the state.

“We are announcing this campaign today in celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of our predominately female membership on International Women’s Day (IWD). The theme for this year’s IWD is #EachForEqual and encourages us to question the ways in which our own unique experiences influence those around us and how we can ensure these are positive,” said ANMF Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd.

“Thousands of nurses and midwives work within the Tasmanian Health Service, with hundreds more employed in private hospitals, community-based programs, general practices, schools and more. The majority of these healthcare professionals are women and we want to recognise the invaluable contribution they make to their colleagues, patients, families and community through shared stories and common experiences,” said Ms Shepherd.

“We have chosen International Women’s Day to announce this campaign in support of the #EachForEqual theme in conjunction with the World Health Organisation’s declaration of 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.”

“We are encouraging nurses, midwives and care workers to stand up and share their experiences, celebrate their success and lead by example. For each story that is shared with the ANMF will be donating to the Women’s Health Tasmania Encore Program. This is an eight-week recovery program for women who have experienced breast cancer. Located in Hobart and Launceston, the program lowers the risk of lymphoedema and helps to restore strength, mobility and confidence.”

“The aim of the campaign is to highlight the goodwill and dedication of nurses, midwives and care workers and their contribution to not only healthcare in Tasmania, but nationally and internationally also. We are calling on ANMF members, healthcare professionals, and members of the community to share their experiences with us.”

The ANMF will also have a GoFundMe setup for those who would like to be involved in the campaign, but do not want to share a story. The initiative will run from 10 March 2020 until 7 April 2020 when an announcement of the final donation amount and presentation to the Women’s Health Tasmania clinic will be made on World Health Day.

“We can all grow and learn from others and reflect upon the perspectives and positive influence of those ‘looking in’ to the nursing world,” said Ms Shepherd.

The ANMF will officially launch the campaign on Tuesday 10 March 2020 with a media doorstop in which ANMF Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd will be joined by members to share their stories.

Media contact

Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: emily.shepherd@anmftas.org.au

Published 8th March 2020