Keynote speakers included distinguished figures such as Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses; Nadine Gray, Chief Nursing Officer of Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority; Dr. Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu, Chief Nursing Officer of the World Health Organization; Dr. Aletha Ward from the University of Southern Queensland, First Nations Research Alliance; and Dr. Zoe Bradfield from Curtin University.

The symposium featured diverse presentations on critical topics including:

• Inspiring Nursing and Midwifery Careers: Addressing retention, improving clinical facilitation, and educating future educators.
• Innovating Education, Policy, and Practice: Exploring digital literacy, student nurse employment models, and the impact of poverty on placement.
• Improving First Peoples’ Health: Discussing cultural safety, Hauora Māori, and First Nations Australians' perspectives in specialty nursing curricula.

Congratulations to the Symposium Oral and Poster Presentation Winners:

Oral Presentation:

Robyn Matthews - La Trobe University

Presentation title: How can we inspire the next generation of midwives to stay long-term?

Poster Presentation

Cara Leishman – Deakin University

Poster title: P03 Escaping sepsis: using a game-based learning approach to innovate nurse education

CDNM extends its heartfelt gratitude to the keynote speakers, panellists, and workshop facilitators for their invaluable contributions and inspiring insights. Special thanks are also due to the sponsors whose generous support made the symposium possible. These include Edith Cowan University, University of Sydney, Charles Darwin University, Monash University, Griffith University, Australian College of Midwives, CRANAplus, Elsevier, Buderim Ginger, GIGXR, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), FactsofLife, The University of Adelaide, The University of Notre Dame Australia, and Australian Catholic University.

The dedication and hard work of Symposium Chair Professor Tracey Moroney OAM, along with the organising and scientific committees, were instrumental in the event’s success. We also thank the attendees' active participation and engagement, which further enriched the symposium experience.

As the CDNM looks ahead, it is committed to fostering continued growth and innovation in nursing and midwifery education. Details of the next symposium will be announced soon.