The Oak June 2026
We’ve returned from a successful conference and are now moving forward with our new board and strategic direction. A big thank you to the volunteers, conference committee, speakers and staff, especially Angela, for their outstanding efforts. Feedback has been extremely positive. It was amazing to see so many international guests and a large contingent of first timers to ACORN 2026.
At the annual general meeting, we announced the move toward nationalisation. This sparked valuable discussion and ideas on how best to progress. We will soon invite members to contribute to developing a robust implementation and management plan.
Over the next month, we’ll also be distributing a comprehensive member survey to gather insights on priorities and opportunities for ACORN, including feedback from current, former, and potential members.
Tracy Kerle
ACORN President
F
rom thought-provoking keynote presentations to dynamic panel discussions, practical masterclasses and cutting-edge research sessions, ACORN 2026 challenged delegates to think differently, connect deeply and lead boldly within the perioperative environment. Conversations sparked around innovation, workforce wellbeing, sustainability, patient safety and the future of perioperative nursing, with delegates sharing ideas and experiences from every corner of the profession.
The Judith Cornell Oration delivered by Ruth Melville, left the delegates feeling inspired and imagining where their future perioperative careers could take them, while the sustainability and planetary health panel raised important discussions about the role perioperative nurses play in shaping a healthier future for both patients and the planet.
The launch of 
The ACORN Standards 2026 ushered in the new volumes of Standards for safe and quality care and Professional practice standards for perioperative nurses, and reflected the dedication, expertise and collaboration of perioperative nurses nationwide.
Sam B
loom’s keynote presentation on Friday left not a dry eye in the house as she described how she triumphed over adversity with the support of her family, and an injured magpie called Penguin, while Sophie Scott’s presentation on Saturday had us all dancing and moving in the aisles while exploring ways to prevent burnout and find happiness. The much-loved Asking for a Friend panel once again drew strong engagement, tackling real-world workplace challenges with honesty, humour and practical wisdom. 
The educational offerings during the four concurrent streams, consisting of new research findings, education activities and programs, leadership issues, quality and safety projects, and clinical expertise, left delegates wishing they could attend more than one session at a time. Beyond the education program, the conference buzzed with connection and camaraderie.
Delegates reconnected with old colleagues, built new professional relationships and shared experiences from perioperative settings across Australia and beyond. The masquerade gala dinner was an absolute highlight. Delegates enjoyed a fantastic dinner and danced the night away. The only downsides were that the dance floor was too small, and the evening went by too quickly.
The bustling exhibition hall was at the heart of the conference experience, showcasing the latest products, technologies and innovations shaping the future of perioperative care. Delegates had the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and industry partners, explore new solutions and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and advancements supporting safer, smarter and more sustainable practice.
The masterclasses delivered in partnership with ACORN 2026 sponsors were a conference highlight for many, with resounding feedback that we need more of them in future (we hear you!!!). ACORN sincerely thanks all exhibitors and sponsors for their ongoing support and contribution to the success of the conference.
ACORN extends heartfelt thanks to every speaker, presenter, sponsor, exhibitor, moderator, volunteer and delegate who helped make ACORN 2026 such a success. The passion, knowledge and generosity shared throughout the conference highlighted exactly what makes the perioperative nursing community so extraordinary. As delegates returned home inspired and energised, one thing was clear: ACORN 2026 was more than a conference. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when perioperative nurses come together to learn, lead and build bridges for the future.
The 2026 edition of The ACORN Standards was officially launched at the ACORN Conference 2026 in Brisbane, marking an exciting milestone for perioperative nursing across Australia. The launch program featured a dedicated plenary session alongside two interactive masterclasses, providing delegates with opportunities to explore the updated standards, implementation strategies and the evidence underpinning contemporary perioperative practice.
Throughout the conference, ongoing conversations with delegates, presenters and international speakers highlighted the passion perioperative nurses share for evidence-based practice and delivering safe, high-quality patient care. It was inspiring to hear the enthusiasm for implementing the 2026 edition within perioperative departments and to see the strong engagement with the evolving role of standards in supporting clinical excellence, patient safety and professional practice.
The conference also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Australia and internationally to discuss the important role the standards play in shaping perioperative care systems and supporting consistent, evidence-informed practice. ACORN thanks all delegates, speakers and contributors who participated in these discussions and helped make the launch such a meaningful and collaborative event.
The 2026 edition of The ACORN Standards will go live on 1 June 2026. Access will continue to be available through the ACORN website and existing organisational IP configurations. Members and organisations with current subscriptions do not need to take any action, as access will transition automatically within the platform. Additional implementation support resources and educational materials will be released to assist perioperative teams in integrating the updated standards into practice.
Abstract
The Australian honours system has, for over 50 years, recognised individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our nation. With close to 300 000 recipients since its inception, approximately 0.5 per cent of Australians have received this distinction. In contrast, recognition within nursing, the largest healthcare workforce in the country, is strikingly low. Estimates suggest that only around 0.05 per cent of nurses have been honoured through the Order of Australia, around one-tenth the rate of recognition seen in the general population. This disparity is not only significant, but also difficult to justify. At first glance, this appears to be a question of under-representation. On closer examination, it is also a question of visibility.
ACORN’s work is supported by seven state and territory perioperative nursing associations (the local associations or LAs).
While each of the associations retains its own integrity and independence, together we find strength in unity to provide professional leadership in perioperative practice and the advancement of safe, quality perioperative nursing care for Australians.
Papua New Guinea Perioperative Nurses Society (PNGPNS) Conference
16–17 July 2026, Port Moresby