The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), the peak body and professional membership association for nurses working outside of a hospital setting, is pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Lyons as its new President.
Denise takes over from long-time President Karen Booth, who will remain on the Board until the end of her final term in 2026 to ensure a smooth handover. Vice President Christine Fuller will also be returning for another term.
Australia is in a time of significant health reform, and Denise is uniquely positioned to be the face of primary health care nursing in this reform. On her appointment to the role, Denise said:
"As I look ahead, I see both challenges and opportunities. Health care systems are under pressure everywhere because of workforce shortages, rising costs and ageing populations."
"But this is also a chance to reshape how we deliver care and how we value the role of nurses, putting them at the frontline of these transformations."
Denise is an experienced registered nurse and endorsed nurse practitioner with over three decades of experience. Originally from the USA, she worked in paediatric wards and emergency departments for several years before earning a Master in Health Promotion. She brought a passion for health literacy and prevention to the Australian primary health care system 28 years ago, where she has worked ever since in general practice.
APNA would like to acknowledge Karen's sixteen years of service as APNA President. She has been a persistent advocate for primary health care nurses and a stronger health care system in Australia. Under Karen's leadership, Australia better understands the value of strong primary health care nursing and has helped nurses feel valued, visible and respected.
At the AGM, APNA also announced the return of the following board members for another term:
Lisa Chalmers
Sharon James
The continuity of experienced board members alongside new leadership puts APNA in a strong position to continue advocating for our members and the 98,000 primary health care nurses in Australia.
About us:
About APNA
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care.
APNA is bold, vibrant and future-focused. We reflect the views of our membership and the broader profession by bringing together nurses from across Australia to represent, advocate, promote and celebrate the achievements of nurses in primary health care.
APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia
