The Vivian Bullwinkel Memorial Fund Gala Dinner

More than 400 people packed the Melbourne Museum to support research into palliative care nursing on August 18. Industry partners, clinical staff, members of the public and Monash researchers and colleagues enjoyed a diverse evening of entertainment and speeches.

Three leaders in their field spoke to support the cause. Former Chief of Defence, General Peter Cosgrove gave a moving speech recounting the Sister Vivian Bullwinkel’s care of the sick and dying in a prisoner of war camp in World War II and her major influence on the nursing profession in Australia in peacetime. 

Commander of the Australian Army's Medical Relief Unit for the Tsunami in Banda Aceh, Lt-Col Georgina Whelan, gave her account of the medical care given and to those left destitute as a result of the catastrophe and the challenges they faced. She also recounted the importance of Vivian Bullwinkel’s story, for younger people in the military.

The inaugural Vivian Bullwinkel Chair in Nursing, Palliative Care, Professor Margaret O'Connor said that while palliative care was an aspect of health care, it was often hidden and undervalued.  She said the Chair provided the opportunity to raise the profile of palliative care in the community as well as focus research efforts in this area. Professor O’Connor acknowledged the unique structure of her Chair (with three clinical partners - Peninsula Health, Peninsula Hospice Service, and the Royal District Nursing Service), which contributed to ensuring that all research was clinically relevant. She described the current research program of her team, which concentrates on three areas - service delivery issues, cultural aspects of care and care of veterans at the end of life.

Media identity, editor and writer, Ita Buttrose gave extra elegance and sparkle to the event as Master of Ceremonies. Guests were delighted by the superb Gershwin piano recital by Rebecca Chambers and Puccini’s Neesun Dorma sung by tenor Greg McMaster. The Ros Hendy Dancers (aged 40-70) tapped danced to some old favourites completely delighting the crowd with there prowess and glittering costumes. The Peter Sullivan Big Band was in full swing later in the evening enticing many a dignitary to "get dancing".

Contributions to research of palliative care nursing can be made through the Vivian Bullwinkel Memorial Fund by calling the Monash University Medical Research Foundation on 03 9905 9329 or by downloading a donation form.