International Nurses Day sees renewed collaboration to secure regional nursing and midwifery careers

Grampians Health and Federation University have renewed their long‑standing partnership today, signing a refreshed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens their shared commitment to the future of nursing and midwifery across the Grampians region.

Announced on International Nurses Day, the agreement celebrates the essential contribution of nurses and midwives while setting a bold new direction for regional education, training and professional development.

The renewed MOU modernises a collaboration that has existed since the inception of Federation University, reaffirming both organisations’ commitment to supporting high‑quality education and strengthening the nursing and midwifery pipeline across the region.

A key feature of the agreement is the creation of a jointly funded academic leadership position, dedicated to elevating the nursing and midwifery professions, building research capability, and enhancing clinical education pathways with a strong rural and regional focus. This role will also drive evidence-based practice by strengthening the links between the direct roles nurses and midwives play and the outcomes achieved for consumers, the community, and the profession.

Grampians Health Chief Executive Officer, Dale Fraser, said the timing of the agreement underscores the value both organisations place on the nursing and midwifery workforce.

“As we mark International Nurses Day today and celebrated International Day of the Midwife last week, we recognise the remarkable impact these professions have on the lives of others. 

Nurses and midwives contribute in countless ways, across an extraordinary range of career paths, and are truly embedded in the heart of every community. Our renewed partnership reflects our shared responsibility to ensure this remains the case, and that we can secure a strong, sustainable pipeline of nurses and midwives for the future.

Two of the region’s largest organisations are coming together with a clear purpose: to ensure our communities continue to receive high‑quality care close to home.”

While Grampians Health and Federation University have collaborated for many years, both organisations emphasise that this new approach represents a significant shift. Rather than focusing solely on delivering education, the new academic leadership role will work alongside clinical teams to strengthen professional practice, support research, and enhance the visibility and capability of nursing and midwifery across all campuses.

Federation University Vice‑Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley, said the renewed agreement reflected a shared commitment to ensuring the region has the skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce it needs. 

“We know that when students can study local, they’re far more likely to stay local. Through our shared partnership, we’re ensuring nursing and midwifery students can learn and develop their skills close to home.

That’s important for their future – but it’s just as important for the future of our region. Building a strong, locally trained workforce is critical to ensuring our community can access high-quality care for years to come. This new agreement deepens that relationship and reaffirms our shared commitment to our region and its future. It ensures we can continue to offer high‑quality training, research and professional support for nurses and midwives right across the Grampians region.”

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study found that an additional 79,473 nurses were needed by 2035 to help address Australia’s future health needs.
Since 2020, Grampians Health has supported more than 11,600 clinical placements for Federation University and Fed TAFE students, contributing to approximately 31,000 clinical placement days each year. 

Both organisations acknowledge the workforce challenges facing the sector, including concerns about the future nursing pipeline and broader pressures on recruitment and retention. The renewed MOU aims to address these challenges by creating a more coordinated approach to education and research—ensuring students, nurses and midwives can learn, work and progress their careers locally.

Grampians Health Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Denielle Beardmore, said the partnership reflects a shared belief in the importance and impact of the professions.

“International days of recognition for nurses and midwives reminds us of the extraordinary breadth and depth of our professions. Few careers open as many doors as nursing and midwifery—from bedside care to research, community health to leadership.

We are proud to collaborate with our university partners, where so many nurses and midwives begin their journey. Strong academic partnerships help cultivate the next generation of skilled, compassionate professionals and ensure our communities continue to benefit from a vibrant, well‑prepared workforce.”

Both organisations emphasise the unique advantages of regional training and employment, including broad clinical exposure, strong community connection and the opportunity to develop diverse skills without being confined to a single specialty.

The partnership also supports the economic growth of the region by creating more opportunities for students to study and work close to home, strengthening long‑term workforce sustainability and ensuring the professions of nursing and midwifery continue to thrive.

Additional Quotes

Dale Fraser, CEO Grampians Health

“We value our long‑standing relationships with universities across Victoria, each offering distinct benefits for students and the region. What makes our partnership with Federation University particularly significant is our shared presence in Ballarat and Horsham, which creates a powerful platform for local training and career pathways.

As one of the region’s largest employers, it’s essential that we maintain diverse and robust partnerships to support the future workforce our communities rely on. Continuing to strengthen our workforce with local talent is central to building a resilient health system that grows with our communities and reflects the people we serve.”

Denielle Beardmore, Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Grampians Health

“The beauty of nursing and midwifery lies in the diversity. Nurses and midwives serve in hospitals, schools, homes and beyond—meeting people where they are and making a meaningful difference every day.

We’re especially proud to collaborate with our university partners, where so many nurses and midwives begin their journey. These strong academic partnerships help cultivate the next generation of skilled, compassionate professionals and ensure our communities continue to benefit from a vibrant, well‑prepared workforce.

Professor Duncan Bentley, Vice-Chancellor and President, Federation University

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when education and health work closely together.
The creation of this new position strengthens that connection even further, bringing together learning, research and clinical practice. 

By aligning our efforts, we’re delivering better outcomes for students, the workforce and the communities we proudly serve.”