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Neuroscience nurses discover innovation in Australia’ s Northern Territory
T he World Federation of
Neuroscience Nurses( WFNN) Quadrennial Congress, staged in 2025, attracted 203 delegates from across the world to Darwin, the capital city of Australia’ s Northern Territory( NT).
WFNN is dedicated to the promotion and development of neuroscience nursing worldwide, bringing together a range of member organisations representing approximately 8,000 nurses from across 22 countries.
The 14th Congress was hosted by WFNN in collaboration with the Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association( ANNA), the peak Australasian body for neuroscience nursing. Delegates included clinicians, physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurse scientists, researchers and educators.
WFNN was held at the Darwin Convention Centre( DCC), located in the picturesque Darwin Waterfront Precinct, with delegates accommodated at hotels in the Precinct and city. Darwin’ s proximity to Asia, with the aviation hub of Singapore less than five hours away, proved advantageous – Singapore Airlines, which operates seven non-stop services per week from Singapore into Darwin, provided an exclusive airfare deal for WFNN international delegates.
Congress programme showcases unique medical facilities and expertise Under the theme‘ Create, Imagine, Inspire, Discover’, delegates strengthened existing relationships and fostered new connections across a four-day programme, comprising six plenaries, 69 concurrent sessions and 26 posters.
Speakers and session moderators contributed to the international educational perspectives – 80 of the moderators came from 21 countries across six continents, with 45 from Australia, including two speakers representing Royal Darwin Hospital.
Below: Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Image credit Tourism & Events NT, Tourism Australia
A special feature on opening day at the convention centre was the display of the Royal Flying Doctor Service( RFDS) aeromedical simulator, a full-size replica of a King Air B200 aircraft. This renowned Australian not-for-profit medical organisation commenced operations in the NT in 1939. The simulator provided insights into the critical role played by the RFDS in delivering life-saving care to remote and rural communities throughout the NT and Australia.
A field trip was undertaken to the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre( NCCTRC) headquartered in Darwin. This federallyfunded world-class facility provides emergency medical and disaster response as well as training, trauma management and critical care. Delegates saw firsthand how the NCCTRC operates and learned about its involvement in national and international emergency responses such as the professional specialist support provided after the devastating 2025 earthquake in Myanmar.
Vicki Evans AM, the 2025 WFNN Congress chair, spoke about the congress programme:“ The immersive experiences, such the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, offered unique insights into the region’ s health and history. The social plans were also excellent, showcasing Darwin and the NT, with delegates having an opportunity to experience the rich cultural landscape of Darwin.”
Social events deliver a taste of the NT A President’ s Reception was staged at Wharf One Food and Wine at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, on the eve of the official programme opening. The Welcome Reception for all attendees was held at Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of Darwin’ s CBD. Home to live saltwater crocodiles, for which the NT is well-known, the venue also features the world ' s largest exhibition
28 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 142