In May, as part of International Nurses Day celebrations, St Vincent’s Curran Foundation launched a bold new Nursing Excellence Campaign, aiming to raise $12 million over five years to support our nurses, our patients and the future of healthcare.
The campaign was formally launched at Admiralty House by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, who joined healthcare leaders, philanthropists and supporters in recognising the extraordinary contribution nurses make to patient care every day. The event also celebrated the generosity of supporters including Margaret Cunningham AM, Barbara Jarry, Delta Goodrem AM and the Delta Goodrem Foundation, whose longstanding commitment has helped strengthen nursing leadership, education and professional development across St Vincent’s.
Investing in Nurse Leaders
A highlight of the launch was the announcement that the JW & M Cunningham Foundation will extend its support of the Margaret Cunningham Nursing Leadership Academy for a further five years.
Through coaching, mentoring and leadership development programs, the Academy equips nurses to become confident leaders, driving innovation, inspiring teams and improving patient outcomes across the health system. The commitment reflects a shared belief that investing in nurses is one of the most effective ways to strengthen healthcare for generations to come.
A Vision for Excellence
Led by Nicole de Tullio, Director of Nursing at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, the Nursing Excellence Framework focuses on six key pillars: leadership, research, education, clinical practice, wellbeing and digital capability.
“From building courageous leaders and embedding research at the bedside, to expanding education pathways, supporting clinical innovation, investing in wellbeing and embracing digital transformation, each pillar ensures nurses are equipped to deliver the highest standard of care,” said Nicole de Tullio.
“We are so grateful to all our donors for their vital support enabling our nurses to excel.”
Building on a Strong Legacy
The campaign builds on decades of philanthropic investment in nursing at St Vincent’s. A key inspiration has been the pioneering Jarry Program for ICU Nursing, which has demonstrated what is possible when donors invest in nursing: stronger clinical capability, improved patient outcomes and a lasting culture of excellence.
More recently, donor support has enabled more than 200 postgraduate nursing scholarships over the past five years, helping nurses gain advanced qualifications and specialist skills that directly enhance patient care. This impact has been made possible through the generosity of supporters including Gretel Ainsworth, Marlee and Michael Anker, Clelia Cantarella, the Croll Family, Charles Curran AC and the Curran Family Foundation, Sandra and Gemma Salteri, Louise Walsh AM, Jackie Waterhouse and Felicity Youl.
Looking Ahead
The Nursing Excellence Campaign represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare. By supporting leadership, research, education and innovation, philanthropy is helping ensure every nurse at St Vincent’s has the opportunity to learn, lead and thrive, delivering exceptional care for every patient, every day.
As Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC reflected at the launch:
“These trailblazing programs are nationally significant for the profession of nursing and for healthcare everywhere.”
Through the generosity of our community, St Vincent’s is creating a future where nursing excellence continues to transform patient care for generations to come.