Mr TARZIA (Hartley) (12:40): I also rise today to support and recognise International Nurses Day, celebrated annually on 12 May, and also to acknowledge this year's theme, 'Nurses: a force for change: improving health systems' resilience', and congratulate South Australian nurses for their dedication and professionalism and the pivotal role they play in the advancement of all South Australians' health.
You never quite know when you will need a nurse, that is for sure. Recently in my electorate of Hartley at an ANZAC Day dawn service we were at The Gums to commemorate the day, the special day that it is for our nation, and an elderly lady collapsed on the lawns at The Gums. Luckily, a nurse was available. There was also a doctor in the crowd, and they were able to render assistance and then pass this person on to an ambulance that was nearby. However, that nurse, believe it or not, was my sister Therese. I am very proud of the way she acted that day. What happened then was almost a microcosm of what can happen any time at any public event out there. We are so fortunate in our community to have such wonderful doctors and nurses who are able to render assistance whenever called upon.
International Nurses Day, as we know, is celebrated around the world every 12 May, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, as has been stated this morning. The International Council of Nurses I believe commemorates this important day each year, with the production and distribution of the International Nurses Day kit. I understand that the 2016 kit contains educational and public information materials for use by nurses everywhere.
We have heard that this year's theme for 2016 is 'Nurses: a force for change: improving health systems' resilience'. The contents of this year's kit, including the poster image, are for use by individual nurses and also associations, health ministries and health institutions. IND activities I understand continue for much of the year by nurses and others. Nurses are certainly encouraged everywhere to make extended use of this kit, this service, through individual action but also through group activities.
I also pay tribute to Florence Nightingale, who lived from 12 May 1820 to 13 August 1910. As we have been told, she was a celebrated English social reformer and statistician, but also the founder of modern nursing. I take this opportunity to commend the good work nurses do in our community in South Australia, and I commend the motion to the house.
