38th International Mental Health Nursing Conference

The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses proudly presents its 38th International Mental Health Nursing Conference, to be hosted in Darwin by the dynamic and dedicated Northern Territory Branch, from 3rd – 5th October 2012 with optional workshops on the 2nd October.

The Northern Territory is Australia's portal to Asia and we welcome delegates from across the region and around the world to share in the ACMHN's premier conference event of 2012. Listed as one of the Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2012, Darwin is a relaxed but vibrant tropical city surrounded by world-class wilderness areas - it is truly one of Australia's most unique destinations.

This year's theme, The Fabric of Life, reflects the historical, cultural and social significance of fabrics in the region, for Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous Australians and for people from across the Asia Pacific. Throughout the world and throughout history, fabric has had a defining place in society and cultural identity. It is both literally and figuratively part of every person's life from the new born baby's bunny rug to the funeral shroud.

Speakers and delegates are invited to consider the significance of mental health and mental health nursing in the construction of individual and social narratives as they relate to the theme...there are so many connections to explore here e.g. how we weave person centred care into our work; the detailed tapestry that is mental health, physical health and wellbeing; exploration of the patterns of life in our work with people who are vulnerable... The Darwin committee believe that our theme will provide opportunity for speakers to address a wide range of mental health issues.

Even in our modern world, where we often lose touch with the origins and manufacture of materials, the English language is rich in phrases and metaphors drawn from the world of fabric. We catch shuttle services as we commute to and from work. We're on tenterhooks to cotton on to the latest on the web - we're wrapt in it! We may be dyed-in-the-wool optimists, but we all know a thing or two about the seamy side of life - and it's all part of life's rich tapestry. Networking is a big part of our working lives, too. Sometimes we lose the thread and our thoughts go wool-gathering; but whatever the situation a mental health nurse can always spin a good yarn!

So many metaphors, so little time - we could spin this out forever!
We look forward to meeting and yarning with you in Darwin.