The Annual Oration - a proud tradition

The College of Nursing’s Annual Oration and Investiture of Members and Fellows dates back more than fifty years, in a proud tradition of celebrating nursing excellence. It is the pinnacle event of the College’s professional calendar and is an opportunity for new members and fellows to celebrate belonging to Australia’s peak professional nursing organisation.

Nursing's most influential leaders
The Oration is your opportunity to hear an inspirational speaker, and to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the nursing profession. Over the years the College’s Orators have included Australian and international leaders in nursing such as Judith Meppem psm, ex-Chief Nursing Officer of NSW (2003), Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue, ac cbe an Indigenous leader who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of Aboriginal people (1998) and Professor Donna Diers of Yale University, USA (2002).

The Oration is held each year in the grand environs and ambience of the Great Hall of Sydney University.

The surroundings reflect the tradition and stature of the event itself. The Oration is always attended by senior government and nursing dignitaries, who recognise the importance of both the event and its contribution to the profession of nursing. And of course, there are many of the College’s members and fellows in attendance.

A grand affair
Prior to the speaker, new members and fellows are invested into the College and presented with their certificate of membership (or fellowship) by the College President and Executive Director. After the ceremonies and formal proceedings, the participants adjourn to the stately MacLaurin Hall in the Main Quadrangle of Sydney University for refreshments.

A family event
New members and fellows being invested can bring members of their family to help celebrate their special occasion. A photographer is always on hand to capture the memories for both you and your family.

Each member and fellow being invested wears the College gown which can be purchased for use in future events or borrowed from the College’s stock especially for the evening, free of charge.

A once in a lifetime opportunity
Members and fellows are invited to be invested at the Oration and investiture only in their first year of membership or fellowship.

All members and fellows are invited to attend the event as spectators. Attendance is complimentary for all College members, fellows and family and is one of the benefits of belonging to the College.

56th Annual Oration and Investiture of Fellows and Members
Great Hall, The University of Sydney
Thursday 27 November 2008, 7.00pm
The Oration will be delivered by Professor Debora Picone AM FCN, Director General, NSW Health