Every year on May 12, the world comes together to observe International Nurses Day, a global movement honouring the profound impact and tireless dedication of the nursing profession. In 2026, this celebration takes on a powerful call to action under the theme, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.' This theme underscores the necessity of providing nurses with the leadership, resources and influence required to navigate modern healthcare challenges.
For local provider Goodwin Aged Care Services, this global mission is a daily reality. The organisation's workforce is a tapestry of international talent, exemplified by registered nurse Thushani Shashikala. Her journey from the bustling cardiac wards of Sri Lanka to the clinical environment of Batemans Bay highlights a critical evolution in the local healthcare landscape: the integration of high-level global expertise into the heart of Australian aged care.
A journey from Sri Lanka to Batemans Bay
Thushani spent her youth mastering traditional dance before trading the stage for the clinical ward, fulfilling a family legacy of service. After completing her studies at the National School of Nursing Sri Jayewardenepura, Thushani built a formidable foundation in high-stakes cardiac care at the National Hospital Sri Lanka for six years. Then, in August 2024, she made the leap to Australia, navigating the rigorous International Qualified Nurse to Registered Nurse (IQN to RN) pathway through the Goodwin-Key2Learning partnership. After her induction at Goodwin House Ainslie, she eventually found her home at Goodwin's residential care home, The Glen, in Batemans Bay.
With her heart squarely anchored in person-centred care, Thushani said, 'I like to help residents not only with the physical part, but also the emotional, the dignity and the quality of their lives.'
Professional resilience and dedication
Pauline Hugler, executive manager Development People and Culture at Goodwin, notes that Thushani's transition is a testament to professional resilience. 'For many in the profession, becoming a registered nurse in Australia is not a single step, but a journey. Registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency requires extensive study, clinical placement, and rigorous assessment,' Hugler said.
'It is not uncommon for nurses to work full-time as carers while completing their qualifications, balancing shift work with study, exams, and supervised practice. This pathway speaks to the determination and resilience behind every nurse, and the depth of skill that underpins the care they provide.'
Resident gratitude and impact
This sentiment is deeply felt by those receiving care. George Sautelle House resident Marion Corrigan reflects on the lifelong impact of the profession. 'Nurses are trained to help us throughout our lives, from support with your first-born child to where I am now at Goodwin's George Sautelle House in Farrer. Whether it is the assistant nurses ready to lend a hand or the registered nurses on duty to take care and set the ball rolling when something goes wrong, their presence is vital. I want to thank all nurses on International Nurses Day for their hard work, dedication and care.'
Goodwin now boasts 108 AHPRA-registered employees, with frontline RNs serving as the backbone of service delivery across the ACT and Greater Capital Region.
Frontline registered nurses by location
- Goodwin House, Ainslie: 18
- David Harper House, Monash: 17
- The Glen, Batemans Bay: 14
- George Sautelle House, Farrer: 11
- Goodwin Home Care: 4
Collectively, these frontline nurses represent 280 years of service, including veterans who have served the organisation for over a decade.
'Thushani's milestone represents a meaningful evolution for Goodwin as we continue to strengthen our nursing workforce,' said Tamra MacLeod, executive manager Clinical and Health Services.
As we mark International Nurses Day, Thushani's story and Marion's gratitude serve as poignant reminders that clinical excellence in our community is increasingly defined by global expertise delivered with a local heart.
