The Vivian Bullwinkel Project
LTCOL Vivian Bullwinkel life’s work in nursing is a relevant and inspirational story that continues to encourage nurses in providing exceptional health care.
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation is fundraising for the commissioning and installation of a sculpture of LTCOL Vivian Bullwinkel AO, MBE, ARRC, ED, FNM, FRCNA to be installed in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial.
This commission will be the first sculpture to commemorate the service of an individual woman or nurse in the Memorial’s grounds.
About LTCOL Vivian Bullwinkel
LTCOL Vivian Bullwinkel life’s work in nursing is a relevant and inspirational story that continues to encourage nurses in providing exceptional health care.Vivian Bullwinkel served as a nurse in WWII and became a prisoner of war in Sumatra. Following her release, she became the Matron of (the then) Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital in Melbourne and established the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC) with two of her fellow prisoners of war in Sumatra.
She was a persistent advocate for better education and conditions for nurses and the first female member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
An AFA connection
The Vivian Bullwinkel Lodge in Merriwa, WA, one of RAAFA’s residential aged care centres, was so named in recognition of her great personal sacrifice, dedication and commitment to Australia.
This sculpture will commemorate all nurses and midwives and remind us of their contributions of selfless service to Australia whether in war or in peace.
How you can help us remember – donate now.
Donations may be made in support of this timely and magnificent project through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation website acnfoundation.org.au or by contacting:
Laurie Staub, Director of Philanthropy at laurie.staub@acn.edu.au or call 0434 133 619.


