Friday February 20, 2026
Compassion, skill and steady presence – mental health nurses are lifesavers.
February 20 is a day to celebrate and recognise the clinical excellence and support; mental health nurses provide to some of the most vulnerable in our community.
Mental health nurses strengthen communities across Australia and shape the human experience of care through their therapeutic skill, judgement and relational expertise.
In recognition of this essential service, leaders across Eastern Health have shared their view about the importance of mental health nurses.
Adj. Prof. Philippa Blencowe
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Residential Aged Care and Support Services
“Today we proudly celebrate Mental Health Nurses Day 2026, a day dedicated to honouring the extraordinary contribution of mental health nurses. Across Eastern Health, they offer not only clinical excellence, but deep compassion, supporting people at their most vulnerable moments. The work of Mental Health Nurses reflects the national recognition of these highly skilled professionals who provide care, understanding, and stability when people need it most.
Their presence, whether in acute wards, community teams, crisis responses, or rehabilitation, changes lives. The calm they bring, the trust they build, and the dignity they protect are profoundly important. Today, we pause to acknowledge Mental Health Nurses dedication and the countless ways they uphold safety, hope, and humanity.
On behalf of Eastern Health: thank you. You are valued, respected, and celebrated.”
Kristen Stanner
Program Director, Mental Health & Wellbeing Program
“Mental Health Nurses Day reminds us that their work is both nationally recognised and deeply appreciated for the compassion, expertise, and resilience they bring to every interaction.
Across our program, these Nurses anchor care and connection for consumers and families. Whether they’re supporting someone in crisis, walking alongside them in recovery, or helping them rebuild confidence; the impact is immense. The stories shared around Australia today, speak to their courage and kindness, and we feel that pride here at Eastern Health every day.
Thank you for the professionalism, humanity, and strength mental health nurses consistently show. “
Michael McKeown
Director of Nursing, Mental Health & Wellbeing Program and Statewide Services
“Mental Health Nurses Day acknowledges the essential, life changing role they play. Across Australia, this day shines a spotlight on the compassion, skill, and steady presence of mental health nurses—qualities they demonstrate every day across our services.
The work is a blend of clinical expertise and deep humanity. They bring structure to uncertainty, safety to distress, and hope to situations that often feel overwhelming. These quiet, consistent acts of care are what make mental health nursing so powerful.
I want to thank all mental health nurses for everything they bring—your professionalism, your empathy, and your commitment. They make a profound difference, and today we recognise their exceptional contribution.”
Adj. Prof. Sathya Rao
Executive Clinical Director Spectrum
“Today we join the national celebration of Mental Health Nurses Day, recognising the vital role of mental health nurses in providing compassionate, skilled, and life changing care. Excellent mental health care simply cannot exist without the therapeutic engagement, assessment skill, and relational expertise that they bring.
As medical staff, we see the profound impact they have—not just on clinical outcomes, but on the human experience of care.
Thank you to all mental health nurses for your dedication, your partnership, and the compassion you bring to every interaction. Today we honour and appreciate you.”
Caryn Tocker
Associate Program Director, Adult Community & Rehabilitation
“In community and rehabilitation settings, mental health nurses support people where real life happens. Today, on Mental Health Nurses Day, we celebrate their ability to walk with people through recovery, offering compassion, stability, and practical support that makes a genuine difference.
Nationally, this day recognises mental health nurses as essential contributors to wellbeing and recovery. Their work strengthens families, enhances independence, and builds community connection.
Thank you for the care, patience, and persistence each mental health nurse shows in every home visit, phone call, and therapeutic conversation. You are deeply valued.”
Patrick Mc Crohan
Associate Program Director, Access & Demand
“In Access & Demand, mental health nurses often meet people at the height of crisis. We recognise the exceptional skill, calm, and compassion they bring to these moments. This day highlights the vital, frontline role mental health nurses play across the country—bringing safety and reassurance when it matters most.
Mental Health Nurses have the ability to support people through distress, assess risk with clarity, and provide grounding in uncertainty is extraordinary. They make a far-reaching difference in people’s lives, often in the span of a single encounter.”
Jo Wasley
Associate Program Director, Adult Acute
“In our acute units, mental health nurses provide continuous therapeutic presence—supporting people through intense distress, crisis, and recovery. Today’s national celebration recognises the courage and compassion that define their work.
They create safe environments, notice subtle changes, and offer calm when emotions run high. These contributions shape the entire experience of care and have a profound impact on recovery.
Thank you for your professionalism, kindness, and the strength you bring to each shift. We celebrate and appreciate you today.”
Lynn Allison
Associate Program Director, Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Service (ICYMHS)
“Today we celebrate our infant, child, and youth mental health nurses—professionals who support young people and families with compassion, developmental understanding, and unwavering presence. Mental Health Nurses Day acknowledges the vital contribution they make across Australia in helping children and adolescents feel safe, heard, and supported.
Their work shapes futures, strengthens families, and provides stability during difficult times. The national recognition they receive today is truly deserved.
Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and advocacy. We are grateful for all you do.”