Whiddon Celebrates Milestone Graduation of Inaugural Overseas Graduate Nurse Program Cohort
The 14 internationally qualified nurses graduate from Whiddon’s Overseas Graduate Nurse Program, helping to fill vital aged care workforce gaps in regional communities.
15 July 2025
Leading regional aged care provider Whiddon will host a special Graduation Dinner on Tuesday, 12th August, to celebrate 14 internationally qualified nurses (IQNs). The graduates have proudly completed the Overseas Graduate Nurse Program and are now making a meaningful impact across Whiddon’s aged care homes in Narrabri, Wee Waa and Moree.
The ceremony marks a major milestone in Whiddon’s broader workforce strategy, with the Overseas Graduate Nurse Program delivering outstanding results to date. The program has achieved a 100% completion and retention rate, with graduates already helping to fill critical workforce shortages. More than just new staff, these Registered Nurses are now fully integrated members of their communities, forming meaningful connections with residents and contributing to local life.
Whiddon’s Overseas Graduate Nurse Program supports internationally qualified registered nurses (IQNs) who came to Australia as RNs not just to relocate, but to thrive, offering tailored professional development, clinical mentoring, relocation support, and community integration. By walking alongside participants throughout their journey, the program helps remove the isolation and uncertainty often faced by IQNs and sets them up for long-term success.
The program also addresses a critical community need, particularly in Narrabri, where young people are increasingly moving away and not returning. These overseas graduate nurses and their families represent new community members who are choosing to build their lives in regional areas, bringing fresh perspectives and contributing to the local economy and society.
One of those graduates, Lisha Paul, has found her place in the Whiddon team and community. "The Overseas Graduate Nurse Program gave me the support and confidence I needed to transition into the Australian healthcare system," said Lisha. "Whiddon's commitment to helping us succeed professionally while also helping us feel at home in our new communities has been incredible. I'm proud to be part of a team that provides such compassionate care to our residents."
Following the program’s success, 11 more RNs from overseas are currently undertaking the program in Whiddon’s Casino and Wingham homes, with a further 4 across Narrabri, Wee Waa and Moree due to commence shortly.
Whiddon’s Chief People Officer, Jacky Hopwood, says the graduation marks a major milestone for both the participants and the broader program:
“We're incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of these dedicated nurses, who've shown great resilience and compassion throughout their journey. The Overseas Graduate Nurse Program is about more than recruitment - it's about creating belonging, purpose and long-term impact. These graduates are now valued members of our regional care teams, and we're excited to see the program continue to grow and thrive.”
With Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis and Deputy Chief Executive Alyson Jarrett in attendance, the ceremony will highlight the personal and professional achievements of the graduates and the role the program plays in strengthening aged care in regional communities.
Event Details:
- Migrant Nurses Graduation Dinner
- Tuesday, 12th August 2025
- 5:30pm – 8:00pm (formal ceremony 5:30pm-6:15pm)
- The Tourist Hotel, 142 Maitland St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Media are warmly invited to attend the graduation ceremony, with opportunities for interviews, photos with graduates and Whiddon leadership.
-ENDS-
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 22 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years. Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
