Wounds Australia’s excellent professional learning schedule is powered by state and territory committees made up of passionate, energetic members who volunteer their time and expertise to making our events a huge success. In coming weeks, we’ll be meeting committees around the country and asking them to share their experiences of volunteering for Wounds Australia.
This week we spoke to ACT Chair Cassandra Luke and her committee and you can read that interview below.
Are you a Wounds Australia member interested in finding out more about volunteering for us? Please email events@woundsaustralia.org for a confidential discussion.
 Pictured (l-r): Cassie Luke, Jan Scott, Wound Champion Bella Fitzgibbon, Olivia Dyriw, Lachlan McDiarmid and Ella Luttrell at Parliament House in Canberra during Wound Awareness Week 2023.
Meet Cassandra Luke, ACT Committee Chair
Who are you and what do you do for a living?
I’m Cassandra Luke, a wound management Nurse Practitioner (NP) in community care.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
One of the aspects I find most fulfilling in my role as a newly endorsed Nurse Practitioner is the dynamic nature of wound management, where each day presents unique challenges. I particularly value the opportunity to work closely with specialist medical officers and general practitioners, collaborating effectively to advocate for our patients' wellbeing with what can be complicated hard-to-heal wounds.
Why did you pursue this field?
I gained an interest in wounds and wound healing as an enrolled nurse after working on a busy vascular and surgical ward. As my interest spiked, and over 10-plus years in nursing, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by like-minded people and mentors to guide my nursing career towards becoming a Registered Nurse and NP.
Tell us about your volunteer work for Wounds Australia – now and in the past. What does it involve? What do you hope to achieve?
My involvement with Wounds Australia spans several years, beginning in 2016 when I joined the organisation. In 2019, I took on a more active role as a committee member. My primary aim within this volunteer work is to foster an environment conducive to mutual sharing and learning among members. I firmly believe in the power of networking, recognising its potential to significantly benefit patients grappling with wound-related challenges.
What do you enjoy about volunteering generally?
Everything I said above. Volunteering offers me the chance to connect with individuals who share my interests and passions. Networking with like-minded people fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
What is your proudest achievement – personal or professional?
Completing my Masters in advanced clinical nursing – Nurse practitioner.
What did you want to be at 10, 18 and 30 years old?
- At 10: chiropractor or paramedic
- At 18: Superstar DJ
- At 30: Complete my RNs
How do you spend your spare time? Hobbies?
Spending time with family, friends and my fur babies (dog and cat). I also enjoy going to the cinema.
What do you wish you’d known when starting out?
I wish I had known about the importance of self-advocacy and assertiveness. Early in my career, I may have been hesitant to speak up for myself or assert my needs and goals. However, I've come to realise that advocating for oneself is essential for career advancement and personal fulfillment. Seeking out opportunities for growth, submitting that EOI, being proactive in advocating for yourself – it can all lead to greater satisfaction and success in the long run.
Meet the ACT Committee
Deputy Chair Lachlan McDiarmid
I’m Lachlan, I’m a registered nurse, currently working as a Wound Care Consultant in the Community Program in the ACT. I’ve got a partner, 15-month-old child and 3 cats at home.
I joined the ACT Committee in 2021 and I’ve enjoyed the various roles I’ve held in the committee. I became a member after attending my first event which I thoroughly enjoyed (and learnt a lot). My favourite aspects to being part of the committee are organising events and promoting evidence based wound care practices.
Secretary Olivia Dyriw
I’m Olivia, I am 31 and I was born and raised in the nation’s capital, Canberra. I’m a Community Stoma Therapist CNC, a keen netball player and an avid Survivor fan. So when I’m not working or playing netball, you’ll find me catching up on the latest tribal council drama.
I joined the committee through some encouragement from my mentors in wound care. I have always been interested in wound management and learning about advances in the field. Being an active committee member was a fantastic way to grow my network in the ACT, broaden my exposure to clinicians in the field and help improve the lives of people living with wounds.
Finance Liaison Catherine West
I am Catherine, a registered nurse from Canberra, working in Tissue Viability at Northside Hospital. I have been nursing for 10 years. I have a husband and two children and live on a small farm with our dogs, horses, alpacas and sheep. I love animals and spending time outdoors.
I have always enjoyed Wounds Australia events and joined the committee this year so I can share my knowledge and help promote wound education to the Canberra community.
Education Liaison Jan Scott
I am a Nurse Practitioner based in Canberra for the past 6.5 years and my speciality is care of the older person. I have 20 years of experience working with the Aged and Extended Care Team in Wagga as the CNC Aged Care. Currently I am developing my own business, Nurse Practitioner Jan, with the aim of providing advanced clinical assessments for people on Aged Care Packages and consults for wound care for clients in residential and community settings.
I have developed a particular interest in wound care as it is an area that is in huge need worldwide. Poorly managed wound care can have devastating and long-lasting adverse effects for clients and their carers/families.
Committee Member Poppy Bradshaw
I’m Poppy, I’m a nurse in Canberra, currently working in the Emergency Department. I enjoy attending Wounds Australia events as it is a good way to keep up with best practice and to meet likeminded individuals. Being a committee member is not only rewarding, but is a great way to help share wound care ideas and experiences, and to build skills in teaching/education and general skills like meeting minute taking.
Committee Member Ella Luttrell
I am currently the Clinical Nurse Manager for the Central Outpatients Department at the Canberra Hospital. I joined the Wounds Australia Committee after completing the 6-month Tissue Viability program at the Canberra Hospital back in 2020 and love sharing my passion for wounds with my team and getting them involved with evidence based practices and wound events!
Explore Wounds Australia's Committees.
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