The Australia-wide implementation of our Credential for Practice Program, which was launched in Tasmania last year will commence at the conference. Currently the Board of Credentialing is reviewing an impressive number of applications from College members who have applied to be credentialed and to undertake training to become assessors for the next wave of applicants. Expect to hear more in Canberra about this exciting world-leading initiative.

As an organisation that has grown from very humble beginnings 30 years ago, we have developed as a result of the vision and commitment of many volunteers. This year, for the first time, the College will appoint its first salaried Executive Officer. There will be opportunities at the conference to meet with our new EO and to discuss strategies for the continued advancement of the College and the mental health nursing profession.

The Conference Committee has assembled an impressive program of international and national speakers as well as other events which will assure your visit to Canberra is informative, challenging and enjoyable. I invite you to join us as we celebrate our 30^th Birthday in Australia's national capital.

In 1913 at the site dedication and naming ceremony, the then Governor General Sir Thomas Denman said of Canberra: 'Here a city may arise where those responsible for the government of this country in the future may seek and find inspiration in its noble buildings, its broad avenues, its shaded parks and sheltered gardens - a city bearing perhaps some resemblance to the city beautiful of our dreams'.

Today Canberra city is not just about the buildings or physical aspects. Canberra is about what it means in the hearts and minds of all Australians to live in a city that is growing and changing with the times. Canberra is a 'Changing Landscape' as is the profession of mental health nursing.

Like the city of Canberra, the theme of the Conference; 'Mental Health Nursing: A Changing Landscape' is also meant to inspire you. Over the past 30 years there have been many changes in our profession, some we have agreed with, others we have not. Some changes we have made ourselves, others have been thrust upon us, all have been in the best interest of the consumer.

This year we will reintroduce the pre-conference Research Workshop into the program, an opportunity to develop your skills and assist you in bringing about change in your practice. There will also be a two-day workshop on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), another 'newer' therapy being introduced into Australia.

The Conference will allow us to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.

Apart from an excellent range of keynote speakers and presenters, there will also be an opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country like the War Memorial, the new National Museum, Old and New Parliament Houses.

There will be the Annual Eli Lilly 'Partnership in Wellbeing' awards during the Conference Dinner and this year, as a special 30^th anniversary celebration, the Committee have invited Mr Geoffrey Robertson QC to host one of his famous 'Hypotheticals'. Ms Geraldine Doogue has accepted our invitation to deliver the Oration in the House of Representatives of Old Parliament House, an event not to be missed. I must advise at this stage that there will be strictly limited seating for the Oration and Investiture so please check the registration section of the brochure carefully.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many sponsors. Sponsorship is a difficult commodity these days and companies need to get value for their money. I know we can deliver that value in return for our sponsors' investments and I'd like to thank them again for their support, both in faith and financial contributions.