THE DESIRE FOR PRIMARY CARE NURSES TO DO MORE, BE RECOGNISED AND VALUED FOR THE WORK THEY DO
With
Denise Lyons
Nurse Practitioner, Newcastle, NSW &
President, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Newcastle, NSW | August 2025
Denise Lyons is a highly experienced nurse with over 40 years in the profession, including more than 25 years dedicated to primary care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the United States in 1985 and, in 2012, became an endorsed Nurse Practitioner in Australia. Currently, she serves as a primary care Nurse Practitioner in General Practice in Newcastle, where she is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care that improves the health and wellbeing of her community.
Throughout her career, Denise has championed the vital role of nurses in primary health care. Her professional journey spans clinical practice, leadership, and policy, with a strong focus on innovation and equity in health service delivery. Passionate about excellence in primary care, she has contributed extensively to advancing the profession through leadership, mentoring, and advocacy.
As an elected Board Director, and now President of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), Denise is dedicated to strengthening the voice of primary health care nurses nationwide. She advocates for best practice, professional recognition, and sustainable models of care. Known for her collaborative leadership and strategic vision, Denise is committed to shaping a strong future for nursing and primary health care in Australia.
About APNA
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care.
APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia.
Source: Supplied and from Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) website
-
From paediatric nursing to leadership & private hospital general management
With over 20 years of experience in the Australian and international healthcare sectors, Georgia Banks is a dedicated and results-driven health professional with a proven track record in clinical, financial, human resources, and strategic management. Passionate about delivering high-quality patient care, Georgia possesses an authentic leadership style that fosters engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Currently serving as General Manager at Hobart Private Hospital within Healthscope, Georgia has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, enhancing patient experience, and supporting staff development. Her leadership has played a key role in aligning hospital services with strategic priorities while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
-
ICTD: Clinical trials in regional, rural and remote Australia
To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, Australian Health Journal commences a 4 part special series leaving up to 20th May. Through conversations with leading researchers, clinicians and trial organisations, the series highlights achievements in the year that was for clinical trials. The first segment is an example of how in-person clinical trial access has improved for regional, rural and remote communities.
-
Harnessing the skillset and availability of the nation’s Exercise Physiologists and Scientists
Katie Lyndon MBA, BAppSci, ESSAF, FACHSM, CHE, AEP, AES, GAICD, CHIA, is an allied health professional and executive leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning executive leadership, delivery of strategic programs across the health system and clinical care.
As CEO of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), Katie brings a unique blend of frontline experience and strategic vision to advance the profession and advocate for evidence-based exercise in preventive health and chronic disease management. Her long-standing commitment to ESSA includes serving as Board Vice President, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Standards Council member and ESSA Fellow.
