PaNGONA Blogs 2025
OCEANIA PALLIATIVE CARE CONFERENCE 2025 (25OPCC)
Reflection on the 2025 Oceanic Palliative Care Conference (25OPCC)
Brisbane, Australia | 10–12 September 2025
The 25th Oceanic Palliative Care Conference (25OPCC), held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together leaders, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the Pacific and beyond to advance the vision of integrated, compassionate palliative care for all.
Hosted under the theme “Connecting Systems for Better Care,” the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration across health sectors — oncology, aged care, primary health, paediatrics, Indigenous health, and community care — to ensure equitable and seamless access to quality end-of-life services.
The three-day event featured an engaging program of plenary presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and poster sessions, showcasing the latest evidence, models of care, and policy innovations driving the future of palliative care globally. A pre-conference workshop on 9 September 2025 offered additional opportunities for professional development, focusing on communication, leadership, and culturally responsive care.
For representatives from Papua New Guinea, including members of the Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses Association (PaNGONA) and the Papua New Guinea Palliative Care Nursing Society (PNGPCNS), 25OPCC served as a valuable platform to share experiences, strengthen networks, and learn from regional and international best practices.
The conference reaffirmed our collective commitment to building a sustainable and integrated palliative care system in Papua New Guinea — one that values dignity, compassion, and the human connection at every stage of life.
💚 Together, we continue to bridge systems, strengthen care, and bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.
CNSAICCN COMBINED CONFERENCE 2025
Reflections on the CNSA–ISNCC 2025 Combined Conference
Adelaide, Australia | June 19–21, 2025
By Peter Fore, RN – President, Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses Association (PaNGONA)
Attending the CNSA–ISNCC 2025 Combined Conference in Adelaide was both an inspiring and transformative experience — one that reaffirmed the vital role of oncology nurses in delivering quality, compassionate, and evidence-based cancer care across the world.
The conference theme, “Global Oncology Nursing: Connected Voices, Shared Purpose,” echoed deeply with PaNGONA’s mission to connect, unite, and empower cancer nurses in Papua New Guinea. It brought together oncology nursing leaders, educators, researchers, and advocates from over 40 countries to share insights, innovations, and strategies to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the oncology workforce.
Throughout the sessions, I was inspired by presentations highlighting advances in cancer care delivery, survivorship, palliative care, and leadership development. It was a privilege to represent Papua New Guinea and share our story — our challenges, achievements, and aspirations for oncology nursing.
This global platform reminded me that, while our contexts differ, our purpose as oncology nurses is universal: to provide care with compassion, advocate for our patients, and continue advancing our profession.
As we return home, we carry with us renewed energy, partnerships, and knowledge to strengthen oncology nursing practice in PNG through education, collaboration, and innovation.
💜 Together, we are shaping the future of cancer care — one patient, one nurse, and one nation at a time.