Birth Matters: Innovations and Insights in Midwifery

Papua New Guinea

Carnival Luminosa | Departing Brisbane

23 November – 4 December 2025
Download PDF Brochure
Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Advancing Maternal Health
Outline
CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:

The aim of the conference is to explore the concept of innovation in Midwifery. This conference bridges the historical, holistic practices of midwifery with modern advancements in maternal and neonatal health.

We will explore midwifery practice with our Papua New Guinea colleagues – visiting their hospitals and learning from their traditional, cultural, and current midwifery practices. Whilst in the conference room we will explore innovations in midwifery practice in the Australian context.

This approach not only honours the rich legacy of midwifery but also underscores the profession’s dynamic and evolving nature in the face of contemporary challenges and scientific progress.

The conference will serve as a platform for midwives from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen the global midwifery community. The hospital visits, presentations, session discussions, and networking opportunities are designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.

The conference will serve as a platform for midwives from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen the global midwifery community. The hospital visits, presentations, session discussions, and networking opportunities are designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At this conference you will:

  • Explore the Integration of Traditional and Modern Practices
  • Gain advanced knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive maternal and neonatal care
  • Develop stronger advocacy skills to support women’s health rights, informed choice, and access to quality care
  • Enhance professional development and contribute to the growth of a supportive, global midwifery community
YOU WILL ALSO LEARN:
  • The history of Australia’s influence in Papua New Guinea
  • Daily Life and Social Customs of Papua New Guinea
  • The Health Care System in PNG
  • About our past visits to Alotau and Rabaul Hospitals – what to expect

CPD HOURS: 24


Our Presenter:

 

CATE NAGLE
Doctor of Philosophy, MPH, BAppSc (Nursing Education), Grad Cert Diab Ed., RM, RN

Cate holds an Honorary Professor role (Deakin) and an Adjunct Professor role at James Cook University.

A Midwife for nearly 30 years, Cate has practised nationally and internationally in acute and primary care settings. Cate led the NMBA Midwife standards for practice and her research has informed midwifery practice, education, and policy. Cate has 8 PhD students and serves on a number of state and federal committees.

With a Master of Public Health and a PhD in perinatal epidemiology, Cate is looking forward to meeting you all and to what will be a culturally and professionally enriching experience.


WANT TO DONATE TO OUR PNG COLLEAGUES?

Over the years we have been visiting the hospitals, we have found that well-meaning people donate large amounts of products that cannot be used at the health facilities.
This can be due to any of the following:

  • The product is unknown to local staff and therefore they require education to use it and there is no ongoing supply. So when it runs out what do they do then?
  • The products supplied are out of date.
  • The products are not suitable to use in a tropical location.
  • The items are well worn and not suitable for reuse.
  • The products are culturally inappropriate.
  • Too many items in large suitcases that are difficult to get off the boat and through customs.

“Closer to the sail date we will be in touch with you to identify what products the staff at both hospitals and the Kiriwina Health centre have requested we bring for them. If you would like to donate, we will provide you the information you require to do so easily and without causing any issues with the local authorities.”


The Cruise Ship: Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa is new to the Carnival fleet and has been adapted to offer passenger favorites and signature Carnival experiences across dining, bars and entertainment such as Playlist Productions, The Punchliner Comedy Club, Limelight Lounge, Piano Bar 88, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Chef’s Table, Bonsai Sushi Express and Seaday Brunch.

The ship’s spa has been transformed into the line’s traditional Cloud 9 spa — which will also offer a dedicated stateroom category — and one of the pool decks has been reconfigured as Carnival’s Serenity adult-only retreat.

Carnival Luminosa has 1,130 cabins and suites, which range in size from 150 square feet to 645 square feet. A total of 662 staterooms and 106 suites have balconies. Cloud 9 passengers can choose from inside, balcony cabins and suites which come with perks including unlimited use of thermal suites, priority spa reservations and discounts during port days and two complimentary fitness classes. Benefits for suite passengers include priority check-in and express boarding, guaranteed dining times and complimentary laundry.


The Program:

The program content is provided by expert Midwife Educators with extensive clinical and education experience. The education content provided in this program meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program.

No matter what conference you attend you always need accommodation a cruise ship provides a great all-inclusive* accommodation option to enhance your Conference experience.

Education at Sea and The Nurses for Nurses Network combine great education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Nursing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.


The Online Library:

The Library has been created so that you have access to some of the Conference content prior to our sail date. The documents, including self-directed activities and webinars, from our Conference Presenter, are provided so that you can create your own conference experience and access information and sessions of interest prior to the commencement of the Conference program.


Disclaimer: Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. NFNN and EAS reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.

Itinerary
Day and Location Events
Day 1: 23rd November 2025
Departure: Brisbane, 4pm

Make sure you are up on deck to be a part of the “setting sail” festivities as we say farewell to Brisbane.

Evening: Enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the other attendees at the complimentary drinks and Conference Registration function.

Day 2: 24th November 2025
At Sea

8.00am to 12:30pm: Seminar sessions included today:

  • The History of Australia’s Influence in Papua New Guinea
  • Daily Life and Social Customs of Papua New Guinea
  • The Health Care System
  • A reflection on our past visits to Alotau and Rabaul Hospitals

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 3: 25th November 2025
At Sea

8:00am to 12.30pm: Seminar sessions included today:

  • Embracing Traditions, Envisioning the Future: A Comprehensive Immersion into Midwifery
  • Cultural Sensitivity in Midwifery Care

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 4: 26th November 2025
Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Alotau Hospital Visit – Includes Lunch:

The Capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau is steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty. Join us on a tour of a local hospital where we will visit the facility with our Nursing Collogues and discuss the delivery of nursing services reviewing the similarities and differences – this is an opportunity to learn from each other.

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 5: 27th November 2025
Conflict Islands, Papua New Gunea

Explore this stunning destination at your own leisure.

This part of the world is famous for its marine environment with the Conflict Islands boasting some of the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Spectacular drop-off reefs around the outside of the atoll, sometimes plunging down as deep as 2,000m, provide nutrient rich up-wellings from cooler, deeper waters flushing the reef with a constant supply of food enabling these reefs to remain healthy and most importantly cool from warming ocean temperatures. The colours of the reef and abundance of reef life are nothing short of spectacular offering some of the most rewarding in-water nature opportunities known.

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 6: 28th November 2025
At Sea

Fun day at sea:

Take the day to explore what this fabulous ship has to offer.

Evening: Join us for a fund raiser for the Global Nurses and Midwives Rotary Club.

Day 7: 29th November 2025
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

OPTIONAL TOUR:

Located on Papya New Guinea’s north eastern tip, this province is blessed with natural beauty but plagued with an unlucky past and has risen from the ashes! Join us on a tour of a local hospital where we will visit the facility with our Nursing Collogues and discuss the delivery of nursing services reviewing the similarities and differences – this is an opportunity to learn from each other.

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 8: 30th November 2025
Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea

Kiriwana Tour: Visit to Kiriwina Health Centre

Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. It also puts you in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth. You will soak up the Kiriwina Island culture, and let the friendly locals show off their home town. Spend a day with a Kiriwina Island enjoying the pristine beach and crystal-clear waters, the tropical rainforest and the laid-back way of life that a Papua New Guinea cruise is known for.

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 9: 1st December 2025
Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea
Revisit the Conflict Islands – it is gorgeous!
Day 10: 2nd December 2025
At Sea

1.00pm to 5.30pm: Seminar sessions included today:

  • Reflection on Alotau Hospital: Shared Stories of Discovery
  • The Science Behind the Practice: Advancing Midwifery through Evidence-Based Care

6pm to 7pm: Social get together

Day 11: 3rd December 2025
At Sea

Fun day at sea:

Take the day to explore what this fabulous ship has to offer.

6pm to 7pm: Share a drink and farewell new friends and colleagues.

Day 12: 4th December 2025
Brisbane
Disembark – Safe travels!

For information relating to cabin pricing, bookings and travel requirements such as travel insurance please complete the booking enquiry box or email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au

Itinerary Disclosure: Cruise Itinerary, Seminar topics and Seminar Education program are subject to change without notice.

Presenter Disclosure: Education at Sea and the Nurses for Nurses Network makes every effort to ensure the advertised presenters deliver the program. However in the unlikely event a presenter is unavailable we reserve the right to use a suitably qualified substitute presenter.

Optional Tour

 

Rabaul

DATE: Saturday 29th November 2024 (Strictly limited spaces)

Located on Papua New Gunea’s north eastern tip, this province – blessed with natural beauty but plagued with an unlucky past – has literally risen from the ashes.

  • Kokopo War Museum
  • Visit St Mary Vunapope Hospital
  • Bitapaka War Cemetery
  • Lunch at  Rapopo plantation resort
  • Swim and Snorkeling
  • A Cultural dance

Departure Time: 8am

Duration: 7 hours

COST: $260


Disclaimer: Optional tours are exclusive to conference delegates and their guests. All tour bookings must be paid in full by the nominated date prior to departure. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea reserves the right to cancel or make changes to optional tours without notice. Tour prices are subject to change without notice. In the event the cruise ship is unable to dock or tender at the nominated port we will attempt to offer alternative tour arrangements. However, we can not guarantee full refund of tours costs. We recommend all attendees and their guests obtain travel insurance at the time of booking. 

Pricing
Cabin Selection Twin Share per person
Inside Cabin from $1694 per person twin share 
Ocean View Cabin from $1869 per person twin share  
Balcony Cabin  from $2274 per person twin share 
Single Occupancy Cabin  from $3312                    
Conference Attendance Fee $1290 per delegate

What’s included in your Conference Registration?

  • An extensive Conference program based on current best practice information equating to 24 CPD Hours
  • Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program
  • Conference Presenter that is a recognised expert in their field & is excited to be able to share her skill, knowledge, & passion with Conference Attendees
  • An online Conference library filled to the brim with educational content that allows you to create your own learning experience by completing pre-conference education activities
  • A Registration Reception including complimentary drinks where you can meet other Conference Attendees & network with Conference Convenors & Conference Presenter/s
  • A Conference pack that includes a notepad, pen, lanyard (this is important on a cruise ship to attach your room key, which becomes your lifeline on a ship) & additional information to support a fantastic Conference experience
  • The opportunity to meet as a group in various Conference open forums, in one of the many fabulous locations on the ship
  • A complimentary Farewell Drinks & Canapes Function held on the last night of the Conference to celebrate new friendships & information gained
  • A Conference Transcript that identifies each session held at the Conference, including the session synopsis & session presenter/s
  • A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Conference Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio

Prices include exclusive conference activities, selected cabin accommodation, meals, entertainment, gratuities, fees and taxes. Guest price includes all of the above with the exception of the seminar fee. Gratuities, fees and taxes are subject to change without notice. A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is due at time of booking with the balance payable by 11th August 2025. The balance is non-refundable after the final payment date has passed. 

Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure:
Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please review the policy applicable to this cruise with our staff. All deposits and seminar registration fee’s are non refundable. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea and the Nurses for Nurses Network will not be responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance at time of booking your cruise conference.

Booking Enquiry

Register your interest in this CPD cruise today Please complete the form in this section to express your interest. We will revert within 48 hours with pricing and other details after confirming cabin availability with our cruise line partners.

General Enquiry?

We invite you to check out our FAQs or Contact Us here

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