It gives me great pleasure to invite you to join us at the 14th National Conference and Exhibition of the Australian College of Operating Room Nurses, to be held at the Perth Convention Centre which is situated on the banks of the Swan River and within close proximity to the centre of Perth.

The theme for this Conference is "Westward Bound - Building a Strong Future", reflecting on the host State of Western Australia which is the backbone of our pastoral, mining and industrial industries. Without these industries, we have no future. Without challenging the boundaries of Perioperative Nursing, we have no future. It is important that Perioperative Nurses identify, develop and extend their knowledge bases and expand their social networks. Attendance at this Conference is certain to achieve this!

Keynote Speakers include Professor Mary Chiarella (Chair of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council and Professor of Nursing, University of Sydney), Professor Bruce Barraclough (President of the International Society for Quality in Health Care and Chair of the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission) and Dr Charlie Teo (Neurosurgeon, philanthropist and Director of the Centre of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery). We are fortunate to have these keynote speakers who will provide us with a depth of knowledge and experience.

I am sure there will be something of interest for all Perioperative Nurses whether beginning Practitioners or advanced. I am extremely pleased with the large number and high quality of papers submitted, as well as the posters presented. We are conducting workshops encompassing various aspects of Perioperative Nursing and will be holding sessions for Special Interest Groups. This will enable you to have the opportunity to network with colleagues having similar interests.

The investiture of Fellows will precede the prestigious Judith Cornell Oration on the Thursday afternoon. The Orator is a Perioperative Nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to Perioperative Nursing in Australia. Following these proceedings, there will be the official opening of the Trade Exhibition and Cocktail Party. Our Medical Industry Partners have supported our Conference and for this we are extremely grateful. We have over 120 stands, so please take time to visit the Exhibition and explore new technologies.

Whilst it is not all work, there will be the opportunity to play! Come and join us at the Dinner to be held in the Ballroom. The theme of the Dinner is "Jewels of the West". We encourage you to come dressed for an evening of fun! During the Dinner we will be presenting the Excellence in Perioperative Nursing Award. Once the official proceedings of the evening are completed, this will give our delegates the chance to party in the Wild, Wild West!

I look forward to meeting you at the 14th National ACORN Conference.

So let's go west and see you in Perth!