Support, spiritually and professionally, for nurses and midwives
5 MINUTE READ
From Luke’s Journal March 2026 | Vol. 31 No. 1 | God at the Bedside
Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia‘s mission is to equip and encourage Christian nurses and midwives to live out their faith by integrating Biblical principles and Christ-centred values with professional clinical practice, leadership, education and research.
So who’s behind the vision? Here’s a little bit about the NCFA Directors and the passion, faith and leadership guiding our fellowship.
Diana Marshall – Chairperson
Diana began hospital nursing and midwifery training in the 1960s. Following a move to the Hunter Valley, she completed a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing. She then returned to Sydney, achieving a Master’s in Nursing, a Master’s in Chaplaincy, and then a Diploma of Theology.
More recently, Diana attained a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews College. She is currently Chairperson of Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia Ltd and is passionate about Christian faith and lifelong learning.
Jane Cooper – Director
Jane Cooper attained a General Certificate in Nursing at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Mothercraft at Tresillian in Willoughby, and Midwifery at Bethesda in Marrickville.
She attended The Royal Melbourne Hospital for a Coronary Care course and Concord Hospital for a course in Intensive Care Nursing. Jane completed her nursing career at Hornsby Hospital.
A reflection on meeting God in a hospital setting
I committed my life to Christ when I was 14, and He has led and directed my life ever since. Starting my nursing career at just 17 was an overwhelming experience. I had never been in a hospital before, but the Lord had clearly led me onto the path of nursing. It led me to connect with the Australian Nurses Christian Movement (founded in Melbourne in 1913) at the hospital, where the Organising Secretary arranged regular meetings with other Christian women. I still have my ANCM Membership card, with the inscription: “We serve God and Humanity.”
As I reflect on God’s healing power at work in the hospital, there are many experiences I could share, but the telling would take too long. It was a joy to see patients improve and leave the hospital, and to pray for them. I especially remember a small boy who said to me as I walked into the ward, “I can walk Nurse Cooper, I can walk!”
Rosemary Bulman – Secretary
Rosemary qualified as a New Zealand (NZ) Registered Nurse in 1985 and specialised in Paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne from 1990.
In 2005, she undertook the Accredited Nurse Immuniser Course at La Trobe University and gained a position as a Nurse Immuniser at a local council.
Rosemary became a Christian during her nursing training, which she saw as more than just a job but a calling to care for others with Christ-like compassion. She has been involved in Nurses Christian Fellowship since her graduation in NZ, serving in a variety of leadership roles since 1987, and is the current NCF Australia Secretary.
Georgina Hoddle – Director
Georgie, as she likes to be called, is a retired Registered Nurse who now volunteers on the pastoral care team of an aged care facility. Georgie is a Saline ProcessTM Co-Ordinator and a board member of the Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia (NCFA). She also works closely with CMDFA on Saline ProcessTM courses in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding.
Georgie has spoken at numerous national and international conferences. Her current interest is directed to compiling research on pastoral care for mental health.
Caterina Pooke (Scarazza) – Director
Ambitions and God’s call
Caterina became a Christian in early 1991, during her nursing studies at the University of Western Sydney. She has been a member of the Christian Nurses Fellowship (NCF) since her registration, and has become involved in the organisation of NCF Australia Ltd as a member of the Board of Directors.
In 2014, she attended the 2014 Pacific and East Asia (PACEA) Conference and the Saline ProcessTM Witness Training. Caterina’s experience includes working on the Mercy Ship in Sierre Leone and Madagascar; this experience was presented at the NCFA Annual General Meeting in 2019. Caterina currently works in the perioperative area as an Anaesthetic/Recovery Nurse.
Charity Foo – Director
80% introvert, 20% extrovert!
Born and raised in Malaysia, of Chinese ethnicity.
Pursued nursing education in Adelaide, Australia 2013.
Currently working as an RN in Melbourne, Australia.
Enjoys reading, listening to Christian music, long walks, café hopping and people watching, exploring scenic nature views and having 1:1 catch ups.
Love cold weather (autumn and winter is my season).
Passion for GOOD DELICIOUS FOOD, hidden love for matcha.
Lyall Weaver – Treasurer
Lyall is a chartered accountant (CA) who has held various financial roles in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. He has extensive experience in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors.
Our NCFI 4-yearly regional conference is happening in Katoomba, NSW, October, 2026.
We eagerly anticipate nurses, midwives and allied health professionals from across the country joining us to be encouraged in their Christian walk. Our conference is shaping up to be a vibrant, faith-filled and fun gathering, set within a beautiful bushland setting. So rally your colleagues, save your pennies and get ready to pack your bags for something truly special.
