29 October 2020: The University of Canberra (UC) and the region’s nursing community will again honour their colleague and friend, the late Dr Sarah Cope, at the second annual COPE Memorial Lecture on Friday 30 October.
Dr Cope, who passed away in March 2019 aged 44, was a champion for the vulnerable and a passionate advocate and leader for aged care nursing.
The COPE Memorial Lecture together with an annual student award was established in her memory and to raise the profile of nursing care for older people.
The Caring for Older People Excellence (COPE) Award recognises a UC undergraduate nursing student who shows enthusiasm and passion for caring for older people.
“This special event in our annual calendar celebrates the immense contribution Dr Cope made in her lifetime, and her continuing legacy. This award remembers Dr Cope’s irresistible enthusiasm and inspires our nursing students to continue to improve nursing care for older people in our community,” said Michelle Lincoln, Executive Dean of Health at the University of Canberra.
Dr Cope’s husband, Mr Ian Cope, will present the award to the recipient of the 2020 COPE Award at the Memorial Lecture, Jana Pavlich on Friday.
Jana Pavlich was born and bred in Canberra and says she always had a very strong instinct to care for others.
“My first job was as a swimming teacher and I continued on to work in school aged care and disability support care,” said Ms Pavlich. “I recall knowing that I was good at helping people but never considered nursing as a career.”
“A family friend suggested I apply for an AIN position at a nursing home and almost instantly I became interested in becoming a nurse and fell in love with aged care. After I graduate, I would love to specialise in dementia and older persons mental health.”
The 2020 Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Professor Stephen Neville, the Professor of Wellbeing and Ageing, Co-Director of the AUT Centre for Active Ageing (AUTCAA) and Head of Department (Nursing) at Auckland University of Technology.
Click here to register for the lecture. Please note seating is limited in accordance with COVIDSafe restrictions and measures. If you are unable to join in person, you can register for a live stream ticket and receive the information prior to the event.
Donations to the Dr Sarah Cope Memorial Fund are welcome and can be made online here.
WHAT: COPE Memorial Lecture
WHEN: Online from 11.20am
WHERE: Ann Harding Conference Centre