A/Prof West is the Director of the WHO CC Nursing & Midwifery Education & Research Capacity Building and was invited to University of Hyogo as the recipient of a
HYOGO EARTHQUAKE MEMORIAL 21ST CENTURY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HEM21) INVITATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS FOR RESEARCH IN HYOGO.
A/Prof West has worked closely with Professor Mashino from the University of Hyogo Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and the Community and the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disaster Risk Management for Health for a number of years through the international networks of the Asia Pacific Disaster Nurses Network (APEDNN) and the GN WHOCC N&M.

Objective: To examine the applicability of the Health Student Support in Shelters (HSSS) program in a Japanese context.

Activities:
1. Interview and discussion on how shelters are managed after disaster in Japan to elicit whether there is a role that student nurses could fill within the shelter during disaster events.
2. Review of existing shelter management training programs in Japan.
3. Development of a modified HSSS suitable for use in Japan
4. A modified HSSS Workshop elements conducted to test suitability in Japanese context.
Outcome:
Submission for further funding to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia-Japan Foundation Grant 2019 scheme.

Teaching:
During the stay the visitor delivered a lecture and workshop on 8th March
A number of forums/functions and site visits were attended:
15th March DNGL Dissertation Presentations
16th & 17th Awaji Island
Earthquake Museum、Tsunami Centre
University of Hyogo Awaji Campus、
19th March Kobe
University of Hyogo, DRR Campus, GHAE Memorial Museum, JICA, HEM21
Kobe University Hospital visit
22nd March Hyogo University Graduation Ceremony Kobe
23rd March Okayama Flood Disaster Site Visit
26th March Okayama Flood presentation

In addition, I have had the opportunity to share and enjoy Akashi octopus, sushi, Japanese BBQ, Kobe beef, Fugu fish, goyza party and of course the sakura. It has been a wonderful opportunity to take part in these activities and experience much of what Japan has to offer.

As indicated earlier a submission has been made to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia-Japan Foundation Grant 2019 scheme for funding to continue the relationship and work on Resilient Communities. It is our intent build on the relationships and collaborations formed during the fellowship to work with the students and undertake a large research study on disaster preparedness of nursing staff in Japan.
We will continue to look for funding and opportunities for Professor Mashino to visit the James Cook University Campus to deliver a lecture on disaster and work together on the joint projects mentioned above.

In summary it has been an honour to have been awarded this Fellowship. I have learned so much from this experience that is applicable to my disaster research in Cairns Australia which has a very large Japanese community who live in and visit the city. The Fellowship proves meaningful exchanges of knowledge and culture can improve nursing practice and help create stronger and more resilient communities. The global nursing community have a lot to teach and learn from each other and it I only together we can truly make a difference.