AUSMAT spotlight on Theona Stone: providing care wherever she goes
05 Dec 2025
Written by Erika Lu
For Theona Stone, nursing was more than a career choice – it was a calling nurtured from childhood. Growing up, she listened to stories from her mother, also a nurse, about the lives she touched and the difference she made.
“Early on, I was inspired by my mother who used to talk about her experiences in helping others,” Stone said.
Those conversations planted the seed and the decades that followed cemented her commitment. After 38 years in practice, through education, clinical practice, and AUSMAT deployments, Stone has seen just how much nurses can influence outcomes.
Throughout my education, clinical work and AUSMAT deployments, I have developed a deep appreciation for the positive impact nurses have on patients, families and communities.
Every day is different in emergency care
As a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department (ED) at Cairns Hospital, no two days look alike. “People are often surprised when I tell them what I do,” she says with a smile.
“I see everything from minor injuries to complex medical emergencies and mental health crises. Since I am also a midwife, I have had a few unexpected moments where a baby was delivered in or just outside the ED.”
Theona is also part of the Severe Trauma and Resuscitation team where she treats immediate life-threatening injuries through coordinated and multidisciplinary care to improve patient outcomes. Her dual expertise keeps her work dynamic – a reflection of her versatility and commitment to continual learning.
Since joining the AUSMAT in 2014, Theona has undertaken seven deployments including missions to Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and COVID-19 operations in the Northern Territory. Each experience tested her resilience and pushed her out of her comfort zone. “Being part of AUSMAT has given me opportunities to serve in places and situations I never imagined,” she said.
Her deployment to Samoa remains unforgettable. “I was deployed as part of Team Charlie in response to the 2019 measles outbreak,” she shared. “I worked alongside the local nurses and seeing their strength and dedication was humbling.
She recalls working in pairs, completing 12-hour shifts over 14 days straight. “It was intense but the teamwork, the learnings from AUSMAT trainings and our shared sense of purpose kept me going.”
AUSMAT deployed five teams comprising a total of 112 personnel over three months. “I was based at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital and assisted with critical healthcare services,” Theona noted.
Caring beyond the ED
Outside deployments, Theona’s life is full – caring for her family, gardening and tending to chickens, ducks and dogs. “There’s always something happening at home,” she said. “They keep me grounded and ready to bring my best self to my patients and team.” She also enjoys entering her dogs and poultry in shows, joking that a blow dryer is never far from hand when preparing them for competitions.
This balance extends to her role as a mentor. During the 2024 and 2025 Team Member trainings, Theona guided new AUSMAT members and supported their development.
“Deployments can be intense and it’s important to care for your wellbeing so that you can provide the best care to others,” she notes. “I encouraged my mentees to revisit their AUSMAT trainings, stay observant, ask questions and learn from every situation — both the successes and the challenges.”
For Theona, empathy and compassion are just as important as technical expertise. “Being a strong team member isn’t just about making tough calls — it’s about supporting your team and the communities you serve.” Seeing her mentees grow in confidence and capability is something she finds incredibly rewarding.
Theona’s recent participation in the Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (EMTCC) training deepened her understanding of coordination in complex health emergency responses. “Collaborating with colleagues from different countries highlighted how important cultural awareness and teamwork are.”
From Australia to Timor-Leste and across the Pacific, 30 participants prepared to coordinate emergency responses through the EMTCC training. “When everyone brings their own strengths and perspectives, coordination becomes smoother and the care we deliver is stronger,” she added.
Theona’s work extends far beyond the routine shifts. Every deployment and every day in the ED is an opportunity to make a difference, echoing the inspiration she drew from her mother. Her commitment to care, adaptability and mentorship continues to shape both her professional journey and those who follow her.
