The NSW RNIG was set up during the winter (August) of 1994 by Mary Dunford Respiratory CNC and Neil Heron RN, as a professional support network for nurses working in respiratory nursing. The first meeting was held in the respiratory department at St George Hospital, with pizza and red wine, and no more than 10 respiratory nurses present.

The original objectives were to:-

• Provide a forum for networking;
• Encourage the development of a professional role model system;
• Encourage the development of nurses with an interest in the field of respiratory nursing to network, share knowledge and ideas;
• Lobby for the development of advanced training courses in respiratory nursing;
• Be a representative voice influencing the formulation of health management policies;
• Set standards and promote a code of ethics within the health industry;
• Enhance the potential for the development of multi centre respiratory nursing research studies.

14 years later NSW RNIG continues to exist with the original objectives in mind. Many of these objectives have been achieved, but now it is the sustainability of these objectives that is our goal. As for the objectives that have not been fully achieved, the Executive Committee and members will persevere to ensure the development, support and professional advancement of respiratory nursing.