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Did you catch our September Member Profile interview with Amanda Ayres from Loddon Mallee Infection Control Resource Centre?
You can read the full interview below, in which Amanda speaks about her work in the Loddon Mallee district, her former mentor Jane Hellsten, the importance of a great team, and her work with the Rural Infection Control Practice Group (RICPRAC).
Member Profile
Amanda Ayres
Director I Infection Prevention Control Unit I Infectious Disease Service I Loddon Mallee Infection Control Resource Centre
Tell me about your career so far and what led you to working in IPC?
I started out in Medical Imaging, but soon found myself drawn into Infection Control as a liaison nurse. In 2008 a 12-month hand hygiene coordinator and ICP role came up and, thanks to the encouragement of my boss and the incredible mentorship of Jane Hellsten, I took the leap. That “temporary” job became permanent — and I’ve never looked back.
Since then, I’ve worn a few hats: Regional Hand Hygiene coordinator with Hand Hygiene Australia, travelling the Loddon Mallee region; working within Bendigo Health’s IPC and the Infectious Diseases unit; and, during COVID, stepping in as Aged Care Lead for the whole region. That role meant everything from remote advice to standing inside facilities, figuring out how to keep residents safe in the middle of an outbreak.
I’ve also kept studying along the way — a Graduate Diploma, then a Masters through Griffith University, which I finished mid-pandemic. It wasn’t easy, but I actually love learning and I miss it when I’m not doing it! For me, IPC has been the best career decision — it honestly doesn’t feel like a job. Even with the pandemic challenges, I still get up each day loving what I do.
What do you love most about your job?
For me it’s the team. Jane, my mentor, really knew how to bring the right people together, and we’ve built a close, supportive group. We bonded even more during the pandemic when there was no local public health unit — people were calling us in tears, not knowing where else to turn. That experience really cemented our camaraderie and the way we look out for each other.
Everyone brings different strengths — IT, education, data, clinical expertise — and as a manager I love letting people shine in the areas they’re passionate about. A typical day starts on the wards at 7am, supporting staff with isolation or microbiology queries, then huddling as a team to share what’s happening across the hospital. We’re always juggling projects, like improving PIVC management or delivering education, but it never feels repetitive because there’s always something new.
Beyond Bendigo, I’m also part of the Rural Infection Control Practice Group (RICPRAC), which has been benchmarking and auditing across Victoria for over 20 years. It’s such a valuable way to share ideas, support colleagues, and keep standards high across the region.
At the heart of it, I love the mix of teamwork, variety, and the chance to make a real difference every day. That’s why it never feels like just a job.
What are you most passionate about in IPC?
I’m really passionate about my team. When Jane retired in 2023, I stepped into her role, and I’m very conscious of carrying on her legacy. She always said the most important thing was “team fit” — making sure the people you bring in not only have the skills but also share the passion and values. I try to do the same, and I look for people who genuinely want to be in IPC, because you need resilience, assertiveness, and a real curiosity to thrive in this work.
I also love the bigger picture side of IPC. I’ve always been drawn to One Health and the way climate change and global mobility are reshaping infectious diseases — from Dengue and TB to Avian flu and Mpox. It reminds me that IPC isn’t just about hand hygiene or isolation rooms; it’s about thinking outside the box and finding the best solutions, even when the situation isn’t straightforward. That mix of teamwork, science, and global perspective is what keeps me passionate about the field.
What are the main changes you have seen in the field in recent years?
Rapid diagnostic tests have been a real game changer. We’ve trialled multi-RATs in ED and they’re evolving quickly, giving us much faster results. Alongside that, emerging threats like Mpox, Candida auris, and CPOs mean we’re always on guard — especially with patients coming from overseas and metro hospitals. So far, we haven’t generated our own, and we work hard to keep it that way.
Another big shift has been electronic medical records. The EMR team are working on improving data extraction directly from the EMR, which will support projects like improving PIVC management and auditing VIP scores more accurately. Genomic sequencing has also become a standard part of practice, helping us understand local resistance patterns and feed that into our AMS work. Combined, these changes give us a much clearer picture of what’s happening across our region and how to respond.
Do you think patients are better informed about their own health since the pandemic?
Yes, absolutely. Patients are more informed, and their expectations are higher too. There’s now a real emphasis on partnering with patients rather than doing things to them. For example, we’ve put posters in wards and bathrooms encouraging people to speak up if their PIVC is sore or red. It’s about empowering patients to be part of their care.
There’s also much more openness. If something goes wrong, patients are told straight away, and their wishes are respected — even if that means declining treatment. Many hospitals including Bendigo Health, now have patient engagement officers, and committees dedicated to making sure the patient voice is heard.
For us in IPC, that means making sure people in isolation understand why they’re there, and encouraging staff to talk with them rather than standing at the door. Patients cope so much better when they feel included and informed, even if the news isn’t good. It’s about respect, dignity, and giving them back some control.
What advice would you give to those just starting out in their career?
Start slow and learn from the team around you. We buddy new consultants with different staff so they see the breadth of IPC — ward rounds, surveillance data, education — without being overwhelmed. Over time they find their niche, but it’s important to get that broad foundation first.
I always recommend studying once you’re settled — whether that’s the ACIPC Foundations course, a Grad cert, or even a Masters. You need to know your microorganisms, your epidemiology, and keep up with the guidelines, because that’s the backbone of good IPC advice.
Mentorship and succession planning matter too. My mentor Jane always encouraged us to grow into leadership roles, and I try to do the same. I make sure the team gets exposure to exec meetings and decision-making, so they’re ready to step up when needed.
Finally, you need to love the unpredictability. Every day is different — you can walk in with a plan, then one phone call changes everything. Some people find that stressful, but I thrive on it. IPC is about creating order out of chaos, and if you enjoy that, you’ll love the job.
Any interesting hobbies you’d like to share with us? How do you like to wind down after a busy week?
I’m a big fan of Barre — a mix of ballet, yoga, and Pilates — and I love how energising it is. I’ll head to the gym or go for walks too, but barre is definitely my favourite way to unwind.
Outside of that, my husband and I have a great group of friends, and we love going to concerts and weekends away. We’ve been lucky enough to see bands like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles — those legendary gigs are some of my favourite memories. Music, movement, and time with friends really help me recharge after a busy week.