A new beginning …

It is a great honour to be writing this Editorial for the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. The appointment of a new editor-in-chief is a significant and momentous event for a journal, and marks both an end and a new beginning. For us, this marks the ending of the tenure of our outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Professor Brenda Happell, who has served the journal with distinction for 10 years. During that time, Brenda helped to position the journal into one of the leading mental health nursing journals in the world. As she steps down, we take this opportunity to acknowledge her outstanding work to date, and to wish her all the very best as she begins a new phase in her career.

The appointment of a new editor-in-chief also provides an opportunity for reflection on the development and standing of the journal to date, and a catalyst for considering strategic directions for future development. This journal is the official vehicle for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, and has a crucial role to play in contributing to optimal outcomes for persons affected by mental illness and their families in Australia and internationally.

As new Editor-in-Chief, Kim has been a mental health nurse over a career spanning more than 30 years. During that time, she has been a clinical nurse, a researcher, scholar, and academic, and now holds the position of Head of School of Health at the University of New England, Armidale (NSW, Australia). Kim's research includes issues related to the administration and side-effects of psychotropic medications, violence, resilience, and disaster recovery, and she has published extensively in a range of national and international publications. Kim previously held a position on the Editorial Board of the journal for 5 years.

The journal has had much iteration since its beginnings in the 1970s, and as we continue into the 21st century, we will experience many more changes that the journal will need to keep pace with, including digital offerings, social media, and the continuous challenges that nursing in the mental health sector faces. To date, the journal has kept pace, and in some instances, leads the way, especially in its unwavering belief in consumer-led health care.

As a long-standing member and now president of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, Wendy has looked to the journal to keep her informed, stimulated, and reflective. She expects that with Kim as Editor-in-Chief, this will remain, and the journal will develop and continue to excite.

Currently, the journal faces a number of key challenges, including extending the international profile, encouraging more publications by college members, strategically enhancing the consumer voice, and maintaining the current impact factor. We take this opportunity to welcome those who wish to become involved with the journal. One way to do this is to become a peer reviewer. If you are interested in serving as a peer reviewer, please send your CV to the editorial office, indicating your areas of expertise.

We look forward to helping to guide the journal moving forward, meeting the challenges ahead, and working with you all to contribute to enhance mental nursing and scholarship.