Recent events both worldwide and nationally have seen a renewed focus on infection control. The current H1N1 influenza pandemic has focused world attention on the importance of infection control. Nationally, the work of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has heightened the awareness of the Australian government and the healthcare industry on the issue of healthcare associated infection and its attendant costs both economic and to the individual. All this attention has forced us to take stock of our profession and our role. The outcome has been clarification of essential elements of an infection control program for acute healthcare facilities and a description of the Infection Control Practitioner's scope of practice. A number of initiatives are currently underway to improve the preparation, skills and resources for the Infection Control Practitioner. This presentation will explore the journey from novice to expert in this challenging and exciting role. Drawing upon personal experience the speakers will describe their own journeys, the lessons they have learned, their successes to date and their vision for the future.