Tasmania branch conference 2026

RANZCP Tasmania Branch Conference 2026

How high can psychiatry fly? Learnings from the myth of Icarus

About suffering they were never wrong,
the Old Masters: how well they understood
its human position; how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along.

— W. H. Auden, Musée des Beaux Arts (1938)

This year we return to a theme inspired by ancient Greek legend, asking ourselves to consider how high we can go without risking the fate of Icarus and plunging into the wine-dark sea. We take a close look at recent and emerging treatments and innovations in psychiatric practice, reflecting on how they may best be harnessed for the betterment of our profession and the enhancement of care we offer our patients.

Across two days, we will explore:

• Breakthrough biological and pharmacological treatments, including neurostimulation, ketamine, medicinal cannabis, MDMA, psychedelics, and stimulants
• Suicide prevention, combining policy, practice, and lived‑experience insights
• Robust models of care across the lifespan, from child and youth to old age psychiatry
• Substance use and misuse, balancing therapeutic promise with real‑world harms
• History, ethics, and the future of psychiatry, culminating in a debate on the role and limits of artificial intelligence in clinical practice.

View the draft program.

Speakers

Keynote Speaker
Professor Colleen Loo (NSW)

Featured Speakers
Professor Dennis Velakoulis (QLD)
Professor Dinesh Arya (TAS)
Professor Dave Coghill (VIC)
Professor David Castle (TAS)
Professor Brett McDermott (TAS)
Associate Professor Dr Rob Kaplan (NSW)
Associate Professor Jon Lane (VIC)
Dr Christine Hallinan (VIC)
Dr Adriana Nevarez‑Flores (TAS)
Dr Matthew Fasnacht (TAS)
Dr Jeremy Smith (TAS)
Dr Nicolle Ait Khelifa (TAS)
Dr Anisha Grover (TAS)
Ms Laura Grattridge (TAS)
Ms Melanie Dobson (TAS)

Social and Networking Events

Join our optional social events to connect with colleagues beyond the sessions, deepen conversations sparked by the program, and enjoy relaxed, memorable evenings that are an essential part of the conference experience.

Welcome Reception

Friday evening kicks off with a welcome reception featuring drinks and canapes. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet speakers, and ease into the weekend’s discussions in a friendly and collegial atmosphere.

Conference Dinner

The official conference dinner will be at Astor Grill, one of Hobart’s most highly regarded restaurants, located in the elegant 1920s Art Deco Astor House. Consistently recognised with various industry awards and celebrated for its contemporary cuisine, Tasmanian produce, and outstanding wine list, Astor Grill provides an ideal setting for an evening of fine dining and conversation.

Guests will enjoy a three‑course dinner with drinks, followed by a talk from Dr Rob Kaplan exploring the history of psychiatry. The evening will also include the presentation of the 2026 Meritorious Service Award, recognising outstanding contribution and service to the profession.

Conference Dates

Friday 25 – Sunday 27 September

Venue

RACV Hotel, 154-156 Collins St, Hobart TAS 7000

Registration

Registration for Scientific Program (Saturday and Sunday)

• RANZCP Fellow | Affiliate $325
• RANZCP Tasmanian Trainee $0
• RANZCP Non-Tasmanian Trainee $270
• Non RANZCP Member $325
• Medical Graduate | PIF member $270

Optional Social Events (Delegate)

• Welcome Reception (Friday evening) – $0
  Complimentary for registered delegates
• Conference Dinner (Saturday evening) – $110

Guest Tickets (Optional)

• Welcome Reception – $35
• Conference Dinner – $110

Last day to register: Wednesday 9 September (Why: Venue needs final numbers two weeks out)

For enquiries, contact the RANZCP Tasmania Branch on (03) 6235 1804 or email ranzcp.tas@ranzcp.org

Important information for Tasmanian trainees

The RANZCP has received Australian Government funding under the Specialist Training Program (STP) to support Tasmanian trainees to attend the Tasmania Branch Conference 2026, and will cover registration to the scientific program on Saturday and Sunday, attendance at the Friday night welcome reception, and accommodation for trainees from the North* and North West* on Friday and Saturday nights. Attendance at the Conference Dinner on Saturday night is not covered however Trainees can purchase tickets at the time of registration for $110 inc. GST.

*For Trainees from the North / North West, once you register online, you will be contacted by the STP Project Officer Karen Bevis to organise accommodation arrangements. Breakfast is included with accommodation.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the conference registration fee.

The Conference is being held at RACV Hobart Hotel, where heritage meets modern.

Enjoy 15% off their best advertised rate for a standard room.

For bookings go to https://bookings.travelclick.com/86239?RatePlanId=6062541#/guestsandrooms

If you have an RACV membership or Club Account, you may be eligible for a further discount by booking directly with the hotel by phoning 03) 62708600 or visiting https://www.racv.com.au/travel-experiences/resorts/hobart.html

Delegate Cancellation

Change of mind cancellations must be made in writing and sent to ranzcp.tas@ranzcp.org for a full refund by 9 September. Cancellations made after 9 September will not be refunded.

If you are feeling unwell or have cold or flu like symptoms or may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, please do not attend. If, on medical grounds, you are unable to attend, you must cancel your attendance in writing by email to ranzcp.tas@ranzcp.org. A full refund will be provided; however, you may be asked to provide additional details.

Cancellation policy for Tasmanian Trainees
STP has provided funding to support trainee attendance and to cover registration and accommodation costs. Cancellations made after 9 September 2026 will incur the full registration fee of $270 inc. GST.

Dietary Requirements

Please ensure you carry required medicines/EpiPen for any food allergies you may have.

Image: Bruegel, Pieter (attributed to). Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. c. 1560, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels.