WA's 2026 one day branch annual conference & social sundowner

The conference theme this year "Mental Health in Focus: Care, Community, Leadership, Research" is intentionally positioned as more than a traditional program. It brings together clinical expertise, system leadership, research and lived experience into a single, practice-oriented conversation.

Event information

Join us on Saturday 29 August 2026 at The University Club, UWA, for the RANZCP WA Branch Conference 2026 — a one-day, high-impact event bringing together the clinicians, leaders and voices shaping mental health care in Western Australia.

This year’s program reflects where practice, policy and lived experience come together. From Aboriginal mental health and lived experience perspectives, to emerging research, complex neurodevelopmental care, and advances in mood disorder treatment — the day delivers practical insight, clinical relevance and depth.

Importantly, this conference builds on the momentum of the recent WA Branch Social Sundowner, which demonstrated a clear shift in how members want to engage — informally, collegially, and with genuine openness to connection. We are intentionally carrying that forward, with space for meaningful interaction alongside a high-calibre program, culminating in a relaxed sundowner.

Why attend?

• Stay current with high-impact clinical and system updates.
• Engage with leaders influencing mental health in WA.
• Connect with peers in a collegial environment.

Ticket prices (GST inclusive)

In-person event only (no online attendance or recordings)

Early bird rate (until 15 May)
RANZCP Fellow / Affiliate — $215
Trainee — $110
Non-member — $248

Regular rate
RANZCP Fellow / Affiliate — $242
Trainee — $138
Non-member — $275

Early bird closes 15 May — secure your place now.
Registrations close Friday 14 August.

Conference Program

8:30 - 8:45 Welcome by conference convenor, Associate Professor Davinder Hans

8:45 - 9:15  Dr Dharma Sathiaseelan - Wungen Kartup: An Indigenous-specific mental health service model to improve social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

9:15 - 9:45 Ms Jess Brentnall & Dr Kalliste Black - A conversation with a carer: lived experiences of navigating CAMHS, neurodivergence & mental health in regional WA

9:45 - 10:15 Professor Osvaldo Almeida - Research in Psychiatry: interface of GLP-1 receptor agonists with mental health

10:15 - 10:45 Tea

10:45 - 11:15  Dr Leighton Chadwick - Assessment, medication use and general management in intellectual developmental disability and autism

11:15 - 12:15  Professor Marie Bismark (Travelling Scholar) - The paradoxes of doctors' health

12:15 - 12:45 Dr Emma Crampin - WA Chief Psychiatrist's update

12:45 - 1:45 Lunch

1:45 - 2:15 Dr Ken Orr - Mood disorders: pharmacology updates and emerging treatments across sectors

2:15 - 2:45 The John Penman Lecture - Dr Giulia Pace - The unique complexities of adolescent suicidality

2:45 - 3:15 RACGP - Dr Tim Leahy & Dr Ramya Raman - ADHD: updates from the Specialist GP Training Program in WA

3:15 - 3:30 Tea

3:30 - 3:50 Dr Felice Watt - Women's mental health: an update

3:50 - 5:00  Abstract presentations (5 × 15 minutes)

5:00 - 6:30 Sundowner – sips & nibbles on the terrace.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received before 31 July may incur a $50 administrative fee.
No refunds will be issued from Friday 31 July.

Registrations are transferable to another attendee. Please arrange payment directly with the transferee and notify the Branch Coordinator of their name and contact details.

Please note: special dietary requirements for transferred registrations cannot be guaranteed after 31 July.

If you are unwell or experiencing symptoms, please do not attend. We encourage you to arrange a transfer of your registration where possible to support the wellbeing of all delegates.

Permission for photography

The RANZCP WA Branch Conference is held in a public space, therefore we do not prohibit participants, exhibitors, news organisations and other companies from photographing or video or audio-taping some conference activities. 

Additionally, RANZCP may arrange for photos to be taken during the conference. RANZCP reserves the right to use images taken at the conference with your photograph and/or likeness in future marketing materials, including on the internet. 

Conference attendees who prefer their images are neither taken nor published in any format, can object by sending an email request to the WA Branch Coordinator on ranzcp.wa@ranzcp.org.

Directions

Parking is free on a Saturday at The UWA Club.

Contact

For more information please contact the RANZCP WA Branch Coordinator on angie.padoan@ranzcp.org.