Each monthly edition of Psyche showcases the many ways our College continues to strengthen psychiatry through education, research, advocacy and the commitment of our members. 

I’m particularly pleased to note this week’s launch of the Time-limited Affiliates Pathway to Fellowship for longstanding Affiliate members in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to become Fellows of the College and attain the qualification FRANZCP. The new pathway recognises the significant contribution of eligible Affiliate members to College activities, workforce development and leadership in psychiatry and training.

An important milestone last month was the submission of the College's annual progress report to the Australian Medical Council. Accreditation is an ongoing process that requires careful evaluation of our education and training programs, governance and continuous quality improvement. The report reflects significant work by members, committees and staff over the past year, and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high standards while continuing to strengthen the training experience for future psychiatrists. I thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to this important process.

Applications are now open for the RANZCP Foundation's 2026 grants and scholarships, with $440,000 available to support Fellows, Affiliates and trainees undertaking PhD, early-career and pilot research. Research remains one of the most important ways we improve mental health care for future generations, and I encourage eligible members to explore these opportunities and consider applying.

I extend my congratulations to the seven recipients of the 2025 Beverley Raphael New Investigator Grant: Dr Dean Andronis, Dr Grace House, Dr Ria George, Dr Laurant Kang, Dr Milla McLean, Dr Yalan Mo and Dr Michael Weightman. Early-career researchers play a vital role in advancing psychiatric knowledge, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in the years ahead.

This month's member profile of Dr Heather Collyer offers an engaging insight into how the RANZCP’s Psychiatry Interest Forum shaped her career and the value of finding a professional community early in training. Her story demonstrates the difference individual members can make by mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of psychiatrists.

Supporting trainees remains central to our work, and access to high-quality educational support should not depend on geography. I was pleased to see the launch of a new Learnit module [member login required] designed to help rural trainees and SIMGs preparing for the MEQ and MCQ exams. Developed with input from rural subject matter experts, it provides practical guidance that reflects the realities of balancing study with clinical practice.

We continue to support high-quality practice with the release of the first cultural safety training module in Learnit [member login required]. The Cultural Safety Self-Reflection Tool encourages practitioners to critically reflect on their own perspectives and biases, identify opportunities to strengthen culturally safe practice, and monitor their ongoing development over time. 

In September, members will come together to explore new evidence and emerging models of care at the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2026 Conference. The recent College report examining children's mental health in Australia found that too many young people receive care only after they have reached crisis point. The findings reinforce the need for earlier intervention and coordinated investment across the mental health system. These important conversations will continue through the conference, providing members with an opportunity to share knowledge and consider how we can strengthen care for children, young people and their families.

September will also see colleagues gather for the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age 2026 Conference. Centred around the theme ‘Breaking barriers, building integration: Redefining ageing in a connected world’, it is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration across this vital area of practice.

Looking across all these initiatives, I am reminded that the College's greatest strength is its members. Every contribution, whether supporting a trainee, advancing research or advocating for better care, helps shape the future of psychiatry. Thank you for your continued commitment to your patients, your colleagues and our profession.

Dr Astha Tomar
President