There are many ways our members contribute to strengthening psychiatry across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Their efforts are shaped by the needs of patients, loved ones and communities and driven by a commitment to leading and improving the systems in which we work. While every member has their own tale to tell, recent member stories have highlighted that much can be achieved when psychiatric expertise and a sense of purpose come together.

Rural Champion Dr Benjamin Vialle’s journey back to his hometown of Launceston demonstrates the possibilities that emerge when training pathways align with community need. His reflections on creating a fulfilling career in regional Tasmania speak to the importance of supporting psychiatrists who choose to live and work outside metropolitan centres. 

I was also inspired to read about Dr Steven Blefari and his work establishing the Rural Psychiatry Training Western Australia program. The success of this program highlights the value of training models that are designed around the realities of rural practice. The strong retention outcomes already being seen are encouraging and reinforce what many of us have long understood: when trainees are supported to learn, connect and develop professionally within rural communities, those communities benefit for years to come.

I am pleased to see the breadth of opportunities available through the RANZCP Foundation’s grants and scholarship programs. These investments support researchers at different stages of their careers and help transform promising ideas into projects that can advance mental health care. Grants and scholarships worth $475,000 are set to open on 1 July, and I encourage members to take advantage of these opportunities. 

I extend my congratulations to Dr Shilpa Aggarwal and Professor Dan Siskind who have been awarded the 2025 Catalyst Grants for their respective work in youth self-harm support and schizophrenia research. Their work highlights the strength of psychiatric research across our College and the importance of continuing to invest in new ideas and emerging researchers.

During June, new policies were introduced to strengthen transparency and consistency in the way changes to education and training are managed and communicated. These policies reflect extensive engagement with trainees, committees and other stakeholders. They establish clear processes for consultation and communication, particularly as our training program continues to evolve in response to changing community needs and healthcare environments. I thank all those who contributed their expertise and feedback.

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities for members to come together, share knowledge and strengthen professional connections. I’m looking forward to the Section of Youth Mental Health 2026 Conference in Hobart, Tasmania from 31 July to 1 August. Under the theme ‘Youth psychiatry: Years in the making’, the conference will explore the new training program for psychiatrists working with young people, the current state of youth mental health services, clinical priorities, and treatment of co-morbidities. 

The 2026 New Zealand Conference in Pēowhairangi Bay of Islands from 12 to 14 October promises a rich program highlighting mental health and addiction issues faced in the North, and identifying innovative solutions through a Treaty based relationship. The conference invites thoughtful discussion about how we can learn from diverse perspectives and work collaboratively toward better outcomes. I encourage members to consider registering for what will undoubtedly be a memorable gathering.

The International Forensic Psychiatry Conference in November will provide an international forum for academic, clinical, and policy-level collaboration. Co-hosted by the RANZCP Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, the conference offers an opportunity to share experiences from diverse legal systems, service models, and cultural contexts.

Across all these initiatives – from supporting rural workforce, to investing in research, to engaging with colleagues – is the commitment and expertise of members across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. I am grateful to everyone who contributes their time, knowledge and energy to our College and our profession.

I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events in the months ahead. This week, I’m at the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) World Congress in Hamburg. I’d be delighted to catch up with all local delegates in attendance – there’s an RANZCP networking afternoon tea from 4.30 pm to 5 pm on Friday 3 July 2026 (Register here). And if you haven’t been able to make it to this one, the good news is the 2028 IACAPAP World Congress will be held in Auckland in September 2028.

Dr Astha Tomar
President