From the President | October 2026

The College’s 80th anniversary has provided an opportunity to look back on the evolution of our profession, while considering the responsibilities we carry towards those who will follow us. As part of our anniversary reflections, we invited our community to share what has changed most in psychiatry during their careers and what gives them hope for the next generation. In this delightful video, RANZCP members Dr Karishma Kulkarni and Dr Anthony Korner, alongside Psychiatry Interest Forum members Jenifer Kim and Dr Isabelle Nguyen offer their perspectives on our profession and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Looking to the future also requires us to consider how the College serves its members and fulfils its responsibilities for years to come. Consultation remains open on two important foundations of our governance reform: the proposed overarching governance framework and the committee structure and definitions model. This reform is not optional. It’s in response to Australian Medical Council accreditation conditions, previous governance reviews and the College’s broader legal and regulatory responsibilities. Equally important is ensuring that members can contribute meaningfully to the way these arrangements are designed and implemented. I encourage you to review the proposals and share your feedback while consultation remains open. 

Recognising the contributions of women in psychiatry is another important part of building a profession in which people feel valued and supported. The RANZCP Gender Equity Subcommittee is inviting women psychiatrists and trainees to share their experiences through the Women in psychiatry: The stories behind the careers campaign. We are also welcoming nominations from anyone who would like to recognise a woman whose contribution to psychiatry deserves greater visibility. Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2027, we will share stories that reflect the experiences and achievements of women shaping our profession across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. I hope many of you will consider putting yourself or a colleague forward. 

There is also still time to recognise the achievements of colleagues through the RANZCP 2027 awards and member recognition program. Applications for research funding, prizes and honours, along with nominations acknowledging outstanding colleagues, close on Saturday 31 October 2026. These opportunities help support new ideas and recognise the dedication that advances psychiatry across our region. I encourage you to consider applying yourself or nominating someone you know.

This spirit of recognition is reflected in the RANZCP NSW Branch’s posthumous award of the 2026 Meritorious Service Award to Dr Anne-Marie Swan, who passed away on 25 July 2026. The award acknowledges her significant and sustained contribution to psychotherapy training and psychiatric education over many decades. I extend my sincere condolences to those who knew and worked with Dr Swan and join the NSW Branch in honouring her legacy.

Congratulations also to Dr Lisa Miller, recipient of the RANZCP WA Branch Meritorious Service Award. Dr Miller's outstanding leadership and advocacy in consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology and eating disorders have helped drive significant improvements in mental healthcare and statewide service reform in Western Australia.

I would also like to acknowledge Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM who has been awarded the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize, recognising her pioneering contribution to women’s mental health research and treatment. Professor Kulkarni AM founded the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, and HER Centre Australia, and designed and helped open the Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre in 2021, Australia’s first private women’s mental health hospital. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to psychiatry in 2019, is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and received two of the RANZCP's most prestigious awards in 2024, Ian Simpson Award and Senior Research Award for her research and for clinical service.

These recognitions are a reminder of the valuable contributions our members make every day to advancing psychiatry and improving mental health outcomes across Australia.

As the year draws towards its close, I would also like to remind members that all 2026 CPD activities must be completed by 31 December 2026. The extended reporting period, which allows activities to be recorded in MyCPD, will remain open until 1 March 2027. Please take some time to check that your activities are up to date and that you have a plan to complete any outstanding requirements. If you need assistance, you can contact the CPD team at cpdhelp@ranzcp.org.

As always, I am grateful to everyone who contributes their time and expertise to the College, supports colleagues and works to improve mental health care in the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing this work with you in the months ahead.

Dr Astha Tomar
President