I would like to start by thanking all involved in the significant work that is underway to address the various accreditation conditions that were outlined by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) earlier this year. The College is preparing a comprehensive report detailing our progress in meeting the necessary conditions, which will be submitted to the AMC next month. Members will be able to access the report and stay updated on our ongoing progress through the Accreditation webpage.

On the advocacy front, the College recently provided a submission to the Australian National Health and Climate Strategy Consultation. Climate change poses significant risks to our health and health systems, and we continue to advocate for urgent climate action. Thank you to all the members who contributed their efforts to the submission, including the Climate and Sustainability Steering Group.

For some time now, members have been asking for a better way to access articles in the College’s journals, ANZJP and Australasian Psychiatry. I’m delighted that earlier this month, in collaboration with our journal publishers, we successfully implemented a solution to streamline the process of accessing articles online. The journal emails members received this month enable access to full-text articles in both journals, without the need for login credentials. We would love to hear if this has made a difference; please let us know at memberhelp@ranzcp.org.

Continuing with journal news, the College is currently accepting applications for the position of Editor, Australasian Psychiatry. I encourage members with an interest in academic publishing to consider applying. Applications close on 18 September.

Our trainee representatives, staff and members are working together to improve trainee engagement in College activities as well as in our governance structure. As the next generation of psychiatrists, many trainees are already making a difference and advocating for their peers. I’m delighted to spotlight two such trainees who are on the RANZCP Bi-national Committee for Trainees - Dr Joshua Flavell and Dr Louise Randall. Watch this space for more in the coming months.

I am pleased to announce that applications for the College’s awards and grants program – which recognises, supports and celebrates contributions and achievements in mental health – will open on 1 September. Please consider nominating a deserving colleague or applying yourself, for a RANZCP award, Faculty and Section award, Research grant, or an Honorary Fellowship.

The College continues to deliver strong educational content on topics such as neurodevelopmental disorders and child maltreatment. You can access these webinar recordings via Learnit to earn CPD hours, and also register for upcoming webinars on the College website.

While online events offer convenience, nothing can rival the vibrant atmosphere of in-person conferences. I’m very much looking forward to three days of inspiring presentations, lively discussions, connecting with New Zealand colleagues, and unwinding in beautiful Rotorua during the RANZCP 2023 New Zealand Conference from 11–13 September.

And lastly, a reminder that we are calling for abstract submissions for the RANZCP 2024 Congress in Canberra. Abstract submission for pre-Congress workshops closes on 4 September. This conference marks the 60^th anniversary of the first RANZCP Congress held in 1964, and it’s not too soon to save 19–23 May 2024 in your calendars!

Dr Elizabeth Moore
RANZCP President