With Congress just around the corner, the election of a new Board and the imminent launch of our five year Strategic Plan, this is a period of momentum and renewal for the College. It is a time for refocus and reform, and an opportunity for us to chart the next chapter together.

We find ourselves at a point where the expectations on psychiatry are growing, the systems we work within are under strain, and the role of the College must continue to evolve. This moment calls not only for renewal, but for clarity about who we are, what we stand for, and how we lead into the future.

At the heart of this next chapter are three interconnected priorities: the future of our profession, the way we train and support our workforce, and the governance of the College itself. These are not separate agendas instead they are deeply linked, and together they will shape whether we as a College are truly fit for purpose in the years ahead.

It is in this context that I am delighted to welcome our new Board Directors. Professor Megan Galbally, Professor Dan Lubman AM and Professor Shuichi Suetani will join the Board in May, alongside the reappointment of Dr Michelle Atchison and Dr Mark Lawrence. Each brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to service, and I look forward to working closely with them as we take forward this reform agenda.

Equally, I want to acknowledge the strength of the field of candidates. The willingness of so many members to step forward reflects a College that is engaged, thoughtful and committed to its future. I thank them sincerely for their nominations.

I extended my sincere thanks to Dr Ashna Basu, who is concluding her term as the Appointed Director, Trainee, in May. Ashna has been an exceptional advocate for trainees, bringing insight and authenticity to Board discussions and ensuring the trainee voice is not only heard but meaningfully considered in decision making, which I spoke about in the most recent issue of Psyche. Nominations have now closed for the new Appointed Trainee Board Director, and an announcement will be made shortly.

I also acknowledge the contributions of departing Directors, Dr Agnew Alexander, Dr Alex Cockram and Professor Richard Newton, whose leadership has been integral to the College’s recent progress. I will have the opportunity to reflect more fully on their achievements in a future update.

As part of strengthening our governance, we will shortly advertise for an Independent Director. The aim is to complement the strengths of our Board, provide an independent perspective, and further strengthen the objectivity of our governance. These roles are vital in supporting the Board to carry out its responsibilities on behalf of the membership.

Alongside this, I welcome Felicity Youl to the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee, where her extensive experience in governance and risk will further support the College’s accountability and sustainability. Felicity brings more than 30 years of global experience across compliance, operational risk, legal and corporate governance, with a distinguished career spanning Asia Pacific and Europe.

Renewal is also underway within our executive leadership. From next month, Ms Felicity Loxton joins us as Executive Director, Policy and Advocacy, and Mr Lloyd Doddridge as Executive Director, Finance and Technology. Our Chief People and Culture Officer, Ms Jarka Kluth, transitions into the role of Executive Director, Member Experience. These changes strengthen our ability to deliver on our priorities and better support members in an increasingly complex environment.

While our focus is firmly on the future, it is also important to recognise the foundations we are building upon. The 2025 Annual Review and 2025 Financial Review reflect a year of deliberate progress guided by clarity of purpose, confidence in our direction, and a commitment to meeting the challenges ahead. I encourage you to take the time to read these and reflect on the collective efforts of colleagues and staff across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia behind them.

All of this comes together at Congress in Melbourne from 3–7 May, not simply as an event, but as a moment for the profession to come together and consider its future.

Through the three President’s Symposia which are a part of the Congress, we will take a deliberate journey. We will begin by reflecting on our history as we mark 80 years since the formation of our predecessor organisation, the Australasian Association of Psychiatrists, understanding how our past has shaped our identity. We will then look outward, considering the responsibilities psychiatrists and peak bodies hold in a global context. Finally, we will look ahead focusing on what it means to be a future-ready profession, and what a fit-for-purpose College must look like to support that.

This final conversation is particularly important. It will bring together the future of psychiatric practice, the transformation of our training through the new Fellowship Program, and the reform of our governance. These are shared challenges, and their success will depend on the engagement and ownership of our members.

Finally, early next week, the recipients of the 2026 College Awards will be announced. Each awardee has been recognised for their outstanding contributions to psychiatry, the community and the College. I look forward to celebrating with many of them and with you at Congress in the coming weeks.

As we move into this next phase, I am conscious that renewal is not an end in itself and that it must be anchored in purpose. Throughout my leadership journey, I have been fortunate to be guided by Professor Richard Newton, who has supported and challenged my thinking at every step, and who has consistently emphasised the importance of the four Ps in leading meaningful change: Purpose, People, Processes and Performance.

These are not abstract concepts, rather they are practical anchors for how we lead. Purpose asks what we need to do, and why it matters. People asks who we need to do it. Processes ensure that those people are supported with the right systems, structures and ways of working. And Performance asks how we know it is being done with clarity, accountability and impact. As we navigate reform at both organisational and system levels, these questions will remain central to how we lead and how we deliver.

The strength of this College has always rested in its members, and it is through that collective strength that we will shape a future that is both ambitious and grounded in the values of our profession.

Dr Astha Tomar
President