President's update

Over recent months I have written about the importance of governance reform and the opportunity before us to strengthen accountability, clarify decision-making, and support the delivery of our strategic priorities.

Governance reform is a long-term undertaking. It requires careful consideration of how we organise our work, how decisions are made, and how the College remains responsive to members while meeting its responsibilities as a contemporary professional organisation.

An important step in this process was the creation of an Independent Director position on the Board. This position was established to bring an external and independent perspective to our decision-making and strengthen the Board’s capacity to guide the College through a period of significant change and opportunity.

I’m delighted to announce that Professor Andrew Stripp AM has been appointed as the RANZCP’s inaugural Independent Director.

Professor Stripp is a highly respected healthcare leader with an outstanding track record in governance and strategic leadership.

As Group Chief Executive at Epworth Healthcare, Victoria's largest not-for-profit hospital group, and in prior executive roles managing complex healthcare organisations, Professor Stripp has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing organisational reform, ethical stewardship, and inclusive leadership. His extensive experience will be an asset as the College continues to advance its reform agenda and broader strategic objectives.

The Board was impressed by the calibre of candidates who expressed interest in the role, which reflected the standing of the College and the significance of our mission. I would like to thank all applicants for their interest and acknowledge those involved in the recruitment process.

It is especially fitting to welcome Professor Andrew Stripp AM following his recent recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

I’m also pleased to congratulate the following RANZCP members who were recognised in this year’s honours list:

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)

Professor Michael Berk

For distinguished service to epidemiology, to preventative medicine, to mental health, and to tertiary education.

Professor Valsamma Eapen

For distinguished service to psychiatry, to child and adolescent mental health, to neurodevelopmental research, and to tertiary education.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Dr Jennifer Harrison

For significant service to youth and children's psychiatry, and to the arts.

Professor Warwick Middleton

For significant service to psychiatric medicine, and to research into and treatment of complex traumagenic dissociation.

Professor Richard Newton

For significant service to mental health care, and to the psychiatry profession.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Dr Paul Valent

For service to the Jewish community.

These honours reflect the extraordinary contributions of our members to psychiatry, mental health care and the broader community. On behalf of the College, I extend my warm congratulations and thank them for their dedication to improving the lives of people experiencing mental illness.

Dr Astha Tomar
President