As the 2026 RANZCP Congress in Melbourne has come to a close, I want to thank everyone who contributed to what has been an engaging, thoughtful and inspiring week for our College community.

Across five days, psychiatrists, trainees, researchers, educators, lived experience advocates and mental health leaders from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world came together to learn, share ideas, reconnect with colleagues and reflect on the future of psychiatry.

This year’s Congress reflected both the scale of the challenges facing mental health systems and the extraordinary depth of expertise, commitment and innovation across our profession. The scientific program brought together a diverse range of speakers and some of the most respected voices in psychiatry globally. Delegates heard from Dr Sarah Lisanby on re-engineering brain health, Professor Vikram Patel on person-centred mental health care, Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite on the future of health systems in the poly crisis era, Professor Norman Sartorius on the future of psychiatry, Dr Louise Byrne on how we can make space for each other, and Professor Gabriele Bammer on tackling complexity in research.

Alongside these keynote presentations was a rich and varied program of concurrent sessions, workshops and symposia spanning clinical practice, psychotherapy, neuroscience, leadership, public mental health, education and system reform. Congress also highlighted the breadth of work taking place across the College and the importance of bringing together different voices, experiences and areas of expertise. From the Psychiatry Interest Forum to the Rural Psychiatry Training Program, the RANZCP Foundation, mentoring initiatives and the many contributions of our committees, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee and Te Kaunihera, there was a strong sense of collegiality and community throughout the week.

One of my personal highlights was hosting the Presidential Symposium series. These sessions provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable 80-year legacy of the College while also considering the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. Former Presidents, members and invited experts shared thoughtful reflections on leadership, professional identity, governance reform, international responsibilities and how the College must continue to evolve to meet the future needs of psychiatry and the communities we serve.

The College Ceremony was one of the most meaningful moments of Congress for the Board. It was a privilege to stand alongside colleagues, families, friends, supervisors and mentors as we welcomed 444 new Fellows to the profession, recognised 223 Advanced Certificate recipients and celebrated 41 award and grant recipients.

For every new Fellow crossing the stage, there was a story of years of commitment, sacrifice, growth and perseverance behind that moment. It was deeply moving to witness not only the pride of the graduates themselves, but also the joy and emotion shared by their families, peers, supervisors and supporters who had walked alongside them throughout that journey. At times, standing on stage and seeing those moments unfold was genuinely emotional.

The presentation of College awards and grants was equally special. Recognising the achievements, leadership, scholarship and contributions of our members is one of the most meaningful things we do as a College. There was a strong sense of pride across the room, a pride in the extraordinary talent within our profession, pride in the contributions being made to psychiatry and mental health, and pride in the future of our College and our profession.

Congress also provided an important forum for broader discussions about mental health reform. We were pleased to welcome The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the NDIS, whose address acknowledged the complexity of mental health care delivery and the considerable unmet need that remains across our communities.

Another significant moment during the week was the launch of the RANZCP Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The Strategy reflects an ambitious vision for the future of the College and our profession: strengthening psychiatry, modernising the organisation, supporting members and ensuring the College continues to play a leading role in shaping contemporary mental health systems.

While the week was overwhelmingly defined by collegiality, learning and respectful exchange, it is also important to acknowledge the interruption to the keynote plenary session on day one of Congress and the subsequent online commentary relating to that event.

As a College, we support the right of members to ask questions, express differing views and engage in debate on matters relevant to the profession and the College. Healthy discussion and diversity of perspectives are important parts of a mature professional community. At the same time, Congress, like all professional meetings, operates within agreed expectations regarding conduct, process, timing and respectful participation, so that sessions can proceed safely and constructively for all delegates, speakers and attendees.

The College also holds responsibilities for the safety, wellbeing and respectful treatment of everyone participating in Congress, including members, invited speakers, staff, volunteers and guests. We are aware that a number of allegations and claims have subsequently been made publicly in relation to the incident. The College takes these matters seriously and will review the circumstances in line with established processes and responsibilities.

As a College, we are a community of diverse views and experiences. That diversity of voices is central to who we are as a profession and to the role psychiatry plays within society. Psychiatry has always evolved through discussion, evidence, challenge and respectful disagreement. But equally important as what is being said is how it is being said.

Throughout Congress there were important discussions about the power of words, the impact language can have on vulnerable groups and communities, including transgender and gender-diverse people, and the responsibilities we hold as psychiatrists in how we communicate with one another and with the public. As psychiatrists, we hold not only the capacity to support healing, but also a responsibility to minimise harm. That responsibility extends across all parts of professional life whether it is while speaking from a formal stage, participating in discussion with colleagues, engaging online or representing our profession in public spaces and on social media.

I extend my sincere thanks to Co-Conveners Associate Professors Judy Hope and Samantha Loi, the Congress Organising Committee, our speakers, abstract reviewers, College staff, volunteers, exhibitors and every delegate who contributed to making this Congress such a success.

As we close another outstanding Congress, I am delighted to share that the RANZCP 2027 Congress will be hosted in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. I look forward to welcoming members and colleagues there for another opportunity to learn, connect and continue shaping the future of psychiatry together.

Safe travels home to all colleagues, and thank you for the work you do every day for patients and communities across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Dr Astha Tomar
President