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Queensland Rural Readiness workshop highlights
6 Jun 2025
Update
The RANZCP Rural Psychiatry Training Pathways (RPTP) team hosted the Queensland Rural Readiness workshop in Cairns, on 30 and 31 May 2025.
The Rural Readiness workshop in tropical Far North Queensland was a great opportunity for psychiatry trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMG) to establish and expand the skills necessary to engage in safe rural practice. It was an opportunity for attendees to enhance their professional, clinical and social skills essential for training and practicing in regional, rural and remote Australia.
19 registrants attended the workshop, starting with a Welcome to Country provided by Minjil under the beautiful Moreton Bay fig trees in the heart of Cairns. During the day, participants enjoyed learning from more than five guest speakers and each other.
“I really enjoyed the specific advice and learning points from the consultants. And the discussion of private options was enlightening as we don’t get much exposure in training.” – Trainee
“The social aspect was really nice; it was lovely to meet other trainees and share experiences.” – Trainee
“Everything was great, and hearing the speakers giving us their experience and tips was very nice as well. Appreciate the dark humour with one of the presenters, was refreshing.” – Trainee
“I also appreciated the opportunity to engage informally with other attendees, including trainees and SIMGs, and to hear their diverse experiences and questions about rural psychiatry. The session strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in regional mental health and deepened my understanding of the social and cultural contexts that shape psychiatric practice in Australia.” – Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) member
The dates and venues for future Rural Readiness workshops are below. Expressions of interests for workshops will be available progressively through College channels.
- VIC – Shepparton – 18/19 July 2025
- WA – Bunbury – 26/27 September 2025
- NSW – Dubbo – 10/11 October 2025
- NT – Darwin – 31 October/1 November 2025
- TAS – Hobart – 6 November 2025
- SA – Clare – 21/22 November 2025
- ACT – Trainees in the ACT will have the option to register for the NSW or Victoria workshop.
If you have any queries, please contact rural@ranzcp.org.
This initiative received funding by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings Program.
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