A diverse audience including junior doctors, medical students, Fellows, trainees and representatives from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing enjoyed the Rural Psychiatry Training Pathways Congress 2026 evening social, “Better together”. 

Wurundjeri Elder Uncle John Terrick delivered a warm-hearted Welcome to Country, sharing personal reflections of his life. Uncle John’s stories reminded guests that truth-telling is an important process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ healing. Although the process may be confronting, it is necessary for people to be invited to share their story. 

Esteemed guest of the evening, Mr Ernie Dingo AM, created a space for the audience to reflect on the theme of equity and healing through rich metaphor and story. 

Stars, horizons, tea and cooking: Mr Dingo’s stories united a sense of connection and humanity. Speaking of the importance of the stars, Mr Dingo reminded guests to honour their bloodline and culture by respecting the people that came before them, and the ones who emerge as leaders. 

Mr Dingo shared that throughout his life, he made the choice to stand proud and take charge of his destiny. By continuing to chase the horizon, Mr Dingo travelled to remote parts of the world throughout his vast film and television career, carrying treasures from each place he visited.

When asked, “how can we help?” Mr Dingo offered personal wisdom for psychiatrists in rural locations: the simple act of sharing a cup of tea or cooking a meal for someone else is a shared experience that can bridge disciplines and cultures, reminding the audience that we’re better together, and to empower Aboriginal people to have a voice and a choice. 

‘Better together: An evening with Ernie Dingo AM’ was delivered by the Rural Psychiatry Training Pathways Team. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists received Australian Government funding under the Psychiatry Workforce Program to deliver this event.