RANZCP Victorian Branch Annual Weekend Conference 2025

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Victorian Branch is delighted to present the 2025 Victorian Branch Annual Weekend Conference.

The Conference will be held at Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre, Friday afternoon, 21 November to early Sunday afternoon 23 November. Join us to network with colleagues, update your professional knowledge, whilst experiencing the sights of central Victoria.

Friday afternoon workshops for trainees and early career psychiatrists

We are delighted to announce two town hall-style workshops on the afternoon prior to the Conference, one for trainees and one for early career psychiatrics. There is no charge for attendance at these workshops for those also attending the Branch Weekend Conference, commencing that evening.

The workshops will start with a combined session with our Travelling Scholar Professor Tracy Smart AO discussing leadership with the group. Both workshops panel members will comprise RANZCP Victorian Branch Committee members and representatives of each co-hort.

Trainees town hall meeting

Attendees will have the chance to hear first-hand updates on topical issues relating to training, hurdle requirements and professional development opportunities, as well as to start a dialogue with College Committee members about their concerns and ideas for quality improvement. Anyone with an interest or curiosity about these areas is encouraged to attend - this includes people who have not held leadership positions or been very involved in the College happenings previously, as well as those well versed and familiar with some of the topics involved. The event aims to foster collaboration between the Vic Branch and its trainee members, and to enrich the offerings of the Conference for trainees and other junior doctors who attend.

Early career psychiatrists town hall meeting

This workshop is intended to provide a platform for early career psychiatrists (ECP) to discuss the challenges and opportunities they are faced with. The aims of the workshop are to provide an educational activity for the wider ECP group within Victoria and provide platform for collaboration and networking within the co-hort.

Full conference program

The Branch Committee have arranged an insightful, stimulating program to inform and encourage collaboration. Discussion time has been scheduled following each presentation for questions and commentary on the subject matter.

The Preliminary Program covers current topics in the profession from engaging speakers. Updates to the program will be posted as they become available.

Preliminary program

We’re honoured to welcome Professor Tracy Smart AO, former Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force as this years Travelling Scholar to speak at the Conference. A nationally recognised leader in military mental health, health system reform and medical ethics, Professor Smart will speak about the realities of resilience, drawing on her extensive experience in Defence and medical leadership in conflict zones.

Joining as speakers are the Victorian Meritorious Award recipients:

• A/Prof Campbell Paul – recognised for his contribution to infant mental health
• Prof Margaret Hamilton AO – recognised for her leadership in alcohol and drug policy and services

We will be hearing from more insightful speakers including: A/Prof Sophie Adams, Victorian Chief Psychiatrist, A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri, A/Prof Paul Cammell, Dr Paul Denborough, Professor Malcolm Hopwood, Professor Suresh Sundram, Dr Anoop Raveendran Nair Lalitha and Maggie Clark.

Registration

• Early bird registration is open until 24 October
• Registration closes 18 November

Full conference registration

• Friday afternoon trainee or early career town hall session
• Welcome BBQ: 7 pm Friday 21 November
• Conference sessions: Saturday 22 November, including lunch, morning and afternoon tea
• Conference dinner: Saturday 22 November
• Conference sessions half day: Sunday 23 November, including morning tea and lunch

Friday afternoon trainee or early career town hall session only

One day delegate - conference sessions only - no dinner

Select one of the following options:

• 9 am - 4 pm Saturday 22 November
  Conference sessions, lunch, morning afternoon tea - dinner not included

or

• 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Sunday 23 November
  Conference sessions, morning tea and lunch

Additional tickets

Additional tickets may be purchased for day delegates, partner/guest attendance to the Conference Welcome BBQ and Conference Dinner as per below.

Welcome BBQ ticket only

• 7 - 9 pm Friday 21 November
• Includes BBQ meal and drinks

Conference dinner ticket only

• Saturday 22 November
• Includes 3 course meal and drinks

Delegate list

Please indicate when registering if you wish to be included in the delegate list. A list of attendee names will be emailed to all attendees and speakers.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the conference registration fee.

Nestled near the heart of Ballarat, Mercure Ballarat offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and tranquillity to complement your conference experience. Guests can enjoy the following facilities: a serene garden setting, on-site dining at Azzuri Restaurant, complimentary car parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24 Hours reception. Rates start from $204 per night including breakfast. After 20 October bedroom rates may increase.  

For bookings call 03 5327 1200 or email reception@mercureballarat.com.au and quote RANZCP.

Supporters

We would like to sincerely thank the following organisations for their support.

Avant has supported doctors for over 130 years. We are Australia’s largest medical indemnity insurer, protecting over half of Australia’s doctors and are committed to a sustainable health system that provides quality care to the community. 

Avant offers a broad range of products and services tailored for doctors to protect and support them throughout their careers and lives. These include health and life insurance, practice solutions, lending and legal advice.

As a member-owned organisation, we are run to benefit our doctor members and the communities they serve. Any profits are reinvested to benefit members and healthcare in Australia.

At MIPS, we’re more than an indemnity provider. As a member-owned nonprofit organisation, our commitment is to safeguard healthcare professionals. We offer comprehensive protection, a supportive community, and expert advice, empowering our members to confidently navigate their profession’s challenges and rewards. During uncertain times, MIPS stands proudly by its members, protecting their purpose and ensuring peace of mind.   

Contact

Please direct any queries to the RANZCP Victorian Branch

Email: ranzcp.vic@ranzcp.org

Phone: 03 9601 4924