I recently attended the National Single Employer Model (SEM) Summit 2026 in Devonport, Tasmania. The summit brought together governments, colleges, training organisations and rural health stakeholders from across Australia under the theme ‘Strengthening, sustaining, strategising: Shaping the future of Australia’s rural medical workforce.’ 

Discussions focused on how single employer models can support a more sustainable and coordinated training pipeline, improve workforce retention and distribution, and strengthen the future of rural medicine. It was valuable to contribute RACGP Rural’s perspective and hear about innovations and lessons emerging from jurisdictions around the country. 

Following the summit, I attended the Tasmanian Rural Health Conference, which celebrated the theme ‘Generalism: Courage, continuity and connection.’ The conference provided an excellent opportunity to engage with rural health professionals and showcase the important role of generalist practitioners in supporting rural and regional communities. 

One of the highlights was the RACGP member breakfast. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and to have the opportunity to meet and chat with members face to face. These conversations are invaluable in ensuring our advocacy and activities remain informed by the experiences, challenges and successes of members working across rural and remote Australia. Thank you to everyone who attended and took the time to share their perspectives.

Associate Professor Michael Clements
Chair of RACGP Rural

Congratulations to our Rural Generalist New Fellows

Congratulations to our new Rural Generalist Fellows who completed FRACGP-RG in May.  

Becoming Academic: A rural GP’s Journey to teaching and discovery

RACGP Rural’s Doctors for Women in Rural Medicine (DWRM) Committee invites you to join us at our next online member meet-up.  

You’ll hear from three women GPs who have transitioned from rural practice into academia, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with your peers from across the country. 

Date: Thursday 23 July
Time: 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm AEST
Location: Online via Zoom

If you’d like to find out more about the DWRM, and catch up on the recordings of some of our previous member meet-ups, visit the RACGP website or join the DWRM Facebook group.

Exchange of knowledge with our nearest neighbour

The RACGP welcomed representatives from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) on 2 June during their four-day visit exploring rural health education, clinical training and workforce pathways. 

The delegation included UPNG Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor Nakapi Tefuarani and colleagues. 

Leading the group was Dr David Mills (FRACGP/FARGP), who is a lecturer at UPNG, with 23 years’ experience as a district doctor in the PNG highlands. He provided a history of the University’s journey and shared the latest news of opening a second private medical school and beginning the Masters of Medicine (Rural). 

The group met with RACGP Rural Censor Dr Ken Wanguhu and local SA staff to exchange knowledge about training pathways, the rural generalist curriculum and workforce trends. The dynamic discussion covered the rewards of developing a medical education community, working rurally and meeting the needs of vast and diverse communities.  

This opportunity highlighted a mutual understanding of delivering education to a rural and remote workforce and the shared commitment to building strong and sustainable communities.  

The RACGP is proud to have had a longstanding relationship with UPNG, and it was pleasing to hear how far their program has developed over the years.  

The UPNG team went on to visit local University medical schools, and travelled to rural areas of Mount Barker, Renmark, Waikerie and Mount Gambier.

Procedural skills grant for obstetrics are closing soon

The GP Procedural Training Support Program (GPPTSP) provides $40,000 for eligible Fellows, to support completion of the RANZCOG Associate Training Program (Advanced Procedural). 

The GPPTSP aims to improve access to obstetric and anaesthetic services for women living in rural and remote communities by supporting Fellows to attain relevant procedural skills. 

Eligibility 

To be considered, applicants must be working principally in MM 3–7 areas and have achieved Fellowship of the RACGP or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. 

How to apply 

Applications are open on the RANZCOG website until 31 July. 

Rural Procedural Grants Program – End of financial year claiming dates

The final date to submit claims for inclusion in the last payment run of the 2025–26 financial year has passed, we’d now like to remind you of several key dates to help with the transition into the new financial year. 

Key dates to remember 

• 25 June: This marks the final payment run for 2025–26 financial year claims 
• 1 July: Activities attended from this date will fall into the new financial year grant allocation 
• 9 July: Any claims submitted after the June cut-off will be processed in the first payment run of the new financial year (2026–27) 

You can claim for the current financial year and the previous financial year if you were registered in the program at the time. From 1 July 2026, claims from the 2024–25 financial year are no longer accepted, however you can still claim for 2025–26 financial year attended activities until next financial year end.   Visit the RPGP website to check your eligibility for the program and learn more.  

Need assistance? Email the team at rural.procedural.grants@racgp.org.au.

AUSLARC training scholarships

AUSLARC training scholarships are now available through an outreach model. 

Led by Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia in partnership with the RACGP, AUSLARC continues to provide fully funded contraceptive implant and IUD training for eligible health professionals in rural and regional NSW, Qld, Vic, WA and NT.  

This means eligible clinicians in participating states and territories can access training closer to home, at their workplace or a nearby location, with state and territory organisations delivering:  

• contraceptive implant theory and simulation 
• contraceptive implant clinical attachment  
• ​IUD theory and clinical attachment. 

Clinicians from the same workplace or region are welcome to apply as a group, though individual applications must be submitted by each applicant.  

Funded by the Australian Government. Find eligibility requirements, application steps and information at srha.org.au/auslarc. 

Support at Home resources for GPs

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released new GP resources on the Support at Home program, including referral guidance and information about the End-of-Life Pathway. The resources aim to support GPs caring for older patients who wish to remain at home. Visit the Department’s Support at Home webpage for more information. 

Register for GP26 ahead of EOFY

GP26 is heading to Adelaide from Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November, with the RACGP AGM and pre-conference workshops on Thursday 19 November. This year’s conference will bring the profession together to celebrate its central role in healthcare, explore new innovations, and share ideas for a sustainable future for general practice.   

GPADD 2026 early bird registrations are now open until 19 July

Join us on 28–29 August in Melbourne for the 2026 GPADD Conference. 

The 2026 General Practice in Addiction (GPADD) Conference brings together GPs and health professionals for two days of practical, evidence-based learning in alcohol and other drug (AOD) care. Build your skills and connect with peers across the health sector.  

This year’s theme, ‘the bread and butter of AOD in general practice,’ highlights the central role of primary care in addiction management and focuses on practical strategies for everyday consultations. 

This conference is an approved CPD activity with 11 EA, 2.5 RP and 5 MO hours. 

Read the full program and secure your ticket today. 

Join the next webinar in the NAATSIHWP series

The National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners, with the RACGP, is hosting a three-part webinar series to support the effective integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners into models of care.   

Missed the first two webinars?  Catch up on Module One and Module Two and register now for the next live webinar on 25 June, 7.30–8.30 pm (AEST). 

New resources to support mental health care for specific populations

The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration has developed five practical, population-specific resources to support culturally safe, trauma-informed mental health care for: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
• refugees and asylum seekers 
• LGBTQIA+ patients 
• veterans 
• culturally and linguistically diverse patients. 

Each resource includes guidance for patient-centred consultations, along with referral pathways to support Mental Health Treatment Plans. 

President nominations now open

Eligible members are encouraged to consider nominating in the upcoming RACGP President elections. Serving as President is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the College, represent members and advocate for stronger general practice and better health outcomes across Australia. Visit the RACGP website to learn more about the nomination process, eligibility requirements and the role of President. 

NAIDOC Week begins 5 July

This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’ celebrates five decades of honouring and elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, culture and achievements.   

Keep an eye out for upcoming activities, resources and opportunities to celebrate and reflect together.  

Introduction to point-of-care ultrasound – Bendigo, Vic

This full-day workshop will increase your understanding of the applications of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnostic process. Capped at 30 participants to allow increased hands-on experience, experts will guide you through its diverse applications in rural primary care. You’ll be introduced to basic techniques using Butterfly iQ+ mobile ultrasound equipment provided by our sponsor Big Green.  

Participants will rotate through six ultrasound skills stations, including:  

• eFast  
• deep venous thrombosis  
• heart and lung ultrasound  
• intravenous line placement and foreign object retrieval  
• musculoskeletal soft tissue  
• first trimester transabdominal obstetric ultrasound. 

CPD and grants 

This workshop is an RACGP CPD accredited activity, eligible for 10 CPD hours (5 hours EA and RP) and is approved for all categories of the Rural Procedural Grants Program.