TRHC25
Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2025
The Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together rural health practitioners, educators, and policymakers from across the state. Hosted in partnership with the Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway, The People Project, and the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania, the event showcased the vital work of multidisciplinary teams delivering health care in rural and remote communities.
The conference featured a rich program of keynote presentations, plenaries, and hands-on workshops, with several standout highlights:
- Keynote from the National Rural Health Commissioner, Prof Jenny May AM – inspiring attendees with a vision for rural health innovation and collaboration.
- Prof David Blacker AM in the Mersey & Torquay Rooms – sharing insights into the latest research and best practice in rural health care delivery.
- Plenary session on Alzheimer’s disease by Dr Rebecca Moore, Dementia Training Australia – exploring the changing landscape of dementia care and practical strategies for clinicians.
- Rural Generalist Training and Advanced Skills Opportunities – sessions led by Dr Lia Freestone and Dr Brian Treanor highlighting pathways for registrars to build careers in rural Tasmania.
- Practical clinical workshops – including emergency birthing with Dr Anna Carswell, multi-disciplinary Parkinson’s disease management with Prof Jan Radford and Dr Frank Nicklason, and spirometry and musculoskeletal skills with RACGP experts.
- Creative and networking experiences – including sessions at the Devonport Regional Gallery and networking drinks, fostering collaboration and community among attendees.
The conference reinforced the importance of collective impact, collaboration, and ongoing support for Tasmania’s rural health workforce. Delegates left inspired, equipped with new skills, and connected with colleagues across the sector.
The Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2025 demonstrated once again the power of partnerships and the dedication of health practitioners who are the lifeblood of Tasmania’s rural communities.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, praised the dedication of Tasmania’s rural health workforce, saying:
“I want to recognise the dedication, expertise and passion that all health practitioners show when delivering health services to our rural and remote communities, and delivering training to the next generation of rural practitioners.”
The Minister’s comments echoed the sentiment felt throughout the conference, recognising not only the clinical excellence of Tasmania’s rural health workforce but also their commitment to teaching, mentoring, and sustaining care in communities where it matters most. Her acknowledgement reinforced the value of continued investment in rural training pathways and collaborative models of care that ensure Tasmanians, no matter where they live, have access to high-quality, locally delivered health services.