It was great to welcome all to Djeembana, our new Melbourne office, last week for July Council Week.

Board meetings, with all Directors present, a meeting of Councillors of 12th College Council, committee meetings, social gatherings – it was great to see so many familiar faces. For their tireless pro bono work on the College Board or its numerous committees, thanks to all Fellows, Diplomates and trainees, who continue to make outstanding contributions to women’s health, to training, and to the Fellowship. And a huge thanks, as always, to the dedicated College staff who ensure the week is run seamlessly.

While in Melbourne, CEO Vase Jovanoska, Diplomate Board Director Dr Judith Gardiner and I met Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney, taking the opportunity to discuss various projects for which the College has received Federal Government funding, as well as advocating for improvement of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items, in the interest of our patients and members.

At the end of June, I travelled to Canberra to attend the AMA Private Health Insurance Summit at Parliament House. Attendees at the Summit heard about proposals to reform the private health sector, and to establish a new independent body to ensure the sector is sustainable.

While in Australia’s capital, it was a pleasure to meet some of the registrar team at Canberra Hospital. We are working to progress several of their considered initiatives to support trainee and Fellow wellbeing.

Next month I am looking forward to retuning to New Zealand and visiting Ōtautahi Christchurch for the Aotearoa ASM and Board meeting. Taking place on 22-23 August, the ASM programme will feature: doing things differently in women’s health; learning from adverse events, changing O&G culture; and much more. There is still time to register; I look forward to seeing many of you there.

I’ll be taking the opportunity over the next three weeks of my personal break to meet with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in Zurich, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London, and the Obstetrical & Gynecological Society of Singapore (OGSS).

Until next time,

Ben