Vale –AOFOG is coming to Sydney in 2026

The best news to come out of the conference was that RANZCOG’s bid to host the AOFOG Congress in 2026 was successful. Hosting the Congress in Sydney will provide a platform for discussions on critical issues, and the chance to inspire by showcasing Australia and New Zealand’s cutting-edge research in gynaecology, obstetrics and reproductive sciences, and we look forward to welcoming our Asia and Oceania colleagues, families and friends to experience the vibrant and iconic city. Congratulations and thanks to all who have helped with the bid – members, College staff, Immediate Past President Dr Vijay Roach, Fellow Professor Kirsten Black, AOFOG and all AOFOG member countries, and our partners, Business Events Sydney, supported by the NSW Government and Tourism Australia. Check out RANZCOG’s video presentation. Bring on 2026!

Board strategy session

The Board, joined by the College staff leadership team, recently got together in Brisbane for a strategy session, to discuss the Operations Plan for the College. There is a lot happening across RANZCOG, and this will become an important document, outlining key projects and activities, that will sit alongside the RANZCOG Strategic Plan 2022–2024. It will be finalised in June.

Congratulations, New Fellows and New Subspecialists

While up north we held a New Fellows and Awards Presentation ceremony – congratulations to our New Fellows and New Subspecialists, and Awards recipients. Check out the photos on RANZCOG’s Instagram account.

Advocacy

There has been a lot of travel this month, for meetings either with members, trainees, College staff, health ministers, hospital executives or other stakeholders, taking me to Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane. You can keep up-to-date with the College’s advocacy efforts, and view pictures of meetings and events, through RANZCOG’s social media accounts – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

Vale – Dr Peter Scott

It is with deep regret that RANZCOG informs members of the death of Fellow Dr Peter Scott.

Peter’s contribution to the College was immense – he was the Integrated Training Program (ITP) co-ordinator at Canberra, a member of the NSW/ACT Training and Accreditation Committee and a Training Supervisor.

A highly regarded senior clinician, he was the Clinical Lead of the ACT/Southern transfer network. A consummate professional, he was a tremendous advocate for women in Canberra.

Peter was also an advocate for worldwide action to reduce maternal mortality; with other colleagues in Canberra, he was part of efforts to bring about a hospital in a poverty-stricken town in West Timor. He also taught skills to midwives and other maternity carers in the region.

His loss will be felt profoundly by the scores of people who worked with him and the many trainees who he mentored over the years. 

Our love goes out to his family and friends, colleagues, Canberra trainees, and all in the maternity and broader community who will deeply feel the loss of Peter.

Please read a tribute to Peter from one of his many colleagues, and close friend, Professor Steve Robson.

Annual Scientific Meetings

Registrations are open for October’s Annual Scientific Meeting, to be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s meeting, to be held in Christchurch in August. I’d encourage you to come along – RANZCOG events are a great way to keep on top of the latest research and trends in O&G, and offer the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends.

Until next time,

Ben