ACRRM is launching a brand new conference for Rural Generalists and rural GPs with specialised skills in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
AST ObsGyn 2026 will run from 21–23 May 2026 at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, NSW, combining clinical skills workshops, lectures, scenarios and networking to support credentialling, MOPS requirements and RPGP eligibility.
Register your interest to be the first to receive program and registration updates.
Extreme weather increasing health risks in rural and remote Australia
ACRRM says extreme weather across Australia is increasing health risks for rural, remote and First Nations communities and placing growing pressure on local health services.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says prolonged and severe weather events from flooding and heatwaves, are already affecting the health of rural communities and will continue to have lasting impacts.
“Australia’s often wild weather increases the risk of serious illness and injury, particularly for people with chronic conditions, older Australians, and those with limited access to care,” Dr Martin says.
New in 2026: Strengthen your emergency skills in Brisbane
ACRRM is introducing three new clinical training courses in Brisbane from February 2026, designed to build confidence and capability in high-stakes emergency scenarios common to rural and remote practice.
With blended learning, hands-on workshops and simulation-based scenarios, these courses support clinicians who may be required to act quickly and independently when managing obstetric, neonatal and airway emergencies.
Rural Emergency Obstetric Training (REOT) Brisbane | Wednesday 18 February 2026
A refreshed and updated program that builds capability in managing late-pregnancy complications, obstetric emergencies, and neonatal resuscitation for first responders. Register now
Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation Brisbane | Thursday 19 February 2026
A practical, simulation-rich course aligned to ANZCOR guidelines, strengthening confidence in newborn deterioration, airway management, vascular access and stabilisation in rural settings. Register now
Notice of Medicare Compliance early intervention activity
In January 2026, The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Benefits Integrity Division is systematically reviewing claims made for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items. These reviews allow the Department to design comprehensive compliance approaches ranging from light touch interventions such as provider education and early intervention letters, through to audits and investigations in the small number of cases where practitioners are intentionally non-compliant.
The department plans to send information letters to General Practitioners (GPs) who are at risk for potential inappropriate practice and referral to the Director of Professional Services Review (DPSR) by exceeding the prescribed pattern of services rule (the 80/20 rules).
Providers who are approaching the 80/20 threshold for the relevant 12-month data period will be sent an early intervention letter advising of this and directing them to a range of online resources to help them review their servicing behaviours.
Reminder: BBPIP providers to add their bank account details to Services Australia
Providers registered for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) are reminded they must add bank account details on the Services Australia website to receive their first BBPIP incentive payment in January 2026.
Providers must add bank account details for the MyMedicare Incentives program at each BBPIP participating practice location where they work.
From 1 January 2026, certain health services will no longer need prior financial approval from DVA before the treatment can be delivered to an eligible Veteran Card holder. These services will be added to the DVA Fee Schedules for Medical Services and can be claimed by registered providers through usual claiming channels. The updated fee schedules can be found on the DVA website.
ACRRM in action
Intern orientation across Australia
ACRRM engagement teams in QLD, WA and VIC have been out and about this week meeting with interns during orientation week and sharing the ACRRM and RG story!
Kicking off for 2026 - HEART
Rural medicine is demanding — HEART helps you sustain yourself within it.
Kicking off from 27 January, HEART is open for its first 2026 four-week online delivery, designed to support professional wellbeing in rural practice.
Grounded in systems theory, human factors and applied psychology, HEART builds practical skills to deepen reflection, strengthen self-awareness and develop strategies for meaningful, sustainable change.
Across four modules, you’ll explore professional identity, rural healthcare culture, teamwork and psychological safety, and tools to manage burnout, compassion fatigue and boundaries — with a clear focus on what you can control and influence.
Webinar: Update on management of infected wounds and venous ulcers
Thursday 19 February at 7:00pm AEST
Join Dr Dan Kennedy, Plastic Surgeon, for a practical, clinically focused update tailored to rural and remote GPs. This 90-minute webinar addresses common, challenging presentations in general practice—infected wounds and venous ulcers—using evidence-informed, resource-sensitive approaches.
Fellows Invited to Nominate for National Infection Control Group
ACRRM invites expressions of interest from Fellows who would like to nominate to become a member of Australian Commission of Safety and Quality, Reference Group on Infection Control (ACSQH).
The ACSQH purpose is to support the update of the Australian Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (AICGs).
If you are interested in nominating for this Reference Group, please submit a short expression of interest and your CV to policy@acrrm.org.au by no later than 10 January 2026.
EOI New Fellow for Australian Medical Council Specialist Education Accreditation Committee
The Australian Medical Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from New Fellows of a Specialist Medical College, who has completed specialist medical training within the last 12 months to join our Specialist Education Accreditation Committee.
Details on the role and how to apply are provided in the attached notice and on the AMC website.
We would appreciate your assistance in distributing these notices to your networks as well as your support in encouraging suitable persons to apply.
Expressions of interest for this role close on Friday 30 January 2026.
ACRRM acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff work and live across Australia. We pay respect to their elders, lores, customs and Dreaming. We recognise these lands and waters have always been a place of teaching, learning, and healing.
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