As I write this newsletter submission, many Tasmanians are literally picking up the pieces after the wild weather which battered the state recently. Wherever you are I hope you have the lights back on and have managed to avoid any catastrophic incidents or losses. Our strength as a profession is in our collegiality, and we are here to help in any way possible, so please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to support you.

The last month has again been a hive of activity in the Tasmanian Faculty, with the annual Women’s Weekend in Bothwell, coordinated by Georgie, Alex and Emma, a roaring success. Female GPs came from all around the state to enjoy a weekend of networking and meaningful evidence-based updates in menopause delivered by some of the leading figures in women’s health in Australia. The event afforded colleagues a chance to take a break from their packed daily schedules to enjoy time connecting with one another, and plans are already underway for next year’s event. We also hosted a Registrar connection event for our GPs in Training at Aura Hobart, which allowed our Registrars a chance to meet informally and connect with their peers. We look forward to hosting further networking and CPD events in future, and as always welcome your feedback on ideas for education and future events.

News from the board, our newly elected RACGP President is Dr Michael Wright. Dr Wright is an experienced working GP based in Sydney with a strong background as a health economist. Michael has chaired the College’s Expert Committee for Funding and Health System Reform and was Deputy Chair of the NSW/ACT Faculty Council for many years. He brings this expertise with him as he embarks on an ambitious agenda to help reform Medicare to create a sustainable GP workforce going forward.

The board will be meeting in Canberra early next month in preparation for the release of the annual Health of the Nation report, the seminal College publication that provides insight into the state of General Practice in Australia and the issues that affect us all. I look forward to being there for its release with my fellow board members and our President-elect, as we work with policy makers to strengthen primary healthcare in Australia.

Toby Gardner
Chair, RACGP Tasmania