On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to join us at the RANZCP 2019 Congress: ‘Continuity in a world of change: culture, diversity and mutual learning’.
Congress is being hosted in Cairns from 12–16 May 2019. This is a beautiful part of the world and the weather in May will be delightful. Besides being a vibrant regional city, Cairns is a hub for tropical, rural and remote psychiatry. In this relaxed atmosphere you can explore innovation, basic and translational research, and clinical practice through the broader lens of culture and continuity. We will link with the strong culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reach out to our neighbours in the Asia–Pacific region. Added to this, eminent international and national speakers will stimulate, inform and challenge. As always, we look forward to interacting in serious and good-humoured debates and seminars that have become a feature of our Congress.
The impressive branding artwork, Forces of nature, by local artist Arone Meeks speaks to us of cross-cultural interaction, relationships, gender, traditional and modern spirituality, and the environment. How does this apply in our practice? How do we keep the link with what is good and still respects the diversity of people’s experience in a world where change – both invited and uninvited – is a constant presence?
Besides the scientific program there will be many opportunities to come together as a College and include our many guests and the community. The social program will offer delegates the chance to enjoy the delights of this tropical city, with a welcome reception and gala dinner. And we encourage you to take time to enjoy the reef, rainforest and local culture before or after the conference.
Please take this opportunity to meet with new and old friends, and also to challenge and build your knowledge. You can meet senior national and international clinicians and researchers, as well as those just starting out in their career. For our international friends and those from other disciplines, you can expect a warm welcome.
We welcome you to Queensland for the RANZCP 2019 Congress. We know you will enjoy it.