Rural Generalist Recognised as Medical Specialists
On 23 September, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, made the welcome announcement that Rural Generalists will be officially recognised as a new speciality field within General Practice.
The change comes about following a Commonwealth funded joint application by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to apply to the Medical Board of Australia for this speciality recognition.
Following the Medical Board of Australia’s recommendation, all health ministers have now approved rural generalist medicine as a new field of practice within the specialty of general practice.
According to the Australian Government, more than 1800 doctors have commenced government-funded training to become a GP in 2025, and a quarter of these future GPs are training in the new general practice specialty of Rural Generalism, which is fantastic news for those of us who work and care for the health of remote and rural communities.
You can read the media release on the change.
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum
On Wednesday 3 September, I attended the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC). The forum was hosted by both BADAC CEO, Karen Heap (who is also a Board Director at Western Victoria Primary Health Network), and the Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.
The forum was well attended by representatives from across Victoria. It provided an opportunity to listen to Victorian Department of Health representatives on current initiatives, in addition to participating in group workshops on Action Plan initiatives.
I would like to acknowledge Karen Heap and BADAC for organising such an important event that provided a significant opportunity to engage and work together.
Primary Care Conference Registrations Now Closed
Thanks to everyone who has registered for this year’s Primary Care Conference in Ballarat on 10 and 11 October, registrations have now closed. We’ve had more than 250 health professionals from across our region register – which means it will be our largest event ever – so we’re really excited about meeting you all over what promises to be an inspiring and informative two days of education and learning.
Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO
1 October 2025