On behalf of the Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to join us at the RANZCP 2021 Congress in Hobart from 16–20 May 2021, where we’ll explore the theme ‘Influencing and being influenced by the world around us’.

Little did we know 18 months ago when we chose this theme for the 2020 Congress that it would be a harbinger of the events in 2020. The 2019-20 Australian bushfires, the global coronavirus pandemic and a series of other events have had dramatic effects on all of us, across our two countries.  When Tasmania was asked to host the 2021 Congress, we reflected on the theme and realised it was even more important to focus on the world around us as we come together to think about psychiatry’s place in a very changed world.

The last decade has seen psychiatrists become less visible as the number of non-medical clinicians have grown.  Yet, by virtue of the depth and breadth of our psychiatric expertise, psychiatrists are ideally placed to participate in public discourse, policy reform and service development to address the needs of people who live with mental illness.  Psychiatrists need to stand up and be influential. Over the last year a number of psychiatrists have become deeply involved in helping our countries respond to the dramatic changes that have occurred. In doing so, we need to be aware of and understand the influence of the world around us, and the impact of different generational attitudes, socio-political issues, religious, moral and cultural changes. Though sometimes superficial, they change the neural substrate of our experience and being.  The importance of understanding the complex interactions of our inner and outer worlds has never been more important and again forms the basis for the theme of the 2021 Congress.

Tasmania is a spectacular part of the world, renowned for its wonderful scenery, wilderness and wildlife, quiet pristine beaches, clean air, outstanding produce and vibrant art scene. The weather in May will be delightful if 2020 is anything to go by. 

Hobart is a regional city that has undergone a remarkable resurgence in the past decade and now prides itself on its unique cultural and historical heritage from renowned tourist attractions such as the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to the Historic Precinct at Port Arthur.  From the Salamanca Markets to the awe-inspiring views from Kunanyi/Mt Wellington to tours of Bruny Island and the coastline, there is a range of experiences for everyone to explore. 

The Congress offers an opportunity for Fellows, Trainees, Affiliates and other mental health professionals to explore innovation, research, clinical practice and hear from opinion leaders through the broader lens of how we influence and connect to the world around us. We will have links with the proud culture of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. We look forward to providing an academic program that stimulates debate, and discussion and interactions that are genuine as well as good-humoured, as has been the hallmark of our recent Congresses. This Congress promises to be the first that provides new ways of accessing the content of the academic program both in person and remotely, to allow as many of us as possible to share this important week of professional development. It is also our first Congress, designed form the outset, to be fully compliant with the Covid-19 safeguards.

Apart from the scientific program, there will be other opportunities to come together as a fellowship and include our many guests and the community in our activities. The social program will offer delegates the chance to enjoy the delights of this historic city and its surrounds, including a welcome reception and gala dinner. 

Tasmania is a small state with a lot to experience. We encourage you to take time to enjoy what the rest of the state has to offer including Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay, abundant national parks, the Overland Track, our unique wildlife and everything from paddock to plate. 

Congress is our annual coming together and gives us the opportunity to meet with friends, both new and old, to make new connections both national and international, and to reflect. It is a time to challenge our thoughts and build new knowledge. We look forward to welcoming you to Tasmania for the RANZCP 2021 Congress, confident that you will remember your time here with fondness. 

Dr Aaron Groves

Congress Convenor