Outstanding doctors who embody the skill, dedication, and community spirit of Rural Generalist Medicine have been recognised.

Rural and remote communities thrive because of people who go above and beyond. We’re proud to announce the state recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards, recognising remarkable leadership, clinical excellence, teaching and supervision, innovation, and community impact.

Congratulations to each recipient and to all nominees who continually lift the standard of care across Australia.

All state recipients went into the running for the national award for their relevant category, presented at Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) in Perth on 24 October.

 

These students were awarded because they are highly engaged in their studies with a clear focus on becoming a Rural Generalist. They demonstrate strong commitment to training in rural and remote locations and show leadership by actively contributing to their community.

Read more in our media release.

Awarded to an ACRRM registrar who is highly engaged in their training and Fellowship progression, with a strong commitment to rural, remote, and First Nations communities. They demonstrate outstanding patient care, leadership in their region, advocacy for registrars, and active contribution to the delivery of the ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship Program.

Read more in our media release.

Awarded to a doctor who demonstrates excellence in best-practice care across rural, remote, and First Nations communities. They bring a broad scope of skills, deep commitment to community-centred care, and a strong understanding of the unique challenges of rural health. Their dedication to improving access and outcomes often sees them go above and beyond for their patients and communities.

Awarded to a medical educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to delivering ACRRM training and supporting registrars on their Fellowship journey. They show strong leadership in medical education, particularly in rural and remote contexts, and play a vital role in upskilling and guiding the next generation of Rural Generalists.

  • Dr David Warhurst (SA)
  • Dr John Kelly (NT)
  • Dr Peter Arvier (TAS) - National Winner
  • Dr Dominic Matildis Blanks (VIC)
  • Dr Susan Tyler-Freer (NSW/ACT)
Read more in our media release.

A national honour that celebrates a Practice Manager who leads an ACRRM-accredited training facility that consistently meets all accreditation standards, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the education, supervision, and support of ACRRM registrars and their supervising Fellows.

Their dedication ensures that rural and remote communities continue to benefit from exceptional training environments and strong, sustainable models of Rural Generalist practice.

This national award recognises an individual who demonstrates outstanding expertise and commitment to delivering best practice care for First Nations communities. The recipient has shown a deep understanding of the social, historical, and cultural factors influencing health outcomes and has built strong, trusted connections that support the delivery of culturally safe and effective care for First Nations peoples.

This national award honours an individual who has made exceptional contributions to rural and remote health research. The recipient’s work advances knowledge, enhances healthcare practice, and delivers meaningful impact for rural, remote and First Nations communities across Australia.

  • Dr Revathy Carnagarin

Member Recognition

 

The Distinguished Service Awards recognise Fellows, members, or non-medical persons who have provided a specific and significant contribution to rural, remote and First Nations medicine.

  • A/Prof Marlene Drysdale, Dr Malcolm Fairleigh, and Dr Kenneth McCallum

Read more in our media release.

The Peter Graham 'Cohuna' Award recognises members or Fellows who have provided outstanding advocacy and medical service to their community to ensure the maintenance of the highest quality of generalist skills, particularly in procedural practice. This award is offered in honour of the late Dr Peter Graham, AO, who passed away in 2008, aged 80. Peter provided dedicated service as a doctor in Cohuna, in rural Victoria, for nearly 50 years.