Our Community Reference Group supports the College to deliver programs and activities that promote the best possible healthcare outcomes for rural and remote people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Community Reference Group members are diverse in location, age, background and interests. Their unique community perspectives are invaluable in keeping the College informed of community priorities and needs. The group provides a conduit for strengthening community partnerships, and a vehicle for community input and advocacy in College operations.
Meetings are held quarterly by videoconference, with ongoing informal email discussion where members raise issues of interest as well as responding to requests for feedback from the College. The Group reports directly to the College Council.
“There are some communities that are “lucky” when it comes to healthcare and others that don’t fare so well. Like many issues, if a community bands together and understands its current healthcare, the communities needs, the resources they have and where they want to get to, they can put some great options to make sure their health is looked after"
Angus (Gus) Whyte
Community Reference Group Locations
| MMM1 | Metropolitan |
| MMM2 | Regional centres |
| MMM3 | Large rural towns |
| MMM4 | Medium rural towns |
| MMM5 | Small rural towns |
| MMM6 | Remote communities |
| MMM7 | Very remote communities |
Scope and responsibilities
The Community Reference Group:
- Provides advice to the College Board, Council, and relevant Committees to ensure activities and programs continue to reflect community priorities and needs
- Informs the College about important concerns for communities that could be supported through College activities
- Facilitates the College’s engagement and consultation with a broad pool of rural and remote consumers, though consumer representation opportunities such as workshops and focus groups
- Raises community awareness of the College, its activities, and rural generalist medicine more broadly.
ACRRM acknowledges its reciprocal responsibilities in terms of making a positive contribution to rural and remote communities as well as receiving community advice and input.
Interested in Joining the CRG?
The ACRRM Community Reference Group provides an opportunity for rural and remote Australians of all ages, interests and backgrounds to engage in communication and provide feedback, suggestions and advice to the College.
New members are always welcome and you can engage at a level which fits in with your lifestyle and other commitments. You can express interest in joining the Community Reference Group below or contact community@acrrm.org.au for more information about the Group.
Useful Links
Read about ACRRM’s Policy Priorities for rural and remote Australia. Find out how to get involved in advocacyfor your community.
Contact us
ACRRM's Community Reference Group embeds community perspectives in the work of the College and can represent rural and remote community views at local, state or territory and national level.