Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) - 19 - 21 October 2025

The ACRRM Emerging Leaders Conference is a new, annual event designed to support recently Fellowed members who are ready to grow their leadership potential.

This prestigious, by-application opportunity is for doctors who want to make an impact — not only within the College, but across the broader health system. Whether you're interested in advocacy, education, systems leadership or service innovation, this conference provides the tools, support, and networks to help you lead with confidence.

Held at the Samphire on Rottnest Island in Western Australia, the conference offers an immersive, collegial environment where you’ll learn alongside peers, mentors, and experienced ACRRM Fellows.

 

Program

A two-and-a-half-day program intentionally scheduled the weekend before Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) Conference providing a unique opportunity for attendees and facilitators to come together and learn.

*Program subject to change in lead-up to conference.

  • Ferry Fremantle to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) - all attendees expected on the 11:00am ferry
  • Program commences from midday:
  • Welcome to Country
  • ‘Ice breaker’ activity

  • Welcome Session: Dr Claire Arundell

  • Session 1A and 1B: Leading Yourself session and Ferocious Warmth workshop: Tracey Ezard

  • Welcome dinner
  • Morning activity pre-breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome to Day 2: Dr Emily Harrison
  • Session 2A and 2B: Engaging Others and Ferocious Warmth workshop continued: Dr Emily Harrison & Tracey Ezard
  • Speaker: Medical indemnity panel
  • Session 3: Achieving Outcomes

    • First Nations Leadership – Dr Louis Peachey

    • Strategic Leadership Lessons – Dr Jarrad Lenegan

  • Dinner
  • Morning activity pre-breakfast
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome to Day 3: Dr Shannon Nott
  • Session 4: Driving Innovation: Dr Jeff Ayton & Dr Shannon Nott
  • Session 5: Shaping Systems: Prof Lucie Walters & Dr Sarah Chalmers
  • Departures to Fremantle ahead of RMA - 2:30pm ferry 

 

Meet our 2025 Emerging Leaders

Meet the Rural Generalists from around Australia who have been selected to attend the inaugural Emerging Leaders Conference.

 

 

Backed by rural leaders

The conference is guided by respected recent ACRRM Fellows who are active members of the College’s Board and Council (pictured below): Dr Claire Arundell, Dr Shannon Nott, Dr Emily Harrison and Dr Jarrad Lenegan.

Their vision is to equip the next generation of rural doctors to take on leadership roles early and with confidence — ensuring ACRRM voices are represented at every table where decisions are made.

 

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Tag-Dollar-1--Streamline-UltimateA Funded Experience

Successful applicants will receive a bursary from the College covering conference costs, including transport to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) from Fremantle, accommodation and catering.

Attendees will be required to fund their own travel to the city of Perth and any accommodation required due to flight arrivals. This event has been placed on the weekend before RMA, to avoid duplication of travel expenses. Costs associated with RMA attendance are not included.

 

Requirements for attendance

  1. Commitment to attend the entire ELC and participate fully
  2. Commitment to attend RMA at the completion of the ELC
  3. Completion of a post-event evaluation and testimonial
  4. Participation in follow up interviews and engagement by College staff, to profile and track outcomes 

We welcome and encourage parents with newborns and their support person. Due to the immersive nature of the conference, unfortunately family members including small children, are not otherwise permitted to attend.  

Who is this for?

This conference is relevant for new Fellows seeking support, confidence and tools to develop their leadership journey. It is not anticipated that candidates would already have substantial leadership experience, although that would not exclude you from participating. The program is designed to ensure a safe environment for sharing regardless of your experience.

 

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Why apply?

  • Build leadership confidence and capabilities in a supportive, inspiring setting
  • Learn to navigate complexity, foster change, and shape future systems
  • Connect with College leaders, expert facilitators, and other new Fellows
  • Be recognised as an emerging leader in rural, remote and First Nations healthcare.