Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.

  • Tasmanian doctor recognised as Rural Registrar of the Year
    Dec 9, 2020
    Tasmanian Rural Generalist (RG) Dr Aaron Hawkins is the recipient of the 2020 Rural Registrar of the Year Award, presented by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), for demonstrating outstanding leadership and advocacy in the field of rural and remote medicine.
  • Medical students Mikaela Borgas and Jasmyn Lloyd take out prestigious 2020 President’s Prize award
    Dec 8, 2020
    ACRRM is pleased to introduce 2020 President’s Prize winners Mikaela Borgas and Jasmyn Lloyd. Selected from a large number of high calibre applications by Immediate Past President Dr Ewen McPhee, the President’s Prize recognises a medical student’s commitment to continuing a career in rural generalism.
  • ACRRM congratulates Veeraja Uppal: 2020 Distinguished Service Award recipient
    Dec 8, 2020
    ACRRM congratulates Veeraja Uppal who is one of the recipients of the 2020 Distinguished Service Award for his significant contribution to rural and remote medicine over the past two decades. As Special Projects Development Officer at the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), Veeraja manages the operation and delivery of the Targeted Recruitment strategy to recruit doctors and improve access to medical services to rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
  • ACRRM 2020 Distinguished Service Award presented to Proserpine’s Dr Deborah Simmons
    Dec 8, 2020
    Dr Deborah Simmons from Proserpine, Queensland, has been presented with an Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2020 Distinguished Service Award for her significant contribution to rural and remote medicine and general service to the community. Dr Simmons' notable contribution spans from developing ACRRM’s Rural Anaesthetic Crisis Management course to her recent response efforts at the Moranbah mine.
  • ACRRM Distinguished Service Award presented to the NT’s Dr Jim Thurley
    Dec 8, 2020
    Dr Jim Thurley of the Northern Territory (NT) has been recognised by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) with a 2020 Distinguished Service Award for his considerable contribution to Rural Emergency Skills Training (REST). Dr Thurley’s passion to ensure the next generation of Rural Generalists has access to high quality training was a crucial factor leading to the REST course being established in the Northern Territory and South Africa. His work on the REST Standards and Development Committee is also a notable contribution to general practice training standards.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Surprise outbreak + open borders: don’t drop your guard on COVID just yet
    Nov 25, 2020
    Last week’s surprise outbreak of a COVID cluster in Adelaide – combined with the re-opening of more state borders – makes it critical that Australians do not let their guard down on coronavirus. ACRRM and RDAA​ warned today that, as restrictions are eased, there is potential for coronavirus to spread quickly again if Australians simply think the crisis is over and don’t take the necessary precautions.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Rural South Australians urged to be COVID cautious after Adelaide outbreak
    Nov 18, 2020
    Country South Australians should ensure they are doing everything they can to be COVID safe – and avoid unnecessary travel to Adelaide – following the jump in cases in the city, the RDAA and ACRRM warned today.
  • ACRRM Supports Rural Health Commissioner’s call to improve rural maternity services
    Nov 17, 2020
    The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) congratulates National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Ruth Stewart on her maiden speech at the National Rural Press Club today, where she raised awareness of the need to act quickly to improve maternity services in rural and remote communities.
  • ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee acknowledged for his leadership
    Nov 17, 2020
    The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) proudly acknowledges the strong and effective leadership, guidance and advocacy Dr Ewen McPhee demonstrated during his term as President.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Hayfever, common cold or COVID? Step up and be tested!
    Nov 11, 2020
    With a Spring that has been full of pollen, and warmer days but cooler nights, you could be forgiven for thinking you have hayfever or even just the common cold – rather than COVID-19. But as more Australians get out of the house (and lockdown), and socialise and travel again, getting tested for COVID is crucial in preventing another wave of the pandemic, ACRRM and the RDAA warned today.
  • ACRRM strives for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in NAIDOC Week.
    Nov 5, 2020
    ACRRM confirms its commitment to reconciliation and to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ahead of NAIDOC week.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Be COVID safe now to ensure a ‘normal’ Christmas
    Oct 28, 2020
    With only 9 weeks remaining until Christmas, and more COVID restrictions being eased, Australians must stay vigilant about COVID safety now if they are to enjoy a ‘normal’ Christmas and summer holiday this year. That’s the warning today from ACRRM and the RDAA, as public complacency shapes up as a critical factor in whether the pandemic can be kept under control in Australia in the months ahead.
  • ACRRM welcomes budget announcements
    Oct 7, 2020
    ACRRM acknowledges the Government’s continued investment in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Federal Budget and welcomes its commitment to address the current workforce maldistribution; promote longer term reform and support infrastructure and services that will address the healthcare needs of all Australians who live outside the urban footprint.
  • ACRRM announces new College representatives
    Sep 30, 2020
    The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is pleased to announce new appointments to the College Board, Council and Registrars’ Committee.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Don’t border on irresponsible: Keep up the COVID tests!
    Sep 23, 2020
    With more state borders reopening, border bubbles being expanded and school holidays starting, Australia’s peak rural medical bodies are urging rural Australians to keep getting tested for COVID-19…even if they are only showing the mildest of symptoms.
  • Rural Health Outreach Fund extension supports ACRRM Tele-Derm delivery
    Sep 22, 2020
    Today’s announcement of a $115 million extension to the Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF) is welcomed by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
  • Telehealth extension welcomed by rural and remote doctors
    Sep 18, 2020
    ACRRM supports today’s announcement of a six-month extension to Medicare-subsidised telehealth to facilitate access to vital primary health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • JOINT RELEASE: Don’t fake it till you make it! Be COVID responsible
    Sep 17, 2020
    Rural doctors are asking patients to be honest about any cold and flu-like symptoms they may have when visiting a hospital or doctor. Dr Adam Coltzau, Clinical Lead of the COVID-19 Rural and Remote Response, said that it was essential that patients always be honest about any symptoms they may be suffering.
  • Rural GPs pay tribute to community nurses
    Sep 16, 2020
    The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) proudly supports Nursing in the Community Week and acknowledges the integral role nurses play in health care teams and patient care in rural communities.
  • ACRRM acknowledges announcement of incoming RACGP President
    Sep 10, 2020
    ACRRM congratulates Dr Karen Price on being elected as the incoming President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).