6-13 July
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff live, work, and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise these lands and waters have always been places of teaching, healing, and cultural connection.
ACRRM proudly joins communities across the country in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025, honouring the strength, vision, and legacy of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Now in its 50th year, NAIDOC Week offers the College a time to reflect on its ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in their journey to becoming Rural Generalists, delivering culturally safe, community-led care across rural and remote Australia.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says evidence shows health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improved when care is provided by clinicians who have a strong understanding of First Nations’ cultural background and understanding.
“Our vision for healthier rural, remote, and First Nations communities is deeply grounded in growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rural Generalist workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“We’ve seen a remarkable 40 per cent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars joining the ACRRM Fellowship Program over the past 12 months. “This is a clear sign of progress, and of the trust being placed in our culturally safe Fellowship training program.”
Dr Martin says ACRRM’s work doesn’t stop at recruitment.
“Cultural safety is not a box to tick—it’s a lifelong journey grounded in truth-telling, deep listening, and respect. “We are committed to embedding cultural knowledge and self-determination across all parts of our College.
“Since our foundation, we have proudly championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in rural health.
“We honour the guidance and contributions of founding member Dr Louis Peachey; our inaugural First Nations Healthcare award winner Dr Rob James; College Board director Dr Danielle Dries; Council representative, Dr Patricia Murphy; and so many others who lead and walk alongside us.”
He also acknowledges the College’s valued partnerships and community connections.
“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members Group, Joint College Training Services, and partner organisations such as the Cultural Educators and Cultural Mentors Network and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are at the heart of shaping our curriculum, our standards, and our vision,” Dr Martin says.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff live, work, and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise these lands and waters have always been places of teaching, healing, and cultural connection.
ACRRM proudly joins communities across the country in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025, honouring the strength, vision, and legacy of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Now in its 50th year, NAIDOC Week offers the College a time to reflect on its ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in their journey to becoming Rural Generalists, delivering culturally safe, community-led care across rural and remote Australia.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says evidence shows health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improved when care is provided by clinicians who have a strong understanding of First Nations’ cultural background and understanding.
“Our vision for healthier rural, remote, and First Nations communities is deeply grounded in growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rural Generalist workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“We’ve seen a remarkable 40 per cent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars joining the ACRRM Fellowship Program over the past 12 months. “This is a clear sign of progress, and of the trust being placed in our culturally safe Fellowship training program.”
Dr Martin says ACRRM’s work doesn’t stop at recruitment.
“Cultural safety is not a box to tick—it’s a lifelong journey grounded in truth-telling, deep listening, and respect. “We are committed to embedding cultural knowledge and self-determination across all parts of our College.
“Since our foundation, we have proudly championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in rural health.
“We honour the guidance and contributions of founding member Dr Louis Peachey; our inaugural First Nations Healthcare award winner Dr Rob James; College Board director Dr Danielle Dries; Council representative, Dr Patricia Murphy; and so many others who lead and walk alongside us.”
He also acknowledges the College’s valued partnerships and community connections.
“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members Group, Joint College Training Services, and partner organisations such as the Cultural Educators and Cultural Mentors Network and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are at the heart of shaping our curriculum, our standards, and our vision,” Dr Martin says.