The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has announced the inaugural recipients of its Rural Generalist Medical Educator of the Year state awards, celebrating outstanding educators who are shaping the next generation of doctors working in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. 

The awards recognise medical educators with a strong connection to ACRRM’s training program and who show exceptional commitment to supporting registrars on their pathway to Fellowship, while advancing high-quality healthcare where it is most needed. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says medical educators play a pivotal role in preparing doctors for the realities of Rural Generalist medicine. 

“Behind every Rural Generalist is a dedicated educator who guides, supports, and inspires them through training,” Dr Martin says. 

 “These awards recognise educators who not only share their knowledge and expertise but also provide them with the confidence to deliver high-quality healthcare, often across multiple sites, to keep healthcare services running and ensure rural, remote and First Nations people don’t miss out on quality care.” 

2025 State Award Recipients 

  • New South Wales – Dr Susan Tyler-Freer (Northern Rivers) 
    Lead medical educator for NSW/ACT, Dr Tyler-Freer has been instrumental in developing registrar support and educational materials while overcoming repeated natural disasters in her region to ensure training continuity. 

  • Victoria – Dr Dominic Blanks (Castlemaine) 
    Dr Blanks has dedicated more than 20 years to community-focused healthcare and registrar education, while leading Castlemaine’s Goldfields Medical Group and providing services at Dhelkaya Health. 

  • Northern Territory – Dr John Kelly (Laynhapuy Homelands/remote practice) 
    With more than a decade of experience as a medical educator, Dr Kelly combines training leadership with clinical work in obstetrics and remote primary healthcare, particularly for communities in North East Arnhem Land. 

  • Tasmania – Professor Peter Arvier (North West Tasmania) 
    A long-standing leader in medical education, Professor Arvier has helped shape the Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway and continues to mentor and support registrars, while contributing to ACRRM’s curriculum and training programs. 

  • South Australia – Dr David Warhurst (Barossa Valley) 
    Renowned for his supportive approach, Dr Warhurst has guided registrars across the state, particularly in emergency medicine, and has enhanced ACRRM’s education footprint in South Australia. 

 

Each state winner will now be considered for the National Rural Generalist Medical Educator of the Year Award, to be announced at the Rural Medicine Australia 2025 (RMA25) conference in Boorloo (Perth) from 22–25 October 2025.