We invite you to be part of this one and a half transformative day of connection, innovation, and inspiration as we explore the future of rural healthcare. From bold ideas to practical solutions, this is where boundaries are reimagined, and futures are built.
When: Wednesday, 4 March – Friday, 6 March 2026
Where: Geelong Arts Centre (Main Event),
Deakin Waterfront Pantry (Careers and Welcome Events),
Crowne Plaza Geelong (Networking and Celebration Dinner).
Highlights from the 2025 RWAV Conference
For more information see below
RWAV encourages All Health Professionals attending this event to self-log the CPD activity undertaken throughout the conference.
Explore new ideas, challenge old assumptions, and work together to create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient healthcare systems. By going beyond boundaries, we open the door to new possibilities, and by building futures, we commit to shaping a rural healthcare landscape that supports every individual, family, and community.
Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from renowned speakers who are shaping the future of rural healthcare.
Student Careers Event: Engage with fellow students, health professionals and key organisations on future workforce careers and opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Enjoy dedicated networking sessions, including a Welcome Event and a Networking and Celebration Dinner.
Exhibition Space: Explore the latest from leading healthcare organisations.
All tickets include meals during the event and prices include GST.
RWAV encourages All Health Professionals attending this event to self-log the CPD activity undertaken throughout the conference.
Access to the Main Conference at the Geelong Arts Centre on the following dates and times:
Plus free access to these events at the Deakin Waterfront Pantry on Wednesday, March 4:
(Standard ticket $990, early bird offer ends 18 February 2026)
* Early bird tickets are extended until 17 February 2026 and the standard ticket price applies from 18 February 2026 onwards.
Access to the Main Conference at the Geelong Arts Centre on the following dates and times:
Located at the Crowne Plaza Geelong:
Join us for this fantastic opportunity to network and celebrate rural healthcare in Victoria.
The RWAV Conference will provide you with many networking opportunities as you participate in stimulating presentations and conversations.
The RWAV Conference Networking and Celebration Dinner will be held on 5 March, 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm, and will provide continuing and increased opportunities to engage with your peers in a relaxed social setting, while enjoying a delicious meal.
RWAV encourages All Health Professionals attending this event to self-log the CPD activity undertaken throughout the conference.
Workshop 1: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Date:19/02/2025
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by: CPR First Aid
Description: The HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course is a nationally recognised program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform CPR in a range of emergency situations.
Cover your workshop costs with available grants.
You may be eligible for funding from the Health Workforce Scholarship Program, Medical Professional Development Program, or Allied Health and Nursing Upskilling Grant to attend this workshop.
Click here for funding opportunities.
Workshop 2: Cultural Safety Training (CST)
Date:19/02/2025
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by: Bonnie Chew, RWAV Cultutal Consultant, Director Mirriyu Cultural Consulting & Balim Balim Dreaming (online store)
Description: There are significant numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in rural and regional communities across Victoria. At RWAV, we want to ensure that health services accessed by these clients are culturally safe and sensitive to their needs.
Cover your workshop costs with available grants.
You may be eligible for funding to attend this workshop.
Click here to lodge an eligibility expression of interest.
Workshop 3: Practitioner Wellbeing
Date:19/02/2025
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by: Safer Care Victoria
Description: More details are coming soon.
No funding is available for this workshop.
Workshop 4: Business Workshop: Building a Thriving Business
Date:19/02/2025
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by: TBC
Description: Discover a proven process that has helped scale over 10,000 businesses across 100+ industries, including medical and allied health.
Led by business growth expert Martin, this workshop empowers practice owners, managers, and administrators to create an actionable annual plan tailored to their unique business needs.
Key Outcomes:
Why Attend?
Martin’s decades of experience—from leading elite teams to facilitating growth for 750+ businesses and generating $250M in combined revenues—make this workshop an unmissable opportunity.
His relatable, no-nonsense approach has empowered countless professionals to overcome constraints and scale their businesses effectively.
Take the first step toward a thriving, sustainable, and scalable business. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, plan, and transform.
Cover your workshop costs with available grants.
You may be eligible for funding from the Business Training Grant or Medical Professional Development Program to attend this workshop.
Click here for funding opportunities.
Future Health Career for Student Meet-Up
Date: 19/02 2025
Time: 3;00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: All Seasons, Bendigo – BBQ Area near the pool
Presented by: RWAV Future Workforce Officer
Description: This session will connect high schoolers with University students.RWAV’s Rural Ambassadors, university students from regional Victoria will share their personal stories — both the challenges and successes—and tell you about the support available as you begin your own journey!
RWAV encourages All Health Professionals attending this event to self-log the CPD activity undertaken throughout the conference.
Address:
All Seasons Resort Hotel
171/183 McIvor Hwy
Strathdale
VIC 3550
Date:
19 to 21 Feb 2025
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Registration:
19 Feb 2025
8:00 am to 9:00 am
Networking Dinner:
20 Feb 2025
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
We’re excited to have Kimberly Furness as our MC and host of the RWAV Conference 2025! Kimberley brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the stage, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees. With her dynamic presence and exceptional communication skills, she will guide us through a day filled with insightful discussions, inspiring presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. Join us as we welcome Kimberley and look forward to an unforgettable conference!
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or dedicated advocate for rural health, we’ve designed grants to make it easier for you to attend.
Explore our tailored grants, apply today, and join us at the RWAV Conference to connect, learn, and shape the future of rural healthcare together.
Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) Grant – You may be eligible to claim RWAV Conference registration, CPR Workshop registration, plus associated travel and accommodation costs.
Medical Professional Development Program (MPD) – You may be eligible to claim RWAV Conference registration, CPR Workshop registration, Business Workshop registration, plus associated travel and accommodation costs.
Allied Health and Nursing Upskilling Grant – You may be eligible to claim RWAV Conference registration, CPR Workshop registration.
Business Training Grant – You may be eligible to claim Business Training Workshop registration, plus associated travel and accommodation costs.
We are pleased to invite interested institutions to partner with us and showcase their services and impact on our attendees. Visit our Sponsorships page for more.
Main Conference: Geelong Arts Centre
50 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220
Student Careers Event: Deakin Waterfront Pantry
96 Western Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220
Welcome Event: Deakin Waterfront Pantry
96 Western Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220
Networking and Celebration Dinner: Crowne Plaza Geelong
33 Smythe St, Geelong VIC 3220
Parking:
Nearby paid parking lots are available at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
InterPark – 21 Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220.
Wilson Parking – The Carlton 21 Malop Street, Geelong, VIC Car Park.
Busport Car Park – 38 Brougham St, Geelong VIC 3220.
Paid parking is available opposite the Deakin Waterfront Pantry on the waterfront.
Paid parking is available near the Crowne Plaza.
Public Transport: The Geelong train station is only a few minutes away from all the above venues.
This year there are 3 major hotel chains for ease of accommodation that we recommend, which are:
1. Crowne Plaza Geelong, for this one only, you can call (03 4225 8800) and mention the ‘RWAV Conference 2026’ to receive a corporate rate subject to availability.
2. Holiday Inn call (03) 4225 6100
3. Novotel call (03) 5223 1377
*RWAV does not hold influence on availability or final pricing at venues.
Yes. RWAV encourages All Health Professionals attending this event to self-log the CPD activity undertaken throughout the conference.
For all enquiries related to the RWAV Conference, please contact us conference@rwav.com.au or call us at (03) 9349 7800
Access our seamless and secure Payment Gateway by simply clicking on the registration button located on this page. When using your credit card for payment, you’ll experience safe, and protected transactions.
Alternatively, if your organisation would like to purchase tickets in bulk and pay by invoice, please email conference@rwav.com.au
The RWAV Conference provides clinical content over two days. You may be eligible to claim expenses for ticket, travel, and accommodation.
The Business Practice Training Grant: Eligible Practice Managers and Administrative Staff should apply after the conference. All grant criteria will continue to apply.
Please check your eligibility on the RWAV website.
You can generate a refund via the purchase platform emailed to RWAV at conference@rwav.com.au.
If your cancellation notification is received by RWAV at least ten business days or more before the start date of an Event, RWAV will provide you with a refund of the Fees minus the administration cost of 20% of the ticket price per ticket (or as reasonably determined by RWAV). No entitlement to repayment arises for cancellations with less than ten business days of notice (on or after 18 February 2026).
Refunds will not be granted if you fail to attend or where a substitute is refused entry under the Terms and Conditions.
To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities and process click here.
For all enquiries related to the RWAV Conference, please get in touch with us at conference@rwav.com.au or call us at (03) 9349 7800
We will endeavor to respond to your enquiry within one business day where possible.
Abstract submissions are now closed.
For all enquiries related to the RWAV Conference, please contact us conference@rwav.com.au or call us on (03) 9349 7800.
We will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within one business day where possible.
Please make sure to read our Terms & Conditions here.
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AusCAPPS – Connecting Clinicians for Better Women’s Reproductive Health
The Australian Contraception and Abortion Primary Care Practitioner Support Network (AusCAPPS) is proud to sponsor the RWAV Conference 2026 and connect with clinicians dedicated to improving access to women’s reproductive health care in rural and regional communities.
AusCAPPS is a free, national online community of practice supporting improved access to long-acting reversible contraception and early medical abortion in primary care. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the network brings together GPs, nurses, midwives, community pharmacists, and Aboriginal Health Practitioners.
Members gain access to peer discussions, expert advice, clinical resources, and updates on education and training. With over 3,000 members nationwide, AusCAPPS is your space to collaborate, learn, and lead best practice in reproductive health care.
Join AusCAPPS today and be part of a growing network committed to improving women’s reproductive health.
Telecare is Australia’s largest virtual specialist provider, with over 300 registered non-GP specialist and allied health clinicians, operating across over 30 specialties and providing over 40000 consults every year, servicing over 40 hospital facilities nationwide. Telecare operates virtual outpatient, virtual inpatient, and hybrid models of care, both in the private sector, and in partnership with health services. In addition, Telecare provides technology solutions which significantly increase the efficiency of coordinating virtual care.
Our vision is to provide equitable and accessible healthcare to all. We do this by elevating the efficiency of healthcare providers and organisations, and by establishing the standards for digital health delivery through innovative technology.
https://www.telecare.com.au/telecare-hospital-services-report
Medtech Global offers a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem centred around its Patient Management System (PMS). For over 30 years, Medtech has prioritised patient care over paperwork, making healthcare more accessible and secure. Medtech’s cloud-hosted PMS means general software maintenance is seamlessly managed by Medtech, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. Recognised for their innovative software solutions, Medtech excels in secure data sharing, ensuring clinical information is available when needed. Serving general practices, hospital emergency departments, and specialists across New Zealand and Australia, Medtech collaborates with clinicians to create tools beyond consultations. Join Medtech in fostering innovation in health technology for better patient outcomes and a healthier future.
PulsePoint Academy is dedicated to delivering dynamic, engaging, and comprehensive education that supports healthcare professionals across all disciplines. By upskilling the healthcare workforce, we work towards closing gaps in cardiovascular care, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting equity in heart health.
We want high quality cardiac care to be accessible to Australians regardless of where they live. To achieve this, PulsePoint Academy works with regional healthcare providers to design and deliver targeted quality improvement programs for better heart health care that are unique to the opportunities, barriers and assets within each region and/orcare setting.
Our current self paced online course offerings include heart failure and atrial fibrillation education modules and we are soon to release a Women’s Heart Health Program. These courses upskill clinicians in the screening, diagnosis, management and optimisation of these common conditions to support clinicians to provide care and advice that reduces distress and improves outcomes.
To view our courses and get in touch about how we can partner with you to support better heart health outcomes for your region and community please visit pulsepointacademy.com.au/
Telecare is Australia’s largest virtual specialist provider, with over 300 registered non-GP specialist and allied health clinicians, operating across over 30 specialties and caring for over 3000 patients every month.
Telecare operates virtual outpatient, virtual inpatient, and hybrid models of care, both in the private sector, and in partnership with health services. In addition, Telecare provides technology solutions which significantly increase the efficiency of coordinating virtual care.
Our vision is to provide equitable and accessible healthcare to all. We do this by elevating the efficiency of healthcare providers and organisations, and by establishing the standards for digital health delivery through innovative technology.
Healthdaq is Australia’s leading provider of recruitment services for the healthcare industry.
Our mission is to transform client recruitment processes and outcomes by improving access to talent and providing tech-enabled recruitment support.
We achieve this by offering marketing (digital advertising events and talent matching), technology (ATS and CRM), and recruitment support services (application, interview and offer management and compliance checks) that deliver results traditional staffing agencies can’t match.
We work with a range of regional health services and are delighted to be supporting RWAV’s 2025 Conference.
Swan Hill District Health is a 143 bed fully integrated rural public health service. With over 700 staff, we are host to the Charles Sturt University Mallee Clinical School as well as Victoria’s first end to end sub regional general practice program at a single location.
Medtech Global offers a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem centred around its Patient Management System (PMS). For over 30 years, Medtech has prioritised patient care over paperwork, making healthcare more accessible and secure. Medtech’s cloud-hosted PMS means general software maintenance is seamlessly managed by Medtech, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. Recognised for their innovative software solutions, Medtech excels in secure data sharing, ensuring clinical information is available when needed. Serving general practices, hospital emergency departments, and specialists across New Zealand and Australia, Medtech collaborates with clinicians to create tools beyond consultations. Join Medtech in fostering innovation in health technology for better patient outcomes and a healthier future.
Murray PHN is a not-for-profit organisation, funded primarily by the Department of Health and Aged Care to commission primary healthcare services in our region, which covers almost 100,000km2 across northern Victoria and Albury, NSW. Our work is guided by health priorities that have the greatest impact on our communities’ lives.
Family Doctor is the largest regional medical practice group in Victoria and is 100% owned by a GP. With practices in many regional areas including Bendigo, Ballarat, Mildura, Wodonga, Cowes, Traralgon, Morwell and many more, we are always looking for passionate doctors who have a love for regional Victoria, and are highly supportive of all fellowship and pre-fellowships programs including PFP, FSP, PEP Specialist programs and ACRRM with many DPA practices in MM1-MM5 areas. Great support, great practices and great locations!
Dementia Training Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Dementia Training Program. We provide dementia training and education for Australia’s workforce. Our vision is that all people living with dementia, regardless of care setting and location, receive high-quality, evidence-based care that enhances their health and wellbeing.
Dr JuMP is a coordinated medical mentoring program designed to support Medical Students, Junior Doctors and Registrars in regional Victoria.
The program provides a platform for regional medical professionals to connect and grow by facilitating relationships whilst also providing mentoring support, education, event and networking opportunities.
Health Translations is a comprehensive online library offering high-quality translated Australian health and wellbeing information supported by the Victorian Department of Health. Tailored for Australian health practitioners and those working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the platform provides swift access to a wide array of reliable resources available in over 100 languages.
VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria, with a membership of 33 Community-controlled organisations. Our vision is for Culture, Community and Country to be embedded
and respected in all healthcare settings and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people to have equitable health access and outcomes.
https://www.vaccho.org.au/
AAPM is a not-for-profit, national peak association recognised as the professional body dedicated to providing excellence in healthcare Practice Management. AAPM represents the key-decision makers in a practice and our members are employed in all areas of healthcare such as, general practice, allied health, psychology, dental, medical specialties, physiotherapy, and more. Become a member of AAPM.
IMG SOS excels in offering individualised online courses and group education sessions tailored for doctors and trainees. This approach covers FRACGP exam preparation and beyond. The organisation’s programs are endorsed by well-known organisations, including AMC, highlighting the quality and credibility of the education provided. IMG SOS’s commitment to personalised tutoring and flexible scheduling has not only resulted in a high pass rate among its candidates but has also significantly aided many doctors in securing their specialist AHPRA registration. Through its targeted courses and expert guidance, IMG SOS remains a pivotal part of many medical professionals’ journey towards certification and career advancement.
The Victorian Doctors Health Program is a free confidential advisory service for all Victorian doctors and medical students who have concerns about their well-being: such as stress, mental health questions, substance use struggles, or physical health issues.
We can provide ongoing advice and support to help find a way forward. Whilst we cannot take the place of formal clinical care, we can assist in helping you organise this as needed.
A key task is the promotion of doctors and medical students wellbeing across Victoria via advocacy and education.
Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) is at the forefront of reproductive, relationship and sexual health. As a state-wide independent organisation, we prioritise comprehensive care, education and advocacy. With two specialised GP clinics and over 50 years of expertise, SHV delivers market-leading advanced training in sexual health care for doctors, nurses and midwives. Our mission is to empower professionals and build workforce capacity to support individuals when making informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.
For nearly 30 years SARRAH has delivered a range of programs and initiatives, including the SARRAH Conference that support allied health professionals to improve health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. SARRAH believes that every Australian has the right to have equitable access to allied health services regardless of where they live.
Committee for Ballarat is a member-based organisation.
We are focused on the long-term, strategic issues that enhance the city and region’s prosperity.
We collaborate with our members, key stakeholders and the three tiers of government.
We are non-partisan and advocate for sustainable and responsible development of our region.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organisation. Representing a region that includes approximately 618,000 people, our core function is to use our knowledge and understanding of local health and health care needs to:
RVTS is a vocational training program for medical practitioners in rural, remote and First Nation communities across Australia with over 25 years experience. The purpose of the program is to train doctors in remote communities for remote communities. RVTS delivers distance training and remote supervision to doctors in rural, remote and First Nation communities across Australia.
Our website – Fellowship training for Doctors in rural, remote communities: RVTS
Swan Hill District Health is a 143 bed fully integrated rural public health service. With over 700 staff, we are host to the Charles Sturt University Mallee Clinical School as well as Victoria’s first end to end sub regional general practice program at a single location.
The Rural Doctors Association of Victoria (RDAV) is the peak body representing the interests of rural doctors and their communities. Our mission is to improve the health of rural Victorians. There is a wonderful range of member benefits and services available and a fantastic support network of rural doctors to connect with. Find out more https://www.rdav.com.au/ and join today.
Larter is an Australian consulting firm specialising in health and community services. We partner with governments, PHNs, peak bodies, hospitals and health services, and community sector organisations to deliver innovative solutions across primary care, mental health, rural health, aged care and more. Our expertise delivers outcomes and ensures sustainable change.
The Western Victoria Regional Training Hub gives medical graduates and junior doctors greater opportunities to live, train and work in the region.
We aim to:
The RACGP has been the backbone of Australia’s Primary Health System for more than 60 years. We set the standards for education and practice and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians. RACGP Rural has more than 19,000 members and works to support and advocate for general practitioners working in rural and remove Australia. RACGP Rural is committed to addressing rural disadvantage focusing our efforts on strategies which lead to more equitable access to healthcare.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is the only college in Australia entirely dedicated to rural and remote medicine, and plays an important role in supporting doctors throughout their career in rural medicine.
Our vision is to have the right doctors, in the right places, with the right skills, providing rural and remote people with excellent health care.
