The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) will have a strong presence at Rural WONCA 2026, to be held in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, reinforcing the College's commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities in Australia and globally.
Rural WONCA, the World Organization of Family Doctors' Working Party on Rural Practice, is a global network of rural family doctors, researchers and educators focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and remote communities, including access to care, workforce sustainability and health equity.
The 2026 conference provides a strategically important opportunity for the RACGP to showcase leadership in rural health, strengthen international partnerships and build on longstanding relationships across the sector. Senior RACGP representation at the conference will further cement the College's standing as a key advocate for high-quality, sustainable rural healthcare.
RACGP Rural Deputy Chair Rural Dr Rod Omond said rural general practice was critical to the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.
"Rural general practice is the backbone of healthcare in many communities, yet it faces some of the most persistent workforce and access challenges," Dr Omond said.
"Rural WONCA provides a valuable forum to share best practice, learn from international colleagues and reinforce the RACGP's leadership in advocating for strong, sustainable rural health systems."
The conference will also provide an opportunity to engage with international counterparts, including the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, whose representatives attended the RACGP's GP25 conference, and with Rural WONCA leadership, including Australian rural GP and Co-Convenor and Immediate Past Chair of Rural WONCA, Associate Professor Bruce Chater.
The RACGP will present a session highlighting an innovative professional development program delivered at GP25, designed specifically to support rural female general practitioners to build leadership, advocacy and mentoring capabilities.
The immersive, face-to-face workshop responded directly to feedback from rural female GPs seeking nonclinical skills to navigate systemic barriers and sustain long-term rural careers. It recognised the compounded challenges at the intersection of gender and rurality, including sexism and racism, that can limit leadership participation and career progression.
The program featured interactive sessions on effective communication, advocacy strategies, mentoring models and creative career pathways, supported by a panel of prominent rural female leaders who shared lived experiences and practical insights.
Small group formats encouraged collaboration, networking and problem solving, with participants developing personalised action plans, increased confidence and enduring professional connections.
Chair of RACGP Doctors for Women in Rural Medicine Committee (DWRM) Dr Christie Rodda said initiatives such as this were critical to strengthening the rural workforce.
"Supporting diverse leadership in rural general practice is essential to workforce sustainability," she said. "Investment in tailored, intersectional professional development helps recruit, retain and support the next generation of rural GP leaders," Dr Rodda said.
By participating in Rural WONCA 2026, the RACGP will demonstrate its ongoing commitment to rural healthcare, strengthen international collaboration, engage potential new members and help drive improvements in health outcomes for rural and remote communities.
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