Conference

Tasmanian Branch 2024 Conference

Is psychiatry re-enacting the myth of Sisyphus

Date

22 - 24 November 2024

Location

Peppers Silo Launceston
89-91 Lindsay Street
Launceston, TAS 7248

Delivery

In-person

Join us at the RANZCP Tasmania Branch Conference 2024 

The RANZCP Tasmania Branch is delighted to announce this highly anticipated weekend conference, aptly titled "Is psychiatry re-enacting the myth of Sisyphus?" 

Psychiatry is in such an exciting phase, with new medications, new mechanisms of action, new ways of integrating psychotherapy and neurobiology. But are we ready and able to capitalise on these gains and ensure better, enduring outcomes for our patients and their families? Or are we merely going to push the proverbial boulder to the top of the hill, simply to see it roll down again?  The conference has a broad scope, with clinical updates on topics relevant to all in the field. And there will be plenty of time for discussion, both formal and informal, as we try to plan for a better future for our discipline. 

Located on the bank of River Tamar, Peppers Silo Hotel has extensive views across Seaport, Royal Park, Tamar River Basin and Cataract Gorge. An iconic establishment to the region and one of important historical significance, the original four silos which now house beautifully designed rooms and suites once contained grain and were used for commercial purposes. There’s nowhere more idyllic than being positioned on the water’s edge. From this tranquil Launceston location, you’ll be within a short distance of the CBD, allowing you to wander across the nearby footbridge from your riverfront location. 

Program outline

The program draft is available to view online. The conference will start with a relaxed and convivial social networking welcome reception on Friday evening. The educational program will begin on Saturday morning with a full day of plenary sessions to push therapeutic boundaries and put the brain back into psychiatry. We will hear from our keynote speaker Professor Chris Pantelis who will takes us through the search for biomarkers of schizophrenia, as well as an address from Tasmania’s Chief Psychiatrist Dr Dinesh Arya. The day will be topped off with the official conference dinner and will include presentation of the 2024 Tasmania Meritorious Service Award and entertainment by comedian Rachel Berger. The educational program will continue Sunday morning by putting the mind back into psychiatry and exploring professional issues. The conference will conclude early Sunday afternoon to allow delegates to network with colleagues, explore the sites of Launceston or journey home. 

Conference Dinner

The official conference dinner will be held in the Town Point Function Room and will include a three-course meal and local wines. We will be presenting the 2024 Tasmania Meritorious Service Award – award winner to be announced soon – followed by entertainment from comedian Rachel Berger.  

Rachel Berger is one of Australia’s most highly regarded, adept, and adaptive comedic talents working variously as a comedian, broadcaster, novelist, columnist, agitator and television entertainer. Rachel  is a woman of remarkably diversified talents. In addition to playing the xylophone and carving avocado pips into small Buddhas, she’s recently stopped feeling guilty. After 30 years of prowling the stage, there are no cows too sacred for this Berger.

Date: Saturday 23 November 2024
Time: 6:30 - 10:00pm

Social walking tour

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Launceston's landscapes, from lush greenery to stunning architecture. Our knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of the city's past and present, offering insights into its rich cultural heritage.

This walking tour isn't just about exploration—it's about connection. Whether you're a seasoned local or a curious newcomer, this is an opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts, share stories, and forge new friendships against the backdrop of Launceston's scenic beauty.

Date: Friday 22 November 2024
Time: 3.30 – 4.30 pm

Registration

Registration typePrice
RANZCP Fellows and Affiliates$300
Tasmanian based Trainees$0
Non-Tasmanian based Trainees$250
Individual$350


Tickets are limited and registrations will close Wednesday 13 November, so please make sure you register your attendance by then to avoid missing out! 

Conference add-ons

Ticket itemPrice
Conference dinner ticket$110
Guest Welcome Reception ticket$30


Register here

Accommodation

Delegates staying at Peppers Silo Hotel and Peppers Seaport (700 metre walk from Peppers Silo) will receive 15% off the daily rate over the period of 22nd – 24th November 2024. 
The accommodation promotional code of: RANZCP1124
Guests can contact the hotel via email or phone to make a booking.  
silo.res@peppers.com.au  
(03) 6700 0631

Tasmanian trainees are being supported to attend and will be sent a separate link to reserve their accommodation upon registration.


Launceston and the North

The riverside city of Launceston has a streetscape brimming with elegant colonial and Victorian architecture, interspersed with century-old parks. Its vibrant food and wine scene has recently transformed the city. Launceston’s Seaport precinct is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll along the riverside boardwalk with a variety of cafés, bars and restaurants. 

Art and design also take a front-row seat in this charismatic city, together with the iconic Cataract Gorge – a natural oasis in the middle of the city. The Gorge is only a 15-minute walk from the CBD and offers walking and hiking trails, picturesque gardens and stunning views of the natural ravine and cliff grounds. Within a 20-minute drive of Launceston are the elegant historic towns of Longford and Evandale, the picturesque Tamar Valley wine regions, some of the best mountain biking in the world and two of the world’s top golf courses — Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm. For those interested in wildlife and Aboriginal heritage, the Narawntapu National Park to the north is a must-see. 

Launceston has retained its identity as friendly and accessible, while still offering all the amenities of a city. Visitors are captivated by Launceston’s natural attractions, especially the spectacular Cataract Gorge, within a walkable distance of the CBD, its charming parks and gardens and its historic architecture. 

Conference support

This educational conference is supported by 

The Tasmanian Government's Business Events Attraction Fund is delivered through Business Events Tasmania.

Terms and conditions

Cancellation policy

Delegate cancellation - Change of mind

All requests for cancellation must be made in writing and sent to events@ranzcp.org. Cancellations received before 4 November 2024 will incur a $75.00 administration fee. No refunds will be issued after this date. However, an alternative delegate name may be submitted. All cancellations and substitutions must be made in writing to events@ranzcp.org.

Delegate cancellation - Medical

The health and safety of conference attendees is our highest priority. The RANZCP is mindful of the health risks posed by COVID-19, and the importance of following official medical advice with respect to social distancing, practicing good hygiene and staying at home when unwell. The RANZCP requests that any delegate who is feeling unwell or has cold or flu like symptoms, or who may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, not attend the conference.

If, on medical grounds, you are unable to attend the conference, you must cancel your attendance in writing by email to events@ranzcp.org. A full refund will be provided; however, you may be asked to provide additional details.

Conference cancellation

If we are required to make any changes or cancellations to our conference due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to Acts of God, terrorism, war, strikes or industrial action, fire, explosion, inevitable accident, breakdown of property, changes in law, or pandemics or global health crises, delegates will be notified by email and will be provided a full refund of their registration fee.

Health and safety requirements
Insurance

Conference participants are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. The RANZCP and the conference Organising Committee accept no responsibility for any loss in this regard.

Privacy policy

The RANZCP will only collect personal information from individuals when it is reasonably necessary for the activities of the RANZCP, and all such collection will be subject to the RANZCP Privacy Policy and any other notifications.

Cancellation policy - Tasmanian Trainees

The weekend is fully funded for Tasmanian trainees, including accommodation for yourself and a partner. Should you wish to bring children, the cost is $60 per child per night if the room capacity of three is exceeded and/or a rollaway bed or cot is required. Note these rooms have one king size bed. You may prefer to consider alternative accommodation, in which case we would reimburse your base accommodation up to $270 per night, which is the price of a room at Peppers Silo Hotel. If you choose to stay offsite, please get in touch with the Project Officer STP direct. Breakfast is included with onsite accommodation for trainees only, breakfast for partners and children is $28pp per day, or $15 for children up to 5 years. Please indicate your requirement for accommodation when registering in the separate accommodation registration link for Tasmanian trainees (only). 

Note: STP have provided the funding to support attendance by trainees and pay for their registration and accommodation. Cancellations by trainees made after 22 October will incur a fee of $380 which is a contribution towards the cost of the accommodation and registration fee that the RANZCP has incurred on your behalf.