Last month, from 3–7 May 2026, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) hosted its annual Congress in Melbourne, bringing together mental health professionals, researchers and trainees from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
As the College’s flagship event, the Congress is a key platform for sharing leading psychiatric research, clinical updates and policy developments. This year’s theme, “Reform and Renewal: Towards Healing, Equity and Trust,” encouraged attendees to reflect on the future of mental health systems, embrace diverse perspectives and drive meaningful, sustainable change.
The 2026 Congress welcomed more than 2,800 delegates, both in person and virtually, with highly positive feedback received on the quality and breadth of sessions. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, gained insights from global leaders and connected with peers, many over Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture.
RANZCP President, Dr Astha Tomar, reflected on the event, highlighting both the scale of challenges facing mental health systems and the depth of expertise and innovation across the profession. The scientific program featured internationally respected speakers including Dr Sarah Lisanby, Professor Vikram Patel, Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, Professor Norman Sartorius, Dr Louise Byrne and Professor Gabriele Bammer.
Alongside keynote presentations, the program included a diverse range of concurrent sessions, workshops and symposia spanning clinical practice, psychotherapy, neuroscience, leadership, public mental health, education and system reform. The Congress also showcased the breadth of work across the College, fostering a strong sense of collegiality and community.
Northern Health was well represented, with more than 20 staff in attendance, including psychiatrists, trainees, registrars, HMOs, pharmacists and allied health professionals. Five presentations were delivered by Northern Health staff, highlighting a range of research and clinical initiatives:
- Literary Salon – Dr Ajay Vijayakrishnan and Dr Suresh Yadav explored how literature and the humanities can deepen empathy, enhance reflective practice and support clinician wellbeing.
- Pazopanib-Induced Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: A Case Report – Dr Lokesh Sekharan
- Trends in Bodily Restraint Practices in the Emergency Department of Northern Hospital Epping – Dr Yang Yun
- Predictors of Bodily Restraint Duration Among Psychiatric Patients in the Emergency Department – Dr Yang Yun
- Outcomes and Associated Factors of Bodily Restraints in the Emergency Department – Dr Nahdeera Witharana
Northern Health HMO, Dr Jamie Harbourd, reflected on the Congress theme, noting the importance of bridging the gap between research and policy, particularly in discussions around restrictive practices. He also highlighted sessions that focused on renewal, including a literary discussion on Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy, and a debate on the role of artificial intelligence in psychiatry training.
“The conversation quickly shifted from whether artificial intelligence should be used to how it should be integrated,” Dr Harbourd said. “One promising idea was using it to reduce administrative burden, allowing trainees to focus on becoming better psychiatrists.”
Fellow HMO, Dr Nisal Kalansuriya, described the Congress as a valuable and thought-provoking experience.
“Hearing diverse stories, ideas and lived experiences encouraged deep reflection on the challenges people face every day,” he said. “The Literary Salon was a standout session, reinforcing how storytelling and meaningful conversation can strengthen our understanding of mental health.”
Dr Kalansuriya added that he looks forward to applying these insights in his clinical practice and hopes to see continued Northern Health representation at future psychiatry events.
Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering such a successful event.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Cherie Chan (Registrar), Dr Annabel Wyburn (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr Sean Yang (Registrar), Dr Anish Shouan (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr Nisal Kalansuriya (HMO), Dr Kosala Amaranayake (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr Jamie Harbourd (HMO), Professor Josselin Houenou (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr Ajay Vijayakrishnan (Consultant Psychiatrist) and Dr Yang Yun (Consultant Psychiatrist).