DRIVERS 2025: A celebration of rural health leadership in Gippsland

The DRIVERS 2025 Conference—Doctors for Regional Innovation, Vision, Excellence, Research & Scholarship—was a resounding success, bringing together over 120 passionate delegates over two inspiring days from 10–11 October in Traralgon, Gippsland. This year marked a significant milestone after four years in Bendigo, as the conference was hosted in Gippsland for the first time, organised by the Gippsland Regional Training Hub.

Thanks to the generous support from Business Events Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the event not only fostered professional development but also contributed meaningfully to regional engagement.

Before the official conference began, 30 enthusiastic high school students participated in the ‘NextGen Health: A hands-on exploration of health careers’ high school engagement session. Sponsored by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), and the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning & Employment Network (BBLLLEN), students explored health pathways and gained practical experience—planting the seeds for future careers in rural health.

Conference Highlights

At the conference, delegates, predominantly medical students and junior doctors, enjoyed a vibrant program featuring keynote addresses, thought-provoking oral presentations, hands-on workshops, and dynamic panel discussions.

Dr Derk Pol, Director of Cardiology at Latrobe Regional Health and co-founder of the Gippsland Cardiology Service, shared his vision for expanding cardiac services in rural areas, highlighting both current challenges and future opportunities.

Dr Simon Judkins, President of the Australian Medical Association Victoria, and Director of Emergency Medicine at Echuca Regional Health, reflected on his career journey and emphasised the importance of positive workplace culture and teamwork.

Associate Professor Bruce Waxman OAM, renowned colorectal surgeon and educator, delivered a moving tribute to Flying Officer John Clifford Peel, whose legacy inspired the creation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Delegates also experienced the RFDS training simulator, adding a hands-on dimension to this presentation.

A total of 86 abstracts were submitted, with 40 selected for oral and poster presentations covering topics such as aged care, oncology services, cultural safety in medical education, digital health, and regional medical training.

Delegates chose between two engaging workshops:

  • Workshop 1: Rural Obstetrics & Paediatrics, which explored ventilation techniques in newborns and recognising signs of respiratory distress.
  • Workshop 2: Research Foundations, which explored research improvement strategies and the value of mentorship.

The panel discussion, ‘Centering Women: Research, Reproductive Health & Emerging Insights’, sparked dynamic conversations around access to care, support for female health professionals, and building a more inclusive healthcare industry. This session was proudly sponsored by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Gala Dinner and Awards Night

The conference concluded with a vibrant Gala Dinner, offering delegates a chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate rural research success. The evening was a testament to the camaraderie and shared purpose among attendees. View the list of award winners here.

Associate Professor Robert Dawson, Director of the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, shared his thoughts:

“This conference offers a fantastic platform for our future leaders to connect with those currently shaping rural healthcare. It’s a chance for them to explore both the opportunities and the challenges in the field, and to start thinking critically about how they can drive meaningful change. I’m always proud to see our medical students and junior doctors step up and present their work with such confidence—it’s no small feat to speak in front of a large audience, and they did it brilliantly.”

This year’s DRIVERS Conference was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: