Dear Members,
Welcome to the autumn edition of Trauma Talk. The last few months have been marked by significant global unrest and unprecedented events on our own shores that have challenged us all. As trauma care professionals, we continue to face significant global pressures as conflicts, displacement, and strained health systems that challenge the delivery of timely, equitable care worldwide.
The recent Bondi terror attack has starkly underscored these challenges, placing extraordinary and immediate demand on trauma centres and first responders, with a high volume of victims treated across multiple Sydney hospitals and critical care teams mobilised at short notice. Our paramedic and pre-hospital personnel faced immense pressure, responding rapidly to provide exceptional care under highly traumatic circumstances, highlighting once again the essential role and resilience of our trauma workforce. These events reinforce the importance of our collective efforts to maintain high standards, disaster preparedness, support our workforce, and continue advocating for excellence in trauma care across Australia and New Zealand.
The Conference Committee, under the leadership of Grant Christey and Savitha Bhagvan, have been working hard to plan and deliver another outstanding conference in 2026. The theme for the conference – ‘Trauma in a Changing World’ – should resonate with all and I would encourage all members to lock in the 15th-17th October to join us in beautiful Sydney for this year’s conference.
Following the ratification of the new constitution for the Society, the Board has been working with Governology to establish the new by-laws and Board Charter to support the constitution. These are undergoing review and refinement and will be made available to members on the ANZTS website when they are finalised.
In this edition of Trauma Talk, we have welcomed a contribution from the Australasian Injury Prevention Network and are exploring ways to work together with this organisation which is the peak body for injury prevention in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We are also working to reinvigorate our partnership with the Trauma Association of Canada. Both the AIPN and TAC share the values of the ANZTS and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with these outstanding organisations.
Lastly, I would like to draw the attention of all members to the ANZTS awards which are now open for nominations. The ANZTS is blessed with exceptional members who are making an extraordinary difference to trauma care and research. Please consider nominating your colleagues and enabling their achievements to be celebrated at a bi-national level.
Kind regards,
Belinda Gabbe
ANZTS President
