2027 Rural SIG Meeting

Overview

Another great event brought to you by ACE – a tripartite collaboration of ANZCA, ASA and NZSA. Register now!

"Expect the Unexpected" at the Rural SIG Meeting, returning from 5-7 March 2027 at the stunning Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, northern NSW. Following a brief hiatus in 2026, the Rural SIG is delighted to welcome delegates back to its much-anticipated annual meeting. This year's program will explore the unexpected emergencies, critical incidents and complex clinical situations that anaesthetists may encounter in regional and rural practice, where resources, geography and local circumstances can significantly influence patient management. Drawing on real-world experiences and expert perspectives, delegates will gain practical insights into preparing for, recognising and responding to the challenges that arise when the unexpected occurs. The full program will be available shortly. 

The scientific program will feature engaging sessions covering trauma, intensive care, perioperative complications, disaster response, legal and professional challenges, and unexpected surgical care. Discussions will focus on delivering high-quality care in rural and regional settings, with an emphasis on decision-making, retrieval considerations, resource limitations and multidisciplinary collaboration. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians who have worked across a broad range of emergency and critical care environments. Click here to register for the meeting. 

The meeting will also offer a range of practical workshops on Friday morning, including CICO and other hands-on sessions designed to build confidence in managing challenging scenarios. Beyond the conference sessions, attendees can reconnect with colleagues and enjoy the beautiful Northern Rivers region, with optional social activities on Saturday afternoon including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Join us in Kingscliff for an educational, thought-provoking and enjoyable weekend designed specifically for clinicians working in rural and regional practice.       

Please contact the Events Team if you require further information.

Co-convenors
Dr Craig Mitchell (Rural SIG Chair)
Dr Rod Martin (ACRRM Immediate Past President)

Registration

Registrations are now open for the meeting. Your registration will include all refreshment breaks, the welcome reception and plenary sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

All registration fees are quoted in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST.

Getting to Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff

Mantra on Salt Beach is conveniently located on the beautiful Tweed Coast in Northern New South Wales, approximately 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) and around 90 minutes south of Brisbane Airport.

For delegates travelling by air, Gold Coast Airport is the closest airport, with regular flights from all major Australian cities. From the airport, taxis, rideshare services and car hire options are readily available.

For those driving, Kingscliff is easily accessible via the Pacific Motorway (M1), with on-site parking available at the venue. The surrounding Salt Village precinct also offers a range of dining, accommodation and recreational options, all within easy walking distance.

We recommend allowing extra travel time during peak holiday periods and booking flights and accommodation early to secure the best availability.

Program and speakers

The convenors are currently working on the program and it will be available shortly. If you wish to register for the meeting, please click here. 

Workshops

Workshops will take place on Friday morning. Additional information, including workshop options, will be released shortly. Delegates who register before workshop registrations open will be notified as soon as workshops become available and invited to register.

Social activities 

On Saturday afternoon, the conference will conclude at 3pm. Delegates will then have the opportunity to participate in one of the following optional social activities:

• Paddle boarding – A$65 per person (90 minutes)
• Kayaking – A$65 per person (90 minutes)
• Yoga – A$35 per person (60 minutes)

Paddle boarding and kayaking will take place at Cudgen Creek, located approximately 1.5 km from Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff (around a 3-5 minute drive). Yoga will be held onsite at the conference venue.

You can add your preferred social activity when completing your event registration.

Accommodation 

The meeting will be held at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, NSW. If you wish to book accommodation, please see below the details. In the meantime, we will let you know when registrations open.

PROMO CODE: ANZCA2027

Please contact Mantra Salt to make your reservation direct. You will be eligible to receive a 10% discount on best available bed and breakfast rates. Please note this excludes room only and sale rates and if there are any restrictions applicable over dates of stay, such as minimum night stay, restrictions will apply. Cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival and payment will be processed upon arrival. 

Visit their website to view current rates. 

Please note the discount is only applied if you book directly with the Resort on the below. Rates are based on availability and will vary depending on the date the reservation is confirmed, excluding room only, sale rates and no minimum night stays.

To make a booking: 

Please contact 02 6670 5000 or Groups direct 02 6670 5008. Alternatively, for enquiries only, please feel free to email [email protected].   

Delegates will need to provide the following at time of booking:

• Promo Code
• Guest name
• Dates of stay
• Credit Card details, name on card, card number and expiry date

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Participants in the ANZCA and FPM CPD program will automatically have their attendance auto-populated to their CPD portfolio within a month of the conclusion of the meeting.

ANZCA and FPM CPD program
This event is claimable by ANZCA and FPM CPD participants within the knowledge and skills category.

• Category 2: Knowledge and skills
  Lectures/plenary sessions under "Learning sessions".
  Workshops and small group discussions under "Short format learning" activity.

If you're not a member of our CPD program
If you’re not participating in the ANZCA and FPM CPD program, please check with your respective college/provider regarding your CPD classifications. Post-event, you may request an electronic certificate of attendance for CPD evidence from the event organiser.

Sponsorship opportunities

To see the sponsorship opportunities for all our events, please click here.

Suggested restaurants in Kingscliff

• Taverna (Greek-inspired beachfront dining)

• Fins Restaurant & Bar (award-winning seafood and modern Australian cuisine)

• Mahsuri Thai Restaurant & Bar (authentic Thai cuisine)

• Spice Den (modern Asian fusion)

• The Bombay Cricketers Club (Indian restaurant and bar)

• Season Restaurant (modern Australian, beachfront at Peppers Salt Resort)