2026 WA ACE Country Conference

Welcome from the convenors

Set against the striking coastline of Bunker Bay, the 2026 WA country conference is proudly hosted by Joondalup Health Campus and Rockingham General Hospital, two large hospitals in WA. As non-tertiary centres, stepping outside comfort zones is part of everyday practice. With exposure to a full range of anaesthesia subspecialties, we cultivate the breadth, flexibility, and confidence of true all-rounders.

Stepping “Out of your comfort zone” reflects not only the diversity of our clinical work, but also the challenges shaping the future of anaesthesia. Through a series of insightful talks, discussions and workshops, we aim to provide you with updates on a range of anaesthesia sub-specialities. We’ll also examine how anaesthetists operate in unfamiliar and often hostile environments, from remote settings to warzones, and how we adapt our skills under pressure.

Additionally, we’ll turn our attention to emerging frontiers that push us beyond traditional boundaries, including the evolving role of artificial intelligence in anaesthesia, an area that may feel as uncertain as it is inevitable.

Whether you’re broadening your scope, refining your generalist skills, or simply looking for fresh perspectives, this conference offers practical updates, thought-provoking ideas, and the chance to connect with your colleagues.

Join us at Bunker Bay and take a step out of your comfort zone.

Dr Louise Dawson, Dr Elizabeth Carr and Dr Rebecca Monaghan
Convenors 2026 ACE WA Country Conference

Program

The 2026 WA Country Conference will be co-convened by Joondalup Health Campus and Rockingham General Hospital. The conveners have created an exciting program for the conference weekend.
See program here.

Accommodation

November is a popular time of year to visit Western Australia's south-west. Please book your accommodation early as the resort is not holding rooms for this event. 

Location and venue

This meeting will be held at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River, WA.

Our barista from 1905 Coffee will be onsite again to keep everyone caffeinated.

Registration

Delegate registration includes all refreshment breaks, the welcome evening on Friday and plenary sessions on Saturday. Sunday workshops are at an additional cost, as is the yoga session on Saturday morning and the Conference Cocktail Evening at Wise Winery on Saturday evening. 

When completing your registration, please ensure you select the 'welcome evening' option to register your attendance for the Friday evening.

Registration is now open. Please register online with your college ID.

All other delegates, including allied health members and other medical specialties, can also register online. Please select “Create Account” at the top of the page and enter your details. Once you are set up, search for the event and register. You will also be able to use your ID number and password to register for future meetings. If you require assistance, please contact us.
 
Registrations close 30 October 2026. 

Policy - Refunds will only be provided for cancellations advised in writing prior to the registration close date. Cancellations after the close date still incur venue and catering costs and therefore can’t be refunded.

All registration fees are quoted in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST. Please visit the ANZCA terms and conditions when registering for an event.

Workshops

The workshops take place on Sunday and need to be booked separately.

VAFI/FARSI
Time: 9-10.30am
Max participants: 10
Facilitator: Dr Louisa Corr

Regional Anaesthesia
Time: 11am-12.30pm
Max participants: 10
Facilitators: Dr Michael Connelly and Dr Jyothima Pippalapalli

Can’t intubate can’t oxygenate (CICO)
Time: 9-10.30am and 11am-12.30pm
Max participants: 16
Facilitators: Dr Muhammad Samin, Dr Nicholas Prophet, Dr Nitin Nair and Dr Jan Wong

Neonatal resuscitation
Time:  9-10.30am and 11am-12.30pm
Max participants: 8
Facilitators: Dr Beth Williams

Social activities

Welcome gourmet BBQ cocktail dinner

Join us for canapés and drinks at the conclusion of the day’s sessions and enjoy the opportunity to network with colleagues and friends.
Children welcome.

Date: Friday 14 November 2026
Time: 6.30pm onwards
Location: Other Side of the Moon Restaurant and Bar - Pullman Resort
Cost: Complimentary for registered delegates / Guest ticket: A$145 / Child: A$50

Gentle yoga and sound bath

Ease into the conference with a truly unique wellness experience. Local yoga instructor Mandy Lancellas will guide participants through a gentle movement practice, concluding with a restorative sound therapy experience.

Date: Saturday 15 November 2026
Time: 6.30-7.30am
Location: Grassed area below the pool - Pullman Resort
Cost: A$10 for delegates and guests

Cocktail evening

Join us for canapés and drinks at the conclusion of Saturday’s sessions at a cocktail evening at Wise Winery and enjoy the opportunity to network with colleagues and friends.
We have organised free bus transport from Pullman resort, please book with your conference registration.
Adults only.

Date: Saturday 15 November 2026
Time: 5.45 - 11pm
Location: Wise Winery
Cost: A$150 for delegates and guests

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Participants in the ANZCA and FPM CPD Program will automatically have their attendance auto-populated to their CPD portfolio within 14 days 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 or emergency responses categories.
 
Category 1: Practice evaluation
Category 1: Practice evaluation – M&M meetings
 
Category 2: Knowledge and skills activities
Category 2: Knowledge and skills – learning sessions
Category 2: Knowledge and skills – short format learning
 
Category 3: Emergency response activities
Where the outline states that the workshop satisfies an Emergency Response CPD requirement, the workshop will be prospectively recognised as suitable to be claimed as an emergency response 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 coordinator. 

Contact

For further information, please contact us.

About ACE

This event is brought to you by Anaesthesia Continuing Education (ACE), a tripartite body governed by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists.

Learn more