What’s happening?
A distinguished group of rural GPs have been recognised at the Royal Australian College of GPs’ annual conference in Brisbane. Each year the College highlights GPs, registrars, medical students and practices that stand out through its state and national awards, which include the rural award categories.
College President Dr Michael Wright congratulated the group and said the awards shine a light on those who go further for their communities. “These awards are about celebrating GPs and practice teams in rural and remote communities going that extra mile for their patients,” he said.
“This is such an important opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable work they do every day. As the largest representative body for rural GPs, the RACGP is committed to strengthening rural and remote general practice care and supporting the next generation of GPs so that all patients, no matter their postcode, can receive high-quality care from a GP they know and trust.
“These award winners are a testament to rural and remote general practice care, and I wish them all the best.”
Associate Professor Michael Clements, the RACGP Rural Chair, said the winners reflect why rural and remote GPs are held in such high regard. “These award winners are nothing short of inspiring,” he said.
Why it matters
The awards spotlight the essential role played by rural and remote GPs. Many of these doctors deliver broad and complex care in places where services are limited and demand is high.
The 2025 winners show the depth of commitment within rural general practice and highlight the ongoing need to support regional healthcare workforces.
Local Impact
Dr Robinson’s award-winning project shows the capacity for local clinicians to support communities across northern Australia. His recognition highlights the role of Townsville-based medical personnel in improving health outcomes in remote regions, including the Torres Strait.
By the numbers
- The Rural Community Research Project of the Year went to Townsville-based Army Doctor Dr Tim Robinson for a community-led project improving preventative healthcare for Torres Strait Islander young people on Saibai Island.
- The Rural Generalist of the Year went to Dr James McLeod, marking ten years of service as a rural GP in Renmark and outreach provider to Lameroo and Pinnaroo.
- The Rural Registrar of the Year was awarded to Dr Stephanie Moore, recognised for her work in South Burnett and advanced procedural training to meet local needs.
- The Rural Medical Student of the Year was awarded to Tasmania’s Aleesha Scarffe, who wrote an insightful essay on the future of rural practice.
Zoom In
The standout Townsville connection this year is Dr Tim Robinson. Dr Robinson is an Army Doctor based at Lavarack Barracks and serves within the Health Battalion. His project, Providing preventative healthcare to Torres Strait Islander young people in a remote context, earned the Rural Community Research Project of the Year.
The project impressed judges for its results and its strong community-led approach. Associate Professor Clements said the work delivered real outcomes in a remote setting.
“This is an innovative community-led health project that achieved excellent outcomes for the Saibai community in the Torres Strait region,” he said. “This dedication highlights his commitment to improving rural health through innovative and well-evidenced strategies.”
Zoom Out
The broader group of winners reflects the range of skills needed in rural and remote care. Dr James McLeod was named the inaugural Rural Generalist of the Year for his decade-long contribution to Renmark and for helping rejuvenate the practice, recruit new GPs and deliver outreach care across Lameroo and Pinnaroo.
He also mentors students and supports community projects that give young people hands-on rural learning experiences.
Dr Stephanie Moore, the Rural Registrar of the Year, was recognised for her strong work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, establishing new clinical services, mentoring peers and international graduates, and gaining her RACGP Rural Generalist Fellowship. She has now started training as a GP endoscopist to meet local service needs.
Tasmania’s Aleesha Scarffe received the Rural Medical Student of the Year award for an essay showing deep insight into the challenges facing rural communities and the future of rural general practice.
What to look for next
The College will share more from this year’s rural award recipients as interviews become available, giving communities a closer look at their work. There will also be updates on rural workforce initiatives and new programs supporting GPs in regional and remote areas.
Further developments from community-led health projects across northern Australia, including work connected to the Torres Strait, are expected in the months ahead.
