Hot Topics in the Tropics | 9th Rural Dermatology Meeting
11-13 September 2026
About the Meeting
Convened by Dr Lachlan Warren, Dr Ilsphi Browne and Dr Genevieve Peek, the 2026 Rural Dermatology Meeting spans three days of learning, collaboration and strategic discussion, bringing together dermatologists, trainees and health partners to explore clinical, environmental and workforce issues shaping rural and remote dermatology in Australia. Set against the backdrop of Cairns' tropical charm, it promises both professional enrichment and a memorable experience.
The 9th Rural Dermatology Meeting, a three‑day program 'Hot Topics in the Tropics' is designed to inform, inspire and connect clinicians working across regional, rural and remote Australia. Set against the backdrop of Cairns—where unique environmental, cultural and workforce challenges intersect—the meeting brings together leading dermatologists, trainees, health partners and system leaders to explore the evolving landscape of rural skin health.
Across the program, attendees will engage with expert-led clinical sessions, practical insights into tropical and environmental dermatology, and discussions on the future of the dermatology workforce. Highlights include presentations on marine envenomation and skin health, immunology essentials, surgery in the tropics, and emerging research relevant to rural practice. The meeting also features dedicated sessions on workforce strategy, FATES projects, business operations, hospital relationships and the perspectives of future dermatologists.
With opportunities for networking, collaboration and shared learning—including a welcome reception, hosted dinner and the College Dinner—the 2026 Rural Dermatology Meeting offers a rich and rewarding experience for all clinicians committed to improving dermatology care in rural and remote communities.
Why Cairns?
Cairns has been selected as the host city for the 9th Rural Dermatology Meeting as it represents the unique challenges and opportunities of delivering dermatology services in rural and remote Australia. As the major hub for Far North Queensland, Cairns provides a real‑world backdrop for discussions on tropical skin disease, high UV exposure, Indigenous health, and workforce access in geographically dispersed communities. Its strong regional health networks, accessibility, and connection to diverse patient populations make it an ideal setting for bringing clinicians together to explore innovative models of care and strengthen the future of rural dermatology.
Cairns provides an ideal backdrop for showcasing the impact and potential of the FATES project. As a major hub for Far North Queensland, the region reflects many of the challenges and opportunities that rural dermatology faces:
- high UV exposure and associated skin disease
- tropical and infectious dermatological conditions
- diverse communities, including significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
- limited access to specialist services
By bringing the Rural Dermatology Meeting to Cairns, the College highlights the importance of innovative training pathways—like those supported through FATES—in improving equity of care for rural and remote communities.
Program 'Hot Topics in the Tropics'
The scheduled program has been designed to provide many opportunities for networking, further discussion and some leisure time to enjoy Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and surrounds. The program will flow over three half days – Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday morning. Saturday and Sunday sessions will end at lunch time. Over the three days, attendees will hear from a wide range of presenters including College Fellows as well as experts across various fields.
Day 1 – Friday 11 September 2026
Setting the Scene: Dermatology in Tropical and Rural Australia
Chaired by Dr Genevieve Peek
- Welcome address by Dr Adrian Lim, President
- Opening address by Rural Health Commissioner Prof Jenny May AM
- Cultural Safety by Cecilia See Kee from Connecting the Dots
- Keynote presentation by Dr Jamie Seymour on marine animals and their impact on health and skin
With additional sessions to be announced.
The day concludes with an onsite Welcome Reception and a hosted dinner supported by the Principal Partner.
Day 2 – Saturday 12 September 2026
Clinical Insights: Advances and Challenges in Rural Dermatology
Chaired by Dr Ilsphi Browne
The clinical program includes expert-led sessions covering key topics such as:
- Immunology for dermatologists – Dr Peter Bourke
- Cutaneous Melioid and Scabies – Dr Trent Yarwood
- Dark Skin in the Tropics – Dr Dev Tilakaratne
- Surgery in the Tropics – Dr Kristian Sorensen
Additional clinical presentations will be confirmed. The day concludes with the College Dinner at Sails Restaurant.
Day 3 – Sunday 13 September 2026
Business & Workforce Futures: Strengthening Rural Dermatology
Chaired by Dr Lachlan Warren
The final day focuses on workforce, strategy and professional practice, including:
- College Workforce Strategy and DoHDA update – Dr Haley Bennett & Dr Adrian Lim
- Rural Workforce and FATES Projects – Annie Bygrave & Cathy Baynie
- Panel: Delivering Business Cases and Relationships with your Hospital – A/Prof Aaron Boyce, Prof Kiarash Khosrotehrani, Dr Dev Tilakaratne, Dr Michelle McRae and Dr Haley Bennett.
- Experiential Learning in Topical Health – Dr Lachlan Warren
Throughout the program, we will have presentations from abstract authors, showcasing innovative research, clinical experiences and initiatives that are helping to shape the future of dermatology in rural and regional Australia.
Abstracts
Rural Meeting call for abstracts closed on Tuesday 24 June 2026, 11:59 PM AEDT.
Reviewing will be completed by 8 July 2026 and Authors will be notified by 17 July 2026.
Keynote Speakers
The Meeting brings together an outstanding faculty of dermatologists, researchers, clinicians and health leaders from across Australia. Speakers will share expert insights into the clinical, environmental and workforce issues shaping dermatology practice in rural, regional and remote communities.
From tropical and environmental skin conditions to advances in medical, surgical and hospital-based dermatology, the program features engaging presentations, practical case-based learning and thought-provoking discussions designed to support clinicians working outside metropolitan centres.
Social Program
Welcome Reception
Ease into the meeting with an informal onsite reception. Enjoy light refreshments while reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new attendees and setting the tone for a collaborative and engaging weekend.
Venue: Poolside, Pullman Cairns International
Date: Friday 11 September 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Cost: Included in registration | $65.00 Additional ticket cost
Dress Code: A touch of the tropics
Dinner
Watch the sunset at Sails – a relaxed waterfront dining spot on the Esplanade, known for its breezy atmosphere, fusion menu, and stunning views over Trinity Inlet.
Venue: Sails Bar and Restaurant, Cairns
Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: Included in registration | $165.00 Additional ticket cost
Dress Code: Smart casual
Registration
| Registration | Standard (ends 5 August 2026) | Late (from 6 August 2026) |
| ACD Fellow or Associate Member | $795.00 | $845.00 |
| ACD Retired Fellows, Retired Associate Members and Honorary Members | $570.00 | $620.00 |
| Registrar on the ACD Training Program | $570.00 | $620.00 |
| GP or other Medical Specialist | $1,020.00 | $1,075.00 |
| Resident Medical Officer / Junior Doctor / PGY 1-5 / Registrars (Not on ACD Program) | $570.00 | $620.00 |
| Full Time Medical Students / Post Graduate Students / Research Fellows | $315.00 | $370.00 |
| Other Health Professional (Nursing / Allied Health) | $570.00 | $620.00 |
| Practice Manager | $315.00 |
- Trainee Discount Code
Sun Pharma has provided an Educational Grant to College to support ACD trainees' attendance at the upcoming meeting. This funding provides an opportunity for College to offset 50% of the registration costs for ACD trainees to attend the Rural Dermatology Meeting in Cairns.
- ACD Trainees will receive an email from College with the discount code for 50% off. If you didn't receive it, please email acdrural@thinkbusinessevents.com.au.
- ACD Trainees should discuss registering for this event with their HOD to gain approval before proceeding.
Note: Only ACD trainees are eligible to use this code. All registrants who use the discount code will be checked with College to confirm they are in the training program.
- Full Registration Offset (Rural & First Nations trainees)
- Applicable trainees will receive full registration, accommodation, and flights
- Eligibility and approvals will be required.
Social Events
| Welcome Reception | Inclusive with full registration |
| Welcome Reception – guest | $65.00 |
| Dinner | Inclusive with full registration |
| Dinner – guest | $165.00 |
All rates are in Australian dollars (AUD$) and inclusive of GST.
Registration Entitlements
- Access to the conference sessions Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September
- Access and advice from our sponsors and exhibitors
- Delegate badge
- Lunch and tea breaks each day of the conference in the exhibition
- One ticket to the Welcome Reception (Friday) and one ticket to Dinner (Saturday)
- Meeting Materials
Note: Option available to purchase accompanying persons tickets.
Accommodation
Pullman Cairns International
17 Abbott Street
Cairns QLD
The Pullman Cairns International blends business-ready facilities with resort-style relaxation, making it a top choice for both conferences and leisure stays. Its tropical setting, spa, pool, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef ensure that visitors enjoy both productivity and pleasure during their time in Cairns.
Accommodation availability and bookings can be made via the below button.
For all accommodation enquiries please contact Ozaccom+ on 1800 814 611 (Australian Toll Free) or +61 7 3854 1611 or email acdrural@ozaccom.com.au.
About Cairns and Activities
Getting There
Cairns is one of the easiest destinations to reach in Tropical North Queensland, with strong air, road, and rail connections from across Australia.
By Air Cairns Airport is the main gateway to the region, offering frequent direct flights from major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. There are also seasonal and international connections from select overseas hubs. The airport is only a short drive from the city centre, making transfers quick and simple.
By Road Cairns is accessible via the Bruce Highway, which runs along Queensland's coastline. The drive from Brisbane takes around 19–20 hours and passes through coastal towns, beaches, and national parks. Many travellers choose to break the journey into several days to enjoy the scenery.
By Rail Queensland Rail's long‑distance services connect Cairns with towns and cities along the east coast. The Spirit of Queensland train offers a comfortable, scenic journey between Brisbane and Cairns, combining rail travel with coastal views and onboard amenities.
By Coach Long‑distance coach companies operate regular services to Cairns from major Queensland destinations. This is a budget‑friendly option for travellers who prefer not to drive.
By Sea Cairns is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting the Great Barrier Reef region. Cruise passengers can disembark directly at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, located close to the city centre.
General Information
The following information is provided to make your attendance at the Rural Dermatology Meeting as enjoyable as possible. If you require assistance throughout the meeting, please visit the Registration Desk and we will do everything we can to help you.
Dates of the Conference
Friday 11 September 2026
Saturday 12 September 2026
Sunday 13 September 2026
Registration & Information Desk
The Registration Desk will be centrally located onsite at the venue. Staff will be on hand to answer any queries. Opening times and location of the information desk to be announced closer to the event.
Name Badges
Each delegate will receive a name badge on registration. This badge will be your official pass and must be worn to gain entry to all sessions, the exhibition area, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and the social functions included with your registration.
Dietary Requirements
All catering breaks including lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be served in the catering area. If you have indicated a special dietary need, please go to the special dietary requirements buffet table or speak to a venue staff member to collect your meal. If you have not already done so, please advise the meeting organisers of any dietary requirements (including vegetarian and religious requirements).
Use of Personal Information
The organisers will collect and store information you provide in your Registration Form for the purposes of enabling us to:
- Register your attendance at the Meeting
- Assist with administrative and planning purposes;
- Plan and develop meetings and other events in the future;
- Facilitate your requirements in relation to the meeting
- Allow the compilation and analysis of statistics relevant to the meeting
The information that you provide in the Registration Form and at any other time during the meeting, will be used by the organisers to offer, provide and continue to improve its events and other services.
Insurance
Insurance of any kind is NOT included in registration fees – it is advised that delegates take out appropriate health and travel insurances before travelling. The Committee and the Conference Office do not take any responsibility for delegates failing to insure.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Opportunities for CPD Hours and Categories:
Category 1 – Meeting attendance: Any amount of time spent attending the meeting.
Category 2 – Professional Development Plan: Any amount of time completing a self-evaluation and reflection worksheet after the meeting.
Category 2 – Self-evaluation and Reflection: Any amount of time completing a self-evaluation and reflection worksheet after the meeting.
Category 3 – Quality Improvement Project: Any amount of time implementing changes to your practice as a result of your learnings from the meeting.
Category 3 – Measuring Outcomes – if your abstract is accepted for presentation, you can claim CPD hours for any time spent preparing and presenting abstracts under Category 3, sub-category Presentations.
Stay in Touch
Contact Our Meeting Organisers
If you have any queries regarding the Rural Dermatology Meeting, including sponsorship and exhibition, please contact the Conference Office.
To request a copy of the Sponsorship and Exhibition Prospectus, please email acdrural@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
Think Business Events
Level 1, 4 Anderson Street
Port Melbourne VIC 3207
T: +61 (0)3 9417 1350
E: acdrural@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
W: www.thinkbusinessevents.com.au
The Australasian College of Dermatologists acknowledges the Gimmuy-Walaburra Yidingi peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the ACD Rural Meeting is being held. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
