In a celebration of surgical mastery and professional camaraderie, two events unfolded across Tasmania and Western Australia recently. These different events provided an opportunity for our RACS members to collaborate, connect and come together.

Cadaver workshop

Our RACS Tasmania office held their first-ever Cadaver workshop at the University of Tasmania, offering participants a rare and valuable hands-on learning experience.

Over three days, attendees explored key specialty areas:

• Otolaryngology (day one)
• Plastic Surgery (day two)
• Urology (day three).

The workshop brought together a diverse group of medical students, registrars, and SET Trainees, all keen to refine their surgical skills in a supportive, small-group environment.

Participants travelled from across Tasmania, as well as from Victoria, New South Wales, and Aotearoa New Zealand. With expert faculty leading each session, the program provided a dynamic blend of anatomical exploration, surgical technique, and peer learning.

RACS Tasmania, Victoria and ACT State Manager, Kate Burgess, said, “Feedback from both participants and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of practical exposure in a structured and engaging setting.

“We look forward to building on the success of this inaugural event and continuing to support high-quality surgical education in Tasmania.”

A night to remember at the WA Surgeons' Ball 

RACS Aurora Nights WA Surgeons' Ball 2025 was held on Saturday 14 June at the Crown Towers Ballroom. 

The evening connected Fellows and Trainees from across Western Australia for a spectacular night. With the ballroom glowing in celestial hues to reflect the Aurora light’s theme, those attending were treated to a magical evening of celebration and connection. 

Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Jonathan Spencer, and General Surgery Younger Fellow, Dr Erasmia Christou, were the Masters of Ceremonies for the night. They brought their energy and professionalism to the stage, with the Summer Club Band keeping the dance floor alive. 

Most importantly, the event raised an incredible $19,285 for the Heart and Lung Research Institute of WA. These funds will go towards helping advance critical research into humanised tissue models for heart and lung disease.

A night to remember, indeed. A special thanks to the RACS WA team and committee for their involvement and our wider surgical community for their support of this event.

Upcoming social events

• Victoria Charity Ball: Melbourne Town Hall | Friday 3 October 
• NSW Surgeon’s Evening | Saturday 1 November

Upcoming College events in August, September and October:

Check out the College Calendar of events for the full listing, including skills and PD courses College calendar of events | RACS

Have you attended a College event recently or coming along to a future event? Send us your photos to <email> and make sure you tag us in your photos on social media, too!