1. National Report
1.1 Overview
AFMW concluded the final quarter (Q4) of 2025 with strong national coordination, increased visibility, and sustained engagement across all states and territories. The final quarter focused on consolidating achievements, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for strategic priorities in 2026. National leadership continued to support affiliates through communication resources, governance guidance, and advocacy alignment.
1.2 Advocacy, Policy & National Engagement
AFMW contributed to federal consultations on women’s health priorities for 2026, including reproductive health access, menopause care, and gender‑responsive health policy. Representatives participated in national discussions on gender equity in medicine, flexible training, and leadership pathways, ensuring the perspectives of women in medicine remained central to policy development. Member submissions to government and peak bodies were supported through coordinated communication and evidence‑based framing.
Internationally, AFMW maintained active involvement in MWIA working groups and prepared contributions for MWIA newsletters and 2026 regional activities. This engagement ensured Australian perspectives continued to influence global conversations on gender equity, workforce wellbeing, and women’s health.
1.3 Communications, Visibility & Professional Development
National communications activity increased throughout Q4, with enhanced social media presence highlighting events, achievements, and advocacy across the country. Work continued on communication templates and digital archiving systems to support consistent branding and record‑keeping across affiliates. Planning commenced for the 2026 National Council Meeting and AFMW Awards, with a focus on strengthening national‑state alignment and improving accessibility for members.
1.4 Governance & AFMW AGM
Governance work progressed steadily, including updates to financial processes, digital record‑keeping, and preparation for the 2025 Annual Report. The Quarterly Council Meeting saw strong representation and productive discussion on national priorities.
AFMW held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on 6 December, bringing together representatives from across Australia to review the year’s achievements and set strategic priorities for 2026. The AGM focused on strengthening national coordination, enhancing advocacy impact, improving communication systems, and supporting state and territory affiliates through clearer structures and shared resources. This strategic planning session laid the foundation for a cohesive and forward‑looking agenda for 2026.
2. State & Territory Reports
2.1 Australian Capital Territory (MWS‑ACT)
2.1.1 Overview & Highlights
MWS‑ACT delivered a productive quarter, strengthening student engagement, enhancing visibility in ACT health policy discussions, and hosting key events that supported medical students and early‑career doctors. Collaboration with ANU continued to deepen, particularly around bursaries and student development initiatives.
2.1.2 Key Events & Activities
The ANU Medical Student Women’s Juggle Event 2025 brought together students and doctors in a dynamic speed‑rotation format exploring wellbeing, career interests, systemic challenges, and training pathways. The event fostered open dialogue and mentorship, reinforcing ACT’s commitment to supporting women at all stages of training.
The MWS‑ACT AGM, held on 20 November, attracted strong hybrid attendance. Discussions centred on advocacy priorities, student engagement, and planning for 2026 activities. Members reflected on the year’s achievements and identified opportunities to strengthen partnerships with local health organisations and universities.
2.1.3 Student Support & Collaboration
MWS‑ACT continued to support student elective bursaries aligned with women’s health, gender equity, and community‑focused practice. Collaboration with ANU included ongoing refinement of bursary selection processes to ensure transparency and fairness. The Student Essay Prize continued to encourage reflective writing and leadership development among medical students.
2.2 New South Wales (MWS‑NSW)
2.2.1 Overview & Highlights
MWS‑NSW delivered a strong quarter of professional development, advocacy, and community engagement. The affiliate continued its tradition of high‑impact events, strengthened its presence in international gender equity forums, and launched new initiatives supporting women in medicine.
2.2.2 Key Events & Initiatives
The CV and Interview Night remained a flagship event, supporting students and junior doctors navigating career transitions. Attendees benefited from practical advice, mock interviews, and insights from senior clinicians.
NSW members represented AFMW at the UN Commission on the Status of Women Parallel Event, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to global gender equity and leadership. Their participation highlighted Australian perspectives on women’s health, workforce equity, and leadership pathways.
The new Motherhood in Medicine initiative launched with a sold‑out event attended by 80 participants. The program explored fertility, parental leave, and wellbeing, with expert speakers and support from Genea. The event generated strong engagement and set the stage for ongoing programming in 2026.
2.3 Queensland (QMWS)
2.3.1 Overview & Highlights
QMWS delivered a vibrant and community‑focused quarter, hosting celebratory events, recognising bursary recipients, and advancing preparations for the organisation’s centenary in 2029. Advocacy efforts continued to focus on rural and regional women’s health access, while partnerships with local health organisations strengthened.
2.3.2 Key Events & Activities
The QMWS Christmas Party, held on 23 November, brought together members and supporters for an evening of connection and celebration. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements and strengthen community ties.
The 2025 NCWQ Bursary Presentation celebrated the achievements of five outstanding recipients. QMWS expressed gratitude to NCWQ and sponsoring partners — Queensland X‑Ray, AMA Queensland, Quota, and Mater Health — for their continued support.
2025 Bursary Recipients:
• Dr Loyola Wills — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursary
• Marita Bolic — Professor Tess Cramond Memorial Bursary
• Megha Kadian — Student Bursary
• Dr Ye Li — Quota Brisbane Bursary in Honour of Dr Laurel Macintosh OBE
• Dr Pranathi Settipalli — Women in Radiology Bursary
The President’s Chat featuring Dr Clare Wood offered a rich discussion on occupational and environmental medicine. Dr Wood highlighted the specialty’s broad scope — from injury management to environmental health — and emphasised the importance of prevention and systemic wellbeing. She also explored the underutilisation of occupational health expertise in healthcare workplace strategies, particularly around burnout prevention.
2.3.3 QMWS100: Countdown to the Centenary
Preparations for the QMWS centenary in 2029 continued through three major projects:
• Suitcase Project: Digitising and archiving decades of historical documents.
• Quilt Project: Retelling QMWS stories through a commemorative quilt and accompanying book.
• Sculpture Project: Commissioning a sculpture of Dr Lilian Cooper, supported by a generous donor.
These initiatives aim to preserve the organisation’s legacy and celebrate the contributions of women in medicine across generations.
2.4 Victoria (VMWS)
2.4.1 Overview & Highlights
VMWS delivered a high‑impact quarter marked by strong event participation, expanded student and early‑career support, and continued leadership in advocacy for women in medicine. The affiliate strengthened its hybrid programming, innovation‑focused events, and leadership development pathways.
2.4.2 Key Events & Initiatives
The Hospital Hustle: Preparing for Internship, held on 17 October, attracted more than 50 final‑year medical students. The hybrid event offered practical guidance on transitioning into internship, with junior doctors sharing insights on workload management, wellbeing, and early career planning. The event was supported by MIGA.
The Women in MedTech Evening on 23 October showcased women leading innovation in medicine, AI, and healthcare technology. Delivered in collaboration with Nexus MedTech, the event brought together clinicians, researchers, and students to explore emerging technologies and leadership opportunities.
Additional events included women’s health research updates and collaborations with universities and medical colleges.
2.4.3 Jobshare Database
The Jobshare Database continued to support flexible training pathways, receiving nine submissions and generating six potential matches. User engagement remained strong, with positive feedback on accessibility and utility. Plans for 2026 include streamlining the platform and conducting deeper analysis of matching outcomes.
2.4.4 Leadership Scholarships
Two fully funded scholarships for the Monash University Women in Leadership Program were awarded to:
• Melanie Wade, Medical Student
• Dr Ashleigh McLean, Consultant Paediatrician
The selection process included independent review, anonymisation, and blinded voting, ensuring fairness and transparency.
2.4.5 Constance Stone Oration
At the VMWS AGM on 30 November, Dr Kevric delivered a powerful oration on women in surgery, fertility impacts, research insights, and balancing family with a demanding career. Her message honoured the legacy of Dr Constance Stone and called for system‑level change to support women in surgical careers.
3. Closing Summary
The final quarter of 2025 demonstrated the strength and cohesion of AFMW’s national network. Each state and territory contributed meaningfully to advocacy, professional development, and visibility. National‑state collaboration remained strong, and the AFMW AGM set a clear strategic direction for 2026. The quarter closed with renewed commitment to supporting women in medicine, strengthening leadership pathways, and advancing gender equity across the health system.