ACRRM acknowledges its reciprocal responsibilities in terms of making a positive contribution to rural and remote communities as well as receiving community advice and input. Our Community Reference Group (CRG) supports the College to deliver programs and activities that promote the best possible healthcare outcomes for rural and remote people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Community Reference Group members are diverse in location, age, background and interests. Their unique community perspectives are invaluable in keeping the College informed of community priorities and needs. The group provides a conduit for strengthening community partnerships,  and  a vehicle for community input and advocacy in College operations.

Meetings are held quarterly by video conference, with ongoing informal email discussion where members raise issues of interest as well as responding to requests for feedback from the College, and the group reports directly to the College Council.

The CRG

• Provides advice to the College Board, Council, and relevant Committees to ensure activities and programs continue to reflect community priorities and needs
• Informs the  College about important concerns for communities that could be supported through College activities
• Facilitates the College’s engagement and consultation with a broad pool of rural and remote consumers, though consumer representation opportunities such as workshops and focus groups
• Raises community awareness of the College, its activities, and rural generalist medicine more broadly

CRG in Action

CRG Chair Elect Gus Whyte and CRG member Judy Treloar were recently invited to join the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner’s Community Advisory Group, and attended the initial meeting, which focused on topics including rural workforce shortages and the impact of COVID-19 on rural and remote communities and medical services.

In other news, College Council has approached the CRG to fill the vacant community representative position on College Council. The CRG have considered the request and a endorsed a nominee. The CRG Chair is writing to College Council to confirm details of the nomination, which will be considered and announced in due course.

The CRG warmly welcomes new members so please encourage any of your community contacts to join using the Expression of Interest form on our website.