Speakers

RMA25 assembles Australia’s leading rural healthcare experts, innovators, and change-makers to share their frontline experiences and insights.

Through plenary presentations and dynamic discussions, you will learn from experienced rural practitioners and leaders, gaining practical knowledge to enhance your medical career in rural and remote communities.

Keynote speakers

In order of appearance in the program.

Dr Simon Quilty

Simon, after a day of mud-brick making in Tennant Creek

Wilya Janta

Thursday 23 October

Dr Simon Quilty

After decades treating the downstream effects of poverty and heat in remote NT clinics, Simon came to a blazing realisation: it’s not just the patient, it’s the home. This epiphany for Simon and his best mate Norman Frank Jupurrurla sparked Wilya Janta, a housing innovation project rooted in Aboriginal knowledge, community design, and the unshakable belief that health begins with culturally safe, climate-proof homes.

A long-time NT remote doctor with a background in engineering and health policy, Simon now splits his time between writing grants, wrangling funding bodies, and championing a future where doctors don’t just treat illness—they help build the damn houses.

At RMA '25, he’ll be explaining Doctors for Bricks and how RDAA helped kick it off, a rogue movement to rally the medical profession around housing justice. When he’s not founding campaigns or fixing the spacebar on hislaptop, you’ll find Simon listening to Warumungu Elders, writing papers about heat and mortality, or chasing a mud brick machine through the desert.

Read bio

Dr Christine Jeffries-Stokes AM

Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy Project

Thursday 23 October

Dr Christine Jeffries-Stokes AM

Dr Jeffries-Stokes AM is a Paediatrician who has been working in clinical practice and research in the Goldfields of Western Australia for more than 30 years. She has been working with the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia since it began. She has a PhD and a Masters in Public Health. She is Chief Investigator for the Western Desert Kidney Health Project, which has demonstrated new and innovative methods of community engagement. She has a strong record of collaborative research with the Aboriginal community and has established strong community networks. In 2024 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Read bio

Annette Stokes AM

Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy Project

Thursday 23 October

Annette Stokes AM

Annette is a senior Wongutha and Ngadju woman of the Goldfields. Her father’s people are from the northern Goldfield and her mother’s people are from the southern Goldfield which made it easy for her to be able to go freely across the Goldfield. She spent Her early life around the Goldfields with her family, learning the language and culture of her people. She has a background in early childhood education and completed Aboriginal health worker training. She have been involved in several major health and research projects in the Goldfields region and her contribution to medicine was recognised in 2005 when she was awarded the Fiona Stanley medal and in 2017 when she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. In 2024 Annette was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Western Australia. Annette has combined all her amazing talents as a chief investigator for the Western Desert Kidney Health Project and the Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy Project.

Read bio

Grace Brown OAM

Olympic Champion

Saturday 25 October

Grace Brown

Grace Brown, born in Camperdown, Victoria, is a distinguished Australian road cyclist renowned for her prowess in time trials and road races. Grace was initially involved in cross-country and middle-to-long-distance running, but after facing one too many injuries she transitioned to cycling in 2015, quickly ascending the ranks of the sport.

In 2018, Grace's talent was recognised when she received the Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship, leading to her professional debut with the British UCI team, Wiggle High5. She later joined Mitchelton-Scott before signing with the French Women's WorldTeam, FDJ-Suez at the beginning of 2022.

Grace's career is highlighted by significant achievements - some notable mentions are;

Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the women's road time trial.
Victory at Liège–Bastogne–Liège Femmes in 2024
Gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Gold at the 2024 World Championships in the Time Trial

Grace's Olympic triumph was particularly poignant, as she had narrowly missed a podium finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, placing fourth in the time trial. Her relentless determination and resilience culminated in her gold medal performance in Paris, where she dominated the 32.4km course, finishing 91 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

Post-Olympics, Grace went on to win the Individual Time Trial at the 2024 Road Cycling World Championships, becoming the first male or female to win Olympic Gold and the World Championships in the same year.

In June 2024, Grace announced her intention to retire from professional cycling at the end of the season, expressing a desire to return to her life in Australia. Her career stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent, inspiring athletes worldwide.

Read bio

Speakers

Keynote speakers

Dr Simon Quilty

Simon, after a day of mud-brick making in Tennant Creek

Wilya Janta

Thursday 23 October

Dr Christine Jeffries-Stokes AM

Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy Project

Thursday 23 October

Annette Stokes AM

Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy Project

Thursday 23 October

Grace Brown OAM

Olympic Champion

Saturday 25 October

Register your interest to receive updates

Important dates

2022

2023

Conference organiser

Expert Events

ACRRM and RDAA acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which RMA25 will be held. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise these lands have always been a place of teaching and learning.