It is with immense pride and pleasure that we extend a welcome to you all for the 5^th Biennial Royal Australasian College of Surgeons WA, South West General Surgery Conference to be held at Saltwater Busselton (Undalup) from 6 November until 8 November 2026. Undalup is derived from the name of a respected Wadandi warrior and elder, Undal.

This year’s theme, “Basic to Complex, Complexity to Complication”, mirrors the surgical career path: A progression from foundational skills to the cutting edge of medical science. As surgery evolves through technical innovation and precision, our focus must shift. We are no longer just managing the intricate nature of modern procedures, we are dedicated to eliminating the complications that often follow them.

Beyond academics, we also invite you to experience the warm hospitality of the South West region of Western Australia which is world-renowned for the premium wineries of Margaret River, pristine surf beaches and massive karri forests. It is a premier tourism destination known for gourmet food, ancient underground caves, whale watching and the iconic Busselton Jetty. The organising team is committed to ensuring that your stay is comfortable and that you take back, not only knowledge, but also fond memories.

Your participation will be the driving force behind the success of this event. We are honoured to have a distinguished lineup of speakers who are leaders in their specialties and we encourage you to take advantage of the diverse range of workshops and panels designed to enrich your expertise and inspire new ideas. We encourage all surgeons, trainees, young aspiring doctors, nurses and allied staff to come together to learn, share and grow. Recognising the three pillars of our profession: world-class skill, constant inquiry and lifelong camaraderie.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their generous support, as well as to all of you for attending and making this conference a successful and memorable experience. On behalf of the Southwest Health Campus General Surgery Department and the Conveners, we welcome you to Undalup.

Warm regards,

Dr Nikhil Agrawal - FRACS, Convener

Dr Jacinta Cover - FRACS, Convener

Dr Senarath Werapitiya - FRACS, Convener