Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to celebrate 100 years in Melbourne

October 10, 2025

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) will celebrate their 100th anniversary in Melbourne in 2027, combining the centenary celebrations with their Annual Scientific Congress. This prestigious gathering is the largest multi‐disciplinary surgical meeting held in the Australasia region, bringing together leading experts, practitioners and innovators in health services.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked in collaboration with RACS to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government. The conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract 2,500 delegates.

RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education. Their mission is to support the ongoing development, expertise and lifelong learning of surgeons and surgical trainees.

The centenary celebrations will invite international representatives from surgical colleges and associations from across the world, as well as affiliated international specialist societies from across Australasia.

Melbourne represents the ideal location for this special anniversary; the RACS headquarters were established on Spring Street, Melbourne in 1927. The Congress provides an opportunity for key experts and leaders in the Victorian healthcare system to share ideas with global peers and showcase the State’s strengths and significant investment in healthcare facilities, such as the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and the $634.3 million investment in the 2025-26 State Budget to open and operationalise nine new or upgraded hospitals across Victoria.

Victoria is recognised as a global leader in medical research and clinical practice, with the state being home to three of Australia’s top four largest independent medical research institutes, as well as world-ranked universities for biomedicine, the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

The RAC Annual Scientific Congress further highlights Melbourne’s reputation as a world-class destination for business events. The city will also host the Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress in 2026, attracting 2,500 delegates.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“We’re strengthening Victoria's position as a global leader in medical innovation by hosting world-class conferences that attract international experts, support businesses and create jobs across our visitor economy.

“These events not only deliver economic benefits but also help to advance healthcare and foster innovation across Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson

“It’s fitting that the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is celebrating its 100th year in Melbourne – because this event will also showcase our expertise to the world and reinforce our leadership in medical research excellence.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“With cutting-edge facilities, leading experts, and a dynamic academic and clinical community, Melbourne provides the ideal setting for this prestigious celebration of an important institution. We look forward to welcoming delegates from surgical colleges around the world to experience the best that our city has to offer.”

Quote attributable to Royal Australasian College of Surgeons President Professor Owen Ung

“As one of the highlights of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Centenary celebrations, we are thrilled to be holding the RACS Annual Scientific Conference in the beautiful city of Melbourne. This thriving metropolis and international city has been home to our RACS headquarters for a hundred years and this flagship meeting attracts our surgical colleagues from around the world, bringing benefits for Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia more broadly.”

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Media enquiries:

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau

T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]