College Of Surgeons To Mark 100 Years In Melbourne

Victoria is further cementing its reputation as Australia’s medical research and healthcare capital, with the Allan Labor Government announcing Melbourne will host the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons centenary celebrations in 2027

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced the milestone conference will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), 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.

The event will bring together 2,500 leading surgeon and health experts at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and is expected to inject more than $13 million into the Victorian economy.

Melbourne is the birthplace of RACS, with the College first established on Spring Street in 1927. The congress facilitates collaboration amongst Victorian healthcare experts and international peers, showcasing the state’s strengths in medical research.

Victoria is home to three of Australia’s top four largest independent medical research institutes, along with world-class universities for biomedicine – the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

The announcement follows other major medical events secured for Melbourne that will attract thousands of attendees, including:

• The 30^th annual Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress in 2028, attracting more than 2,000 delegates and an expected economic impact of more than $14 million.
• The 16^th annual International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation (ISLRR) conference in 2027, attracting 750 delegates with an expected economic impact of more than $3 million.
• The International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress to be held in 2026.

For more information about Victoria’s upcoming major conferences, visit melbournecb.com.au.

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.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson

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

Quote attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson  

“Melbourne offers cutting-edge facilities and a dynamic academic and clinical community, making it the ideal setting for this prestigious 100-year celebration.”

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

“This city has been home to our RACS headquarters for 100 years and this flagship meeting attracts our surgical colleagues from around the world, bringing benefits for Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia more broadly.”