Zone 18: Australasia and South Pacific

Bruce Singh

Zone 18 includes particularly Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and the South Western Pacific. Within that broad geographical area, lie significant cultural, socio economic and mental health services diversity. Some part of that are not directly represented by their own psychiatric associations. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the Association of Papua New Guinea Psychiatrists are the only two formal structures.

The biggest organisation, the RANZCP has a particular committee (The Regional Issues Committee) which is charged with the responsibility of the liasing and working with countries in the broader region, including many from other contiguous zones. That committee tries to act as a communication facilitator and to provide some direct practical support on mutual educational activities.