Conference Name: SPANZA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2025
NT destination: Yulara (Uluru), Northern Territory, Australia
Conference venue: Ayers Rock Resort – Uluru Meeting Place
Dates: 15 - 18 October 2025
Delegates: 192 delegates
Connecting tertiary and rural paediatric anaesthetic care in Australia's heart
The Society for Paediatric Anaesthesia in New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA) is an incorporated association of specialist anaesthetists committed to advocating for high standards in paediatric anaesthesia, pain management, and perioperative care, while supporting global health initiatives.
In 2025, SPANZA hosted its Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) at Uluru guided by the theme: Bridging the gap between tertiary and rural paediatric anaesthetic care, featuring plenary sessions, panel discussions, a trade display, and clinical workshops for paediatric industry members.
The ASM marked the first time the event was hosted in Central Australia with the committee unanimously choosing Uluru as the destination for their regional conference due to the natural and cultural significance of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is recognised for its natural and cultural values in Australia’s Northern Territory | Credit: Tourism and Events NT, Kate Flowers
A world-class venue for business events
Uluru Meeting Place, located within Ayers Rock Resort, is recognised as one of Australia’s most culturally significant venues for bridging high-end meeting requirements with the ancient heritage of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land where the resort is built.
As part of the four-day Symposium, a trade display showcased six industry sponsors across pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and paediatric anaesthesia services.
The concurrent sessions were held in the Lungkata Room and Tjungu Ballroom, with networking held in the venue’s pre-function area and outdoor breakout space.
Delegates praised the quality of the food served at Uluru Meeting Place and the smooth execution of the conference schedule. The organising team was also commended for the high standard of conference delivery day-to-day and the off-site cultural activities included as part of the program.
A scientific program showcasing international and local expertise
The ASM program delivered an inspiring conference at Ayers Rock Resort, led by Northern Territory-based convenor and program committee member Dr Matthew Jenke from the Royal Darwin Hospital, who skilfully tied the sessions together.
Key topics discussed included regional anaesthesia, intravenous anaesthesia, paediatric resuscitation, and effective child-friendly communication.
Contributions from Northern Territory speakers were praised, including Purple House (Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation) CEO Sarah Brown AM, Dr Alex Kaethner of the Strong Hearts Foundation, Dr Angela Titmuss from Royal Darwin Hospital, and Dr James Dowler of Alice Springs Hospital.
In a meaningful gesture of local support, a community donation was made to Purple House in lieu of speaker gifts, demonstrating SPANZA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. The donation directly contributes to providing life-saving dialysis and essential wellbeing services in remote Australia.
Immersive culinary and cultural experiences on Country
Delegates participated in optional tours to immerse themselves in the region's world-class nature-based activities and cultural experiences, with many accompanied by their families.
Open-air dinner experiences, small-group tours, a leadership breakfast, and cultural workshops encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing among delegates, with transfers arranged directly from their designated hotels.
Early morning tours gave delegates the flexibility to explore the destination before the conference seminars, including the Uluru Sunrise & Field of Light experience, Uluru Morning Guided Base Walk and the Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta Walks.
A dot painting workshop was also popular, led by community-owned businesses, Ininti Café and Walkatjara Arts, offering insights into Aboriginal art techniques with views of Uluru from the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
The Sounds of Silence dinner capped off the conference on day three, where delegates enjoyed expansive views of Uluru, a didgeridoo performance, and a star talk, creating an inspiring experience in Central Australia.
A highlight of the program was the executive dining experience at Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune' in the Anangu language of the Traditional Owners. The experience received positive feedback as a standout evening for its intimate five-star, four-course meal and sunset views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Delegates commended the ASM for providing valuable opportunities to exchange both scientific and cultural knowledge, which encouraged the conference to be both engaging and educational.
In their words
“The 2025 SPANZA Annual Scientific Meeting in Uluru was a tremendous success, bringing together our community in a truly unique and inspiring setting. The exchange of knowledge, ideas, and collaboration throughout the meeting highlighted our shared commitment to advancing paediatric anaesthetic care, with a particular focus on regional and remote practice."
Dr Tanya Farrell
President SPANZA Committee
Society for Paediatric Anaesthesia in New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA)
The Sounds of Silence conference dinner was held on the last evening of the 2025 SPANZA ASM