Welcome to the Combined Scientific Congress (CSC26) in the Hunter Valley

We are delighted and honoured to be the convenors of the Combined Scientific Congress 2026 (CSC2026) of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA)  in the beautiful Hunter Valley. This highly anticipated event will bring together anaesthesia professionals from across Australia and New Zealand for a dynamic and engaging program.  Our committee is excited to deliver a meeting that will be stimulating, inspiring, and relevant, while showcasing one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.

The Hunter Valley is a special part of Australia known for its rolling vineyards, gourmet food experiences, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a destination where world-class wineries meet boutique breweries, artisanal producers, and award-winning restaurants. Beyond the cellar doors, you’ll find lush national parks, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, charming towns, and warm country hospitality. The CSC 2026 will be held at the Rydges Hunter Valley, a venue offering outstanding conference facilities alongside accommodation, dining, and leisure activities—all in one stunning location.

The CSC 2026 scientific program will run from Thursday 8 October to Sunday 11 October 2026 and will feature thought-provoking lectures and plenaries, outstanding masterclasses, workshops, and practice evaluations. These will be led by a diverse range of internationally recognised experts, including leading voices in Australian and New Zealand anaesthesia.  

This congress is s a gathering of minds across Australia and New Zealand with a celebration of innovation, and a unique opportunity to connect with members of the ASA and NZSA,  peers and leaders in the field of anaesthesia. We have an absolute all-star line-up of keynote speakers including Professor Paul Bowie, Professor Marcy E Rosenbaum and Associate Professor Andrew Lumb with many more to be announced!

There will be countless opportunities to mingle and socialise, including welcome drinks, a gala dinner, and relaxed social events that make the most of the Hunter’s food, wine, and scenery. We encourage you to register for the congress to take advantage of the excellent educational program, build your networks, and enjoy all that the Hunter Valley has to offer.

We warmly encourage you to join us for CSC2026—an unmissable opportunity to flourish, be nourished and thrive with the best of what the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) have to offer.

Call for Abstracts

3 December XXXX

Early Bird Registration

3 December XXXX

Deadline for submission of abstracts

3 December XXXX

Authors advised of submission result

3 December XXXX

OUR CSC COMMITTEE

Dr Frances Page, Convenor 

Dr Allysan Armstrong Brown, Scientific Convenor 

Dr Candice Peters, Workshop Co-Ordinator 

Dr Bryan Hui, SGD / Masterclass Coordinator  

Dr Samantha Gluer, Trainee Rep  

Dr Katherine Jeffrey, Committee Member  

Dr Vida Viliunas, ASA Vice President

Dr Jonathan Panckhurst, NZSA Vice President 

Dr David Elliott, NSC Federal Officer 

Dr Girish Palnitkar, NSC Scientific Program Officer 

Ms Rhian Foster, ASA Education and Events Manager 


IMPORTANT DATES

Acknowledgment of Country

We acknowledge the Wonnarua people, traditional owners and keepers of the Hunter Valley area where CSC 2026 will be hosted. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. The Wonnarua people have a deep spiritual connection to the land.

We commit to respecting the land, people and culture of the Wonnarua Nation during the congress, and at all times.