Inaugural ICFHS Ian Webster Oration

The Inaugural Ian Webster Oration of the International Centre for Future Health Systems (ICFHS) was held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Health Translation Hub building on 25 November 2025. The orator was Associate Professor Shannon Nott, a distinguished Australian rural doctor, working as an anaesthetist, retrieval physician, and clinical services executive, and as the Chief Medical Officer and Executive General Manager of Health and Clinical Services at the Royal Flying Doctor Service.  Shannon also holds an adjunct academic appointment with the ICFHS at UNSW. The oration was titled “Heroes of Australian Health Care: What the future holds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service”, and described the history of the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the important role it continues to play in delivering health care in Australian rural and remote areas, where health infrastructure on the ground is minimal.

The oration is named in honour of Professor Ian Webster AO, the foundation Professor of Community Medicine and General Practice at UNSW (appointed in 1975), and a national academic and clinical leader committed to health equity through his work in the fields of alcohol and drug dependence, mental health, homelessness, and the wider social determinants of health.