National Conference

2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference

02- 04 December 2026•Hilton Hotel Gold Coast

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Date

Dec 2 - Dec 4, 2026

Venue

Hilton Hotel Gold Coast

Call for Papers

Open

Accepting submissions

THE CONFERENCE

The 2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference is scheduled on December 2-4, 2026 at the Hilton Hotel on the Gold Coast. The conference is based on the belief that prevention is better than cure which is grounded in culture, leadership, and holistic wellbeing. It brings together Elders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, community leaders, researchers, AMS staff, PHN program officers, and policymakers to create a space where the body is nurtured through health innovation, the mind through knowledge sharing, and the spirit through culture, connection to Country, and community wisdom. The conference celebrates Indigenous leadership, truth-telling, and lived experience, while addressing ongoing disparities in life expectancy, chronic disease, mental health, and access to quality care.

Through collaboration, storytelling, and evidence-based approaches, participants will share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and co-design culturally safe, sustainable solutions that empower communities, foster resilience, and advance health equity. It highlights the importance of self-determination, culture, and community-led initiatives in achieving lasting health improvements. More than a conference, this is a movement for action, healing, and transformative change, shaping a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

THE CONFERENCE THEME

The 2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference will focus on three interconnected themes:

Our Leadership, Our Health - Celebrating self-determination, collective leadership, and community-driven solutions to close the health gap.

Truth, Culture, Healing - Acknowledging the past, embracing cultural integrity, and fostering holistic wellbeing through identity, Country, and connection.

Innovate Together, Transform Generations - Uniting knowledge, partnerships, and innovation to create sustainable, culturally safe, and equitable health outcomes for current and future generations.

CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY

The 2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference is grounded in a truth our Elders have always taught us: sharing is caring—and caring demands action. But we must ask ourselves: Is the Gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health truly closing, or has “Closing the Gap” become just another government catch phrase?

Our communities continue to experience some of the highest rates of diabetes, heart and kidney disease, obesity, preventable illnesses, and mental health challenges. These are not just statistics—they are lived realities shaped by history, systemic inequities, and structures that were never designed with us in mind.

We believe that real change comes when solutions are led by our people, guided by culture, and strengthened through evidence. Top-down approaches cannot close the Gap. What will make a difference is self-determination, truth-telling, cultural integrity, and genuine partnership.

This conference is our space to share knowledge, inspire action, challenge barriers, and strengthen capacity, all while keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and leadership at the centre. It is more than a conference—it is a collective movement to achieve culturally safe, equitable, and enduring health outcomes for our communities.

THE CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The 2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference aims to advance equitable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culture, self-determination, and holistic wellbeing. The conference will:

Provide a culturally safe space to nurture the body, mind, and spirit through dialogue, learning, and sharing innovations in Indigenous health.
Amplify Indigenous voices to ensure community priorities, lived experience, and cultural knowledge guide health initiatives.
Showcase holistic, community-led programs that strengthen physical health, mental wellbeing, and spiritual connection while reflecting culture and Country.
Foster collaboration between communities, health services, policymakers, and organisations to deliver culturally safe and sustainable solutions.
Promote Indigenous leadership and workforce development, empowering First Nations professionals to lead change across body, mind, and spirit-focused initiatives.
Celebrate resilience, culture, and self-determination, recognising that lasting health improvements grow from empowered communities and holistic wellbeing.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The conference is open to everyone dedicated to improving disability care, inclusion, and cultural safety across Australia. It brings together First Nations people with disability, their families, carers, community leaders, Elders, and Traditional Owners who are passionate about creating meaningful change. The conference also welcomes NDIS providers, health and allied health professionals, mental health practitioners, policy makers, educators, researchers, and government representatives committed to building culturally safe and responsive systems. It is an essential gathering for community organisations, advocates, and emerging leaders seeking to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and drive reform within the disability sector. Whether you work in service delivery, policy, education, or advocacy, this conference offers a powerful space to connect, learn, and collaborate toward a future where every First Nations person living with disability is empowered to live strong, independent, and proud—grounded in culture, community, and belonging.

Acknowledgement to Country

In Australia, protocol requires us to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. All presentations must therefore begin with an acknowledgement to Country and to local Traditional Elders: "We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting or attending from other areas of Australia who are present here." Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremonies and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols form a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

Why Attend

This conference offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a positive environment dedicated to sharing information and empowering all attendees. In our everyday working environment, the daily pressures of our roles often limit our capacity to expand knowledge and build networks. Whether working at community or governmental level, opportunities to network and establish contacts beyond your local region can be limited. This conference addresses that challenge, providing valuable connections and insights that extend well beyond your immediate professional circle.

Guest Speakers

This event features an impressive array of guest speakers who share stories, successes, and challenges they've overcome, offering inspiration and opportunities for delegates to engage with Culture, Empowerment, Education, and Networking. Drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year's speakers transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one. Their contributions create lasting impact, ensuring the conference remains a source of tremendous benefit and memorable insights long after it concludes.

Conference Agenda

Note

This conference agenda may change without prior notice.

8:30 AM

Registrations and Networking – Welcome participants and allow informal connection with service providers and exhibitors

9:00 AM

Master of Ceremony: Welcome & Safety Announcement

9:15 AM

Welcome to Country & Traditional Performances – Begin the day grounded in culture, Country, and spiritual connection

9:30 AM

Formal Opening Address – Setting intentions for holistic health, community leadership, and empowerment

9:45 AM

Keynote: Truth Telling in Health – Understanding the Historical Context

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Morning Tea & Networking

11:00 AM

Keynote: Closing the Gap – What’s Working and What Still Needs to Change

11:45 AM

Keynote: Honoring Our Stories & Understanding the Gaps

12:30 PM

Lunch & Networking with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Workshop Session A – Indigenous Voices on the Frontline: Stories from health workers, midwives, and community advocates

Workshop Session B – Mental Health and Healing: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

Workshop Session C – Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease Management

Workshop Session D – Innovations in Indigenous Health: From Community to Policy

2:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

Workshop Session A – Traditional Healing Practices & Connection to Country

Workshop Session B – The Role of First Nations Researchers in Closing the Gap

Workshop Session C – Working Towards Better Outcomes in Diabetes in Remote Communities

Workshop Session D – Self-Determination and Community-Led Health Programs

3:00 PM

Afternoon Tea & Networking

3:30 PM

Keynote: Closing the Gap – Lessons Learned and Pathways Forward

4:15 PM

Interactive Session: Yarning Circle – Storytelling, panel, and Q&A with community members

6:30 PM

Conference Networking Dinner – Strengthening connections, celebrating culture, and building relationships

Registration

Early Bird Discount Available!

Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation.

Important Payment Terms

Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.

Let's Connect

We'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about our conferences, registration, or anything else, our team is ready to answer all your questions.