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Honouring our ways of knowing, being and doing
We welcome you to the 2026 National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference, this evolution of our annual gathering reflects the need for a broader conversation. While suicide prevention will remain central, the expanded focus acknowledges the wider mental health challenges faced by First Nations peoples, including social and emotional wellbeing, culturally safe care, systemic reform, and community resilience.
By embracing a wider agenda, the Conference will continue to provide a leading platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and culturally grounded solutions, while ensuring discussions address both the immediate and underlying drivers of Indigenous mental health and suicide. This year’s program is a wide amalgamation of self-determined solutions, providing hope and better futures for our next generation. With over 50 speakers, three streams, cultural activities and interactive breakout sessions, we hope you leave feeling connected, strong in culture and reinvigorated to continue the important work you do in your communities.
Advisory Committee Members include:
Mary Goslett
Director
AIPA
Alyce Merritt
Manager, Strategic Projects
AIPA
Kelleigh Ryan
Vice-Chair
AIPA
Meet Our International Keynote
Dr Gayle Morse, Professor, Psychologist; Internship Director, Counselling and Community Program, Psychology Department- CCP, Russell Sage College, School of Health Sciences
We are honoured to welcome Dr Gayle Morse, an internationally recognised Indigenous psychologist and researcher whose work bridges culture, clinical practice, and community empowerment. A proud Mohawk woman and leading voice in Native American mental health, Dr Morse has dedicated her career to improving culturally grounded care and advancing Indigenous-led research in trauma, resilience, and wellbeing.
Dr Morse will share global perspectives on how Indigenous knowledge systems can transform mainstream psychology and create pathways for healing that honour culture, identity, and connection to land.
On Country Workshop Day
A chance for cultural immersion, peer connection and self-restoration
Join us out of the conference room and onto Country at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre to deepen your learning and participate in mindfulness and wellbeing activities that you can take back to your communities.
You will gain strategies in connection and fostering positive and healthy environments grounded in culture and guided by mob as you move through different activities. You will also learn about the traditional lands and ways of knowing, being, and doing of the Kaurna people.
Reasons to Attend
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Learn from leading Indigenous voices: Hear directly from respected leaders including Professor Pat Dudgeon, Associate Professor Graham Gee, Tanja Hirvonen, and others shaping Australia’s Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention landscape.
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Connect with Culture and Country: Take part in On-Country learning, weaving workshops, and yarning circles that strengthen connection to land, culture, and community healing.
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Gain practical strategies for community wellbeing: Explore successful models and frameworks from across Australia, including Waminda’s Balaang Healing Framework, KWY’s SEWB initiatives, and youth-led programs driving real outcomes.
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Connect with Elders, healers, and peers: Build relationships and exchange knowledge in a culturally safe space designed for reflection, collaboration, and renewal.
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Shape the future of Indigenous-led reform: Contribute to national discussions on Voice, Treaty, and Truth, systemic change, and culturally responsive mental health education.
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Leave re-energised and inspired: Return to your community or organisation with renewed purpose, deeper cultural grounding, and actionable ideas to strengthen wellbeing for future generations.
Who Attends?
Those working to prevent suicide and improve wellbeing in Indigenous communities, including:
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Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
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Community Members
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Indigenous Youth Leaders
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NFPs
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PHNs
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Government Health Departments
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Emergency and Correctional Services
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Local Councils
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Universities
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Mainstream Health Providers
Past Sponsors
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"I found the speakers deadly and the networking and connections were amazing. I found it very inspiring and it filled my cup to go back to community to continue the work that is so needed in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention!"
Community Engagement Coordinator,
Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network Limited