Preliminary Agenda
Below is a preliminary agenda for the 2027 conference. More speakers and sessions will be added throughout October.
Exploring the importance of First Nations leadership in shaping a future grounded in culture, self-determination and community strengths, and the role of governments, communities and practitioners in supporting healing and social and emotional wellbeing.
Looking to the wisdom of Elders is an important aspect of Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention initiatives. Join this panel of local Elders as they impart their cultural knowledge and lived experience to continue guiding this important work.
Attendees can move between the sessions listed under the three streams. Select a stream to view its sessions.
Empowering First Nations lived experience voices to influence change at every level
Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence, Policy & Reform Officer, Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre
Forty-four years in the room: What practice taught me that theory could not
Hear from young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who are championing wellbeing, strengthening connection to culture and creating positive change in their communities.
Evaluation of Indigenous-Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (I-ASIST) in New South Wales: A 3-month follow-up
Building connections & strengthening futures: A trauma-informed and two-eyed seeing approach to Indigenous youth outreach
Facilitator: Lacy Runner, Mental Health Therapist & Trainer/Facilitator, Lacy Runner
Walking together towards collective healing: This session will explore culturally safe, community-led approaches to postvention, highlighting emerging needs, practical lessons from evidence and experience, and opportunities to strengthen connection, collaboration and collective responses across the sector
Facilitator: Tanja Hirvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Thirrili
- Explore how lived experience can be a powerful tool for fostering connection, resilience and recovery
- Examine the importance of culturally safe conversations and practical approaches to supporting social and emotional wellbeing
- Challenge assumptions about mental health and highlight opportunities to create meaningful change for individuals, families and communities
- Wanita Manning, Senior Engagement Officer, National Indigenous Australians Agency
Join us immediately following day one for some food and drinks in a relaxed setting where you can continue the conversations and connections from the day.