2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference
Program & Themes
Acknowledgement of 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. 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, and form a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures. Conference themes The conference focuses 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 conference is grounded in a truth Elders have always taught: sharing is caring, and caring demands action. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to experience some of the highest rates of diabetes, heart and kidney disease, obesity, preventable illness and mental health challenges -- lived realities shaped by history and systemic inequities, not just statistics. Real change comes when solutions are led by First Nations people, guided by culture and strengthened by evidence: self-determination, truth-telling, cultural integrity and genuine partnership, rather than top-down approaches. Objectives • Provide a culturally safe space to nurture the body, mind and spirit through dialogue, learning and sharing innovations in Indigenous health • Amplify Indigenous voices so community priorities, lived experience and cultural knowledge guide health initiatives • Showcase holistic, community-led programs that strengthen physical health, mental wellbeing and spiritual connection • Foster collaboration between communities, health services, policymakers and organisations • Promote Indigenous leadership and workforce development • Celebrate resilience, culture and self-determination Who should attend Open to everyone dedicated to improving disability care, inclusion and cultural safety across Australia -- First Nations people with disability, their families and carers, community leaders, Elders and Traditional Owners, NDIS providers, health and allied health professionals, mental health practitioners, policymakers, educators, researchers and government representatives. Conference agenda Day 1 -- Tuesday 8 December 2026: Body, Mind & Spirit 8:30am Registrations and networking 9:00am Welcome & safety announcement 9:15am Welcome to Country & traditional performances 9:30am Formal opening address 9:45am Keynote: Truth Telling in Health -- Understanding the Historical Context 10:30am Morning tea & networking 11:00am Keynote: Closing the Gap -- What's Working and What Still Needs to Change 11:45am Keynote: Honoring Our Stories & Understanding the Gaps 12:30pm Lunch & networking with service providers/exhibitors 1:30pm Breakout sessions -- Indigenous voices on the frontline; mental health & healing; holistic approaches to chronic disease management; innovations in Indigenous health 2:15pm Breakout sessions -- traditional healing practices & connection to Country; the role of First Nations researchers; diabetes outcomes in remote communities; self-determination & community-led health programs 3:00pm Afternoon tea & networking 3:30pm Keynote: Closing the Gap -- Lessons Learned and Pathways Forward 4:15pm Interactive Yarning Circle -- storytelling, panel and Q&A with community members 6:30pm Conference networking dinner Day 2 -- Wednesday 9 December 2026: Holistic Health in Practice Day 3 -- Thursday 10 December 2026: Post-Conference Masterclasses Full agenda detail for Days 2 and 3 is published by the organiser closer to the event. This agenda may change without prior notice.
