Hilton Sydney · 5–7 August 2026 · In-person + Virtual
Whatever brings you to the conversation, there is something here for you. Your guide to August.
TheMHS Conference 2026 begins in
Follow the conference as it happens, wherever you are. The latest from Sydney, updated through the day.
Our volunteers are doing a wonderful job this week. Here they are making sure every delegate bag is ready to go for tomorrow.
You'll spot them around the conference in their bright pink vests. If you need a hand with anything, they're the people to find.
"Everyone's willingness to contribute and work collaboratively really made this session and is helping to build a great conference community."
Being Mental Health Consumers · on their session "Redesigning Systems to Centre Lived Experience," hosted by CEO Giancarlo de Vera
Read the post →"One of the things I love most about this conference is the opportunity to learn from the incredible work happening across Australia and to connect with so many passionate people."
Isha Garg · on returning to the conference
Read the post →"I'll be presenting on 'unlearning trouble', exploring the systemic harm of silencing family carers. I can't wait to connect in real life."
Kylie Brown · presenting "unlearning trouble" on the silencing of family carers
Read the post →"We'll share early insights into creating environments where safety is built with people, rather than for them. I hope to see you there."
Madeleine Prince · presenting a symposium on moving beyond traditional risk management
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Most delegates will find teal socks in their bag this week. A very few will find gold.
Nobody chose their pair. It just landed that way.
As we talk about hope, inclusion and connection, there are people not in the room who didn't choose their pair either: those in long-stay psychiatric settings, the criminal justice system, and sleeping rough tonight.
Just a small reminder that not everyone is dealt the same hand in life.
Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland · hear from Simon Katterl (CEO) and Brody Hayes at the conference
See the post →"A few real moments of feeling like the advocacy is landing, actual change rather than just working toward it."
Rachael Burns · presenting twice at the conference
Read the post →"Good luck to all the presenters and speakers heading to TheMHS Learning Network Inc. conference this week. I'll be cheering you on and attending virtually."
Jess Edwards · attending virtually
"Our CEO and Co-Founder Chris Griffiths will deliver a keynote and lead a discussion on this topic at the TheMHS Learning Network Inc. conference in Sydney this week."
Tacklit · on using AI to improve mental health service delivery
Read the post →"Hope isn't just a feeling you either have or don't. It's a skill. It can be taught, measured, and built."
Kathryn Goetzke · Keynote speaker, on why she's coming to Sydney
Read her post →"We're heading to Sydney next week for TheMHS Learning Network Inc. Annual Conference 2026: Illuminating Hope, Inclusion & Connection."
Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing · presenting across the program, with a booth throughout the conference
Read the post →"When we listen first, build trust deliberately and connect through relationships, conversations build belonging, and belonging is what is required for a movement for change."
Philip Chabrel · presenting on the Tall Trees stigma reduction initiative for the Mental Health Commissioner SA (S72, Friday 7 August)
Read the post →"I am so looking forward to attending the TheMHS Learning Network Inc. Conference next week. The program looks awesome, and it's going to be an incredibly rewarding and action packed four days."
Julie Millard AM · Ambassador, co-presenting, chairing a session, and stage managing the MAD Pride Showcase
Read the post →"What does it mean to be trauma-informed in a traumatising world? It's a question I find myself returning to often."
Amy Kindred · facilitating two sessions on embedding trauma-informed practice (S30 Featured Workshop, Thursday 6 August)
Read the post →"One of the keynotes takes up hope as a skill rather than a mood. Peer workers have been practising it that way for a long time."
Craig Worland · on this year's theme
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"Both of interest and personal for me. I'm pleased to be putting my lived experience towards something positive and valuable."
Veronica O'Mara · presenting her honours thesis on peer-to-peer connections in recovery
Read the post →"So many voices coming together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another."
Rachel Maunder · presenting her ACAP University College research on reducing stigma through connection
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"People don't need all the answers, they just need the confidence to start the conversation."
Mind Set Engage, New Zealand Rugby · a 2026 TheMHS Award finalist
Read the post →"Working to improve the physical health outcomes of people living with mental illness."
Tiana Vourliotis · presenting Cancer Council NSW's co-designed smoking cessation training
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A dedicated Quiet Room and Sensory Room are open all day, with lounges, fidget toys and ear plugs. A clinician and peer worker are on call each day, hearing loops are in every session room, and guide and support dogs are welcome. The venue has step-free access throughout, and all dietary requirements are catered for.
"Powerful works from artists around the world, offering unique perspectives on mental health through creativity."
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia · visit the Finding North booth and the Out From The Mist exhibition
Read the post →"Presenting across carer support, suicide prevention for refugees, and carer-inclusive aftercare."
Everymind · presenting across three sessions, and at exhibition stand 28
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"Care beyond crisis. Come hear about the vital role of community-managed mental health."
Mental Health Coordinating Council · visit them at Stand 3, Level 3
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