Illuminating Hope,
Inclusion & Connection

"Really grateful to see there was a session dedicated to Eating Disorder support, and the inclusion of lived and living experience voices. This is something very close to my heart."

Lisa Bloom · on eating disorder support and lived experience at the conference

"The participation in the room was so motivating, people leaning in, having a go at the exercises, asking thoughtful questions. And it kept going long after we wrapped."

Kim Borrowdale · on her workshop "Powerful Storytelling with Purpose"

"We literally covered all bases, literacy, ethics, equity, the consumer being fundamental to AI policy and regulation, and where the effort needs to go over these next critical years to shape AI for good."

Chris Boyd-Skinner CF · on the TheMHS 2026 AI Hypothetical panel

"It was a pleasure to share what we are experiencing in Aotearoa with our Asian communities and the models we have designed to provide culturally specific, relevant and accessible support."

Romy Lee · presenting on culturally responsive support for Asian migrant gambling harms

"It never gets old attending a TheMHS conference. It's a strong pulse check for the mental health sector. There is a mixture of anxiety, hope and determination permeating the halls."

Tully Rosen · Director of Allied Health, Dept. Health, Disability & Ageing

"Another day of learning, connection, inspiration (and a little bit of silliness) at TheMHS Conference 2026 in Sydney."

Lisa Bloom · lived experience story sharing and LLE peer workforce

"When educators are invited to co-design, collaborate and learn from one another, they don't just participate in change, they lead it."

Victorian Collaborative Centre · Karen McKnight, on the Workforce Development Forum

"Reclaiming Agency: Integrating CBT and Narrative Therapy for Youth Digital Addiction, moving away from pathologising 'lack of willpower' and instead fostering algorithmic literacy and personal agency."

Yasin Bagci · presenting on urgent and crisis support for youth digital addiction

"Lived experience isn't being framed as a nice-to-have anymore. That shift from consultation to structure is the one that actually changes what happens, not just what gets written in a strategy document."

Craig Worland · reflecting on day one and the future of peer work

"I want to learn how to be comfortable with making people in power uncomfortable with the truth and creating that change. It's complicated but it's important."

Kyra D · on day one, and being empowered by Grace White's words

"Hope is the belief that the future can be better and we have the power to make it so. Hope is learnable, we can fight for it."

Andrew Pryor · sharing notes from Kathryn Goetzke's keynote on hopelessness and hope

"He shared a true transformation process, based in our history, driven by lived experience, and connected to a strong evidence base. The results are amazing!"

Will Ward · WALSH Trust CEO, on Aaryn Niuapu's presentation

"If you are a mental health consumer, come tell us why it's important that your voice is heard. We can't wait to see you there."

National Mental Health Consumer Alliance · Hilton Hotel, Level 4

"As the official media partner, Horizon Magazine is proud to be on the ground in Sydney, capturing the stories, insights and conversations shaping the future of mental health."

Ember · Horizon Magazine, official media partner, sharing highlights across the three days

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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)

"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

"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)

"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

"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

"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

"Presenting across carer support, suicide prevention for refugees, and carer-inclusive aftercare."

Everymind · presenting across three sessions, and at exhibition stand 28