Australian Public Health Conference 2026

About the Conference

 

Conference Theme

 

In 2026 the Conference theme is 'Transforming healthier futures: systems, solutions and solidarity'.​

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Australia and the world face complex, interconnected public health challenges: widening inequities, climate pressures, digital transformation, commercial influences, and strained health systems. Meeting these challenges will require more than isolated actions. It demands systems change, genuine transdisciplinary collaboration, bold innovative solutions, strong political commitment and solidarity across sectors, communities and borders.

 

This year’s conference theme, ‘Transforming healthier futures: systems, solutions and solidarity’, calls on the public health profession to reflect critically on what is no longer working, and to imagine and build what comes next. How do we redesign systems to better promote prevention, wellbeing and health equity? Which solutions are delivering meaningful, equitable change? And how do we strengthen trust, diversity, collective action and social cohesion in an increasingly fragmented world?

 

We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students and community leaders to come together to share evidence, challenge assumptions, and learn from lived experience. Through dialogue, debate and imagination, the conference will spotlight practical innovations, policy and practice solutions and partnerships that can reshape the conditions in which people live, learn and work, now and into the future. Together, we will explore how public health can move toward shaping healthier, fairer futures for all.​​​​

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Conference objectives​

The objectives of the conference are to:

• Create a safe environment for knowledge sharing, collaboration and relationship building

• Promote and celebrate public health

• To create an understanding of the past, present and future public health issues

• Create an inclusive and culturally safe environment with opportunities to discuss issues of diversity, disability and accessibility, and provide an equal opportunity to be part of the program and public health discussion

• Deliver latest research, program implementations and workforce developments

• Showcase new developments in advocacy in public health through keynote speakers

• Showcase leadership in public health from established and emerging leaders

• Highlight the activities of the PHAA, including state and territory branches and special interest groups, and encourage delegates to work together to achieve better health outcomes for Australians

• Invest in the next generation of public health leaders through dedicated early career and student mentorship, visibility, and professional growth

Target audience

The conference will aim to facilitate conversations on improving effectiveness and efficiencies of public health through knowledge sharing and relationship building. The program must consider the needs and interests of the public health audience to ensure attraction and participation to the conference.

 

The conference brings together professionals and students working across educational institutions, health agencies, associations, organisations and clinical health settings, including health administration and promotion officers, public health peak bodies, educators, planners, researchers, policy makers, scientists, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals operating locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Students and early career professionals are also actively encouraged to participate and present, recognising their vital role in shaping the future of public health.

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Program content and structure

The program will run over three days with plenary and concurrent sessions. Pre- and post-Conference satellite events may also occur in conjunction with the Conference.​

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