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Conference Program

 

The draft conference program is outlined below - details will be updated as they are confirmed.​

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You can learn more about our Keynote Speakers and the Basil Hetzel Orator on the dedicated pages on our website.​

Please note all times are AEST (Melbourne time). 

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Day 1 - Tuesday 15 September 2026​

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​Opening Plenary - 

9.00am to 10.30am

 

Theme: Conference Introductory Session 

Session Coordinator: Ms Mariam Hachem

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  • Welcome to Country - Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Corrina Eccles - Mok Booreeyn Bagoork

  • Conference Welcome - TBA

  • ​Opening Address - Hon. Harriet Shing MP - Victorian Minister for Health | Minister for Ambulance Services | Minister for Water

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Speakers to be announced​​

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10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Tea & Exhibition

Concurrent Session 1

11.00am to 12.30pm

  • 4 Abstract Presentation Sessions

  • 1 Workshop

Details will be announced once our Call for Abstracts and Workshop EOI selection processes conclude in July 2026.

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12:30pm - 1:30pm - Lunch & Exhibition

Plenary Session 2 - 

1.30pm to 3.00pm

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Theme: Indigenous Health 

Session Coordinators: Prof. Sean Taylor and Ms Anj Parsot

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Keynote Speakers: 

  1. Ms Nicole McCartney - Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser, Department of Health Victoria

  2. Mr Jordie Campbell - Head of Programs and Indigenous Aquatics Manager, Surfing Victoria

  3. Ms Sandra Eades - Professor and Deputy Dean Indigenous, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne

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3:00pm - 3:30pm - Afternoon Tea & Exhibition

Public Health Association of Australia - Annual General Meeting

3.30pm to 5.00pm​​​​

PHAA Members ONLY

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Welcome Reception - All delegates can join and network in a relaxed atmosphere

5.00pm to 6.00pm

  • The Welcome Reception is included in for all Face-to-Face Delegates - Please help us avoid food wastage by indicating if you do not plan to attend

  • Canapes, substantial food and non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the reception.

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Day 2 - Wednesday 16 September 2026​

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​Plenary Session 3 - Prevention Challenges and Solutions

9.00am to 10.30am

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Session Coordinator: Adjunct Associate Prof. Craig Sinclair

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Keynote Speakers: 

  1. Professor Becky Freeman - Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney

  2. Professor Zoe Wainer - Director General, Australian Centre for Disease Control

  3. Ms Jane Martin - Executive Manager, Food for Health Alliance, Cancer Council Victoria

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10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Tea & Exhibition

Concurrent Session 2

11.00am to 12.30pm

  • 4 Abstract Presentation Sessions

  • 1 Workshop

Details will be announced once our Call for Abstracts and Workshop EOI selection processes conclude in July 2026.

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12:30pm - 1:30pm - Lunch & Exhibition

Concurrent Session 3

1.30pm to 3.00pm

  • 4 Abstract Presentation Sessions

  • 1 Workshop

Details will be announced once our Call for Abstracts and Workshop EOI selection processes conclude in July 2026.

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3:00pm - 3:30pm - Afternoon Tea & Exhibition

​Plenary Session 4 - Mental Health, AOD and Digital Technology

3.30pm to 4.20pm

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Session Coordinators: Dr. Tasdik Hasan and Ms Shayal Prasad

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Keynote Speakers: ​

  1. Dr. Roisin McNaney - Professor of Digital Health, University of Melbourne 

  2. Associate Professor Amy Peacock - Associate Professor and Deputy Director, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW

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Basil Hetzel Oration 

4.20pm to 5.00pm

 

The Basil Hetzel Oration recognises the contribution and commitment to Public Health Research and Advocacy of the Hon Dr Basil Hetzel AC who spent many years working in the international health arena and is well-known for his work on iodine deficiency disorders.

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2026 Orator: Professor Anna Peeters - CEO, VicHealth

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Conference Dinner - Ticketed Function

6.00pm to 9.00pm

​​A great networking opportunity and a key moment for delegates to connect and unwind in a welcoming atmosphere 

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Day 3 - Thursday 17 September 2026​

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​Plenary Session 5 - 

9.00am to 10.00am

 

Theme: One Health, Global Health and International Health 

Session Coordinators: Dr. Akhtar Hussain and Prof. Hannah Wechkunanukul

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Keynote Speakers: 

  1. Dr. Debbie Eagles - Director, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (CSIRO) 

  2. Associate Professor Daniel O'Brien - Director, Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health ​​​

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Awards Presentations

10.00am to 10.30am​​​​

Details to be announced

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10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Tea & Exhibition

Concurrent Session 4

11.00am to 12.30pm

  • 4 Abstract Presentation Sessions

  • 1 Workshop

Details will be announced once our Call for Abstracts and Workshop EOI selection processes conclude in July 2026.

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12:30pm - 1:15pm - Lunch & Exhibition

Concurrent Session 5

1.15pm to 2.30pm

  • 4 Abstract Presentation Sessions

  • 1 Workshop

Details will be announced once our Call for Abstracts and Workshop EOI selection processes conclude in July 2026.

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2:30pm - 3:00pm - Afternoon Tea & Exhibition

​Closing Plenary - Digital Environments and Health: Power, Profit, and Policy Solutions

3.30pm to 4.20pm

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Session Coordinator: Prof. Kathryn Backholer

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Keynote Speakers: ​

  1. Dr. Raffaele F. Ciriello - Senior Lecturer - Business Information Systems, University of Sydney

  2. Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe - Head of Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organisation - European Office

  3. Dr. Navoda Liyana Pathirana - Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Deakin University

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  • Closing Address - Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin - CEO, PHAA

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Thank you to our supporters!

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