Indigenous Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum

16-18 September 2026 Meanjin/ Brisbane
Register Now

Community-Led Pathways to Prevention, Safety and Wellbeing 

headspace is proud to partner with IUIH (Institute for Urban Indigenous Health), Gallang Place and Aventedge to deliver the second Indigenous Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum.

This gathering is dedicated to centring cultural strength, self-determination, and community leadership in the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. 

What to expect

Over two days, the forum will bring together Indigenous leaders, youth advocates, community members, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and mental health professionals to:

  • Share practical strategies to create culturally safe and affirming services for young people 

  • Learn from community-led programs and case studies from across Australia 

  • Discuss pioneering research and new approaches to social and emotional wellbeing 

  • Strengthen networks and build capacity for early intervention and prevention 

  • Explore the intersections of justice, culture, and youth mental health

Additionally, on day three of the forum, you can join an On-Country cultural workshop day facilitated by Nunukul Yuggera. Guided by Traditional Owners, participants will connect through shared learning, reflection, and storytelling before returning to the conference venue for lunch and a facilitated wellbeing reflection session.

Key speakers

  • Genus Passi, Chairman & Managing Director, Namu Collective 

  • Nikau Reti-Beazley, Māori Health and Cultural Education Facilitator, Te Rau Ora (NZ) 

  • Glenda Kickett, Chief Executive Officer, Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation 

  • Sam Pierce, Program Development Manager, Deadly Choices 

  • Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer, Gayaa Dhuwi 

  • Jasmine Pilling, Social Media and Project Support, WellMob; First Nations Youth Advisory Council, Headspace; 2025 Inspiring Young Leader Award Winner, Gayaa Dhuwi 

And many more community and sector leaders learn more here.

Why this forum matters

While demand for youth mental health services continues to grow, culturally safe and community-led supports for First Nations young people remain limited and under-resourced. This forum responds to that gap by creating a dedicated space for Indigenous voices and leadership to shape the future of youth mental health care in Australia.

Together, we will explore innovative, grassroots solutions, bridge gaps between policy and practice, and celebrate the vital role of culture and connection in healing.

Who should attend

This forum is designed for anyone working to improve mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, including:

  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations 

  • Community members 

  • Indigenous youth leaders 

  • Not-for-profits and local councils 

  • PHNs and government health departments 

  • Universities, researchers, and educators 

  • Emergency and correctional services 

Supporting community attendance

To ensure the forum is accessible, community bursaries are available to support participation for First Nations people, particularly those from remote and regional areas.

Venue

Brisbane CBD

Venue address coming soon

Register now

Join us in shaping a future where all young people can thrive.