Mon 20th – Tue 21st October 2025
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Meanjin (Brisbane) QLD
Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing
Gurumba bigi and welcome!
The fifth Indigenous Wellbeing Conference (IWC25) heads to Meanjin (Brisbane), celebrating Indigenous community, culture, and identity to advance social and emotional wellbeing for First Nations Australians, Māori, and Pasifika people.
The conference highlights the importance of connection to country culture, spirituality and ancestry and the roles they play in wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
From addressing climate change through traditional ecological knowledge, to strengthening community resilience and mental health through cultural practices, this year’s conference will be a platform for Indigenous-led solutions for a flourishing future. IWC25 will also focus on empowering youth, Indigenous models of care, the role of cultural lore in shaping Indigenous legal systems, and much more.
We bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to conceptualise and strategise solutions for the most important wellbeing needs of all First Nations Australians, Māori and Pasifika people.
We’re excited to offer a pre-conference cultural program for delegates. More details will be shared in the coming weeks!
The conference gives space for and respect to the stories of our past and present.
We will share our collective wisdom to move forward positively and improve health outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference theme, topics and final program is carefully curated by a committee with Indigenous cultural, community, service and business leaders.
The conference supports ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’ when reviewing presenter applications so you can rest assured the content at the conference is extremely relevant for the sector.
Our IWC25 Mission
Be part of IWC25 and together we will…
- Address key mental, social and emotional health challenges facing First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people in 2025 and plan for a brighter future.
- Underline the role of cultural practices in promoting mental health and community resilience.
- Take part in a way of yarning and gathering (learning) with others who are passionate about creating a stronger vision for the future of Indigenous wellbeing.
- Highlight the importance of connection to Country, culture, spirituality and ancestry and the roles they play in Indigenous wellbeing.
- Facilitate discussions around strategies for fostering financial independence in communities and building sustainable futures.
- Support mental and allied health professionals and emerging workers in the field by providing access to networking opportunities and a high level of professional development.
- Provide a platform for government policy and initiatives to update, inform and seek feedback from the people who are delivering the services in the community.
- Encourage multi-sectoral collaboration and create an engaging space for yarning and gathering (learning) opportunities.
- Gain new insights to take back to your workplace and provide better wellbeing outcomes for all Indigenous people.
Where education and research meets storytelling and ancestral wisdom.
- Who attends IWC?
- Is IWC for me?
- What you’ll gain from attending IWC.
Who attends IWC?
Here’s who typically attends IWC
The delegates for the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference are varied across community, government, mental and allied health as well as business. Typically, we see:
- Traditional Healers, Elders, Community Leaders within the First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.
- CEO, Managing Directors and Managers of any First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika organisation.
- Professors, Associate Professors, Lecturers, PhD Students from Universities around the world with a particular focus on First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika studies.
- Psychologists, GPs, Social Workers, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Allied Health Managers, Mental Health Nurses working within First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.
- Directors and Consultants of Private Counselling/ Psychiatrist/ Psychologist Practice.
- Mental Health Workers from Federally Funded Government Agencies - e.g. Housing, Social Services, Employment Services, Educational Services, NIAA, Corrective Services.
- Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of any Australian Peak or State Mental Health Agency, NZ Peak or State Mental Health Agency, Pasifika Peak or State Health agency and Human Rights Commissions.
- Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Hospital and Health Services and PHNs.
- Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Land Councils.
- Principals, Teachers or Counsellors working with First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika students.
Is IWC for me?
Yes! The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference is for you if you’re looking for…
A space for safe, open and connected conversations around the health and wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.
A way of yarning and gathering (learning) with others who are passionate about creating a stronger vision for the future of Indigenous wellbeing.
Networking with like-minded multi-sector professionals who are both Indigenous and non-indigenous to discover best practice solutions.
Inspiration from current research, top professionals and community leaders in Indigenous wellbeing.
A platform to share your own stories, research, programs and case studies with your community.
A space to collaborate with and support likeminded individuals to deliver better outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.
What you’ll gain from attending IWC.
What makes the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference the best event you attend this year?
Step away from your daily routine and immerse yourself in an inspiring space where collaboration, yearning and gathering (learning), and connection thrive. Engage with peers, share knowledge, and explore innovative approaches to Indigenous wellbeing. This conference is an opportunity for you, your team, and your community to grow together through meaningful discussions and shared experiences.
You’ll also receive:
- Exceptional networking and connecting moments
- A deep understanding of the practical pathways to Indigenous wellbeing.
- Wellness and mindfulness moments throughout the conference
- Access to all recorded keynote presentations (30 days)
- All recorded concurrent presentations (30 days)
- Access to conference app
- Printed conference materials
- Over 10 hours towards CPD points
- Your personalised certificate of attendance
Keynote Speakers
Dr Heena Akbar
Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Advocacy, Pacific Health and First Nations Health
The IWC25 Program
Conference Theme: Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing
IWC25 Topics (Click to Expand)
-
Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous Perspectives
- Traditional ecological knowledge and its relevance in contemporary environmental management.
- Case studies showcasing successful Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and sustainable practices.
- Indigenous perspectives on climate adaptation and land management.
- Traditional ecological knowledge as a resource for global climate justice.
- The connection between ecological health and community wellbeing.
- Land rights and their health and social impacts.
- Co-designing conservation projects with Indigenous communities.
- Cultural fire practices: Reviving ancient methods for modern challenges.
-
Healing and Moving Forward: Community Resilience and Mental Wellbeing
- The importance of cultural practices in promoting mental health and community resilience.
- Healing from intergenerational trauma through cultural revitalisation and connection to land.
- Collaborative approaches to mental health that integrate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous practices.
- Healing through heritage: Reviving traditions for modern mental health.
- Voices of resilience: Indigenous narratives as tools for healing and advocacy.
- Traditional practices: Bush medicine, land stewardship, and storytelling.
- Intergenerational healing: Stories of resilience and advocacy.
-
Education and Youth Empowerment: Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
- Future generations: Empowering youth voices in wellbeing strategies.
- Bridging knowledge and tradition: Educational innovations for Indigenous students.
- Youth-led digital storytelling for preserving cultural narratives.
- Integrating Indigenous wellbeing into school curricula.
- Building pathways for Indigenous youth leadership: promoting leadership skills and giving youth voices.
- Addressing the impact of colonial histories in education systems.
- Innovations in tertiary education for Indigenous students.
- Language preservation: Integrating Indigenous languages in schools.
- Youth and community empowerment within the political landscape
-
Indigenous Models of Care
- Exploring strengths-based and holistic health models.
- Case studies: Māori and Aboriginal-led healthcare programs.
- Mental health frameworks integrating traditional and Western approaches.
- On-Country/whenua-based health initiatives for chronic disease prevention.
- Case studies: Indigenous-led programs addressing community-specific health challenges.
-
Cultural Lore vs. Legal Frameworks: A Path to Integration
- Examining the role of cultural lore in shaping Indigenous legal systems and community governance.
- How cultural lore can complement Australian law, especially in areas such as land management and environmental stewardship.
- Educational reforms for including Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices in formal curricula.
- The importance of cultural lore in governance, mental health, and legal systems.
- Human rights and Indigenous self-determination: Legal and cultural intersections.
-
Technology and Innovation
- Digital storytelling and its role in cultural preservation.
- The use of technology for education and health delivery in remote communities.
- Innovative approaches to sustaining and sharing Indigenous wisdom.
-
Cultural Heritage and Artistic Expression
- Art as healing: Creative expressions of Indigenous identity.
- Workshops on traditional crafts and cultural practices.
- Preserving cultural narratives through modern tools and platforms.
- Intergenerational transmission of artistic traditions.
-
Economic Empowerment: Building Sustainable Futures
- Indigenous-led enterprises and economic development.
- Strategies for fostering financial independence in communities.
- The role of cultural tourism in economic growth.
- Supporting Indigenous women and youth in entrepreneurship.
The IWC Committee
The sector leaders who are behind the 2025 IWC conference
Join us
Registration Options
$449 + GST
Virtual | 2 Day Program
Save $100 with Early Bird. Ends 28/08/2025.
- Live streaming of all keynote presentations
- Live streaming of all sessions in the plenary room over two-day conference period
- Virtual presentations
- Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days
- Over 10 hours towards CPD points
- Your personalised certificate of attendance
$1,234 + GST
In-Person | 2 Day Program
Save $200 with Early Bird. Ends 28/08/2025.
- All keynote presentations
- All concurrent presentations
- Discounted accommodation rates
- IWC25 Polo Shirt
- Access to conference app
- 5-star conference catering package
- Access to exclusive networking functions
- Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
- Printed conference materials
- Over 10 hours towards CPD points
- Your personalised certificate of attendance
- Exposure for your organisation
- Plus, chances to win great prizes!
$3,402 + GST
In-Person Group of 3
Save $600 with Early Bird. Ends 28/08/2025.
- All keynote presentations
- All concurrent presentations
- Discounted accommodation rates
- IWC25 Polo Shirt
- Access to conference app
- 5-star conference catering package
- Access to exclusive networking functions
- Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
- Printed conference materials
- Over 10 hours towards CPD points
- Your personalised certificate of attendance
- Exposure for your organisation
- Plus, chances to win great prizes!
Have a team of 4 or more?
Complete this form to receive a personal call from our team with your best possible rate.
IWC provided the opportunity for safe and open conversation and connection. Which was achieved from my perspective. That there is massive movement of congruent direction in First Nations wellbeing to empower and enshrine culture at the heart of wellbeing!
Absolutely do it. You will leave feeling a new or reclaimed sense of self and empowered to take on your work and the world!
I highly recommend this conference to anyone interested in Indigenous wellbeing.
Go! It is an amazing experience to connect with like minded people. The conference presenters are diverse and well practiced and you will learn a lot from them. The country is beautiful and the people friendly and warm.
Such a great experience, lots to learn. I would to say to anyone thinking of attending: absolutely get ready to soak up some amazing inspiration.
The conference was excellent, the speakers were great and informative, and I really enjoyed the range of presentations both keynote and breakout.
I though the conference was great! It was relevant to my role and I felt like my cultural cup was full by the time day two was finished. I needed this conference - it can be isolating as an Aboriginal person working in Government.
Take the opportunity to attend it is awesome!
The Venue
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Accommodation
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
We are pleased to offer IWC25 delegates access to discounted accommodation rates at the Novotel Brisbane South Bank.
The following rates are only available when you book your accommodation via the online registration portal or direct through the conference secretariat.
Prices (GST Included)
| Sun 19 Oct | Mon 20 Oct | Tue 21 Oct | |
| Standard room excluding breakfast | $240 | $300 | $300 |
| Standard room including breakfast for one | $275 | $335 | $335 |
| Standard room including breakfast for two | $310 | $370 | $370 |
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