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Yes. Scholarships will be available for RMHC26.

Applications will open following the program launch. Please visit the website for eligibility criteria and application details.

The Rural Mental Health Conference 2026 will commence at 12:30pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026 and conclude at 2:45pm on Friday 6 November 2026. 

The conference will be held at:

RACV Royal Pines Resort & Spa
Ross Street
Benowa QLD 4217
Gold Coast, Australia

The closest airport is Gold Coast Airport (OOL), approximately 30 minutes by car from the venue.

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is also an option, located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

Delegates are responsible for arranging their own airport transfers.

Yes. Free on-site parking is available at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

The conference will begin at 12:30pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026 and run across three days, concluding at 2:45pm on Friday 6 November 2026.

The full program will be available:

• On the conference website
• Via the Conference App

A venue floorplan will also be provided to assist with navigation.

 Yes. All sessions held in the main plenary room will be livestreamed for virtual delegates.

Yes. Keynote sessions and concurrent sessions will be recorded (excluding workshops).

Recordings will be available via the Resource Centre approximately 30 days post-conference.

Yes. Delegates have access to exclusive discounted accommodation rates at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

Rooms are limited and subject to availability, so we recommend booking early.

Check-in: 2:00pm
Check-out: 10:00am

Accommodation accounts must be settled directly with the hotel.

Yes. Concierge services are available at the venue for luggage storage.

Please collect your name badge from the registration desk upon arrival.

Your badge is your official pass to all sessions, catering areas, exhibition spaces and networking functions and must be worn at all times.

Your registration includes:

• All keynote presentations
• All concurrent sessions
• Conference catering (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
• Access to networking opportunities
• Conference App access
• Access to recorded sessions (excluding workshops)
• Access to the Resource Centre
• Certificate of Attendance
• CPD hours

Yes. Group rates are available for teams. Please contact us for more information.

Yes. Registrations can be transferred to another person free of charge. Please contact the Conference Team to arrange this.

Registrations are non-refundable.

Presenting at RMHC allows you to use your voice, experience and expertise to contribute to practical solutions for rural mental health. You will have the opportunity to:

• Share knowledge, research, insights and lived experience
• Contribute to conversations shaping rural mental health systems
• Inspire peers through practical examples and case studies
• Build professional profile, confidence and influence

Presenters are drawn from community, lived experience, practice, policy, research and service delivery.

 Applications opened on Thursday 26 February 2026 and close on Friday 15 May 2026.

 Applications can be submitted via the Present at RMHC26 page on the conference website.

Presenters will be notified no later than Friday 12 June 2026.

Acceptances and registrations are due by Monday 15 June 2026, with the full program launching in late June.

The conference is structured around nine key learning areas shaping the future of rural mental health:

1. From Awareness to Action: Building Rural Mental Health-Capable Communities
2. Work, Study and Economic Participation as Mental Health Recovery
3. Digital Care That Works in the Real World
4. Suicide Prevention: Safe Language, Lived Experience and Practice
5. The Missing Middle: Stepped Care, Navigation and Early Intervention
6. Neurodivergence in Rural Communities: Clients and Workforce
7. Women's Wellbeing in Rural Australia: Mental Health Across the Life Course
8. Climate, Disaster and Recovery: Preparedness, Resilience and the Long Tail
9. Workforce Sustainability, Wellbeing and Leadership

Full descriptions of each stream are available on the Present at RMHC26 page.

The committee welcomes submissions from those ready to share:

• Research and data with practical rural application
• Place-based or community-led case studies
• Innovative service models or pathways
• Early intervention, prevention or recovery initiatives
• Culturally responsive and First Nations-led approaches
• Lived experience-led insights and peer models

Oral Presentation
Take the stage and present to the audience in a 15 or 25 minute speaking session with 5 minutes for questions.

Workshop
Keep the attention of attendees via an engaging, hands-on learning experience in a 90-minute workshop.

Panel Presentation
Panel presentations bring together views from a group of presenters into a discussion of innovative ideas, current topics, and relevant issues. Each panel session will run for 60 minutes and will consist of at least 3 panel members.

Poster Presentation
Visually showcase your research or services via a printed poster, displayed in the conference exhibition area for the duration of the conference. A dedicated 10 minute poster session is included in the conference program.

 If you experience any technical issues with the submission form, please contact us and our team will assist you.

Yes. Partnership and exhibition opportunities are limited and fill quickly.

To express interest, please request a prospectus via the partner page.

Yes. Pre-conference activities are available.

Further details and booking information can be found on the pre-conference activities page.

Networking Function – Ballroom Foyer
Thursday 5 November | 5:00–6:00pm | Free
Join us to connect, reflect and continue the day's conversations in a relaxed setting. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

BBQ Networking Event
Wednesday 4 November | 5:30–7:00pm
Tees Clubhouse, RACV Royal Pines Resort
$49.90 per person

Unwind after day one with a casual BBQ dinner and connect with fellow delegates in a relaxed setting.

Walk, Talk, Connect – Lunchtime Walks
Thursday 5 November | 1:30pm
Friday 6 November | 1:00pm
Meeting Point: Walk & Connect Stand, Exhibition Area
Duration: 10–15 minutes | Free

Step away from the conference and enjoy a short guided walk across the venue grounds. A simple way to recharge and connect.

Your wellbeing is central to the experience we are creating.

We recognise that the conversations at RMHC can be powerful and, at times, confronting. To support you throughout the event:

• Qualified counsellors will be available onsite for confidential support
• A private counselling room will be available
• A quiet space will be available for rest and reflection
• You are welcome to step out of sessions at any time

If needed, keynote and plenary sessions can also be accessed online from your accommodation.

There is no expectation to push through. Move at your own pace and engage in a way that feels right for you.

The Wellness Zone is a dedicated space to pause, reset and prioritise your wellbeing during the conference.

Location: RACV Royal Pines Resort
Dates: Wednesday 4 – Friday 6 November
Access: During conference hours | Free

The space includes:

• Comfortable seating and quiet areas
• Water and fresh fruit
• Light creative activities

We encourage you to take a few minutes throughout the day to recharge.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be served daily within the exhibition space.

All dietary requirements provided during registration will be catered for.

Please contact us via our contact form.

Our team is here to support you throughout your RMHC26 experience.