The 2025 National First Nations Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Conference is scheduled to be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland on the 15th – 17th September 2025 which aims to bring together mental health workers, AOD support workers, Head to Health Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander mental health practitioners, emotional and social wellbeing workers from Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organisations throughout Australia and present unique opportunities for Mental Health workers to meet and discuss issues specifically centered on First Nations peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. The increasing frequency and severity of mental health and wellbeing issues throughout Indigenous Communities has reached a crisis level through the length and breadth of this country. However, this is not news to Indigenous peoples. Communities have proclaimed the need for action to address the needs of many First Nations peoples.

This year’s conference theme will be based upon the principles of we all have a role to play in healing where range of issues brought to the forefront by our communities will be examined and as such will endeavour to heighten the need for Government, Non-Government, Primary Health and Community-controlled organisations to refocus on their duty of care to First Nations peoples. The event is based upon the principal belief that Indigenous health must be approached from a holistic view, which encompasses body, mind and spirit; thus, leading to the fundamental rights of self-determination. The conference recognises that treating our health must be done by treating the whole person, through mind, body, soul and culture. Hence, the conference this year will focus on the following:

• Cultural Resilience: Strengthening Identity and Well-being. This theme focuses on the vital role of cultural heritage and identity in fostering mental health and resilience within First Nations communities. It emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with traditions, languages, and ancestral knowledge to build stronger, healthier communities.
• Community-Led Healing: Empowerment Through Collaboration Highlighting the power of community-driven solutions, this theme underscores the importance of local leadership in mental health initiatives. It promotes the idea that sustainable healing comes from within the community, through collaborative efforts and shared wisdom.
• Pathways to Hope: Addressing Trauma and Building Futures: This theme addresses the critical need for trauma-informed approaches to mental health care. It focuses on creating pathways to healing that not only address past and present traumas but also build hopeful futures for individuals and communities.

Register here