PRESENTS
Community-Led Pathways to Prevention, Safety and Wellbeing
16-18 September 2026 | Brisbane
Charity Partner
Welcome
We are proud to welcome you to the second Indigenous Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum, hosted in partnership with Headspace and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
This year’s forum comes at a critical time, as we continue to advocate for systems that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people before crisis occurs. We know that prevention starts with culture, connection, and community, and that the strongest outcomes for our young people are driven by the knowledge held by mob.
Across the forum, we will explore community-led approaches that keep young people safe, connected to culture, and supported in their social and emotional wellbeing. From early intervention and justice diversion to on-Country healing and youth leadership, this program highlights the strength and innovation already happening across communities.
This forum is a space for shared learning, honest conversation, and collective action. It is a platform to strengthen the evidence for culturally informed, self-determined approaches and to continue advocating for systems that are accountable to our communities and responsive to our young people.
Together, we reaffirm that the best outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are led by community, guided by culture, and built on the strengths that have sustained us for generations.
We look forward to gathering with you in Meanjin/ Brisbane.
Jacara Egan
Head of Operations,
Cultural Practice and Engagement
Headspace
Daniel Knapp
Executive Director,
First Nations Wellbeing and Engagement
Headspace
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Advisory Board
Those working to enhance accessibility to social and emotional wellbeing and culturally safe mental health services for young people in Indigenous communities, including:
Who Should Attend:
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Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
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Community Members
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Indigenous Youth Leaders
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NFPs
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PHNs
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Government Health Departments
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Emergency and Correctional Services
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Local Councils
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Universities
On Country Workshop | 18 September
Join Nunukul Yuggera at Musgrave Park in Meanjin for an immersive On Country experience grounded in culture, community and wellbeing. Begin the day with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by the sacred fire, followed by interactive cultural activities including painting, bush food and medicine exploration, tribal dance and boomerang throwing. 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.
