Indigenous Wellbeing Conference comes to Magandjin for the first time

Giovanni Torre Published September 18, 2025 at 4.00am (AWST)

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Deanne Broome, Aunty Caroline Busch from Catholic Care NT, Dr Kriscia Tapia, and John Ryan at the 2023 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in Darwin. Image: University of Sydney..

The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference returns in 2025 for its fifth year, and this year is set to bring record delegate numbers, for this first-ever trip to Magandjin/Brisbane.

The Conference (IWC25), hosted by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA) across October 20-21, will gather Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals, Elders, community leaders, researchers, and practitioners to strengthen cultural identity, celebrate community resilience, and chart diverse pathways to health and wellbeing for First Nations Australians, Māori, and Pasifika peoples

Following last year's record-breaking gathering in Aotearoa - New Zealand, IWC25 brings the conversation back to Australia, providing a powerful opportunity to reflect, learn, and collaborate on Indigenous-led approaches to flourishing futures.

This year's theme, 'Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing', highlights the importance of cultural connection, ancestral wisdom, climate stewardship, youth empowerment, and Indigenous models of care in shaping stronger, healthier communities.

Longstanding conference chair Nat Heath, said: We are incredibly excited to host the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in Meanjin (Brisbane) for the very first time."

"This gathering is a vital opportunity to bring together voices from across communities, sectors and countries to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and empower First Nations led approaches to wellbeing. Holding IWC25 in Meanjin carries great significance, and we look forward to the powerful conversations and collaborations that will emerge," he said.

Over 500 delegates from across Australia, Aotearoa and the Pacific will attend. This year's conference has an" impressive" lineup of over 50 concurrent presentations with renowned Indigenous presenters sharing their expertise, organisers said.

In the spirit of connection through Country and culture, delegates and their guests are also invited to attend the "Gurumba Bigi Gathering"; a unique pre-conference cultural event, the day before the formal conference program begins.

More information is available online.