Welcome to the 2026 NAATSIHWP National Conference

The National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) is the national peak workforce organisation with responsibility for ensuring this workforce is embedded as a vital, valued and professional component of Australia’s health care system.

We support a growing national network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners through the provision of ongoing support, training and resources, and consider the professional development of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners as tangible and meaningful action. It recognises their value, promotes recognition, contributes to positive sustainable health, education, and employment outcomes, and greater autonomy and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

For over a century our workforce has cemented themselves as critical to front line efforts to protect their communities. Evidence now consistently demonstrates how strong and effective health services can be when they work collaboratively and employ our people.

This year’s conference theme is 'Resilient Roots, Gathering Strength, and Growing Future' to reflect both the ongoing strength of Aboriginal and/or the Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners and the increasing role the workforce is playing in leading and shaping culturally safe, community led models of care.

This journey has by no means been an easy one, but this conference will be an opportunity for our workforce to gather, reflect on their resilience and commitment throughout this process, and develop the skills and strategies needed to grow even stronger in the future.

The National Conference will be held in Naarm at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Opening with the Welcome Reception on the evening of 21 September, the Conference will be followed by the two-day full Sessions on 22 and 23 September including the Gala Dinner.