The countdown is on for the 18th National Rural Health Conference – Australia’s biggest event for those passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote communities.
About 1,000 delegates from across Australia are expected to arrive at the Adelaide Convention Centre in Adelaide/Tarntanya from 14 – 16 September 2026. These include health professionals, clinicians, allied health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, academics, community organisations, peak bodies, industry leaders and students.
“Rural health is at a critical point. Communities across rural, regional and remote Australia are facing persistent challenges around workforce, access and equity, but they are also developing innovative solutions every day,” said National Rural Health Alliance Chairperson Heather Keighley.
“The National Rural Health Conference brings these conversations together. It is a place to share what is working, challenge the status quo and build the connections needed to turn good ideas into meaningful change.”
Delegates will hear from an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers, including 2026 Australian of the Year Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Indigenous sustainable housing advocate Dr Simon Quilty, ABC Broadcaster, Physician and Author Dr Norman Swan, South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Hon Blair Boyer MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Hon Emma McBride MP, and 2026 Senior Australian of the Year Prof Henry Brodaty.
With nearly 300 oral presentations, over 60 lightning talks, workshops, poster presentations and exciting arts and health activities, the conference will explore the issues shaping rural, regional and remote Australia. The program spans a broad range of topics from workforce and education to digital health, AI, Indigenous health, co-design, farmer health, dental care, disability, innovative models of aged care and allied health. Four pre-conference workshops will also take place on the day prior to the main conference. They will discuss reconciliation, rural research, rural health equity in policy, education and practice, and publishing in the Australian Journal of Rural Health.
“The conference is more than presentations. It is three days of ideas, conversations and connections that can help shape the future of rural health,” Ms Keighley said.
“We want delegates to leave inspired, equipped with practical ideas and connected to people who share their commitment to achieving better health outcomes for rural, regional and remote Australians.” Supporting the delegates’ health and wellbeing is also woven into the conference, with its unique arts and health, and social activities. Delegates can tap into their creative side in between sessions and engage in mindfulness and wellness activities to help them slow down, relax and reflect.
Media enquires: Kate Tarbotton, Media, Communications, and Events Assistant [email protected]