Conference

Alongside Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference 2026

Thursday 14th - Friday 15th May 2026

The Ark, 9 Killafaddy Road, St Leonards

The Alongside Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference explores transformative approaches to providing support and care to anyone experiencing mental ill health, and raises awareness of the assistance available in the community. This conference will not only benefit mental health professionals, but also friends, family members, colleagues, support workers, teachers and teacher assistants, pastors and church-goers, carers, and anyone acquainted with someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

You will gain confidence in how to engage with those experiencing mental ill health, or a mental health crisis, and be equipped with skills and strategies to walk the journey with them.

This two-day conference brings together evidence-based content from thought leaders in mental health including guest speakers (to be announced at a later date)

Program coming soon.

For More Information: alongside@citymission.org.au

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Alongside Conference 2026 Key Note Speakers

I have worked in the field of psychiatry for 33 years and for 28 of those, as a Consultant Psychiatrist. I hold specialist qualifications from both the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the College of Psychiatrists in South Africa. I have practiced in South Africa and England in the past but for the past 22 years have been working in Cairns, Far North Queensland.
While my training and practice have included all elements of psychiatry over the years, my special interest areas are Psychiatry of Old Age, Clinical and Research Ethics and Pastoral Care. I lead a Community Old Age Psychiatry Service, participate in a Clinical Ethics Forum and chair a Human Research Ethics Committee. I provide training and mentoring for trainee psychiatrists, nurses, allied health professionals, pastoral workers, support workers and members of the public.
I am an ordained minister of religion, have served on pastoral teams, led a pastoral team and been involved in equipping leaders in the church and marketplace. I am passionate about making a difference in lives.
When I am not working you are likely to find me hiking, fishing or watching sport.

“The conference was fantastic. It was wonderful that we heard from so many different people about different topics. I particularly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aid talk, and I am currently arranging to have a Mental Health First Aid course run onsite for myself and my work colleagues.”
- 2023 Alongside Conference Attendee
“The conference took the stigma away from discussing mental health and gave us practical tips for having open communication around a topic that is sometimes difficult to talk about. It is valuable to have been taught practical tools that we can use in both personal and work situations, when and if the need arises.”
- 2024 Alongside Conference Attendee
“I really enjoyed all sessions. I loved how we were not just given tools on what we should do but also what we need to stop doing. The kickstarting motivation tips and ideas on how to start and keep motivation going were great”
- 2023 Alongside Conference Attendee