Hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia, the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2026 (NSPC26) provides a powerful platform for advancing best practice and driving collective action. The conference brings together the brightest minds and the latest research and innovations to help save more lives. This year’s conference theme is United Voices, Brighter Futures to inspire authentic collaboration, courageous conversations and lasting change. With around 1,000 delegates expected, NSPC26 will unite people across communities, sectors and policy areas to work towards a brighter future.

With 9 Olympic medals and 11 World Championship titles, Ian Thorpe AM is one of the most successful sportspeople Australia has ever produced.

Out of the pool, Ian continues to excel as a leading advocate for youth, First Nations and LGBTIQA+ communities. In 2012, he received the Human Rights Medal for his work fighting for better services for Indigenous children in remote communities. In 2019, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to youth and Indigenous education, and swimming.

Currently, Ian continues to serve as Patron and Board Member for youth mental health organisation, ReachOut, and as Ambassador for Australian Marriage Equality, Invictus Games Sydney and AIME.

Our keynote speakers represent some of the most respected and influential minds in suicide prevention. They bring diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights that will inspire, challenge and deepen our collective understanding.

This year’s theme, United Voices, Brighter Futures, champions the power of lived experience, advocacy, and inclusive dialogue in shaping the future of suicide prevention in Australia. It reflects a collective commitment to creating a space where every voice matters.

At its core, the theme is about hope. It speaks to the strength of communities coming together to share, listen, and co-design solutions that are grounded in empathy and understanding. By fostering open conversations and embracing a diversity of perspectives, we can build resilience and inspire progress at every level.

United Voices, Brighter Futures calls on all of us, advocates, researchers, service providers, policymakers, people with lived experience and communities, to work in partnership. Together, our shared voices can illuminate a path forward and help shape a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.

Over 900 people from around Australia joined us in Perth for the 26th National Suicide Prevention Conference. The conference theme, Together Towards Tomorrow, captured the feeling of hope and unity at the event and set a positive tone for addressing challenges and advancing solutions in suicide prevention.