NEWS
2026 News Highlights
We look forward to a positive, productive, and exciting year!
Indigenous EMCR Health Research Related
Support Fund - 2026
Maali Hub is excited to announce the return of the Indigenous EMCR Health Research Related Support Fund for 2026!
NEXGEN Hub
Exciting Opportunities for OCHRe Investigators!
CBR Grant Launch
NEXGEN are delighted to announce the launch of our Community Based Researcher (CBR) Grant Program as part of our OCHRe NEXGEN Hub. This grant program has been created to support and strengthen the development pathways of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CBRs.
The two-tier funding structure is designed to help CBRs grow their skills, broaden their research experience, and deepen their impact within their communities. This program offers Investigators a meaningful opportunity to champion CBRs and actively contribute to their professional growth.
Thank you to all Investigators for your continued dedication to nurturing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. Your support plays a vital role in shaping strong and sustainable research futures across OCHRe and the NEXGEN Hub.
The offer will be offered exclusively to OCHRe Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944).
This is a continuous Open Round which opens on 6 February 2026. Funds will be available throughout the year until 11:59 pm on 30 October, or until fully allocated, whichever comes first.
If you are interested in more information and/or applying for a CBR Grant 2026, please follow this link: https://www.ochrenetwork.org/scholarships
This annual initiative supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early to Mid‑Career Researchers (EMCRs) by providing targeted funding to strengthen health research. The Maali Hub EMCR Health Research Related Support Fund offers flexible support across project costs, salary/workload relief, professional development, and both national and international conference participation.
Whether you are looking to advance a research project, build your skills, or share your work on a national or global stage, this fund aims to support EMCRs to thrive in their research journeys.
There are 5 categories for funding:
Research support costs, up to $10,000
Workload relief funding, up to $10,000
Training costs, up to $5000
International conferences, up to $5000
National conferences, up to $2500
Applications are open until 31st May 2026.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maali Hub at Edith Cowan University, maalihub@ecu.edu.au
To access the application form and guidelines please follow this link: https://www.ochrenetwork.org/scholarships
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Aboriginal Health Showcase
23-24 March 2026 | Melbourne
Registrations Now Open!
The MACH Aboriginal Leadership Group invites you to the second MACH Aboriginal Health Showcase in March 2026. This free event will highlight Aboriginal-led programs and initiatives addressing health priorities across our Community.
In 2026 we’re excited to partner with Monash Partners Health Translation Network and Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre to build on the success of the first Showcase and bring you an even more deadly event!
The Showcase will be held over two days with the second day designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees only with a focus on capability building and networking. Please note that day two will be held in person only.
Dates:
Monday 23 March (all attendees welcome) 8.30am – 4pm (in person and online)
Tuesday 24 March (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees only) 9.30am – 2pm (in person only)
Location: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St Melbourne (see map) and online
Cost: Free
Seeking abstracts from presenters
The Showcase organising committee is seeking Expressions of Interest from representatives of MACH, Monash Partners and Western Alliance partner health services, research institutes, universities and their collaborators to present on Aboriginal-led health research, healthcare programs, initiatives and education that aim to address the health needs of Community.
See Abstract guidelines and further event details
Abstract submissions close on 9 February 2025.
A program will be circulated once finalised.
For further information please contact mach-admin@unimelb.edu.au or 0421 705 422.
National Indigenous Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Conference | 24-26 March 2026 | Adelaide
For more information, click here
PSANZ + FAOPS 2026
22-25 March 2026 | Perth
World Indigenous Cancer Conference
21-23 April 2026
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU, Auckland, AOTEAROA, New Zealan
The World Indigenous Cancer Network and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa invite you to TĀMAKI MAKAURAU, Auckland, AOTEAROA, New Zealand for the 2026 World Indigenous Cancer Conference (W.I.C.C. 2026) at the
Due Drop Events Centre, 21—23 April 2026.
This promises to be a joyful gathering with more than 600 researchers, clinicians, whānau (family), rangatahi (youth), and advocates coming together in a space of deep connection, learning, and cultural celebration.
For more information, click here
2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference
Seeing Our Way: Innovation, Excellence and Healing
We’re proud to support the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference: Seeing Our Way: Innovation, Excellence and Healing, a milestone event marking 10 years of national leadership, collaboration and progress in First Nations eye health.
Taking place 11–13 May 2026 at the MCG on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country in Naarm/Melbourne, the conference brings together community leaders, health professionals, researchers and policymakers to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and strengthen pathways towards equitable eye health and vision care.
Abstract submissions and registrations are now open.
Join us as we reflect on a decade of impact and look ahead to the future. Learn more at www.fneha.com.au.
For more information, click here
AIATSIS SUMMIT 2026
1 – 5 June | Gold Coast
Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future.
For more information, click here
18th World Congress on Public Health | 6-9 September 2026 | South Africa
Health Without Borders:
Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
For more information, click here
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference
12-13 October | Ngunnawal Country (Canberra)
On Our Terms: Indigenous Leadership, Wellbeing, and Future
For more information, click here
World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference 2026
4-7 November | Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa (Hamilton, New Zealand)
Call for Abstracts now open
For more information, click here
CATSINaM National Conference
17 – 19 November 2026 | Mparntwe, NT
The Power we Carry Protecting and Growing Our Young Ones – Anwerne rlterrke atnyenetyeke Anwerne ampe mape arntarntaretyeke.
For more information, click here
IAHA National Conference
30 November – 2 December 2026 | Boorloo (Perth)
For more information, click here
Conferences 2027
Lowitja Conference | Larrakia Country | 8-10 June 2027
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
We look forward to you joining us in the Northern Territory for an unforgettable week of knowledge-sharing, culture, and insights.
For more details and Lowitja Conference announcements, keep an eye on lowitjaconference.org.au.
OCHRe HIGHLIGHTS
