National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Conference
Acknowledgement of Country
NATSIAACC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which we work, live and gather, as well as Country throughout Australia, and their enduring connections to land, sea and community. NATSIAACC acknowledges that these lands and waters were never ceded, and we acknowledge the sovereignty and self-determination of the Traditional Owners.
NATSIAACC pays its deepest respects to Elders past and present and recognise the continued cultural and spiritual connection to Country and/or Island Home, community, culture and knowledge.
NATSIAACC thanks them for their wisdom and courage, and for sharing their ways of knowing, being and doing - teachings that guide us to cherish and protect our Elders and Older People.
This always was, and always will be Aboriginal Land.
Register Today!
📅 3–4 November 2026
📍 Ngunnawal Country, Canberra ACT
NATSIAACC is proud to announce our inaugural National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Conference, to be held on 3–4 November 2026 on Ngunnawal Country, Canberra ACT.
This historic gathering will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care providers, Elders and Older People, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, and sector partners from across the country to yarn, share knowledge, and shape the future of Ageing and Aged Care in Australia.
Inaugural Theme: Ageing Our Way Through Culture, Connection, and Community
As the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care, NATSIAACC is committed to creating a space where the voices, experiences, and leadership of our Elders and Older People guide conversations about the future of Aged Care. This conference will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together to reflect on the first year of the new Aged Care Act, explore the importance of culturally safe care, and strengthen pathways that ensure our Elders and Older People remain connected to Culture, Community, and Country.
Over two days, the conference will foster important conversations about how governments, providers, communities, and organisations can work together to ensure Aged Care systems recognise and respect the unique cultural, community, and care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
We invite you to be part of this important moment for our sector, as together we shape a stronger and more culturally safe Aged Care system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.
Our Artwork
NATSIAACC's Cultural Safety in Aged Care Definition is visually represented through 'dhuurran', meaning knowledgeable, an artwork created by Aboriginal artist Kenneth Knox and commissioned by NATSIAACC to reflect and define cultural safety within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care.
We are proud to feature 'dhuurran' across our conference materials, with the artwork incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander symbols and cultural elements that embody connection, knowledge, identity, community, and culturally safe care for Elders and Older People.
The Symbolisation Definition to the left of the artwork outlines the symbols used within 'dhuurran' to support navigation and understanding.
About the Artist
Yaama, my name is Kenneth Knox. I am an Aboriginal artist based on traditional lands of the Gomeroi, Kamilaroi people of the Black Soil plains of NSW's Food Bowl. Born and raised in Moree before attending Boarding School at St Joseph's College Hunter Hill, art has always been a way of connecting to Family, identity, and Community. I was raised on Mehi Crescent, or the "Bottom Mish", growing up listening to stories from my Elders and visitors to "our place". In true black fulla fashion our home was open to all, so we always had visitors and different connections from across the Northwest of New South Wales and into Southern Queensland's Darling Downs Regions.
Registrations
Who Will Attend the Conference?
NATSIAACC's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Conference is open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)/Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Older People and Students, Aged Care Workforce, Non-Indigenous Organisations, Sector Leaders, and others working in, or with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care.
Our Conference will be held over two days and will provide everyone the opportunity to network, collaborate, and hear from Government, Department, Sector Leaders and Experts and Ageing and Aged Care partners to support our Elders and Older People to age our way through culture, connection and community.
Full Registrations:
Early bird registration is available until 31 August 2026. Standard rates will apply after this date. All registration costs listed are inclusive of GST. Full registrations include Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, lunch, access to the exhibition and social event.
Social Event:
The social event will be held on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at the National Convention Centre Canberra. Full registrations include 1 x ticket to the event. Additional tickets can be purchased for $85.00.
Partnership Opportunities
NATSIAACC is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. However, the scale of changes and support needed requires expanded independent advocacy, sector coordination and policy capability. Partnering with NATSIAACC strengthens independent, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led policy influence; accelerates implementation of the reform priorities; and builds long-term organisational sustainability.
Speakers
We look forward to sharing further details as our speakers are confirmed.
Partners
We are looking forward to sharing the Partners coming on the journey with us for our inaugural conference. Partners will be added as they are confirmed.
Conference Program
NATSIAACC is currently developing our Conference Program with our Conference Committee. Once the Program is finalised, we will share the details here.
Venue
NATSIAACC's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Conference 2026, will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra
Address: 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT.
Accommodation Options
Discounted rates for accommodation have been negotiated for NATSIAACC 2026 delegates at the hotels listed below. You can book your accommodation when you register to attend the conference, and these rates are only available online via registration.
You will be required to provide credit card details to secure your booking, and full payment will be made directly to the hotel.
Please note some hotels may charge full stay amount 30 days prior to arrival. All room rates quoted are based on room only, unless otherwise specified, and are inclusive of 10% GST.
A by Adina
Address: 1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT
Rooms Available: 1 bedroom Apartment, $279 per night.
Nesuto Canberra
Address: 2 Akuna Street, Canberra, ACT
Rooms Available: Studio Apartment, $215 per night // One Bedroom Apartment, $268 per night.
Crowne Plaza
Address: 1 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT
Rooms Available: Standard Room, $270 per night.
About NATSIAACC
Founding Directors from left: James Atkinson (VIC), Lesley Nelson (WA), Aunty Jill Gallagher AO (Chair), Uncle Gary Morris OAM (NSW), Jody Currie (QLD), Graham Aitken (SA), Rachel Dunn (Tas), pictured with Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Sport.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) is dedicated to advocating for the rights, needs, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.
Vision: All and Torres Strait Islander People are thriving, healthy, strong, with ongoing cultural connections in their older years.
Purpose: NATSIAACC supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older peoples, their families and communities to identify, engage in, advocate for and lead systemic reform to embed culturally safe practices across the Aged Care and Ageing sector.
Our Membership
Our Membership is located across Country and Island Home and includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations delivering Ageing and Aged Care services, alongside providers and organisations committed to advancing culturally safe care for Elders and Older People.
General Information
Contacts
For Registration Enquiries:
Kaigi Conference and Events
E: info@kaigi.com.au
P: (02) 6198 3218
For Partnership Opportunity enquiries:
Cody Johnson, Business Support Officer
E: info@natsiaacc.org.au
P: 0408 865 544