Pre-Conference Program

2026 IAHA National Pre-Conference Program 

The 2026 IAHA National Conference kicks off with a day of workshops and activities before the 2 day conference program commences. Check out the exciting program below. 

For more information please email amanda@iaha.com.au

 

Join other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and explore strategies for thriving, self-care and social and emotional wellbeing in a culturally safe space.  The Yarning Circle will ensure delegates have the opportunity to practice sitting in a Yarning Circle, fostering mutual support and establishing a collective space grounded in shared values, which explores and embraces cultural knowledges, diversity, and celebrating the interconnectedness of our communities. By actively participating in this Yarning Circle, delegates have the opportunity to deepen their cultural understanding, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the promotion of cultural safety and responsiveness within their respective fields.  

  • Date: Monday 30 November 2026
  • Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm
  • Location: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Cost: Free
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Women Only 

 

Join other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and explore strategies for thriving, self care and social and emotional wellbeing in a culturally safe space.  The Yarning Circle will ensure delegates have the opportunity to practice sitting in a Yarning Circle, fostering mutual support and establishing a collective space grounded in shared values, which explores and embraces cultural knowledges, diversity, and celebrating the interconnectedness of our communities. By actively participating in this Yarning Circle, delegates have the opportunity to deepen their cultural understanding, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the promotion of cultural safety and responsiveness within their respective fields. 

  • Date: Monday 30 November 2026
  • Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm
  • Location: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Cost: Free
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Men Only 

 

This workshop explores knowledge translation (KT) through Indigenous perspectives of relational accountability, cultural governance and workforce responsibility. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, the workshop challenges approaches to KT that prioritise dissemination, implementation and outputs, and instead positions KT as relational, accountable and culturally governed practice. 

Within Indigenous perspectives, knowledge is not separate from relationships, obligations and accountability. Rather than viewing KT as simply the movement or transfer of information, this workshop explores how knowledge is shared, held, implemented and sustained through relationships, governance and ongoing responsibility to workforce, communities and systems. 

Participants will critically reflect on how knowledge moves through organisations and systems, what happens to Indigenous knowledge within these processes, and how culturally responsive and relational KT approaches can strengthen Indigenous leadership, workforce sustainability, culturally safe systems and community accountability. 

Workshop Objectives 

By the end of the workshop, participants will: 

  1. critically reflect on dominant approaches to knowledge translation and the ways knowledge and evidence are prioritised within systems 
  2. explore Indigenous perspectives of KT as relational, accountable and culturally governed practice 
  3. deepen understanding of how Indigenous knowledge can become diluted, extracted or depoliticised through dominant KT processes and systems 
  4. strengthen understanding of relational accountability, cultural governance and responsibility across the movement of knowledge through systems and relationships 
  5. identify practical ways to strengthen culturally responsive, relational and community-accountable KT approaches within organisations, workforce and systems 
  6. reflect on the responsibilities and obligations attached to sharing, implementing and sustaining Indigenous knowledge within practice, policy, research and service delivery contexts 
  • Date: Monday 30 November 2026 
  • Time: 9am – 2pm 
  • Location: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 
  • Includes: Morning tea & lunch 
  • Limited spots  
  • IAHA Member costs: $165 
  • Non-Member costs: $200  

 

Enjoy the opportunity to explore one of Perth’s most popular beachfront destinations as part of this self-guided pre-conference activity. Delegates can experience the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Scarborough, known for its stunning ocean views, vibrant café culture and scenic beachfront promenade. This experience offers time to unwind, connect and enjoy the natural beauty of Western Australia’s coastline while learning more about the significance of Whadjuk Noongar Country. Bus transfers to and from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre are included in the cost, delegates will be responsible for the purchase of any food, drinks or activities. 

  • Date: Monday 30 November 2026
  • Pick-up (Perth): 9.00am – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 
  • Drop-off: Scarborough Beach 
  • Return pick-up (Scarborough): 1.45pm – Scarborough Beach 
  • Return drop-off: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 
  • Costs: $30 (return) 
  • Limited Spots 

There will be only one scheduled pick-up and drop-off time for this activity. Delegates are advised to be on time, as the bus will depart and return at the specified times. If a delegate misses the bus, they will be responsible for arranging and covering their own transport. 

 

Discover the rich history, arts and culture of Fremantle through this self-guided pre-conference activity. Known for its historic streets, maritime heritage and vibrant local atmosphere, Fremantle offers delegates the opportunity to explore galleries, markets, cafés and cultural landmarks at their own pace. Delegates are encouraged to learn about the stories and traditions of the Whadjuk Noongar people and experience the unique Aboriginal cultural significance of the area. Bus transfers to and from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre are included in the cost, delegates will be responsible for the purchase of any food, drinks or activities. 

  • Date: Monday 30 November 2026
  • Pick-up (Perth): 9.00am – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 
  • Drop-off: Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour 
  • Return pick-up (Fremantle): 1.30pm – Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour 
  • Return drop-off: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre 
  • Costs: $35 (return) 
  • Limited Spots 

There will be only one scheduled pick-up and drop-off time for this activity. Delegates are advised to be on time, as the bus will depart and return at the specified times. If a delegate misses the bus, they will be responsible for arranging and covering their own transport. 

For more information on workshops contact amanda@iaha.com.au or phone (02) 6285 1010.

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