2026 Palliative Care Summit - Innovation at the Heart of Care

Innovation at the Heart of Care

AI and technology supporting compassion, dignity and connection in palliative care

12 November 2026, Optus Stadium, Perth

The 2026 Summit will consider what innovation means for palliative care and the opportunities it presents, the challenges we need to navigate, and how we can ensure technology and AI strengthens, rather than replaces, human connection.

This biennial event brings together palliative care, aged care and community service professionals, researchers, volunteers, policy makers, students, carers and community members to discuss future priorities for quality palliative care in WA.

Why attend

• Insights from leading Australian and international speakers

• Real-world examples of AI and technology in health and palliative care

• Conversations about innovation, ethics and compassionate care

• Opportunities to connect and learn from colleagues across the sector

• Perspectives from clinicians, researchers, carers, community and technology experts

Hear from leading voices

The Summit will be formally opened by The Hon Meredith Hammat, Minister for Health; Mental Health and Preventative Health.

Our program will also feature presentations from:

• Gihan Perera, business futurist, conference speaker, AI researcher and author

• Associate Professor Charlie Corke AM, intensive care specialist and former President of the College of Intensive Care Medicine

• Professor Barbara Barbosa Neves, internationally recognised researcher specialising in ageing, technology, loneliness and social isolation

• Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes, Chief Scientific Officer, PainChek and former Head of the School of Pharmacy, Curtin University

• Dr Jenny Kidd, researcher in digital heritage and digital culture, Cardiff University

• Dr Eva Nieto McAvoy, lecturer and researcher in digital media and culture, King's College London

More speakers and the full program will be announced soon.

Join us in-person or online

You can attend the Summit in person at Optus Stadium or online via Zoom, making it accessible to people across the state.

Thanks to funding from WA Health’s End-of-life Care Program and our event sponsors, the Summit is accessible to the palliative care community at no cost.

Travel subsidies are also available for people living in rural and regional WA, thanks to support from Lotterywest. Find out more information about eligibility and how to apply here.

Accessibility and dietary requirements

If you register for the in-person attendance option, you will be prompted to provide us with information on any accessibility and dietary requirements you may have.

Accessible parking, venue entrance and bathrooms facilities are all available at Optus Stadium.

Alternatively, we encourage you to call 1300 551 704 to discuss your specific requirements with us.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters

The 2026 Palliative Care Summit is organised by Palliative Care WA and funded by WA Health. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our major sponsor Silverchain, valued sponsors, presentation partners and supporters.

Major Sponsor: Silverchain

Valued Summit Sponsors: Carers WA, Palliative and Supportive Care Education at Cancer Council WA, HESTA

Presentation Partners: Bethesda Health Care, Brightwater Care Group and Community Vision

Care Innovation Hub supporter: Sorin Pty Ltd

We also acknowledge the support of Richard Lockwood.