National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Symposium 2026

In partnership with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne, the National Mental Health Commission is supporting a Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Symposium to be held in September 2026. The Symposium will convene diverse perspectives to explore the personal, social and systemic impacts of stigma and discrimination and current perspectives on solutions and priorities.

The 2026 National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Symposium will convene diverse perspectives from across Australia, including people with lived and living experience of mental health problems, carers, family members, and kin, First Nations leaders and communities, community organisations, researchers, service providers, policy makers, advocates, and government representatives.

Across the day, participants will actively consider how stigma and discrimination are experienced in everyday life, what evidence-based solutions are available, and what priorities for positive change should be.

The Symposium is funded by the National Mental Health Commission and attendance is free of charge. Complimentary refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

As places are limited, registrations may be managed to ensure broad representation across stakeholder groups and geographic locations.