ACAH 2026 - Building Brighter Futures (Academy of Child and Adolescent Health Conference, Darwin)

ACAH26: Building Brighter Futures

Thank you for your interest in the ACAH26 Conference, however it is being postponed. Please stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for registering for ACAH 2026. This year the conference will be held in the beautiful Top End of Australia in Darwin on Larrakia Country from 23-25th April 2026. This year’s program will explore the journey of children and adolescents in the Top End, Australia and beyond – encompassing the neonatal period, early childhood, schooling, and adolescence, culminating in a focus on population health and environmental health.

Plenary sessions, workshops and panel discussions will centre on the health of First Nations peoples, health and population research and initiatives in Timor-Leste, youth justice and mental health and environmental advocacy. We aim to also address the unique challenges pertinent to working in the Northern Territory.

This is a conference for health professionals, trainees and students working in child and adolescent health, and those with an interest in Indigenous health, improving outcomes for remote community children, youth justice and environmental advocacy. This conference will bring together like-minded professionals, trainees and students from around the country, from allied health, nursing and medical backgrounds, to further educate, connect and empower those passionate about improving child health.

Additionally, delegates will have the opportunity to present their own research enabling sharing of contemporary knowledge in child health from all around Australia.

Delegates will explore the best that Darwin has to offer, including excursions to the local sunset markets, exploring local haunts and celebrating the start of the coveted dry season.

Further Information:

About the artist:

Isaiah Naguurgurba is an Marlkawo artist and screen printer who was a founding member of Injalak Arts and Crafts in Oenpelli, a remote community in western Arnhem Land. Isaiah sought inspiration for his paintings from djang, meaning stories, events, and places of deep importance. For Isaiah, painting the world around him was of utmost importance – because to him, to paint your Country is to highlight where you come from. This artwork, Kinga, saltwater crocodile, is a traditional cultural expression. It was released on Canva in collaboration with Balarinji, alongside artwork of two other renowned artists and Elders, to increase recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, design and art. Royalties go directly to the artist and Isaiah’s family have given permission for his name and artwork to be shared.

Program:

Our program, including the release of speakers, will be available in the coming weeks. This will encompass keynote talks from speakers from the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste, and a range of workshops and panel-based sessions tackling the issues that face children and young people in the Top End and beyond. Please keep an eye on our Instagram (@academycah) for the most up to date program information.

Tickets:

EARLY BIRD tickets are now available and will be available until 1st March 2026. We are also offering a special deal including a discounted annual membership or ACAH in the ticket pricing. (usually valued at $100-300 depending on income level, and priced at $100 for those registering for full registration and $50 for trainees / allied health / nursing)

Single day tickets will be available at the same time as full price tickets, from 1st March onwards, once we have a better gauge on venue capacity.

Research Presentations

Fledgling and long-term research professionals have an opportunity at ACAH2026 to present contemporary research via a poster or oral presentation. Topics can pertain to any aspect of child and adolescent health, and submissions are invited from consultants, trainees, allied health workers and students. Submission information is available here

 Don’t miss an opportunity to present to a receptive and collegiate audience!

Conference Venue: Darwin Conference Centre

Overlooking Darwin’s iconic waterfront, Darwin Conference Centre is the Top End’s premium conference venue. The venue is wheelchair-user friendly, easily accessible and located close to Darwin City Centre.

Dietary Requirements

The venue will also provide catering, and all tickets include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea in addition to coffee and tea throughout the day. Please identify any dietary requirements at the time of booking. If dietary requirements are not declared, unfortunately we cannot guarantee there will be available food.

Social:

In the dry season, there is no shortage of things to do. We aim to showcase Darwin’s social scene by organising several excursions for delegates to choose from:

Thursday Night:

• Mindil Beach Sunset Markets: If food trucks and epic sunsets are more your vibe, jump on the delegate-only shuttle bus to the popular Mindil Beach markets, loved by locals and visitors alike. Peruse local well-loved food stalls and take your spot to watch the Darwin sunset, which are arguably one of the most beautiful in the world.

Friday Night:

• Have a chance to chat with your fellow delegates, socialise with speakers and get to know more about ACAH by attending the delegate dinner at a local Darwin spot to watch the sunset over a cold drink to beat the heat. Registered delegates will receive an invitation once location and pricing is confirmed.

FYI

Ticket prices include a contribution to Humanitix funding of worthwhile causes in low and middle income countries- see what you have funded when you purchase your registration ticket.