Victorian Aboriginal Elders Summit 2025

Dreaming of our past to shape our future

🗓️ Two-day Summit, October 28 + 29, 2025
📍 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Join us for the 2025 Victorian Aboriginal Elders Summit, following the incredible success of our inaugural event in 2023.

This second gathering will again honour the enduring wisdom, strength, resilience and leadership of our Elders and their role in shaping a self-determined future, as we bring together Elders from across Victoria to reflect, connect, and celebrate their journey.

Held at the iconic Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Summit explores how best to support our communities and workers in navigating and connecting with the aged care industry.

This special event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, cultural activities and moments of reflection – all focused on elevating the voices and experiences of Aboriginal Elders.

Who is invited to attend?

All Aboriginal Elders (free of charge)
Any Aboriginal Community member
ACCO Sector Delegates (leaders and representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations)
Mainstream Health and Aged Care Sector delegates, professionals and employees

Registration Inclusions:

Two-day summit access, all sessions and workshops
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for both days
Connection to our trade partner exhibitors
Access to purchase tickets to attend our Gala Dinner event on Tuesday evening (Elders are free).

Elders Registration:

Our Elders, and their Carers/Companions, attend for free, including the Gala Dinner event.

Elders registration is managed by their region's ACCO, RADO or via VACCHO, where a specific Elders Registration access link will be provided.

General Registration:

Click "Register" to purchase your ticket to attend the two-day summit.

Individual Community Members - $55pp (+ booking fee)
ACCO Sector Delegates - $110pp (+ booking fee)
Health and Aged Care Sector Delegates - $550pp (+ booking fee)

Gala Dinner Tickets:

Remember to purchase your Gala Dinner ticket at the same time as your two-day summit ticket. Gala Dinner tickets cannot be purchased without attending the summit.

$88pp (+ booking fee)

As the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria, VACCHO is proud to host a summit that fosters collaboration among community members, stakeholders, government agencies, and sector professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Attendees and registrations:

Can I pay via invoice?
Yes, if your organisation requires payment via invoice, select that option at checkout when finalising your ticket purchase. This will create a registration request and hold your tickets pending payment.

Important information:

An invoice will be sent to you from the VACCHO finance team.
Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.
Your official tickets will be sent to you once your invoice has been paid in full.
Your attendance is not confirmed until your payment has been received - if the summit or Gala Dinner sells out before your invoice is paid your tickets will be cancelled and you will be notified.
This payment option is only available until October 17, 2025.

Can I register/purchase just one day or for a specific session?
Tickets are only for the whole two-day event.

Can I register a group?
Contact our Event Support Team if you need help with group registrations, via vaesummit@lostcauseevents.com.au

Is this event open to non-Indigenous people?
Yes - refer to the above information, "Who is invited to attend," for details on sector eligibility and access.

Do Carers / Companions of Elders need to pay for a ticket?
No – Carers and Companions who are supporting our Elders may attend for free. This information will be captured via the registration process.

Do I pay extra for the Gala Dinner?
Yes, the Gala Dinner is an additional ticket purchase. Only Elders attend this event free.

Can I get a cheaper ticket if I don't attend the Gala Dinner?
No - Gala Dinner tickets are purchased separately; refer to the above information, "Registration fees," to check ticket inclusions.

Program and venue:

Is there a program or schedule available?
Very soon! The program is currently being finalised and will be shared as soon as it is ready.

Can I register a dietary requirement?
Yes, this information is captured via the registration process.

Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is fully accessible.

I am interested in being a Trade Exhibitor. How can I get involved?
Contact our Event Support Team to check availability via vaesummit@lostcauseevents.com.au

Transport and accommodation:

Where is the closest accommodation?
There are several accommodation options close to MCEC. Some nearby hotels include:

Pan Pacific Melbourne (next to MCEC)
Novotel Melbourne South Wharf (next to MCEC)
Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands
Crown Promenade Melbourne

Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, paid parking is available on-site at MCEC.

Visit the MCEC website for current pricing and options here: Venue Information

Is public transport available?

Yes, there are public transport options near the venue,

Visit the MCEC website for maps and options here: Venue Information

Need more information?

You can contact our Event Support Team via vaesummit@lostcauseevents.com.au if you have a different question.