National MHFA Summit 2026

One movement. Many voices.

Tuesday 1 September – Wednesday 2 September 2026

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne

Mental Health First Aid invites you to join us for the first-ever national gathering of the MHFA movement.  

This two-day summit brings together Instructors, MHFAiders, providers, workplaces and friends of MHFA to connect, exchange knowledge and strengthen our collective impact across Australia. 

This is a space for building connections, purpose-driven learning, shared experiences and real-world tools to deepen your practice and expand the movement. 

What to expect

Summit Day 1, Community Forum 
Tuesday 1 September

Day 1 brings the whole MHFA community together for learning, connection and collaboration.

Explore strategies to scale and sustain MHFA in workplaces and communities, hear the latest research and innovation – including a spotlight on the New Edition of MHFA – and learn from real-world experiences. From Youth Yarns to The Working Mind, discover the new programs shaping our next chapter.

Summit Day 2, Instructor Forum
Wednesday 2 September

A dedicated day for the Instructor community. 

Day 2 focuses on delivery excellence, growing reach and visibility, and strengthening inclusive community impact – equipping you with practical tools, insights and strategies to deliver with confidence and expand your reach.

The MHFA Gala Dinner

Tuesday 1 September

Come together for an evening that celebrates the people behind the MHFA movement. 

The MHFA Gala Dinner is a chance to celebrate, connect and reflect on the impact being created across workplaces and communities.

Join us for a night of good food, meaningful stories, and moments that recognise the incredible contribution from around Australia. 

The MHFA Gala Dinner

Tuesday 1 September

Come together for an evening that celebrates the people behind the MHFA movement. 

The MHFA Gala Dinner is a chance to celebrate, connect and reflect on the impact being created across workplaces and communities.

Join us for a night of good food, meaningful stories, and moments that recognise the incredible contribution from around Australia. 

Why attend?

At the summit you will: 

Translate mental health first aid skills into action. Gain practical tools and strategies to respond to mental health problems and create stronger circles of support.  

Elevate your facilitation practice. Explore best practices, innovative insights, and evidence-informed approaches to deliver MHFA with confidence and impact.  

Connect, collaborate and learn. Share experiences and insights with instructors, MHFAiders, providers and supporters nationwide.  

Expand your influence. Deepen your understanding of how your role – whether teaching, supporting and advocating – connects to a shared national purpose.  

Strengthen collective impact. Contribute to initiatives and discussions that drive growth toward 3 million trained Australians by 2030.  

This summit is the place to be for anyone that delivers, practices, supports, or provides Mental Health First Aid in Australia.
 

Plan your MHFA Summit Experience

Whether you’re travelling from interstate or across Melbourne, we’ve made it easy to plan your visit to the National MHFA Summit.

Accomodation Offers

The Hotel Windsor Melbourne

The Hotel Windsor is pleased to offer an exclusive discounted rate of 25% for National MHFA Summit delegates, valid from Sunday 30 August – Friday 4 September.

To book:

  1. Open the booking page
  2. Enter your stay dates and number of guests.
  3. Choose your preferred room type.
  4. Complete your booking.

Getting to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

By train

The MCG is well connected by Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network.

  • Jolimont Station is approximately a 5 minute walk from the venue.
  • Richmond Station is approximately a 10 minute walk and services multiple metropolitan lines.

By tram

The following tram routes stop within walking distance of the MCG:

  • Route 48
  • Route 70
  • Route 75

Parking

Delegates are encouraged to use public transport where possible, however there is paid parkign near the venue.

Paid parking is available at:

  • Yarra Park (when open)
  • Melbourne Park Eastern Plaza
  • Federation Square Car Park
  • Wilson Parking locations nearby

We recommend checking parking availability before travelling, particularly if other major events are taking place in the precinct.

Planning your day

Make the most of your Summit experience by planning your schedule before you arrive.

The Summit program features keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities across two days. We encourage delegates to review the program in advance and identify the sessions most relevant to their interests, role or organisation.

To help you plan your time:

  • View the full Summit program before you arrive.
  • Note the sessions and speakers you don’t want to miss.
  • Make sure to save space in your luggage for our in person Merch store
  • Pack your dancing shoes if you are joining us for the Gala Dinner. 

More to explore in Melbourne

If you’re arriving early or extending your stay, take the opportunity to explore some of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions, all within easy reach of the MCG.

Shrine of Remembrance and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Approximately 1 km | 15 minute walk

Just a short walk from the MCG, the Shrine of Remembrance and Royal Botanic Gardens offer one of Melbourne’s most iconic visitor experiences. Reflect on the stories of service, sacrifice and resilience shared through the Shrine’s exhibitions before wandering through the tranquil gardens, where peaceful walking trails and Aboriginal Heritage Walks invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of Country. Together, these neighbouring landmarks provide space for reflection, connection and learning, values that underpin mentally healthy communities.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Approximately 2 km | 25 minute walk or a short tram ride

Located at Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust celebrates the rich cultures, histories and continuing contributions of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia. Through Aboriginal-led exhibitions, tours and cultural experiences, visitors are encouraged to listen, learn and deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives, an important foundation for empathy and meaningful conversations about mental health.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)

Approximately 2 km | 25 minute walk or a short tram ride

As Australia’s oldest and most visited public art gallery, the NGV is home to world-class collections and exhibitions spanning art, design and culture. Exploring creative works from across the globe encourages curiosity, reflection and conversation, reminding us of the many different ways people experience, express and connect with the world around them.

Who's attending?

The Summit’s Community Forum brings together a diverse national community including: 

✔️ MHFAiders 

✔️ MHFA Instructors 

✔️ MHFA providers  

✔️ Workplaces 

✔️ Sector leaders and policy makers 

✔️ Lived experience representatives 

✔️ Sponsors and collaborators 

This is a multi-sector forum where learning meets community and impact meets action. 

Sponsorship

Partner with MHFA and align your organisation with nationally recognised mental health outcomes.

Sponsorship packages offer strong brand visibility, meaningful engagement and lasting impact. 

Our 2026 Sponsors

Meet the sponsors who are making the MHFA Gala Dinner possible.

Gildan Brands

Apparel Sponsor

BGL

Community Sponsor

Partners in Wellbeing

Delivered by Neami National, EACH and the Australian Community Support Organisation

Victorian State Sponsor

Halaxy

Principal Sponsor

legalsuper

Table Sponsor

Impact Co.

Digital Sponsor

Symal

Session Sponsor

Port of Melbourne

Table Sponsor

Questions about the Summit?

For enquiries about abstract submissions, sponsorship, tickets, or general event information, please email our events team at events@mhfa.com.au

Be a part of something exciting

The National MHFA Summit 2026 is more than an event  it’s a national moment for connection, learning, impact and growth in early intervention. 

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