PRESS RELEASE: Final Program Unveiled for Housing First Nations 2026 National Conference; Registrations Close This Friday

BRISBANE, QLD — Organisers have today released the final program for the Housing First Nations 2026 National Conference, making a final call for attendees before registration closes this Friday, 16 October.
The national conference, taking place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 20–21 October, will bring together hundreds of community housing providers, peak organisations, policymakers, and frontline workers from across Australia.

Anchored by a highly anticipated Special Address from the Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the final schedule features 4 major keynotes, 5 Leaders Panels, and 8 concurrent education sessions focused on the future of First Nations housing.

Conference Convenor and CEO of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, Neil Willmett, warned that there will be absolutely no ticketing extensions past Friday’s deadline.

“The time for abstract debate is over; this final program represents a practical plan for real change,” Mr Willmett said. “From government funding setups to grassroots data, this conference gives people practical tools to use. If your organisation has not registered by Friday night, you will miss out on being part of this important national conversation.”

Final Program Highlights:
• Federal and Sector Leadership: Alongside Minister McCarthy’s Special Address, the agenda features 4 keynotes from Joshua Creamer (Barrister), Catherine Liddle (CEO, SNAICC), Selwyn Button (Commissioner, Productivity Commission), and Shane Hamilton PSM (CEO, Aboriginal Hostels Limited).

• Human Rights and National Priorities: Panel discussions led by Mary Doctor (Chairperson, NATSIHA and ATSIHQ), Lisa Sampson (CHIA NSW), Mick Gooda, and Professor Valerie Cooms (ANU) will look at policy hurdles and direct ways to meet Closing the Gap targets.

• Practical Education Sessions: Across eight parallel sessions, attendees will work alongside researchers and sector executives—including AHURI’s Shaun Middlebrook, Associate Professor Megan Moskos (Adelaide Uni), and Murray Benton (ATSICPP)—to talk through specific challenges in youth homelessness, home ownership, data storytelling, and policy delivery.

• Housing Supply and Cooperation: Mainstage panels featuring Famey Williams (CEO, NSW Aboriginal Housing Office), Darren Smith (CEO, Aboriginal Housing Victoria), Matthew Duggan (Homes Victoria), and April Lawrie (SA Aboriginal Housing Peak) will discuss cross-agency methods to unlock land, reduce construction costs, and boost housing supply.

The conference will officially wrap up on Wednesday, 21 October with a vital closing discussion: “Do Not Waste Your Power: Nothing will change if we don’t change it,” featuring Kate Colvin (CEO, Homelessness Australia) and Mick Gooda.

“Over two days, we are bringing together outstanding leaders from all over Australia to drive this conversation forward,” said Mr Willmett. “With more than 30 speakers sharing their insights across the two-day program, we have a genuine opportunity to learn from each other and improve housing outcomes. I encourage you to listen, network, and participate in the conversations – so that together, we can create real change.”

Event Details:
• What: Housing First Nations 2026 National Conference
• When: Welcome Reception: Monday 19 October; Conference: Tuesday 20 October–Wednesday 21 October 2026
• Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD
• Registration Deadline: Friday 16 October 2026
• Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/housing-first-nations-2026-national-conference/tickets
• Program: https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0239-lPFm1lqdTmb8KYGfvJKA#2026_HFN_Overview

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About Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland (Housing Queensland) is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community housing providers in Queensland. We believe that a strong community housing provider sector and long-term committed partnerships between government, private industry and our Members can significantly impact positive outcomes. Importantly, we are focused on matters that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, accommodation and homelessness in Queensland. Our solutions include advocacy; participation in strategy, policy and research; the provision of professional advice; and overall sector development.

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