Disrupting the narrative: program unveiled for Australian Homelessness Conference 2026

The biennial Australian Homelessness Conference returns on 7–8 October at the Darwin Convention Centre to tackle the growing issue of housing insecurity in Australia, around a powerful theme: Disrupting the narrative.

AHURI Head of Development and conference chair, Dr Tom Alves, said it is a call to challenge the way we think, talk, and make decisions about homelessness in Australia.

“Across 29 plenary and concurrent sessions, attendees will learn about leading research and policy initiatives, as well as best-practice service models from Australia and around the world,” Dr Alves said.

“It is an influential gathering of decision-makers, sector leaders, innovators and changemakers from across the sector, a forum for discussion, and a catalyst for collaboration, focused upon driving practical change.”

The program covers the spectrum of issues affecting the homelessness sector – with sessions exploring successful community efforts to end rough sleeping, how to harness AI and digital innovation on the homelessness frontline, and hard-won lessons for caring for the homeless following a disaster.

It places particular emphasis on addressing homelessness experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, and on the integration of lived experience perspectives in program and policy design.

Each session is backed by specific, real-world examples, and bolstered by speakers who have been involved and seen the results on the ground. Social events will also allow for networking and knowledge sharing.

“Whether you are a policymaker seeking more effective strategies, a homelessness service delivering programs on the ground, a researcher analysing emerging models, or a community housing provider seeking partnership opportunities — the Australian Homelessness Conference 2026 is where the sector comes together,” Dr Alves says.

Conference registration includes access to all plenary, major concurrent and concurrent sessions, as well as the Welcome Reception at the end of day one (two-day registrations only). The Networking Breakfast on day two is an optional add-on. 

A range of registration packages are available, with reduced rates for not-for-profits, concession and lived-experience attendees, and groups of 3 or more. Early Bird registrations close 30 June.