JOIN US AT THE 2026 COMCARE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
14 - 16 September 2026
National Convention Centre, Canberra
You’re warmly invited to join more than 900 delegates from across the work health and safety sector at the 2026 Comcare National Conference. Hear the latest in research and innovation, strengthen your industry connections, and discuss critical emerging issues at our biennial flagship event.
A people-first approach to workplace health and safety
In a time of rapid change, the conference takes a people-first approach to workplace health and safety. Through engaging sessions and discussion, we’ll explore how wellbeing, inclusion and empowerment create the foundation for safe and thriving workplaces.
Conference highlights
- Workshops, exhibition sessions and interactive demonstrations from leading industry experts
- Welcome Reception with partners and delegates on Monday 14 September
- Gala Dinner at the iconic National Museum of Australia on Tuesday 15 September
Keynote speakers
Comcare is pleased to welcome our 2026 Keynote Speakers.
Kath Koschel
A testament to the power of human spirit, Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things. A former cricketer and Ironman competitor, Kath is an internationally sought after speaker and author of best-selling book Kindness. She partners with the biggest and most well-known companies and brands across the world to help them achieve perspective, resilience, good culture, wellbeing and of course, kindness.
Driven by a passion to spread gratitude and kindness in the world, her journey led her to found Kindness FactoryTM with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness all over the world. To date, Kindness Factory has recorded over 8 million acts of kindness and is now a registered not-for-profit in three countries.
Kath’s work has been celebrated globally, most recently being named the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year and recipient of the Australia Medal for courage in overcoming extreme adversity.
Kath Koschel
A testament to the power of human spirit, Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things. A former cricketer and Ironman competitor, Kath is an internationally sought after speaker and author of best-selling book Kindness. She partners with the biggest and most well-known companies and brands across the world to help them achieve perspective, good culture, wellbeing and of course, kindness.
Driven by a passion to spread gratitude and kindness in the world, her journey led her to found Kindness FactoryTM with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness all over the world. To date, Kindness Factory has recorded over 8 million acts of kindness and is now a registered not-for-profit in three countries.
Kath’s work has been celebrated globally, most recently being named the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year and recipient of the Australia Medal for courage in overcoming extreme adversity.
Kath Koschel
Mitch Brown
Mitch Brown is an advocate, speaker and leader working at the intersection of safety, inclusion, men’s wellbeing and social change.
In August 2025, Mitch became the first openly bisexual past or present male AFL player in the game’s 130-year history. That moment wasn’t about visibility alone - it was a line in the sand for safer cultures, healthier masculinities, and environments where people can show up fully as themselves.
Mitch now focuses his work on advocacy in inclusion, mental health, and men’s behavioural change, particularly within high-performance, hyper-masculine and community settings. His work centres on courage, accountability and care - challenging harmful norms while offering practical pathways for men to grow, reflect and lead differently.
Alongside this advocacy, Mitch brings deep experience from the social impact space, including leadership roles as a Board Director, social enterprise CEO, startup founder and commercial leader. He has worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Traditional Owners and governments, guided by principles of trust, cultural safety and self-determination.
A former elite athlete, Mitch draws on lived experience, humility and resilience to build genuine connection. Whether speaking, advising or collaborating, his focus is the same: creating safer systems, stronger communities, and a version of manhood that makes room for honesty, softness and strength - all at once.
Mitch Brown
Mitch Brown is an advocate, speaker and leader working at the intersection of safety, inclusion, men’s wellbeing and social change.
In August 2025, Mitch became the first openly bisexual past or present male AFL player in the game’s 130-year history. That moment wasn’t about visibility alone - it was a line in the sand for safer cultures, healthier masculinities, and environments where people can show up fully as themselves.
Mitch now focuses his work on advocacy in inclusion, mental health, and men’s behavioural change, particularly within high-performance, hyper-masculine and community settings. His work centres on courage, accountability and care - challenging harmful norms while offering practical pathways for men to grow, reflect and lead differently.
Alongside this advocacy, Mitch brings deep experience from the social impact space, including leadership roles as a Board Director, social enterprise CEO, startup founder and commercial leader. He has worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Traditional Owners and governments, guided by principles of trust, cultural safety and self-determination.
A former elite athlete, Mitch draws on lived experience, humility and resilience to build genuine connection. Whether speaking, advising or collaborating, his focus is the same: creating safer systems, stronger communities, and a version of manhood that makes room for honesty, softness and strength - all at once.
Mitch Brown
Tony Armstrong
Former World Number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and triumph. Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health. At 22, she faced a breaking point but chose resilience. Dokic emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive but to thrive.
Her story, shared in bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless, and her number 1 documentary The Jelena Dokic Story, which was named 2025 Feature Documentary Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, and the 2025 Logies Best Factual or Documentary Program, showcases her journey from victim, survivor to thrive. Today, she inspires as a TEDx presenter and commentator, 2-time bestselling author, a living testament to the human spirit's resilience.
Jelena Dokic
Tony Armstrong, a proud Gamilaroi man from rural NSW, has become one of Australia’s most engaging and recognisable media figures. After an AFL career with Adelaide, Collingwood and Sydney, including the opportunity to play alongside his childhood hero Adam Goodes, Tony transitioned into broadcasting, where his natural warmth and sharp wit quickly set him apart.
In 2019, he broke new ground as the first Indigenous commentator to call live commercial AFL on radio, before becoming a regular on Marngrook Footy Show and The Colour of Your Jumper. His profile continued to grow in 2020 as co-host of Yokayi Footy across NITV and SBS, alongside his role on ABC Melbourne Breakfast radio.
Later that year, Tony joined the ABC, appearing across ABC News and Grandstand AFL before being announced as full-time sports presenter on News Breakfast in 2021. He soon became one of the network’s most trusted and popular faces.
Beyond news and sport, Tony has hosted a range of programs including Always Was Tonight, Eat the Invaders and the acclaimed documentary series End Game. He is also a Logie Award winner, Gold Logie nominee, award-winning podcast host, children’s author and highly sought-after MC. Known for his humour, authenticity and ease with any audience, Tony brings a unique blend of intelligence, heart and charisma to every stage and screen.
Dinner Speaker
Tony Armstrong
Jelena Dokic
Former World Number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and triumph. Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health. At 22, she faced a breaking point but chose resilience. Dokic emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive but to thrive.
Her story, shared in bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless, and her number 1 documentary The Jelena Dokic Story, which was named 2025 Feature Documentary Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, and the 2025 Logies Best Factual or Documentary Program, showcases her journey from victim, survivor to thrive. Today, she inspires as a TEDx presenter and commentator, 2-time bestselling author, a living testament to the human spirit's resilience.
Jelena Dokic
Former World Number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and triumph. Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health. At 22, she faced a breaking point but chose resilience. Dokic emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive but to thrive.
Her story, shared in bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless, and her number 1 documentary The Jelena Dokic Story, which was named 2025 Feature Documentary Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, and the 2025 Logies Best Factual or Documentary Program, showcases her journey from victim, survivor to thrive. Today, she inspires as a TEDx presenter and commentator, 2-time bestselling author, a living testament to the human spirit's resilience.
Jelena Dokic
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Monday
14 September
Pre-conference Workshops
Welcome Reception
Tuesday
15 September
Program sessions
Exhibition and activities
Conference Dinner
Wednesday
16 September
Program sessions
Exhibition and activities
Conference MC – Virginia Trioli
We are delighted to welcome Virginia Trioli back to the 2026 Comcare National Conference as our MC.
Virginia is a two-time Walkley Award winner, presenter of ‘Creative Types’ on ABC TV and iView and is one of Australia’s best-known journalists, with a formidable reputation as a television anchor, radio presenter, writer and commentator.
Registration options
Early-bird registration will open in May. Keep an eye out for the latest updates so you don’t miss out when they open. All prices listed below are inclusive of GST.
two days
(EARLY-BIRD)
$1,685
- Two-days of conference sessions
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- A ticket to the Welcome Reception
- Access to the Exhibition Hall
two days with dinner
(EARLY-BIRD)
$1,815
- Two-days of conference sessions
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
- A ticket to the Welcome Reception
- A ticket to the Conference Dinner
- Access to the Exhibition Hall
Day only
(Tuesday or wednesday)
$995
- One-day of conference sessions
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
CONFERENCE DINNER
Join industry colleagues at the iconic National Museum of Australia for the 2026 Comcare National Conference Dinner.
$230
- Arrival drinks and canapes
- 3-course meal and beverage package
- Entertainment and networking
CONFERENCE DINNER GROUPS OF 10
$2,070
- Reserve a table of 10 at the group rate
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Monday 14 September
$75
- Practical activities, interactive engagement, and group discussions
- Refreshments
Comcare acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.