The 2026 Remote Nursing and Midwifery Conference brought remote health professionals from across Australia together for three inspiring days of learning, connection and collaboration.
The program featured a diverse mix of keynotes, oral presentations, hotspot sessions and practical clinical workshops, giving delegates opportunities to learn from grassroots workers through to sector leaders, while building skills directly relevant to rural and remote practice.
A few highlights included presentations from Professor Odette Best, Professor Jill Klein, Adjunct Professor Alison McMillan and CRANAplus’ newly appointed Honorary Fellow, Adjunct Associate Professor Alison Weatherstone. Their presentations sparked important conversations about Cultural Safety, leadership, workforce sustainability, and the future of healthcare delivery in remote communities.
Delegates consistently identified the hands-on clinical workshops as a standout feature of the program. These sessions provided opportunities to refresh existing skills, build confidence and learn alongside colleagues who understand the realities of working in isolated settings.
Equally popular was the vibrant conference Expo, which brought together organisations from across the health, education and workforce sectors. The Expo created valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration and discovering products, services and programs that support remote practice.
The highly valued Escape Room challenge also gave delegates the opportunity to put their clinical knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test through realistic remote health scenarios.
Beyond the formal program, the conference provided countless opportunities for delegates to connect with peers, share experiences and build lasting professional relationships.
From networking events and informal conversations to shared learning experiences, the strong sense of community that defines remote health was evident throughout the event.
Once again the ever-popular Wellbeing Lounge (and therapy dogs!) remained a favourite destination throughout the conference, providing a welcoming space for delegates to relax, recharge, connect with colleagues and learn about CRANAplus Mental Health and Wellbeing services.
CRANAplus extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors and exhibitors whose generous support helped make the conference possible. We especially acknowledge our Platinum Partner, Edith Cowan University; Gold Partners, Miwatj Health and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council; and Silver Partner, the University of Southern Queensland.
Your support enables us to deliver a high-quality event that strengthens the remote health work-force while fostering innovation, collaboration and professional growth across the sector.
Another highlight of the 2026 conference was the introduction of the Remote Nursing and Midwifery Conference Attendance Scholarship.
The program supported undergraduate health students, clinicians new to remote practice, and First Peoples clinicians working in rural and remote communities to attend the event.
By helping remove financial barriers to attendance, the scholarship enabled a broader range of voices, experiences and perspectives to be represented throughout the conference. For many recipients, it provided access to professional development, networking opportunities and mentorship that may otherwise have been out of reach.
The success of this initiative means the scholarship program will return in 2027, continuing to support and inspire the next generation of remote health leaders. If you are an undergraduate health student, a clinician new to remote practice, or a First Peoples clinician working in rural or remote Australia, keep an eye out for applications opening soon.
Scholarship recipient spotlight
“I’m appreciative and grateful to have received a CRANAplus Conference Scholarship. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going in, being new to rural and remote healthcare, but I came away with a lot of food for thought. The following are just a few I’ve considered.
The conference started on International Nurses Day, notably fitting. How Cultural Safety was permeated through the talks, as a lens rather than a checkbox, was significant.
I am only at the beginning of transitioning from metro to rural practice, of what I heard will shape how I move forward, whether I realise it or not. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to attend to help further guide my direction. I appreciated learning about the challenges faced by rural and remote healthcare, as well as the many advantages. The data on rising rates of syphilis and diphtheria in rural communities stuck with me. Equitable healthcare delivery matters, wherever we work.
Jill Klein’s session on innovation and dissonance gave me a lot to think about in terms of my own experiences. Rosalie Schultz’s talk on volunteering in the Solomon Islands also stayed with me. A slight comment made that you don’t have to feel entirely ready before you act was well timed for me.
The hands-on workshops were appreciated, such as the ear health and PID skill session. It was a good reminder of how broad rural and remote practice can be to meet the needs of communities.
The Purple House data was striking. It was inspiring to see how they went from having the worst dialysis survival rates in the country to the best in two decades. Disparity in Indigenous Health gets a lot of coverage and rightly so, but it was good to hear about something that is working.
Lastly, rural and remote nursing is advanced practice at the edge of complexity. Well said.”
– Selena, Conference Attendance Scholarship Recipient
While we celebrate the success of Perth 2026, excitement is already building for next year.
We are delighted to announce that the 2027 Rural and Remote Nursing and Midwifery Conference will be held in Garramilla (Darwin) from 30 May to 1 June 2027.
Until then, keep an eye out for scholarship applications, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, speaker announcements and Remote Health Award nominations.
We look forward to once again bringing the sector together to learn, connect and celebrate the people making a difference in rural and remote Australia.
