The Preventive Mental Health Conference is a national public health event focused on promoting and protecting mental health and wellbeing across Australia through prevention, collaboration, and systems-level action. Hosted by the Public Health Association of Australia, the conference brings together community members, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to shift the conversation beyond treatment and toward mental health promotion and early intervention. It explores how prevention can move from a niche area to a mainstream priority by strengthening cross-sector partnerships, embedding evidence-based practice, and amplifying diverse voices, including First Nations perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing.

Across two days, the program combines strategic reflection with practical insight, examining system-level approaches such as Safety by Design, community-grounded wellbeing initiatives, workforce development, and capacity building. The conference also addresses innovation, including the role of digital tools in prevention, while maintaining a strong focus on equity, collaboration, and shared responsibility.