The recent Australian Psychosis Conference commenced with a public Town Hall “Rivers of Connection: Integrating Research, Practice, and Lived Experience”, featuring keynote previews, local mental health initiatives, and powerful personal narratives. The evening set a collaborative tone that carried through the conference which brought together researchers, clinicians, lived-experience advocates, and policymakers for 2 days in Brisbane.
Sessions explored policy reform, social determinants, human rights, clinical research, and lived-experience perspectives. Formats ranged from lightning talks and seed-funding pitches to symposia and poster sessions, with a Sundowner networking event fostering informal exchange.
A standout voice was CORE-BD’s Professor Alison Yung, internationally recognised for her pioneering work in early psychosis and creator of the CAARMS assessment tool. Speaking within the Human Rights Violations theme, she emphasised the ethical imperative of early intervention and equity in mental health care.