- Delegates from nearly 20 countries to gather at Optus Stadium for the 2026 Global Mental Health Summit
- Three-day summit to focus on building resilience, improving equity and delivering culturally responsive mental health support
- Global exchange to inform delivery of WA’s mental health and alcohol and other drugs strategy
Western Australia will take centre stage in the global mental health conversation this week, with the Cook Labor Government supporting a three-day summit bringing together delegates from nearly 20 countries.
Held at Optus Stadium from 1416 October, the 2026 Global Mental Health Summit will explore how to build stronger, more connected mental health systems that respond to the needs of diverse communities.
The summit is hosted by Multicultural Services Centre WA in partnership with the WA Mental Health Commission and the World Federation for Mental Health.
Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat and His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC, Governor of Western Australia, will open the event.
Mental health professionals, students and people with lived experience will come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore ways to improve access to culturally responsive care.
Under the theme Building resilience, equity and culturally responsive integrated support systems, sessions will examine emerging mental health challenges driven by global pressures and how services can better support the communities they serve.
The summit provides an opportunity to learn from international experience and strengthen collaboration across the mental health sector, with a focus on ensuring people can access support that understands their culture, circumstances and needs.
Insights from the summit will help inform the delivery of actions under the Cook Labor Government’s Western Australian Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 20262031, which is guiding transformation of the State’s mental health and alcohol and other drugs systems over the next five years.
For more information visit www.gmhsperth.com
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“Mental health and wellbeing is a shared responsibility and a global issue that requires collaboration and evidence informed practice.
“By hosting the Global Mental Health Summit, we are proud to be a part of meaningful conversations, learnings and innovation that contributes to improved outcomes for all individuals, families, and communities.”
