WAPSN Conference 2026

Looking back on this year's WAPSN Conference, one of the strongest takeaways was the breadth of conversations taking place across the peer workforce. Over two days, attendees explored how we can honour the grassroots values that have shaped peer work while continuing to strengthen, grow and advocate for the profession into the future.

Highlights included a powerful First Nations panel and a presentation on Right Person, Right Country, which emphasised the importance of culturally safe, place-based approaches and the leadership of Aboriginal people in shaping services that support their communities. Sessions also explored lived experience leadership, the findings of the National Mental Health Lived Experience Workforce Census, and the establishment of the Australian Association of Peer Workers, reflecting on how the workforce is evolving nationally while remaining grounded in peer values.

WAPSN was also pleased to share updates on the National Census Project and facilitate discussion around the prevalence of police clearances across peer work settings. These conversations highlighted the importance of building a peer workforce that is not only recognised and valued, but also accessible, inclusive and informed by lived experience.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented and contributed to the conversations throughout the conference. The ideas and connections formed over the two days will continue to shape WAPSN's work and the broader peer movement in the months ahead.