Building on the success of 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health, which brought together 1,172 delegates, the 2026 Social Work Congress (2026 SWC) will reaffirm social work’s central role in advancing wellbeing, equity, and social justice in Australia.

The 2026 Congress, hosted by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), will be the profession’s largest national conference, bringing together 700–800 social workers, policy leaders, educators, and allied professionals from across Australia and New Zealand.

Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18–20 November 2026, the Congress will explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing social work today. Across three days, delegates will engage in keynote addresses, panel discussions, concurrent presentations, and workshops, creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, critical debate, and collective action.

The theme of the 2026 Congress is 80 Years of Leadership, Shaping Tomorrow Together. Marking the 80th anniversary of the AASW, this event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on eight decades of leadership, advocacy, and reform that have shaped the profession and improved the lives of countless Australians. At the same time, it calls on delegates to look forward, exploring bold ideas, innovative practices, and collaborative strategies that will define the next era of social work.