Veteran and family mental health in focus at Open Arms Symposium 2026

Join us online for Open Arms Symposium 2026 on Tuesday 1 December — a chance to listen, learn and connect around better mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and families. Registrations are open. 

With the theme Today’s Insight. Tomorrow’s Impact., the Symposium will bring together lived and living experience, evidence and sector expertise to explore how we can strengthen future support for the veteran community. 

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, will launch the refreshed Open Arms Model of Care. 

The Model of Care guides how Open Arms supports veterans and families. It sets out a trauma-informed, evidence-based and person-centred approach to care, helping ensure services are consistent, responsive and focused on each person’s needs. 

Hear a keynote address from Dr Margaret McKinnon, alongside lived and living experience perspectives. The program will explore current and emerging approaches to veteran and family mental health, as well as the issues, opportunities and innovations shaping the sector. 

Registration is free and covers the full event, with the flexibility to leave and rejoin throughout the day.

Tuesday 1 December 2026, 8:30am to 4:30pm AEDT 

Register to join online or visit the Open Arms Symposium webpage to find out more.