We are excited to announce that the 2026 National Loneliness Conference will be held in Melbourne on 21–22 October and early bird registration is now open.
Join leading thinkers, researchers, practitioners and changemakers as we explore loneliness and social connection across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence through to later life. The conference will bring together evidence, lived experience and practical responses to help create a more connected Australia.
This year, we are very pleased to introduce two awards: The Emerging Researcher in Loneliness Award, recognising outstanding contributions from early-career researchers; and The Community Connector Award, celebrating individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference in fostering social connection.
We are also happy to announce that the Call for Abstracts is now open. We invite researchers, practitioners, people with lived experience and community leaders to submit presentations that showcase innovative ideas, evidence and approaches that help foster social connection and reduce loneliness.
Visit the conference page to explore abstract submissions, award nominations and other conference information.
Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 is just around the corner!
Loneliness Awareness Week Australia will take place from 3–9 August, and this year’s theme, Make Room for Connection, reminds us that connection doesn’t happen by accident, it grows in the spaces and opportunities we intentionally create for one another.
Whether it’s making time for a conversation, welcoming someone new, or creating opportunities for people to come together, we all have a role to play in building a more connected Australia.
To help you start planning for the week, we encourage you to visit the Loneliness Awareness Week website:
-Download the Loneliness Awareness Week Toolkit for ideas, resources and practical ways to get involved. -Start thinking about simple activities or events you could host in your workplace, school, community group or neighbourhood make room for connection. The toolkit includes a guide to help you plan your activities. -Register for the Loneliness Awareness Launch Webinar on July 15th, at 2pm here. -Share the campaign with colleagues, friends and networks to help spread the message. -Make room for connection in your everyday interactions and encourage others to do the same.
Ending Loneliness Together Webinar on Global Social Connection
Loneliness Awareness Week 2025
Reserve Your Spot Now!
New Report: Recommendations to tackle growing rates of loneliness in young people
Meet the four researchers tackling social isolation and loneliness in chronic disease management
Research & Lived Experience Informing Practice and Policy Symposium
Loneliness and the holidays
A discussion with Associate Professor Michelle Lim
Launching the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection
