Disease prevention and service models in rural and regional communities

Join us for the QRHIRC 2026 Symposium!

Hosted by the , our annual symposium is a dynamic day of learning, collaboration and innovation.

This free in-person event will be held on Thursday 6 August 2026 at The Annex, Toowoomba.

The symposium brings together health researchers, clinicians, health service staff, students and community members to connect, share ideas, explore current health research, and help shape future projects that will benefit rural and regional Queensland.

Why Attend?

• Network with researchers, clinicians and community members
• Take part in an interactive co-design workshop
• Hear presentations on health research relevant to our region
• Contribute to new project ideas and funding opportunities
• Learn how research can create real impact in rural and regional communities

Morning Session: Co-Design Workshop

The day will begin with an engaging co-design workshop led by co-design experts Adrienne Young and Anja Christoffersen.

Participants will take part in a practical, welcoming and collaborative co-design workshop, with the opportunity to join facilitated table discussions focused on developing and strengthening health research ideas or contributing to conversations about establishing a health consumer network for research in rural and regional Queensland. The session will provide opportunities to share ideas, identify priorities and build your co-design skills.

Afternoon Session: Presentations & Idea Elevators

The afternoon will feature presentations and practical insights aligned with this year’s theme:

Disease Prevention & Service Models in Rural and Regional Communities

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive Officer of Health and Wellbeing Queensland
• Professor Lauren Ball, Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland

Professor Lauren Ball will present:

A New Wave of Research and Practice for Disease Prevention in Rural and Regional Communities: Lessons from the Springfield Living Laboratory

Drawing on experience from Australia’s largest master-planned community, Professor Ball will explore how health professionals and researchers can create measurable community impact through partnership, prevention and innovation. Topics include:

• Improving long-term community health outcomes
• Reducing demand on healthcare systems
• Measuring real-world research impact
• Building multidisciplinary research teams
• Working collaboratively with communities

If you're interested in community-based practice and research, impact tracking, and cross-sector collaboration, this session will provide valuable takeaways to help you maximise the real-world influence of your work in your local area.

Emerging Researcher Presentations

Hear short presentations from emerging local researchers showcasing new and innovative work taking place across our region.

Idea Elevators

Projects developed during the morning workshop will be presented to friendly Idea Elevator panels for feedback to strengthen future grant applications and project plans.

Funding Opportunity

A funding pool of up to $15,000 is available, with up to $7,500 awarded to each successful project developed through the symposium process.

If you have a project idea you would like considered for the workshop, please email [email protected]. Applications close Monday 22nd June 2026.

Registration

Registration is free and includes catering.

You are welcome to register for:

• Full Day
• Morning Session only (8:30 am – 1:00 pm)

• Afternoon Session only (12:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

Please register for one session option only.

Community members are warmly encouraged to attend, learn about local health projects and build confidence in contributing to research through co-design.

Please note: By attending this event, you acknowledge that photographs and video recordings may be taken for promotional, reporting, educational and communication purposes. These images or recordings may be used by QRHIRC and affiliated organisations in print, digital, social media and other publications. Your attendance indicates consent to be photographed or filmed unless you complete an opt-out photo consent form on the day of the event.

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Host or Publisher Darling Downs Health Innovation and Research Collaborative