Our Conference

On 30 May 2026 we met at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Fitzroy for a day of panels, workshops, and direct action on the six demands.

Autistic led. National. Building what we were never given.

The room is ready. Are you?

This conference has room for everyone who is ready to be in the room. Whether you are autistic, an ally, a health practitioner, an employer, an educator, or a policy maker, there is a conversation here that belongs to you.

Most conferences expect you to figure it out when you arrive. We’ve put 29 pages together so you don’t have to: photos of every room, the full schedule, where the sensory and pause areas are, and who you can ask for help. Read it before Saturday, or open it on the tram.

Visual Story

The full conference will be streamed globally on 18 June 2026 as part of the Autistic Pride Day campaign. If you cannot be in Melbourne, you will still be part of it.

Conference partners

• Aurum Foundation
• Just Gold
• SydWest
• SSI
• Australian Catholic University
• autismsa.org.au
• neuroinclusiverecruiting.org.au
• autisticsguide.org.au
• Focus Bear
• Invictus Health

Collaborators

• Australian Institute of Diversity in Mental Health
• Centre for Autistic Social Entrepreneurship
• Myriad Global
• scoa.org.au
• FutureTech Australia
• Embrace Difference
• The Divergent Edge
• find-your-voice.com.au
• Autism Valued
• speakinginsights.com.au
• aspect.org.au
• bettermerch.com.au
• bloomcycle.com.au

Frequently asked questions

The questions we actually get asked about the conference. Answered plainly.

When and where is the conference?

Saturday 30 May 2026. Doors open at 9:00am, program runs until 5:00pm AEST. Australian Catholic University, St Teresa of Kolkata Building, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Melbourne.

Can I attend if I am not autistic?

Yes. The conference is created by autistic people and centred on autistic experience. Allies, practitioners, employers, educators, and policy makers are welcome. Come ready to listen.

What if I cannot make it to Melbourne?

All panel sessions and plenary discussions will be filmed and released globally on 18 June 2026, Autistic Pride Day. If you cannot be in the room, you will still be part of the conversation.

Can I use my NDIS funding to attend?

You may be able to. Relevant support categories include Capacity Building, Increased Social and Community Participation, Improved Relationships, and Finding and Keeping a Job. We do not confirm NDIS eligibility. Speak with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or LAC before booking. If you need a support letter or invoice, contact us and we will send one.

What accessibility provisions are in place?

Quiet rooms and sensory maps are available throughout the venue. Camera optional seating is available in all sessions. A low scent policy applies across the event. The venue is fully physically accessible. All facilitators work to a neuroaffirming brief.

Is catering provided?

No. Anyone who has ever tried to feed a room full of autistic people will understand why. Bring water and anything else you need. Fitzroy has excellent options within walking distance.

Will workshops be filmed?

No. Workshop sessions in breakout rooms are not filmed. They are designed as safe spaces for deeper conversation.

Who is running this?

Think Autism Melbourne is produced by Just Gold and Aurum Foundation, with support from Australian Catholic University, and in partnership with SSI, SydWest and in collaboration with Australian Institute of Diversity in Mental Health, Invictus Health, Centre for Autistic Social Entrepreneurship, FutureTech Australia, The Divergent Edge, Autism Valued, Focus Bear, Myriad Global, and Embrace Difference.

Now let’s talk

Want to help keep this campaign free and global? Get in touch.

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