Connect, explore and celebrate with colleagues from across the sector through three memorable networking experiences included with your full conference registration.
From the Welcome Reception, where you can reconnect with peers and make new connections, to exclusive Pre-Conference Tours of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), Manly, and the Art Gallery of NSW, these events offer unique opportunities to engage beyond the conference program. Round out your conference experience at the Celebration Dinner, Harbour Lights & Golden Nights, an unforgettable evening of fine dining, entertainment and networking on Sydney Harbour.
Please note: These inclusions are available to all registered full conference delegates and are not included with single-day registrations.
Networking
Pre-Conference Tours
Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH)
Begin your Palliative Care NSW State Conference experience with a rare opportunity to visit the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) in Manly, Australia’s first purpose-built hospice for young people aged 16 to 30 with life-limiting conditions.
During this informal open-morning visit, delegates can tour the facility, enjoy morning tea, and hear directly from the AYAH team about its statewide role, multidisciplinary care model, referral pathways, and the design principles that support young people and their families.
This pre-conference visit is a valuable opportunity to see innovation in practice, ask questions, and better understand how a purpose-built environment, specialist clinical team and therapeutic spaces work together to deliver holistic, youth-focused palliative care. Delegates will also gain practical insight into how AYAH accepts referrals from across New South Wales, including from regional and metropolitan palliative care specialists, hospital networks, general practitioners, paediatric palliative care teams and transition services.
Whether you are a clinician, allied health professional, service manager or sector leader, this visit offers meaningful takeaways for your own practice and service context.
Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Timed Ticketing: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Shuttles will operate from Manly ferry wharf every 20 minutes
Art Gallery of NSW
Pause: Connect, Reflect, Explore
Exploring the Pause Palliative Care Arts Engagement Model
Conference delegates are invited to take part in a special pre-conference activity at the Art Gallery of New South Wales exploring the Pause Palliative Care Program
The Pause Palliative Care Program shows how art experiences support person-centered care; creating opportunities for connection and meaningful conversations between patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals and time for reflection and exploration.
The program provides space for people providing care and receiving care to acknowledge their own experiences, connect with others, engage in mindful reflection and develop practical self-care strategies that can be applied within caring environments.
Delegates will be introduced to the principles of the Pause model and explore how arts-based approaches can contribute to:
Person-centred care and wellbeing
Compassionate communication
Practical self-care strategies for those working in palliative care
Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Location: Art Gallery Road. The Domain
Time: 10:15am – 12:00pm
Welcome Reception
Raise a glass to the start of the conference!
Enjoy delicious canapés, refreshing drinks and the chance to meet, mingle and network with delegates from across Australia.
Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre, Marble Foyer
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Soon after Pre Conference Workshops.
Celebration Dinner
Harbour Lights & a Golden Night. Where connection meets celebration.
Thanks to our Celebration Dinner Partner HammondCare
As the sun sets over Sydney Harbour, join fellow delegates for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection and conversation.
Set against the sparkling backdrop of the city lights, Harbour Lights & a Golden Night offers the perfect opportunity to unwind after the conference, reconnect with colleagues, and celebrate the people and achievements that make our sector so special.
Enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at Watersedge, with great food, stunning views and plenty of opportunities to connect.
Dress to impress with a touch of gold, sparkle or glamour. Formal wear is welcome, but not essential. Celebrate. Connect. Shine.
Details:
Date: Tuesday 20 October
Location: Watersedge at Campbell’s Stores. 25 Hickson Road The Rocks
Time: 6:30PM to 10PM