Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference Awards Over 150 Scholarships To Promote Equity And Access

In a major step toward making mental health events more inclusive, the newly created Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference has awarded 148 virtual and 10 in-person scholarships to individuals across 17 countries, representing over $110,000 AUD in waived registration fees.

Taking place August 11–12, 2025, at the RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast, NWC25 is the first neurodivergence-focused conference presented by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, dedicated to exploring neurodivergence through the lenses of mental health, lived experience, policy, and practice.

The scholarship program was designed to remove financial barriers to participation and increase representation from groups that have historically had limited access to professional events. Scholarships were awarded to full-time students, carers, rural and remote residents, people with disability, and those with lived experience of neurodivergence, including also Indigenous and Pasifika delegates.

“This scholarship is far more than financial support. It represents a commitment to equity, to Indigenous-led research, and to creating a more inclusive future,”
— Byron, Aotearoa New Zealand

“Being awarded the scholarship online means a great deal to me. Due to my location, I wouldn’t have been able to attend the event in person, so having the opportunity to participate virtually removes that barrier entirely.”
— Kay, United Kingdom

“I look forward to virtually attending and learning from the many information sessions, as I know they will help me on my personal journey to understanding myself."
— Rebecca, Psychologist, Queensland

“As a neurodivergent teacher, I’m excited to learn and grow – for myself, and for the students I support every day,”
— Sarah, Primary School Teacher, South Australia

While NWC25 will welcome hundreds of in-person and virtual attendees, organisers say scholarships are a vital way of ensuring the conference reflects the full diversity of the neurodivergent community.

“We launched NWC25 to centre neurodivergent voices and reshape systems that too often exclude them. Our scholarship program is one practical step toward that vision,”
— Sam Stewart, CEO of the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association

NWC25’s program features over 50 speakers, including people with lived experience, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. Sessions span key topics like ADHD, autism, employment, education, trauma, identity, systemic reform, and intersectionality.

The conference is open to professionals, educators, healthcare workers, support providers, and neurodivergent people seeking connection and collective impact.

Virtual and in-person registrations remain open at https://anzmh.asn.au/nwc.

Note:

The scholarships program is now closed.

About NWC25

Hosted by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, the Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference is a first-of-its-kind event in Australia and New Zealand, focused on advancing mental health and wellbeing across the neurodivergent spectrum. Learn more at https://anzmh.asn.au/nwc.

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