Welcome Message

It is our great pleasure to welcome you all to the World Federation for Mental Health International Conference 2016, co-hosted with the Dr Edward Koch Foundation.  We extend thanks and welcome to all of our esteemed keynote speakers and all delegates, many of whom have travelled long distances to join us.  

The World Federation for Mental Health has promoted mental health worldwide since 1948 and it continues to have impact through its international conferences and congresses.  This Conference will continue its work of promoting the concept of dignity and respect for people suffering from mental illness in today’s world. 

This conference is about bringing together the key players within the mental health sector, those within the community and anyone affected by mental illness.  We trust it will provide a valuable opportunity for reflection on current practice and research in areas related to Conference themes, enabling an exchange of ideas, experience and resources. 

Cairns is a beautiful city to hold a Conference.  We hope you enjoy your stay here, and have the time to enjoy its relaxed, tropical climate, laid back ambience, to visit the World Heritage wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and explore our rich culture and history.  

We also hope you can take from this Conference an increase in knowledge and the capacity and skills for your community to respond early and effectively to mental health issues. Thank you for your support of this important event. I look forward to meeting you during the Conference.  May you return to your communities inspired to continue in your efforts.

On behalf of all of the organisers, we welcome you all to Cairns in October 2016.

President of The Conference

Prof Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE JP