Conference name: 10th Rural & Remote Health Scientific Symposium (RRHSS)
NT destination: Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Conference venue: Alice Springs Convention Centre
Number of delegates: 273 delegates
Connecting in Alice Springs for the 10th Rural & Remote Health Scientific Symposium
The Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium is hosted biennially by the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) in partnership with the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) and the Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators (FRAME).
The NRHA advocates for the healthcare access and needs of more than seven and a half million (or 30%) of Australians living rurally by championing evidence-based policies to ensure equitable healthcare access across the nation.
In October 2025, the 10th Rural & Remote Health Scientific Symposium (RRHSS) was held in Alice Springs, attracting 273 research delegates over two days.
The driving theme, Research from the heart – shaping rural & remote health futures, set the scene at the Alice Springs Convention Centre for an impactful Symposium focused on community-centred solutions.
A versatile venue in the heart of Australia
The Alice Springs Convention Centre, with modern facilities and a capacity for up to 1,200 delegates, offers a stunning view of the MacDonnell Ranges and enjoys sunshine and blue skies for most of the year, including during Australia’s winter months.
The Centre seamlessly supported the Symposium, collaborating closely with the conference organising team by assisting with pre-event logistics, providing catering throughout the Symposium and at the Welcome Reception, and supporting the day-to-day delivery.
NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen praised the Centre for its support to host a hugely successful Symposium, emphasising delegates' appreciation for the venue's capacity to accommodate a diverse program and its convenient location nearby three to four-star accommodation options and restaurants for off-site dining.
Showcasing local expertise on Arrernte Country
The 10th anniversary Symposium opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by Arrernte woman Aunty Que Kenny, one of the Traditional Custodians of the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) region, followed by a presentation from Dr. John Boffa, Chief Medical Officer of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation.
During the two-day Symposium, up to four concurrent sessions were held and over 100 presentations from speakers Australia-wide were delivered in the Convention Centre’s spacious and well-equipped breakout rooms.
Partnering with Menzies School of Health Research, Australia’s leading medical research institute for Indigenous and tropical health, was a major highlight of the Symposium. The official Welcome Reception, held in the Ghan Foyer at the Convention Centre, encouraged networking among delegates, with 220 people attending, including a strong local attendance coinciding with the Menzies' launch of RHC3.
An impactful destination for business events
Central Australia served as a strong drawcard for the 10th anniversary of the Rural & Remote Health Scientific Symposium, attracting a 55% increase in total delegates compared to the previous event, according to the NRHA.
Travel information was made available early providing pre and post touring advice leading into the Symposium, encouraging delegates to connect with the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre to extend their stay and explore the region.
As the Symposium was scheduled towards the end of the week, many attendees joined locally guided tours or hired a car to visit major attractions with their families.
Group bookings were made at local restaurants, while site inspections, including visits to local health providers and research institutions, were organised directly with partner organisations.
In their words
“Delegates appreciated the cultural significance of Alice Springs and the opportunity to engage with local Aboriginal culture during their visit. The location’s authenticity, beauty and connection to the heart of remote Australia were recognised with attendees extending their stay to explore the region, including the West MacDonnell Ranges, Uluṟu, and visit the local art galleries around town.”
“The location played a key role in attracting attendees, who gave overwhelmingly positive feedback and praised the event’s overall success.”
Susi Tegen, Chief Executive
National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA)
Read the full case study here.