It tends to be a full package offering to cover sessions, all meals and accommodation, but for locals, there are day packages without accommodation. In 2023, it was in Darwin, NT, and in 2025, it was a combined National x Impact Conference in Brisbane, QLD. Watch this space for 2027 for NSW / ACT.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2027 – The COLLAROY CENTRE, NSW
Our NATIONAL CONFERENCE is held every two years for healthcare professionals and students. Be inspired in your faith, and equipped to be more effective within your healthcare domain. Accommodation options will be available for families, couples and singles.
IMPACT 2026, PERTH, WA
David Skirving – a neurosurgical trainee turned pastor reminded us about the power of God to heal, but ultimately to meet our greatest need. Nathan, a Rural Generalist with an Indigenous background challenged us about conventional teachings about cultural safety, and inspired us with incredible stories of transformation and change through Jesus. Ken and Jocelyn Elliott who served in Burkina Faso for over 50 years before being kidnapped by extremists amazed us with their unwavering faith, resilience and wit in impossible circumstances.
VISION 2026, MELBOURNE, VIC
Our theme for VISION 2026 was “Strength in Weakness.”
Jesus, the servant King, was mocked and dismissed as weak by the world, yet it is in Him that we see God’s true strength. In moments when we feel inadequate in faith, study or practice, our greatest strength should be found in Christ, and our hope in God.
We were honoured to have Dr Natasha Yates as our speaker, and Dr James Wei and A/Prof Sneha Kirubakaran to lead workshops.
Combined IMPACT x NATIONAL Conference 2025
The conference theme “Hope in Christ, Eyes on Eternity,” was significant. The Kingdom of God is a treasure worth giving up everything the world has to offer. Our hope in Christ allows us to set our sights on eternity, focusing on the unseen while awaiting God’s glory. As Christ’s family, we need each other to keep our eyes on the hope the gospel brings.
We had two keynote speakers: Richard Chin, Director of AFES, and Peter Saunders, Chief Executive of ICMDA, as well as fellow Christian healthcare speakers to reflect on these important questions:
• How can we plant our hope in Christ when it’s so easy to pursue earthly treasures?
• What does having an eternal perspective look like in our daily lives?
• How can we embrace this with joy, like the man in Jesus’ parable?
IMPACT Conference 2024
IMPACT is our annual student conference, a highlight for young Christian healthcare professionals. In 2024, the conference was held at Phillip Island, Victoria.
In 2025, for the first time in many years, we are merging our IMPACT Student Conference with the National Conference in Brisbane. This special event will unite over 200 fellowship members, including students, recent graduates, professionals, retirees, and life members.
The conference is primarily organised and led by our student leaders and conference committee. Each event features keynote speakers and elective sessions. Additionally, senior CMDFA members attend IMPACT as mentors, with mentoring being a key part of the experience.
IMPACT will continue as a dedicated student conference in 2026.
VISION Conference
Our annual VISION Conference is typically held in January and is a smaller gathering for student leaders and aspiring leaders from across Australia. While it has been hosted on the Gold Coast for several years, in 2025, it took place in Newtown, Sydney.
At VISION, student leaders are joined by mentors from across CMDFA. The student committee, with support from the National Office, organises the conference with a strong focus on God’s word and leadership growth within CMDFA.
We aim to support students with travel costs wherever possible, making it a valuable opportunity to grow both as Christians and as leaders.
Workers Retreat
The first Workers Retreat launched in January 2024 alongside VISION, providing CMDFA families with a time for reflection. It was later decided to hold the retreat biennially in years with the National Conference.
Gathering under God’s word alongside VISION was a wonderful experience. We were reminded to see ourselves not just by our professions or roles but as sons and daughters of our Holy God.
It was a great opportunity to support and be encouraged by our student leaders. Topics covered included financial stewardship, rural practice as mission, managing a Christian organisation, and approaching work and identity with humility.
We’re especially grateful to those who volunteered to care for children, making it a family-friendly event. Looking forward to 2026!