Head to the Hill 2026 – 14 October 2026
Head to the Hill – October 2026
Head to the Hill 2026 was held on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra.
This national advocacy event brought together patients, carers, families, clinicians, researchers and supporters from across Australia to share their stories and call for urgent action on brain cancer — the deadliest cancer for children and young adults.
For more information on BTAA’s asks to Government at Head to the Hill 2026, see The Australian Brain Cancer Landscape 2026.
Carrie Bickmore OAM – Keynote Address
Carrie Bickmore OAM delivers a powerful keynote reflecting on the personal impact of brain cancer and the urgent need for sustained investment in research. Drawing on her own experience and advocacy, Carrie calls for meaningful action to improve outcomes for patients and families across Australia.
Dr Katie Nicoll – Keynote Address
Dr Katie Nicoll shares her deeply personal experience supporting her late husband, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, through his brain cancer journey. Her moving address highlights the challenges faced by patients and carers and the urgent need for better research, treatment and compassionate support.
Professor Mike Fay – Brain Cancer Research
Professor Mike Fay, Director of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, shares insights into the progress and challenges of brain cancer research in Australia. His address highlights the importance of collaboration, sustained investment and accelerating research discoveries into better outcomes for patients.
Dr Kim Wark – Paediatric Brain Cancer
Dr Kim Wark from the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation highlights the devastating impact of brain cancer on children, young people and their families. Her address reinforces the urgent need for greater research investment, collaboration and improved treatment options for paediatric brain cancer.
Fiona Hassmann – National Advocacy Service
Fiona Hassmann from the Peace of Mind Foundation highlights the complex challenges faced by people living with brain cancer and their families when navigating essential services and support systems. She shares the vital role of the National Advocacy Service and the urgent need for sustainable funding to ensure families can access specialist advocacy when they need it most.
Andrew Wilkie MP – Parliamentary Address
Andrew Wilkie MP addresses the brain tumour community at Head to the Hill 2026, recognising the importance of raising awareness and bringing lived experiences directly to Parliament. His participation reinforces the critical role of government engagement in driving better research, care and support for Australians affected by brain cancer.
Dr Mike Freelander MP – Australian Brain Cancer Landscape 2026
Dr Mike Freelander MP addresses attendees at Head to the Hill 2026 and formally accepts the Australian Brain Cancer Landscape 2026 on behalf of the Australian Government. The report outlines eight national priorities for improving brain cancer research, clinical care and support services across Australia.
Head to the Hill is BTAA’s annual national advocacy and awareness event at Parliament House, Canberra. Each year, patients, carers and supporters meet with Members and Senators to put brain cancer firmly on the national agenda.
At the heart of the event is a powerful shoe installation — thousands of pairs representing the lives, stories and families impacted by brain tumours. Every pair symbolises a person, making the human cost visible in a way statistics alone cannot.
You can take part each year by attending in person, sending a pair of shoes and a story to be included in the installation, writing to your Federal MP or Senator, or sharing our advocacy messages across your networks.
Explore past events to view photos, videos and stories from each year.
