The November Hydrocephalus Support Conference was a meaningful and memorable milestone for our community. For the first time, the conference was held outside of Sydney, bringing together people from across Australia in a space built on shared understanding, openness, and connection. Throughout the weekend, there was a strong sense of belonging — a reminder of the power of coming together with others who truly understand life with hydrocephalus.
The conference program reflected the theme Enabling Inclusion, Informed Experiences, Improved Health Pathways and brought together expert knowledge alongside lived experience. Across two full days, attendees engaged with a wide range of topics including emerging technology, neurosurgical care, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), advocacy, paediatric and adult hydrocephalus, legal planning, and the importance of patient voice.
We were grateful to welcome a diverse and generous group of speakers who shared their expertise, experiences, and insights. Clinical and research perspectives were complemented by deeply personal stories from members of the hydrocephalus community, creating a program that was both informative and deeply human. These shared experiences were among the most powerful moments of the weekend, reinforcing the importance of lived experience in shaping understanding, empathy, and advocacy.
Feedback following the conference has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees have shared how much they valued the quality of the sessions, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and the opportunity to connect with others who understand the realities of living with hydrocephalus. We also received encouraging feedback on the venue, catering, and overall comfort of the event, reinforcing the importance of creating accessible and supportive spaces for in-person gatherings.
Conference session recordings have now been fully edited and will be released on 27 January. These recordings will be made available exclusively to those who purchased conference tickets for a three-month period before being shared more broadly with HSA members. We sincerely thank everyone for their patience and look forward to providing ongoing access to these valuable sessions.
A particularly positive outcome following the conference was being contacted by Integra, one of the major shunt suppliers in Australia, who acquired Codman from Johnson & Johnson several years ago. Initial discussions have been constructive, and HSA was pleased to provide input into Integra’s Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus patient booklet. We have also invited Integra to present at one of our meetings this year, supporting continued collaboration between industry, clinicians, and people with lived experience.
For those who attended the conference, feedback remains open. Your insights play an important role in shaping future events and ensuring they continue to meet the needs of our community. If you have not yet completed the survey, you can do so here:
https://forms.gle/75pZ7fiaDda5g7hw9
Thank You to Our Speakers and Supporters
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the Hydrocephalus Support Conference such a meaningful and successful event. Your time, knowledge, openness, and generosity helped create a weekend that was informative, empowering, and deeply connected to lived experience.
Speakers & Presenters
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Dr Xenia Doorenbosch (B. Braun)
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Professor Simon Malpas (Kitea Health)
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Dr Brindha Shivalingam
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Professor Kate Drummond
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Dr Alison Wray
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Erin Garde
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Kerryn Csik
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Jane Raftesath
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The Honourable Justice Greg Garde
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Alex Warren
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Helen O’Toole
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Natalie Precious
We would also like to thank the many volunteers who supported the planning and delivery of the conference. Your behind-the-scenes efforts made a meaningful difference to the experience of everyone who attended.
Conference Sponsors & Supporters
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Coregas
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B. Braun
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Kitea Health
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Medtronic
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Get Real Workwear & Safety
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Promotion Products
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Laundry Lane
Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and supported the Hydrocephalus Support Conference. Being together in a space where experiences are understood without explanation and voices are respected creates a lasting impact. Your involvement continues to strengthen HSA and the community we serve.