Junior Doctor Conference - Mackay 2026
Join us in Mackay for the 2026 Junior Doctor Conference and discover the professional and lifestyle opportunities awaiting you with the Whitsundays only a short drive away.
Hear from inspiring doctors who have walked in your shoes, make friends, meet important contacts and enjoy the coastal lifestyle. You'll leave the conference refreshed, inspired and ready to take on the world.
The conference program will be released in 2026 and created by the Committee of Doctors in Training (CDT).
Conference inclusions
- Exciting 1.5 day conference program curated by the Committee of Doctors in Training
- Bus transfers (see timetable)
- Opportunity to present your research (optional)
- Catering (Saturday: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Sunday: breakfast and lunch)
- Saturday evening social function: Red Dog Brewery - sponsored by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (theme: Coastal Chic)
- Sunday half day skills session at the Resource Centre of Excellence: Deep Dive into emergency medicine underground!
Last chance to register is Wednesday 15 July.
Quick register via forms
Download event program
Sponsored Delegates: 50 x free JDC conference packages (value $600)
Calling all junior doctors! We're thrilled to announce we have 50 x Junior Doctor Conference packages available thanks to our Platinum sponsors Mackay Regional Council and PHN Northern Queensland. These are valued at $600 per person covering your conference attendance 1.5 days, catering, Saturday night function and $150 to use towards your travel. Please register online or contact [email protected] to request a ticket (subject to availability.
Sponsored medical students:
James Cook University Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs is sponsoring 25 medical students from JCU, Bond, Griffith or UQ including conference, flights and accommodation. Please note this competition has been closed.
Medical Research Program:
You've worked hard on your research project - let your peers know about it! JDC will provide attendees with the valuable opportunity to present their medical research, in a challenging and exciting forum. Submissions open at 12noon AEST 18 February 2026 and close at 5pm AEST on Friday 19 June 2026. Entrants will be notified of their acceptance by 13 July 2026. Please note all accepted presenters are required to register for the conference.
Download the medical research poster template
Research Program Information
Accommodation
At the Saturday conference venue: Mantra Hotel Mackay
To book contact: r[email protected]
Conference rate - room only:
- standard room - $195.00
- superior and one bedroom - $240.00
Other options: Mackay City Centre
Close/walking distance to the Saturday night function (9minute drive from the Saturday conference venue)
Prices are subject to change by the hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I get a sponsored ticket to JDC: tickets will be released in January. We will also be running a competition to win tickets at the Intern Workshop events and O week in January 2026.
- Where should I stay: accommodation is available at Mantra Mackay where the conference is being held from $362 AUD for 2 nights (price and availability subject to change by the hotel). There is also a range of hotels in the city centre (9 min drive).
- What are the cost of flights: we recommend looking on skyscanner to compare airlines. For example: the cost for return flights from Brisbane is $306 return with Virgin and $212 return with Jetstar (subject to change by the airline).
- How far is Mackay airport from the conference venue: 17 minute drive
- How many people will attend: we estimate there will be 100-150 attendees (there was 220 in 2025)
- Are meals included: Friday - travel day (no meals included), Saturday (included - full day) and Sunday (included - breakfast).
- Are flights and accommodation included: No, however if you are a sponsored delegate you will recieve $150 travel reimbursement towards your flights or accommodation.
- When will the program be released: estimated date - April 2026.
- What times are the conference, I need to book flights? We recommend travelling on Friday 24th July (anytime) and returning after 230pm on Sunday
Terms & Conditions: Sponsored Delegates
Delegates who register for and/or receive a complimentary sponsored JDC conference package must agree to the following terms and conditions:
- You must be a member of AMA Queensland - Interns, Junior Doctors and Doctors in Training will have first preference
- Sponsored delegates are required to attend the social functions in addition to the conference.
- Accommodation and flights are not included in this package, however you will be reimbursed $150 towards your travel, send reciept/confirmation once booked with your bank details to: [email protected]
- No-shows will incur a $150 cancellation fee.
- Delegates will not be charged a cancellation fee if they provide notification of cancellation 8 or more days prior to the conference opening.
- Delegates who provide 7 or fewer days notice of cancellation will incur a $150 cancellation fee, (delegates with Covid-19 will not be charged).
- Delegates will not be charged a $150 cancellation fee if they arrange a replacement to attend the conference.
- If you register but later find out you are rostered at your workplace on these dates contact [email protected] to cancel your registration at no cost (try to do this 1 week or more before the conference).
Roster Refund:
If you register for the conference, but are rostered to work the weekend of 25 and 26 July 2026 we'll provide a full refund. Please let us know as soon as you get your roster as we require 7 days notice of cancellation to meet our catering and venue obligations or to make the ticket available to your colleagues on a waitlist.
For more information please visit the Mackay Tourism website.
Mackay visitor guide
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