seeds of change
Social, Physical & Mental Wellbeing Through Therapeutic Horticulture
THE ANNUAL THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE 2024
Friday May 17th 2024
RACV Noosa, QLD and online
Thursday May 16th, Pre-conference Tours
Saturday May 18th, Post-Conference Workshops
Saturday May 18th, Post-Conference Workshops
Join Therapeutic Horticulture Australia as we embrace the healing potential of green spaces and celebrate the profound impact of nature on our well-being at the highly anticipated Therapeutic Horticulture Australia 2024 Conference, taking place against the stunning backdrop of Noosa, Queensland, on May 17th.
Immerse yourself in a series of inspiring tour venues on May 16th, preceding the conference, followed by an engaging day of workshops on May 18th to explore the practical delivery of therapeutic horticulture. With three days dedicated to the exchange of therapeutic horticulture insights and valuable networking opportunities, this event promises to be a transformative journey of discovery and growth.
Call for abstracts
the Call for abstracts are now open - closing on 16th January 2024
Focusing on using Therapeutic Horticulture to improve social, physical, and mental well-being through practices such as, but not limited to, Social Prescribing, Workplace Employee Assistance to manage psychological risks and hazards in workplaces, and NDIS programs, the conference aims to celebrate the innovative and contemporary practices in the profession.
Our conference participants are eager to learn from various perspectives within therapeutic horticulture. They are interested in your current projects, research, or personal experiences with therapeutic horticulture. Whether your setting is educational, community health, hospitals, aged care, correctional facilities, youth work, disability, refugees, public housing, or anywhere therapeutic horticulture and people interact, we welcome your insights and expertise.
With a theme of ‘Seeds of Change’ this year, our National Conference aims to assist in growing the research, practice and professional integrity of Therapeutic Horticulture.
Online presenters are welcome, including international presenters.
Presentation guidelines
Authors are required to indicate their preferred presentation format when submitting an abstract.
– Oral Presentations: Face to Face – 30mins. Presenters will have a total of 30 mins (25 mins presentation and 5 mins of questions or discussion) in a concurrent session. It is recommended that presenters use a max of 20 slides.
– Oral Presentations: (Industry Speakers) – Pre-recorded Session – 30 mins. Presenters will have a maximum of 30 mins. This format is intended for presentations that could be a valuable resource on THA’s website for delegates and members to access and delegates who are unable to travel in person to the conference.
– Short Oral Presentation (Concurrent Sessions) – Face to Face – 15mins. Presenters will have a total of 15 mins (12 mins presenting with 3 mins of questions/discussion). It is recommended that presenters use a maximum of 10 slides.
– Short Oral Presentations (Concurrent Sessions) pre-recorded – 15 mins. Presenters will have a maximum of 15mins. This format is intended for presentations that could be a valuable resource on the THA’s website for delegates and members to access and for delegates who are unable to travel in person to the conference.
– Workshop (Face to Face) – 30 mins, 90 mins or half day. A limited number of workshop places are available to present on Saturday (18th May).
1. Full Abstract:
– The abstract should be a maximum of 200 words in simple text paragraphs without tables or sub-headings and will be used for program publication.
– The Title of the abstract should be no longer than 12 words
– Abstracts submitted for presentation will be published exactly as received and should be checked for spelling and grammar prior to submission
2. Short Abstract (for social media):
– A summary abstract to be no more than 50 words in simple text paragraphs without tables or subheadings.
– If there is more than one presenter all correspondence will be send to the person whose name and email is entered with the abstract.
Ideas for Abstracts
“Roots of Connection: Nurturing Social Bonds through Therapeutic Horticulture”
An exploration of how TH can act as a catalyst for building and strengthening social connections, combating loneliness, and fostering community engagement.
“The Healing Garden: Designing Spaces for Physical Rehabilitation”
Strategies for designing therapeutic gardens that aid in physical recovery, improve motor skills, and enhance overall physical health.
“Mindful Growth: Mental Health Recovery in Therapeutic Gardens”
Case studies highlighting the role of TH in supporting mental health recovery, with a focus on evidence-based outcomes and patient narratives.
“Integrated Growth: Combining Therapeutic Horticulture with Other Therapeutic Modalities”
A dialogue between horticultural therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists on the interdisciplinary approach to TH in enhancing wellbeing.
“The Growing Evidence: Latest Research on TH and Wellbeing”
Researchers presenting the latest findings on the impact of TH on social, physical, and mental wellbeing, including poster presentations.
“Germinating Relationships: Building Your Professional TH Network”
Connect and exchange ideas, fostering collaborations and partnerships within the TH community.
THA acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.