What a joy it was to be at the IPPA World Congress in Brisbane and to connect in person with so many passionate people in our field. Denise Quinlan and I have spent days reflecting on the incredible conversations, the spontaneous hugs from over 50 of our Diploma alumni, and the deep sense of connection that filled every corridor. It’s moments like these that remind me why this work matters because it’s not just about research or theory, it’s about real people, real change, and long-lasting impact.

One key message that stood out was the power of narrative - our stories shape us, and they are not fixed. We can evolve them. Hope came through strongly too, especially the idea that we can actively shape the future rather than feel overwhelmed by it. Whether through meaningful conversations or models of wellbeing grounded in real-life experience, the takeaway was clear: personalised, socially connected approaches matter. Let’s keep choosing hope and sharing it.