We’re pretty excited to introduce you to our home for the 2027 Doula Conference - Balam Balam Place, right in the heart of Melbourne’s Brunswick Design District.

And the name couldn’t be more perfect for this year’s theme. Balam Balam means butterfly in both the Woi-wurrung and Taungurung languages, a beautiful symbol of change, transformation and becoming. We’re proud and humbled to be holding our conference in a place with a name that connects so beautifully with what we’ll be exploring together.

Balam Balam Place is a brand new cultural and community hub designed to bring people together for creative, cultural and community activities. It’s light, modern, accessible and sustainable with green space at the door, what more could we ask for!

Set within the lively surrounds of Melbourne’s north, the venue is just off Sydney Road and an easy walk from trains, trams and buses; not to mention loads of cafes, restaurants and more.

It’s also well located for those travelling from interstate by air, around a 20–25 minute drive from Melbourne Airport.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby, making it easy to stay close to the venue while also seeing a little more of Melbourne while you’re here and a communal hall glamping option will be available - but more on all that in due course.

We think it’s going to be a pretty great place to spend a weekend together learning, connecting, sharing ideas and, perhaps like the butterfly, embracing a little change along the way.