From Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie, a dedicated team of pain experts is preparing to cycle more than 780 kilometres through northern NSW, bringing evidence-based pain education directly to regional communities.
Sponsored by Adelaide University and Pro Active Health the 2026 Pain Revolution Rural Outreach Tour will see scientists, health professionals, and people with lived experiences of chronic pain cycle through northern NSW between 15-23 October, delivering free community events designed to improve understanding of chronic pain and support recovery.
The distinctive yellow peloton will stop in nine regional towns, where each free community event will feature expert presentations, practical workshops, educational stalls and opportunities to connect with others, giving people living with chronic pain, their families and local health professionals access to the latest evidence about pain and recovery.
Each stop will feature expert talks, the opportunity to connect with others, along with a range of educational stalls, all offering practical, evidence-based tools to help people manage and recover from chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects around one in five Australians and is one of the nation’s leading causes of disability. Nearly half of people living with chronic pain also experience depression or anxiety, highlighting the need for accessible education and support, particularly in regional areas where specialist services can be harder to access.
Pain Revolution CEO and world-renowned pain expert, Adelaide University’s Professor Lorimer Moseley AO, said the tour was about taking world-leading pain science directly to the communities that need it most.
“Chronic pain remains one of Australia’s greatest health burdens, but it’s often misunderstood, mismanaged, and undertreated,” Professor Moseley said.
“We now know far more about how pain works than we did even a decade ago, and that knowledge can genuinely change lives.
“That’s why Pain Revolution exists. Empowering people with a modern understanding of pain is one of the most powerful treatments we have, and a critical step towards recovery.
“By connecting with rural communities, we’re giving people practical tools to support their own recovery while also strengthening the knowledge and confidence of local health professionals.”
Joining this year’s ride is local osteopath and Pain Revolution Local Pain Educator Kay Fairweather, who practises in Bellingen and works as a Pelvic Health and Pain Educator at the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre. She didn’t even own a bike until earlier this year.
“Every day I see how persistent pain can take over people’s lives,” Fairweather said.
“If this ride helps more people understand that pain doesn’t always mean damage, and that there are practical things they can do to get their lives back on track, every kilometre will be worth it.”
Prof Moseley invites everyone to join the movement.
“The Pain Revolution has a simple goal: to ensure that where you live doesn’t determine the quality of pain care you receive,” Prof Moseley said.
“Everyone deserves access to the knowledge, skills and local support they need to reduce the impact of chronic pain, regardless of where they live.
“Together, we can build a pain-smart Australia – one town, one conversation, one pedal stroke at a time.”
2026 Pain Revolution Tour – Event Schedule
(All events are free. Registration now open: www.painrevolution.org/tour)
• Thursday 15 October – 5pm, Twin Towns Conference & Function Centre, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
• Friday 16 October – 5pm, Murwillumbah Services Club, 10 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah
• Saturday 17 October – 4pm, Adam Gilchrist Pavillion, Oaks Oval, 144 Magellan Street, Lismore
• Sunday 18 October – 4pm, Riverside Function Centre, Ballina RSL, 1 Grant Street, Ballina
• Monday 19 October – 5pm, Yamba Bowling & Recreational Club, 44 Wooli Street, Yamba
• Tuesday 20 October – 5pm, Grafton Districts Service Club, 105-107 Mary Street, Grafton
• Wednesday 21 October – 5pm, D Block Theatre, Southern Cross University, Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour
• Thursday 22 October – 5pm, venue to be confirmed, Kempsey
• Friday 23 October – 5pm, The Westport Club, 25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie