Committee

Program Development

The APSAD 2026 Conference Program is developed by the Scientific Advisory Committee—comprised of APSAD members working across the alcohol and other drugs sector, including clinicians, nurses, researchers, and other professionals—in close collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Group. The Leadership Group includes Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pasifika researchers, peers, and allied health professionals, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives and priorities are meaningfully embedded throughout the program. There are many other First Nations leaders who will continue to contribute to APSAD 2026 and we welcome the input of others. Please reach out to the conference secretariat at apsadconference(at)ashm.org.au to express interest.

* indicates membership in the First Nations Leadership Group

Alan Bennett, Born and raised with mob on Ngemba country*
Alex Arpino, AODCCC
Alice Pierce, NUAA
Anke van der Sterren, Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT
Anna Olsen, ANU
Annelies Robijn, National Drug And Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
Chris Holmwood, University of Adelaide
Christina Marel, The University of Sydney
Christopher Gough, CAHMA
Claire Ripper, ATDC
Craig Connelly, Next Step, East Metro Health Service
Craig Rodgers, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
Dani Manton, Proud Barunggam woman, grown on Dharug land*
Daniel Morrison-Bird, Proud Noongar Yamitji Gija man*
David Newcombe, University of the Sunshine Coast
Dwaine Faletanoai, Health New Zealand, Takanga a Fohe, Te Whatu Ora*
Ele Morrison, AIVL
Elisabeth Yar, ATODA
Gina Sherry, Department Of Justice WA, Fiona Stanley Hospital
Grace Oh, Australian Drug Education & Consultancy
Helen Schmidt-Sopoaga for Laura Tongalea *
Isabelle Volpe, Curtin University
Jack Wilson, The Matilda Centre, University of Sydney

Jacqueline Bowden, National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction
Jai Whelan, University of Otago
Jai Whelan, University Of Otago*
James Dunne, Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council
Jeff Buckley, Insight - Queensland Health
Jessamine Soderstrom, Royal Perth Hospital
Jioji Ravulo, The University Of Sydney*
Jodie Grigg, National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University
Katherine Senior, DASSA
Kim Gates *
Kurt Simpson, Swslhd Drug Health Services
Kurt Simpson, Proud Gamilaraay man*
Kylie Lee, La Trobe University
Lealofi Sio*
Levii Griffiths, Proud Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay man*
Liam Acheson, National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs
Lynette Bullen, La Trobe University
Lynette Bullen, Proud Wiradjuri woman*
Michael Christmass, South Metropolitan Community Alcohol and Drug Service and Fiona Stanley Hospital
Monica Barratt, National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University
Natasha Reid, The University of Queensland
Paul Dessauer, Peer Based Harm Reduction WA
Philip Hull, ACT Health Directorate
Pulotu Master Bruce Levi, Service Manager Pacific Mental Health and Addictions Integrated Care North*

Raechel Wallace, Proud Wandi Wandian woman of the Yuin nation*
Rebecca Attard, NUAA
Rebecca Hyland, Proud Kamilaroi-Gomeroi, Yinar (woman)*
Robert Stirling, Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA)
Rochelle McIntosh, WA Network for Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA)
Rose Crossin, University Of Otago, Christchurch
Scott Wilson, Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council South Australia
Scott Wilson, Northern Territory Stolen Generations*
Simon Clay, National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre
Siobhan O'Dean, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use
Steph Kershaw, The Matilda Centre For Research In Mental Health And Substance Use
Stephanie Holmes, AADANT
Stephen Bright, Edith Cowan University
Steve Allsop, National Drug Research Institute Curtin
Suzanne Nielsen, Monash University, APSAD President
Suzie Hudson, NSW Ministry of Health
Tayla Degan, University of Wollongong
Tina Taylor, Proud Wailwan & Ngiyampaa Yinnar (woman)*
Tuari Potiki, University of Otago*
Vicki Simpson, Proud Wiradjuri woman*
Yasmin Iese, Cultural Consultant*

Key Deadlines:

Abstract Deadline: 4 May 2026

Scholarship Application Deadline: 5 July 2026

Early Bird Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026

Accommodation Deadline: 28 September 2026

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APSAD acknowledges that the conference is being held on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. APSAD acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.