2026 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference

Speakers

An impressive array of guest speakers share stories, successes and challenges they've overcome, drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional careers and grassroots community commitments. Judy Atkinson Writer, Educator, Researcher -- Professor at UNSW; Emeritus Professor at Southern Cross University Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson is a Jiman woman from Central West Queensland and Bundjalung woman from Northern New South Wales, with Anglo-Celtic and German heritage. She is internationally recognised for her pioneering work on trauma, violence and healing in Indigenous communities. Her landmark book Trauma Trails -- Recreating Songlines explores the transgenerational effects of trauma in Indigenous Australia and has become a cornerstone text in the field. In 2019 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to Indigenous communities, education and mental health, and continues to lead culturally informed trauma-integrated healing programs as founder and patron of We Al-li. Dr Stewart Sutherland Associate Professor and Chair, Indigenous Health Framework -- ANU School of Medicine and Psychology A proud Wiradjuri man from Wellington, NSW, Dr Sutherland has worked for more than a decade in Indigenous health, focusing on identity, trauma and mental health. His PhD examined the relationship between reconciliation and the social and emotional wellbeing of the Stolen Generations. His scholarship has shaped approaches to Social and Emotional Wellbeing, cultural health and food sovereignty, and he continues to lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health education at ANU. Aunty Bernice Hookey Founder and CEO, MZB Empowerment Bernice Hookey's family lineage traces to the Waanyi people from the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland. A Lead Facilitator for an Indigenous National Women's Empowerment program via Tranby, she is recognised as a Changemaker and Cycle Breaker, published author, mentor and multi-award winner, with her work focused on advancing generational equity. Adrian Salliego Trainer, Generation Red Road, Inc. -- Native American/Alaskan Native/Indigenous Non-Profit An enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe raised on the Navajo Reservation, Adrian has worked in recovery and fellowship since 2004 and now trains with Generation Red Road, travelling across Turtle Island to support tribal members seeking recovery from addiction. Dr Jocelyn Jones Associate Professor & Vice-Chancellor Professoriate Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University; Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, National Drug Research Institute A proud Noongar woman from Western Australia, Dr Jones focuses her research on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally safe research and practice, addressing chronic disease, mental health and the social determinants of wellbeing. Dr Amber Logan Health Psychologist -- Indigenous Development Specialists NZ A traditional Kahungunu Maori wahine and New Zealand Health Psychologist, Dr Logan is a Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at Otago University, well known in New Zealand for her work in methamphetamine education and community activism, and has presented at Harvard University and the University of Washington. Dr Joseph B Stone Clinical Psychologist -- Indigenous Development Specialists, USA An Anaskapi-Pikuni Ceremonialist and Traditionalist, Dr Stone specialises in consultation, program development and education to Indigenous communities, with extensive clinical experience across Aotearoa New Zealand and the USA, including six years as Department Head and Chief of Services at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. Dr Raelene Ward Knowledge Broker, First Nations Engagement; Chairperson, Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement; First Nations Director, One Basin CRC A proud Kunja woman from Cunnamulla, Queensland, Dr Ward's doctoral work focused on Aboriginal suicide, and her career spans mental health, suicide prevention and remote health services, bridging cultural knowledge with research and policy. Victoria Sinka Research Fellow, NHMRC Postgraduate Scholar -- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health An emerging social epidemiologist specialising in Aboriginal health, Victoria is a PhD candidate and Research Fellow with the ARDAC Kidney Health Study, investigating chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal children and working toward culturally safe prevention approaches. Odette Pearson Co-Lead, Aboriginal Health Equity Theme -- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) A Kuku Yalanji/Torres Strait Islander woman, Professor Pearson's research focuses on how institutional policies and practices drive health and social inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and she is the first Aboriginal board member of the Adelaide Fringe. Shane Hearn Associate Dean, First Nations Health -- Bond University A direct descendant of the Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar people, Professor Hearn brings over 25 years of expertise designing, implementing and evaluating culturally safe programs, research initiatives and policy frameworks across health, education and not-for-profit sectors. Vanessa Langenberg Research and Community Impact Team Lead -- Independent Living Assessment (iLA) Vanessa leads iLA's work with First Nations communities, drawing on expertise in assistive technology and reablement. Her national research with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples received the Assistive Technology Service Award 2024 from ARATA. Dr Shellie Morris AO Deputy CEO -- Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up! Dr Morris has dedicated 25 years to using music as a healing and learning tool, singing in more than 20 First Languages including many considered dormant, and was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Australia for her contributions to the performing arts and Indigenous community. Felicia Djamirze Founder and CEO, Neuro Vitality Pty Ltd and Trauma Recovery Network A qualified counsellor and mental health advocate, Felicia authored the memoir Accessory and spearheaded Australia's first all-female, Indigenous-led nationwide study on trauma and adverse childhood experiences among people with a conviction history. Dr Leena Panicker Lecturer -- Western Sydney University With more than 34 years of nursing experience across Australia, Ireland, the Middle East and India, Dr Panicker's research explores healthcare rights, cultural safety, health equity and chronic disease management, shaped by a decade of service within the Northern Territory health system.