Professor Jioji Ravulo is Chair of Social Work and Policy Studies at The University of Sydney, and an Adjunct Professor at The University of the South Pacific. Jioji’s research, writing and areas of interest include queerness across the Pacific, mental health, substance use, young people, and critical Whiteness. Abstract AOD usage across Pacific communities is common and complex. This can range from pro social cultural practices and the ceremonial use of substances like kava, to harmful intravenous illicit usage. In this keynote talanoa, we will strive to deconstruct by unpacking the situation, decolonise by understanding from a Pacific perspectives, and disrupt by exploring possibility solutions and strategies to undertake change. By placing Pacific perspectives and practices at the the centre of the shared conversation, we strive to create sustainable and culturally nuanced AOD research, policy and practice that is genuinely helpful for the Pacific, and our peoples.

Danny Nicholson is a proud Australian-born Māori and Tongan man, an entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for youth and community empowerment. Born and raised in Claymore, he is a proud South West Sydney local whose journey is deeply rooted in service and purpose. With over a decade of experience in the community services sector, Danny has dedicated his career to supporting young people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. As a community worker specialising in adolescent wellbeing, he brings empathy, understanding, and a deep connection to the communities he serves. Today, Danny continues to make an impact as a trainer, inspiring and equipping the next generation of community service professionals with the tools, knowledge, and heart to make meaningful change. His work reflects his unwavering belief in the potential of young people and the power of community.

Manu is a devoted husband and father, blessed with a wonderful wife, a beautiful daughter, and 11-month-old twin boys who fill his life with joy. His journey is a powerful testament to redemption and purpose. After spending five years in prison, where he encountered God in a profound way, Manu emerged with a renewed vision for his life and a deep commitment to ministry. For over 20 years, Manu has been an integral part of Mt Zion Christian Fellowship Centre, serving in various leadership roles. His leadership experience extends to leading national mission trips, preaching, teaching, and planting a church in Campbelltown, NSW, where he has made a significant impact in this community. In 2019, he further solidified his commitment to leadership by completing Bible College. His passion for God’s work drives him to share hope and healing with others, particularly those who find themselves in challenging circumstances. Currently, as the Chaplaincy Lead for the Number 8 Prison Project, Manu directs programs that empower volunteers to visit and minister to individuals in prisons and detention centers, offering them hope and the transformative message of the gospel. He is also the host of the *Beyond the Pulpit Podcast*, which he launched with his wife in mid-2025. This platform aims to reach the unreached and engage in courageous conversations about the church, society, and culture through the lens of biblical truth. Manu is honoured to speak at various events and conferences, including this one, where he passionately shares his story of redemption and encourages others to build God’s kingdom and make disciples. His life is a testament to the power of grace and the impact of faith, offering hope to those who may feel lost.

Yasmin Iese is a proud Pasifika woman of Samoan heritage and an experienced leader in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector with over 25 years of frontline and management experience. She is the Program Manager at the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA), where she is passionate about driving sector-wide change and leading communities of practice that strengthen leadership, amplify youth voices, and champion multicultural inclusion across the AOD sector. Yasmin is also the Director of Open Door Consultancy Services, providing specialist multicultural and clinical supervision, consultancy, and cultural advisory services to AOD and community organisations across NSW. She is the Chairperson of the Number 8 Prison Project, a Board Member of the Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network (PWPBN), and one of the founding members of the newly established Multicultural Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions. Yasmin is a strong advocate for culturally responsive practice and sector reform, with a particular focus on improving access and outcomes for multicultural communities. Her work is grounded in reflective practice, cultural humility, and collaboration.

Wilson is a well-respected Aboriginal leader and CEO of the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council South Australia (ADAC) for over 30 years. He is also Adjunct Professor, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR), School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University. His other past leadership roles include being Deputy Chair of both the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee and the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation (FARE). Scott’s personal and professional experience in substance misuse has made him a valued member of nearly every major governmental and non-governmental committee in Australia for more than 30 years. He has received several awards including the Australian Centenary Medal and the Sister Alison Bush Award from the University of Sydney. Scott is also the Lead Convener of the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON), and represents not only the specific needs of the SA Aboriginal community, but our NFP organisations at the National level, through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation of Peaks (Coalition of Peaks), of which he is the Deputy Lead Convenor. The CoP is made up of 80 Peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations from across Australia.

Craig Rodgers is currently a Senior Staff Specialist in Addiction Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. He has worked as a General Practitioner and Addiction Specialist in the inner suburbs of Sydney since 2000 with roles at Kirketon Road Centre, East Sydney Doctors and the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre.