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Concurrent Session 2B: Inclusive Care: Diversity-Specific Interventions

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Monday, November 9, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker

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Dr Simon Clay
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre

'Wherever they're at is wherever they're at, right?': Substance use and informal cultures of care among members of the queer community

3:35 PM - 3:45 PM

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Biography

Simon is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NDARC whose research focuses on the relationship between drug use, substance dependence treatment and well-being. Simon's work extends into the sociology of health and public health policy. They have an expertise in qualitative research methodologies, research ethics and trauma-informed approaches to research.
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A/Prof Anna Olsen
Associate Professor
ANU

Child protection and drug use: a qualitative pilot study with women and service providers

3:45 PM - 3:55 PM

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Biography

Anna is an Associate Professor at the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology. Her research combines practical and critical approaches to public health, with a particular interest in marginalised populations and qualitative methodologies. Anna’s current research includes overdose prevention, drug use and parenting and drug checking.
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Ms Hannah Schuurs
Phd Candidate/Research Officer
National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research/University Of Queensland

“It’s Really Hard to Be a Woman”: Experiences of Healthcare Among Women Who Use Performance and Image-Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs)

3:55 PM - 4:05 PM

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Biography

Hannah Schuurs is an early-career researcher and provisional psychologist at the University of Queensland. Her work explores how gendered expectations and stigma shape women’s experiences of performance and image-enhancing drug (PIED) use, including identity, body image, and healthcare engagement. She is committed to equitable, harm reduction–oriented care.
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Dr Tayla Degan
Lecturer, Clinical Psychologist
University of Wollongong

Women’s interpersonal experiences during alcohol change: A reflexive thematic analysis of Daybreak blog posts

4:05 PM - 4:15 PM

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Biography

Dr Tayla Degan is a Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, Adjunct Researcher at NDARC (UNSW), and Clinical Psychologist. Her research focuses on alcohol and other drug treatment, including clinical trials, continuing care, and implementation science, with interests in health literacy, ADHD, loneliness, and women’s alcohol use.
Dr Clare Pekin
Clinical Psychologist
Queensland Health

Preventive Care: Supporting Women Living with Gynaecology Conditions With Alcohol, Smoking and Vaping

4:15 PM - 4:25 PM

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Biography

Clare is a clinical psychologist passionate about improving the lives of people living with mental health and health concerns and substance use. She received a PhD through the School of Medicine at UQ. She is passionate about translating evidence into care for optimal patient outcomes.
Mr Michael (Mike) Winton
General Manager Of Operations
Palmerston Association

LGBTQI+SB SMART Recovery - Creating a Safe Recovery Space

4:25 PM - 4:30 PM

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Biography

Mike has extensive experience in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) not-for-profit sector. He has developed and implemented effective programs supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, multicultural communities, and LGBTIQ+SB individuals. He prioritises stakeholder relationships, consumer voice, and advocacy for access, equity, client rights and inclusion.
Dr Mei Lin Lee
Senior Research Officer
NADA

Residential rehabilitation treatment outcomes among women in women-only and mixed-gender services: A retrospective study

4:30 PM - 4:35 PM

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Biography

Dr Lee is a Senior Research and Data Officer at NADA. Outside NADA, she practices as a pharmacist in NSW.
Miss Gabriella Sims
Student
Torrens University Australia

“What do you replace it with?”: Using gendered leisure to understand women’s drinking practices and potential alternatives

4:35 PM - 4:40 PM

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Biography

Gabriella is an early career researcher interested in gender, social influences, and substance use. She recently completed a Masters of Public Health with the University of Otago and is now a PhD candidate with Torrens University Australia.
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Dr Kelsee Shepherd
Senior Research Fellow/ Clinical Nurse Consultant
Sydney Children's Hospital Network

Impact of location, gender and facial features on presentation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A decade of data from the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU)

4:40 PM - 4:50 PM

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Biography

Elizabeth Elliott is Professor of Paediatrics, USYD; Director, NSW FASD Assessment Service; Director, FASD Research Australia CRE. She: developed Australian Guidelines to FASD Diagnosis, leads FASD Hub and FASD Australian Registry, played a key role in developing NHMRC/WHO guidelines on alcohol use in pregnancy and the National FASD Action Plan.
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