Dr. William Leigh Atherton is an Associate Professor and Chair of the department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies at East Carolina University. He has over 20 years as clinician, educator, and researcher in the mental health and addictions field. His passion is exploring innovative ways to increase access to care.

A/Prof Thileepan Naren is an Addiction Medicine Specialist and General Practitioner and has special interests in addiction medicine, Aboriginal health, custodial health, public health policy, and medical governance.

Dr Sandra Sunjic, Manager Community Projects and Partnerships, D&A Services, SESLHD/affiliate Discipline Addiction Medicine, USyd. Worked in D&A field over 35 years (clinician, in management, research/evaluation, development/implementation new services/programs) in hospitals, community, custodial settings, court diversion. Awarded inaugural Tedd Noffs Award 1999, Excellence in outstanding contribution as individual D&A field.

Clinical pharmacy postdoctoral research fellow with expertise in medication use, cardiac rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy, and adherence. Holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has over 10 years’ experience across research, academia, and pharmacy practice in Australia and Ethiopia, with more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and multidisciplinary collaborations.

Sam Lawson is an experienced researcher who worked in the field of health behaviour research for 10 years, with a particular focus on drug and alcohol. He also has experience with research focussed on regional communities and government processes.

I Have 30 years of living and professional experience with opioid pharmacotherapy across country Victoria, inner-city services, and overseas settings. I'm passionate about strengthening peer worker participation and meaningful consumer representation across all areas of Australia’s alcohol and other drug sector, advocating for person-centred, peer-led approaches to care and policy.