Speakers
Susan McLean
Cybersafety Expert
Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and young people and was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years. Susan is unique in her vast knowledge and expertise in this area, and is the only person in Australia with her specific background, experience and qualifications. She has completed advanced training in the USA and has successfully completed the ‘University Certificate in Child Safety on the Internet’ from the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom. She is a member of the National Centre against Bullying (NCAB), and is a sought after advisor and media commentator on all things ‘cyber’.
Paul Dillon
Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia
Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years and continues to work with young people and their families across the country. He has been contracted by many agencies and organisations to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He has recently published a book ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs’, released nationally in February 2009. Paul is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, and has appeared on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, Today and A Current Affair discussing topical issues.
Andrew Fuller
Andrew Fuller, The Resilience Foundation Fellow, Departments of Psychiatry, Uni of Melb, Ambassador for Mind Matters
Andrew has recently been described as an ‘interesting mixture of Billy Connolly, Tim Winton and Frasier Crane’ and as someone who ‘puts the heart back into psychology’. As a clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families. He is a Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne. Andrew has recently been the scientific consultant for the ABC on a 5 episode series called Whatever: the science of the teenage brain. He has also been a principal consultant to the national drug prevention strategy REDI, the ABC on children¹s television shows, is an Ambassador for Mind Matters and is a member of the National Coalition Against Bullying. Andrew is author of the best selling Life: A Guide, Tricky Kids and Tricky People and the Brain Based e-manual.
Melinda Tankard Reist
Author, Speaker & Commentator
Melinda Tankard Reist is a Canberra author, speaker, media commentator, blogger and advocate for women and girls. Her third book is Getting Real: Challenging the Sexualisation of Girls (Spinifex Press, September 2009), already in its third printing. Melinda has recently initiated a new grassroots campaigning movement, Collective Shout: for a world free of sexploitation, to expose corporations, advertisers and marketers who objectify women and sexualise girls to sell products and services. Melinda is a regular guest on Channel 7’s Morning Show, and has made recent appearances on Sunrise, ABC Q&A and The Gruen Sessions. Melinda is named in Who’s Who of Australian Women and the World Who’s Who of Women.
Melinda Tankard Reist’s Website »
Dr Rick Kausman
Director of the Butterfly Foundation
Dr Rick Kausman is a medical doctor who is recognised as the Australian pioneer of the person-centred approach to healthy weight management. Rick has written two books including the award-winning ‘If Not Dieting, Then What?’, he is the creator of a number of other resources, and has had several articles on healthy weight management published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr Rick is a Director of the Butterfly Foundation, a Fellow of the Australian College of Psychological Medicine, and a Lifelong Fellow of the Obesity Prevention and Treatment Society.
Steve Biddulph
Psychologist
Steve Biddulph has been talking and writing about children’s mental health for 35 years. His books including Raising Boys, and The New Manhood are in four million homes worldwide. He is a renowned advocate for our living more loving and connected lives. Steve is Adjunct Professor in the School of Psychology, Cairnmillar Institute Melbourne.
Assoc Prof Michael Nagel
Associate Professor of Education
Dr Michael C Nagel is an Associate Professor in the School of Science and Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Dr Nagel teaches and researches in the areas of cognition, behaviour and learning and human development and early learning. His most recent book on early neurological development in children will be published later this year and compliments earlier works entitled ‘Boys-Stir-Us: Working WITH the Hidden Nature of Boys’ and ‘It’s A Girl’ Thing.’ Dr Nagel is also a member of the prestigious International Neuropsychological Society and a feature writer for the ‘Child’ series of magazines which offers parenting advice to more than one million Australian readers.
Jeremy Blackman
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation / eSmart
Jeremy Blackman is the Senior Cybersafety Specialist at The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, working with their eSmart team. His work centres on the convergence of technology and human behaviour; researching emerging trends in both the education setting and broader society with a particular focus on young people and the smart, safe and responsible use of digital technology.
Tena Davies
Psychologist
Tena Davies is a Melbourne based psychologist specialising in children, adolescents and parents and with particular expertise in cyber safety. Tena provides cyber safety education to schools and organisations. She is the co-author and facilitator of Net Negotiations a nationwide professional development course for psychologists to advise parents on how to effectively respond to risks such as cyber-bullying, sexting, online gaming and net addiction. Tena writes cyber safety articles for the media and educational publications.
Dr. Philip Tam
Psychiatrist
Dr. Philip Tam is a Sydney-based child and adolescent psychiatrist in public practice. Among his other duties, he has a long-standing clinical, teaching and advocacy interest in internet and computing-related difficulties in young people, and regularly comments in the Australian media on the topic.
Brett Lee
INESS Australia Founder
iNESS creator Brett Lee, worked as a Police Officer for 22 years, 16 of those as a Detective in the field of Child Exploitation. In his last five years of service, he was a specialist in the field of undercover internet child exploitation investigations. Brett has been personally involved in the online investigation, arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, whose medium for preying on children is the internet. Further to Brett’s experience, he has completed the FBI Advanced Internet Investigations Course and has worked with the FBI Innocent Images Unit, Maryland USA, the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Centre, Virginia USA and the San Jose Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, California USA. He has attended conferences on internet child exploitation investigation in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Greg Gebhart
Senior education Trainer, ACMA
Greg Gebhart is ACMA’s Senior Cybersafety Trainer and one of Australia’s leading Cybersafety experts. Greg is recognised across Australia and internationally for his knowledge and passion for cybersafety in education. Greg has won many awards that recognise his contribution to technology and education in Australia, including ‘Australian ICT Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement by an Educator’ at the National Quality Schooling Awards.
Brian Hay
Fraud & Corporate Crime
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay has been a member of the Queensland Police Service for 30 years. Since 2004, Mr. Hay has had principal responsibility for the management and direction of the Fraud & Corporate Crime Group.
Mark Gregory
Senior Lecturer at RMIT University
Mark A Gregory, PhD, MEng, BEng(Elec)(Hons), FIEAust, SMIEEE is a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University. Dr Gregory is an associate editor of the AJEE and research interests include Internet security, privacy and network design.
Dr Sarah Blunden
Clinical psychologist
Dr. Sarah Blunden (MAPS, BAPsych Hons, MSocSc, PhD) is a clinical psychologist, a Paediatric Sleep Research Fellow at the University of South Australia, Director of the Paediatric Sleep Clinic and founding director of the Australian Centre for Education in Sleep. She is widely published in paediatric sleep, has presented at national and international sleep and psychology conference and presents regularly to health and education professionals throughout Australia. She leads the Uni SA Healthy Kids Research Cluster and has an interest in all topics that affect paediatric well being.
Dr Wayne Warburton
Psychologist
Dr Wayne Warburton is a lecturer in developmental psychology with the Department of Psychology, and is Deputy Director of the Children and Families Research Centre, at Macquarie University (Sydney). Wayne is also a registered psychologist, and represents the interests of vulnerable families on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s governing council. Wayne has a strong research interest in the effect of violent media (especially music) on aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Wayne is also researching the development of aggressive thought patterns in children from violent homes, the thought processes underlying domestic violence and child abuse, and the efficacy of parenting programs for ‘at risk’ parents. He has a number of publications in scientific journals and books, primarily on topics around aggressive behaviour and media effects. His most recent book, Growing Up Fast and Furious: Reviewing the Impacts of Violent and Sexualised Media on Children (with Danya Braunstein) is available from The Federation Press.
Dr John Irvine
Child Psychologist
Dr John has been Australia’s most heard, read and seen child psychologist. He started his career as a teacher in a one teacher school, and after being awarded the University Medal completed his doctorate at New England University. Dr John then held several teaching and lecturing positions before setting up the READ clinic in Gosford. He has developed a series of DVD’s on managing children’s behaviour and has written several books including “Thriving at school” and “A handbook for happy families”. Dr John is a staunch advocate for school and family partnerships in education.
Maggie Hamilton
Author and Researcher
Examine why our children are living in an increasingly sexualised and commercialised environment, what sort of pressures they are facing, and where these pressures come from. Discover the effects of these influences even on pre-schoolers and tweens. Most importantly find out what teaching, health and welfare professionals can do to inform and protect this vulnerable new generation.
Dr Felice Jacka
NHMRC Research Fellow
Dr. Felice Jacka is an NHMRC Research Fellow at Deakin University. She is responsible for the majority of the published studies worldwide concerning the association between diet quality and the common mental disorders, depression and anxiety, in both adolescents and adults.
Prof Toni Noble
Teacher, Psychologist, Researcher and Teacher Educator
In her work in education, Dr Toni Noble draws on her experience as a teacher, psychologist, researcher and teacher educator. She is Adjunct Professor in the School of Educational Leadership at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney and is widely known in the education arena as the co-author with Dr Helen McGrath of many practical best selling teacher resource books. These books include Eight Ways At Once on differentiated instruction; Different Kids, Same Classroom, Bullying Solutions (co-editor: all royalties to NCAB) and the BOUNCE BACK! A Classroom Resiliency Program. The BOUNCE BACK!program is the 2003 winner of the Robin Winkler Award for applied research in Community Psychology awarded by the Australian Psychological Society. Her newest book (available in July) with Helen McGrath on student engagement is titled HITS and HOTS (High Impact Teaching Strategies & Higher Order Thinking Strategies). Dr Noble is working on the Australian Government’s (DEEWR) revised National Safe Schools Framework that is being rolled out into all schools later this year. Dr Noble was also a Principal Investigator on the Australian Government’s (DEEWR) 2008 Scoping Study on Student Wellbeing. She has been awarded a Carrick Citation for her outstanding contributions to University teaching in the field of educational psychology and teacher education. She is on the Advisory Board for National Centre Against Bullying, Wellbeing Australia and the Australian Positive Psychology Association.
Chris Tanti
headspace CEO
Chris Tanti believes no young person should ever be without support. He is a passionate advocate for young people and wants their opinions heard. Chris provides unique insight into some of the issues which effect young people – youth suicide, education, bullying, stress, body image, and same-sex attracted and Indigenous issues. Chris and headspace, a world-first model in early intervention, challenge the way mental health services are delivered to young people across Australia.
headspace Website »
Dr Ramesh Manocha
GP, Founder & Chairman
Dr Ramesh Manocha is a practising medico and researcher at the School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia where he also completed his PhD in medicine. He has national prominence as an educator and promoter of women’s children’s health, adolescent wellbeing, complementary and traditional medicine. He is actively involved in professional education and health promotion in both the public and private sectors. He lectures to public and professional audiences internationally on his research, its practical, individual and social ramifications. He is the founder of Generation Next.
Previous Speakers
Melissa Doyle
Co-Host
Mel is a journalist, author and television presenter, best known to many as the co-host of Australia’s highest rating breakfast television program, SUNRISE. Mel also co-hosts Australia’s favourite nostalgia program WHERE ARE THEY NOW and THE ZOO, a program profiling the activities of some of Australia’s biggest zoos. She has been nominated three times for a Silver Logie (2006, 2007 and 2008) for Australia’s Most Popular TV Presenter and actively supports many children’s charities. Mel began her career as a news cadet at WIN Television in Canberra and quickly progressed to Weather Presenter and News Presenter as well as continuing her duties as an on the road reporter. She joined Prime TV Canberra as 6pm news anchor and enjoyed a stint on breakfast radio in Canberra. In 1996 she started at the Seven Network as the National Political Reporter at Parliament House. She then returned to Sydney to present on 11am, Ansett In-Flight News, Sydney Weekender and Today Tonight. Mel graduated from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst with a Degree in Communications and Broadcast Journalism.
Julie Gale
Founder of Kids Free 2 B kids, Writer & Performer
Julie Gale is a comedy writer and performer and has performed her One Woman Shows at the International Melbourne Comedy Festival. Julie is the founder of Kids Free 2B Kids and has been raising public and corporate awareness about the sexualisation of children since February 2007. She has generated great media interest about the issue and has appeared on television, radio and in newspaper articles throughout Australia and internationally. Julie brings a distinctive and impactful satirical style to this controversial and sensitive topic.
Prof Stephen Touyz
Eating Disorder Specialist, Co-Director,Peter Beumont Centre for Eating Disorders
Stephen is a world leading expert on eating disorders. Research is now showing that early detection and intervention is an important predictor of recovery from eating disorders. This means that teachers, health and welfare professionals now have an important role to play in the effective detection and treatment of this condition. The different types of eating disorders that can affect both girls and boys will be described, how to tell if a child or teenager might have an eating issue, and what to do about it. Importantly, the early warning signs are described, especially the warning signs before the warning signs! The importance of cooperation between schools, teachers and health professionals will be emphasised.
Melinda Hutchings
Author, Speaker & Eating Disorders Expert
Melinda describes the complex first-hand experience of being a sufferer of an eating disorder. Her personal account will provide a uniquely useful insight into how young people can slide from seemingly innocuous behaviours into a frank disorder, and then the inner challenges associated with recovery.
Angie Wilcock
Educator/Facilitator
With more than 20 years in teaching, Angie has focussed her attention for the past four years on the needs of parents and students in transition from primary to high school. She presented her work at the National Education Conference for parents in2009 and has subsequently worked with staff, parents and students in schools across Australia. She has had numerous articles on transition, learning styles and time management strategies published in national and state educational journals and on educational websites. Angie works directly with schools and with private, government and not-for profit agencies to promote parent partnerships in education and consults on best practice in middle years schooling. She is also currently an online advisor on parenting issues in education on the U.S website AllExperts.
Dr Naomi Crafti
Community Development/Education Officer, Eating Disorders Victoria
Dr Naomi Crafti is a member of the Australian Psychological Society College of Counselling Psychology, with over 16 years experience working in the area of eating disorders and body image. While an academic at Swinburne University Naomi conducted research into the development and therapeutic intervention of eating disorders and supervised the Mindful Moderate Eating Group program at the Swinburne Psychology Clinic. She began working as the Community Development/Education Officer at EDV in 2009. In this role Naomi enjoys the opportunity to speak and interact with a variety of people about understanding and managing eating disorders, enhancing self-esteem, developing a positive body image and celebrating diversity.
Lyn Worsley
Psychologist, The Resilience Doughnut
Lyn Worsley is a registered psychologist who works in private practice with families, children and adolescents. She has a background as a registered nurse, an early childhood educator, a youth worker and was a teacher for over 10 years. Lyn is the Director of Alpha Counselling Services and uses a counselling approach which enables families and individuals to find constructive solutions to difficult situations. She regularly teaches at the Brief Therapy Institute of Sydney where her practical workshops on ‘what works with kids’ are popular. Lyn is the author of The Secret of Strong Kids. The Resilience Doughnut which provides ways of helping children and young people through stressful times. She is a well known speaker at conferences and has presented her Resilience Doughnut process across Australia and in many countries around the world.
Richard Eckersley
Founding Director of Australia21
Richard Eckersley is an independent researcher and writer on progress, sustainability, culture, health and wellbeing. I am a founding director of Australia21 Ltd, an independent, non-profit, public-interest, research company, and a visiting fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University.
Evelyn Field
Psychologist, author, professional speaker and media commentator
Evelyn Field works with children, adolescents and adults. She is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and an expert on understanding, preventing and managing school and workplace bullying. Her first two self-help books on school bullying, Bully Busting (1999) and Bully Blocking ( 2007) are bestsellers, now followed by Bully Blocking at Work ( 2010) and Strategies for Surviving Bullying at Work (2011)
Her passionate presentations are ethical, educational and entertaining, and she provides simple strategies to empower targets, schools and organizations to block bullying behaviours. Her social and emotional resilience model is used around the world to help people improve their social survival skills. She is on the advisory board of the National Centre Against Bullying and Co–Chair of the Therapeutic Practitioners Group of the International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment.
Prof Paula Barrett
Founder of Friends for Life Program
Professor Paula Barrett is one of Australia’s leading scholars in the area prevention and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. Author of more than 160 articles in peer-reviewed journals, Professor Barrett served on the editorial boards of 7 international top rank journals. Her research is highly cited, and uses the highest quality research validation designs that are replicated internationally. Paula’s FRIENDS for Life programs for the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression in children, adolescents and adults are available in 12 languages and are used in 18 countries by: government departments for the education and health sectors, psychological and research-based clinics, academic institutions, and non-profit organisations. Amongst other top-ranking international and peer-review journals, Paula’s research and programs have been cited in The Cochrane Collaboration and supported by the World Health Organization
Paula is also the Director of the innovative research-based clinic, Pathways Health and Research Centre. And is the patron of the Pathways to Resilience Trust that works to implement the Fun Friends and FRIENDS for Life programs in Australian schools in areas of low Socio-Economic Status, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous backgrounds, as well as regional and remote areas, particularly those affected by drought.
Recently, Paula received the Highly Commended Certificate, in the Human Rights Medal of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year Award 2008. In 2008 she has also been a finalist in the Australian of the Year Queensland Award, and the Queenslander of the Year Award, for her contribution to the well-being of children and to the community.
Jo Lamble
Psychologist, Relationships Expert Channel 9
Jo Lamble is a Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice for the past 20 years. She sees individuals, couples, and groups and specialises in relationship issues. Jo is the resident psychologist on Channel 9′s Today show and also writes a weekly column forWoman’s Day. Jo also gives corporate seminars and speeches on relationship, family and parenting issues. She is regularly heard being interviewed on radio across the country each week. Together with Sue Morris, Jo has published four books: Motherhood: Making it work for you; Side by Side: How to think differently about your relationship; Online and Personal: The reality of Internet relationships; and The Partner test: How well are the two of you suited? Jo gives corporate seminars and speeches on relationship and parenting issues.
