Day 2 Conference Opening
| Tuesday, March 5, 2024 |
| 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM |
| JW Grand Ballroom |
Overview
8:30am – 8:40am
Welcome & Housekeeping
Tara J Lal AFSM, Senior Firefighter and Peer Support Officer, Fire and Rescue NSW, Researcher, University of New England & Conference Chair
8:40am – 8:45am
A Mindful Pause
Dr Sadhbh Joyce, Senior Psychologist & Co-Founder - Mindarma, External Fellow - Black Dog Institute, UNSW Medicine
8:45am – 9:15am
“What Did You Learn?” – My Journey with PTSD
CAPT Malcolm Roberts, Department of Defence
9:15am - 9:45am
What Do Know About What Works in Improving First Responders’ Mental Health?
Professor Richard Bryant AC, Director, Traumatic Stress Clinic | Scientia Professor & NHMRC Leadership Fellow, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales.
Speaker
Professor Richard Bryant AC
Director, Traumatic Stress Clinic | Scientia Professor & NHMRC Leadership Fellow, School of Psychology
University of New South Wales
What Do Know About What Works in Improving First Responders’ Mental Health?
Abstract
This review will critique current knowledge about what is the correct way to manage the mental health of emergency service personnel. It will highlight that most practices currently underway in Australia and around the world lack evidence. The review will point to recent developments in prevention, early intervention, and treatment of mental disorders that have been shown to be effective. Attention will be given to programs that focus on individual workers as well as those that collaborate with organisations to promote initiatives that can lead to better mental health and early intervention. This presentation will also outline the major challenges that lie ahead for the advancement of better mental health in emergency service personnel with the view of achieving greater evidence for programs that are both effective, acceptable, and affordable.
Biography
Richard Bryant is a Scientia Professor of Psychology at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and Director of the Traumatic Stress Clinic. Professor Bryant’s research has focused on the nature and treatment of stress reactions. He has identified key genetic, neural, and psychological factors underpinning stress reactions and strategies to manage them. His assessment and treatment protocols have been translated into over 15 languages and used in many countries. Professor Bryant has written 6 books, 87 book chapters, and 760 journal articles. He has worked with many first responder agencies in managing traumatic stress, as well as working with the World Health Organization to develop programs to manage stress reactions in countries affected by trauma and adversity. He also served on panels to develop traumatic stress diagnoses for ICD-11 and DSM-5.
CAPT Malcolm Roberts
Department of Defence
“What Did You Learn?” – My Journey with PTSD
Abstract
In this thought-provoking keynote, CAPT Malcolm Roberts from the Department of Defence shares his extraordinary journey, providing insights into the peaks and valleys of a distinguished career, personal obstacles and the profound impact on mental well-being. Gain firsthand perspectives, offering a unique outlook on the confluence of career, family and mental health.
CAPT Roberts discusses his deployment, family life and a pivotal incident that marked a turning point in his career, providing a rare glimpse into the person behind the uniform. Explore the hidden struggles as CAPT Roberts delves into the immediate and long-term effects on his mental health, using the analogy of water damage in a wall, where he just patched it up and painted over it but never addressed the root cause.
Witness the courage it took to address underlying issues, irrespective of perceived career implications. CAPT Roberts candidly shares experiences with mental health professionals, various treatments and the transformative journey to rebuilding. The presentation concludes with a poignant exploration of lessons learned, prompting the audience to reflect on universal themes of self-discovery, resilience and the power of confronting mental health challenges head-on.
Join this captivating presentation that transcends military boundaries, offering a human perspective on mental health on the frontline. A session promising inspiration and resonance, leaving a lasting impact on your understanding of the challenges faced by those on the frontlines.
CAPT Roberts discusses his deployment, family life and a pivotal incident that marked a turning point in his career, providing a rare glimpse into the person behind the uniform. Explore the hidden struggles as CAPT Roberts delves into the immediate and long-term effects on his mental health, using the analogy of water damage in a wall, where he just patched it up and painted over it but never addressed the root cause.
Witness the courage it took to address underlying issues, irrespective of perceived career implications. CAPT Roberts candidly shares experiences with mental health professionals, various treatments and the transformative journey to rebuilding. The presentation concludes with a poignant exploration of lessons learned, prompting the audience to reflect on universal themes of self-discovery, resilience and the power of confronting mental health challenges head-on.
Join this captivating presentation that transcends military boundaries, offering a human perspective on mental health on the frontline. A session promising inspiration and resonance, leaving a lasting impact on your understanding of the challenges faced by those on the frontlines.
Biography
CAPT Malcolm Roberts is in his 20th year in the Australian Army. In 2009/10 he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Slipper as a company medic. It was during this deployment that he encountered a number of traumatic incidents including the death of a fellow soldier. CAPT Roberts continued his career in Army and in 2013 he completed his Bachelor of Nursing, commissioning as a Nursing Officer. It wasn’t until 10 years after his deployment that CAPT Roberts was diagnosed with PTSD. Since then he has had to navigate the challenges of maintaining a fulltime career in Defence with his recovery.
CAPT Roberts is a firm believer in the benefits of Lived Experience and finding purpose as a way of navigating the challenges of PTSD. He continues to deliver his Lived Experience talks to Defence members and advocates for destigmatising Mental Health in Defence and the wider community. CAPT Roberts is posted to HQ 2nd Health Brigade as the Long Term Schooling Manager for SE Qld, NSW & ACT. He is married to his ever patient wife Rachael and between them have four amazing children.
Conference Chair
Tara J Lal AFSM
Senior Firefighter, Peer Support Officer, and Researcher
Fire and Rescue NSW and University of New England
Moderator
Shinade Hartman
AST Management
Rachel Tookey
Research & Program Manager
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
Justine White
Event Manager
AST Management
