Program

This program is interactive. You can click on each of the presenter sessions to view the presentation outline and presenter’s biography.

The conference sessions will run on AEDT – Tasmania Time Zone.

Agenda items highlighted in:

Purple will be available in person and online via OnAIR. Orange will be available in person only.

All sessions (excluding workshops) will be recorded and made available to delegates in the Resource Centre five business days after the conclusion of the conference.

Ready to register? Click here.

To return to the website, click here.

Please email the Conference Manager if you have any questions – rural@anzmh.asn.au

The 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers if necessary and without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All attempts will be made to keep any changes to an absolute minimum.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

	Grand Ballroom 1	Grand Ballroom 2	Grand Ballroom 3	Harbour View Room 1
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 1 Grand Ballroom 1 - In-Person Only	Workshop 2 Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only	Workshop 3 Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Workshop 4 Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Building Mental Health Capacity in Farming Communities: From Understanding the Evidence to Place-based Action Dr Alison Kennedy and Sally Cunningham, National Centre for Farmer Health - Victoria	Understanding Online Threats to Mental Health in Rural Communities: Sex and Violence Dr Georgina O'Donnell, Private Practice	Connection, Culture & Creativity: Delivering Mental Health Education in Rural Australia Carla Sargeant, Irene Foulis and Tania Kells, Headspace	Running a Sustainable Rural Private Practice Without Burning Out Dr Tess Crawley, The Crawley Clinic
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Grand Ballroom 1	Grand Ballroom 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 1 Grand Ballroom 1 - In-Person Only	Workshop 2 Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Building Mental Health Capacity in Farming Communities: From Understanding the Evidence to Place-based Action Dr Alison Kennedy and Sally Cunningham, National Centre for Farmer Health - Victoria	Understanding Online Threats to Mental Health in Rural Communities: Sex and Violence Dr Georgina O'Donnell, Private Practice
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Grand Ballroom 3	Harbour View Room 1
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 3 Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Workshop 4 Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Connection, Culture & Creativity: Delivering Mental Health Education in Rural Australia Carla Sargeant, Irene Foulis and Tania Kells, Headspace	Running a Sustainable Rural Private Practice Without Burning Out Dr Tess Crawley, The Crawley Clinic
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Grand Ballroom 1
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 1 Grand Ballroom 1 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Building Mental Health Capacity in Farming Communities: From Understanding the Evidence to Place-based Action Dr Alison Kennedy and Sally Cunningham, National Centre for Farmer Health - Victoria
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Grand Ballroom 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 2 Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Understanding Online Threats to Mental Health in Rural Communities: Sex and Violence Dr Georgina O'Donnell, Private Practice
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Grand Ballroom 3
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 3 Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Connection, Culture & Creativity: Delivering Mental Health Education in Rural Australia Carla Sargeant, Irene Foulis and Tania Kells, Headspace
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

	Harbour View Room 1
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome to the 2025 Rural Mental Health Conference Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Registration and Exhibition Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Conference Opening - Grand Ballroom and Virtual via OnAIR
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM	Welcome to Country
12:40 PM - 12:55 PM	Official Welcome and Housekeeping Conference Chair: Barb Walters, Manager Tasmania Business Development & Transition, Each
12:55 PM - 2:30 PM	Keynote Panel: Human Rights and the Way Forward in Rural Remote Mental Health Moderator: To be announced Panelist: Mark Mason, Chief Executive Officer, The Speak Out Association of Tasmania Inc Panelist: Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer, BEING – Mental Health Consumers Panelist: Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org) Panelist: Donna Compton, Senior Manager Support Services, St. Giles Society
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas Jordan Emery, Chief Executive, Ambulance Victoria
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Workshop 4 Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Running a Sustainable Rural Private Practice Without Burning Out Dr Tess Crawley, The Crawley Clinic
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Your Own Time! Take some time out to enjoy the afternoon, check in and settle into your hotel room, or perhaps take a walk. It's your time to relax.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Welcome Event Details to be announced!

Thursday, November 6, 2025

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN PERSON & VIRTUAL	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing in Remote and Rural Communities Chair:	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities Chair: Annette Beautrais	Peer-Support Models Chair:	Open Topic Chair:
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	First Nations Lived Experience Expert Voices- Using Lived Experience to Prevent Suicide Eliza Kitchener, Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre (IALEC)	Mental Health on Tap - Fresh Thinking for Saving Lives in Rural Australia David Westgate, Westgate & Friends	Dust, Distance and Doing It Anyway: Integrating Mental Health Services with Rural General Practice Jessica Cullen and Peta Teague, Gateway Health	Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home (Y-HiTH) NW - A 9-Month Journey Dion Butler, Tasmanian Health Service
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Panel Continued	Teleplay Therapy: Bridging Children’s Mental Health Service Gaps in Rural Communities Associate Professor Judi Parson and Lucy Griffin, Deakin University and Alyce Goss, Be Centre	Bridging the Gap: Review of Efficacy and Implementation of Physical Health Navigator Models Dr Hazel Dalton, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University	Men Care Too North West Mates Collective - Building Connections One Mate at a Time Greg Smith, Men Care Too
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	Working & Supporting First Nation Young People – Utilising the SWEB Model Ella Birchall and Hannah Halliburton, Headspace	Strengthening Rural Communities Through Suicide Prevention: Evaluation Insights from the Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) Program in Tasmania Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc. and Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute	What Are the Challenges and Enablers to Delivering Peer Support Within Rural Primary Care? Associate Professor Tania Shelby-James, Flinders University	Delivering Mental Health Care: Mood Checkers for New Dads Dr Richard Fletcher, SMS4Dads
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas. Chair: Myf Pitcher	Disaster Preparedness and Response: Building Resilience and Addressing Outcomes Chair: Maja Asmus	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Chair: Dr Alison Kennedy	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities. Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Mental Health and Wellbeing: Perceptions of Rural Primary Care Practitioners/Managers David Wellman, Health Workforce Queensland	Renewable Energy Zones and Mental Health: Building Community Resilience Through Targeted Support in Rural NSW Kate Arndell, Grand Pacific Health	A Community Postvention Response to Regional Youth Suicide Kristy Steenhuis, Standby Support After Suicide	Perimenopause and Menopause Health and Mental Health Presentation, Awareness and Intervention in Rural CALD/Migrant Communities Pearl Proud, Edith Cowan University
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Supporting Rural Low Intensity Mental Health Clinician Development and Capability within a Stepped Care Framework Grace Shuttleworth, Lives Lived Well	Safe Havens: A Vision of a Healthy North Coast Frances Pidcock and Anna Mavay, The Buttery	The Role of Co-Regulation and Emotion Socialisation in Rural Early Education Tara Case, University Of Melbourne	Alice Springs – More Than Bad Media. Mental Health in a Remote Context Nicole Pietsch and Josefina Olmedo, Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA)
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Meeting Workers Where They Are: Regional Mental Health Support That Works Jaqui O'Donohoe, Access Psych	Adaptable Youth and Family Mental Health Service Delivery Post-Disaster: Lessons from Resilient Kids Shoshannah Oks and Olga Bruve, Social Futures	Mustering Growth: Scaling a Rural Resilience Program for Schoolchildren Across Australia Myfawny Pitcher, Rural Aid	The Murrumbidgee Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Alliance’s Innovative Pathway to Inclusive Mental Health Support Anita McRae and Robyn Manzie, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Shaping Tomorrow’s Mental Health Workforce: Delivering an Education Program for Graduate Clinicians Across Australia Emily Wilson, Headspace National	Fostering Wellbeing and Connection in Break O’Day: A Community Perspective Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute	Supporting Young Farmer Mental Health: Lessons Learned Through Research Dr Nicky Stanley-Clarke, Massey University	Choices: A Community-based Psychosocial Support Program for Adults Experiencing Mental Illness. A Controlled Evaluation Nicholas Merklin, Baptcare
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN PERSON & VIRTUAL	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing in Remote and Rural Communities Chair:	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities Chair: Annette Beautrais
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	First Nations Lived Experience Expert Voices- Using Lived Experience to Prevent Suicide Eliza Kitchener, Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre (IALEC)	Mental Health on Tap - Fresh Thinking for Saving Lives in Rural Australia David Westgate, Westgate & Friends
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Panel Continued	Teleplay Therapy: Bridging Children’s Mental Health Service Gaps in Rural Communities Associate Professor Judi Parson and Lucy Griffin, Deakin University and Alyce Goss, Be Centre
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	Working & Supporting First Nation Young People – Utilising the SWEB Model Ella Birchall and Hannah Halliburton, Headspace	Strengthening Rural Communities Through Suicide Prevention: Evaluation Insights from the Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) Program in Tasmania Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc. and Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas. Chair: Myf Pitcher	Disaster Preparedness and Response: Building Resilience and Addressing Outcomes Chair: Maja Asmus
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Mental Health and Wellbeing: Perceptions of Rural Primary Care Practitioners/Managers David Wellman, Health Workforce Queensland	Renewable Energy Zones and Mental Health: Building Community Resilience Through Targeted Support in Rural NSW Kate Arndell, Grand Pacific Health
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Supporting Rural Low Intensity Mental Health Clinician Development and Capability within a Stepped Care Framework Grace Shuttleworth, Lives Lived Well	Safe Havens: A Vision of a Healthy North Coast Frances Pidcock and Anna Mavay, The Buttery
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Meeting Workers Where They Are: Regional Mental Health Support That Works Jaqui O'Donohoe, Access Psych	Adaptable Youth and Family Mental Health Service Delivery Post-Disaster: Lessons from Resilient Kids Shoshannah Oks and Olga Bruve, Social Futures
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Shaping Tomorrow’s Mental Health Workforce: Delivering an Education Program for Graduate Clinicians Across Australia Emily Wilson, Headspace National	Fostering Wellbeing and Connection in Break O’Day: A Community Perspective Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Peer-Support Models Chair:	Open Topic Chair:
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	Dust, Distance and Doing It Anyway: Integrating Mental Health Services with Rural General Practice Jessica Cullen and Peta Teague, Gateway Health	Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home (Y-HiTH) NW - A 9-Month Journey Dion Butler, Tasmanian Health Service
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Bridging the Gap: Review of Efficacy and Implementation of Physical Health Navigator Models Dr Hazel Dalton, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University	Men Care Too North West Mates Collective - Building Connections One Mate at a Time Greg Smith, Men Care Too
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	What Are the Challenges and Enablers to Delivering Peer Support Within Rural Primary Care? Associate Professor Tania Shelby-James, Flinders University	Delivering Mental Health Care: Mood Checkers for New Dads Dr Richard Fletcher, SMS4Dads
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Chair: Dr Alison Kennedy	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities. Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	A Community Postvention Response to Regional Youth Suicide Kristy Steenhuis, Standby Support After Suicide	Perimenopause and Menopause Health and Mental Health Presentation, Awareness and Intervention in Rural CALD/Migrant Communities Pearl Proud, Edith Cowan University
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	The Role of Co-Regulation and Emotion Socialisation in Rural Early Education Tara Case, University Of Melbourne	Alice Springs – More Than Bad Media. Mental Health in a Remote Context Nicole Pietsch and Josefina Olmedo, Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA)
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Mustering Growth: Scaling a Rural Resilience Program for Schoolchildren Across Australia Myfawny Pitcher, Rural Aid	The Murrumbidgee Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Alliance’s Innovative Pathway to Inclusive Mental Health Support Anita McRae and Robyn Manzie, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Supporting Young Farmer Mental Health: Lessons Learned Through Research Dr Nicky Stanley-Clarke, Massey University	Choices: A Community-based Psychosocial Support Program for Adults Experiencing Mental Illness. A Controlled Evaluation Nicholas Merklin, Baptcare
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN PERSON & VIRTUAL
	Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing in Remote and Rural Communities Chair:
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	First Nations Lived Experience Expert Voices- Using Lived Experience to Prevent Suicide Eliza Kitchener, Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre (IALEC)
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Panel Continued
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	Working & Supporting First Nation Young People – Utilising the SWEB Model Ella Birchall and Hannah Halliburton, Headspace
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas. Chair: Myf Pitcher
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Mental Health and Wellbeing: Perceptions of Rural Primary Care Practitioners/Managers David Wellman, Health Workforce Queensland
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Supporting Rural Low Intensity Mental Health Clinician Development and Capability within a Stepped Care Framework Grace Shuttleworth, Lives Lived Well
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Meeting Workers Where They Are: Regional Mental Health Support That Works Jaqui O'Donohoe, Access Psych
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Shaping Tomorrow’s Mental Health Workforce: Delivering an Education Program for Graduate Clinicians Across Australia Emily Wilson, Headspace National
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities Chair: Annette Beautrais
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	Mental Health on Tap - Fresh Thinking for Saving Lives in Rural Australia David Westgate, Westgate & Friends
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Teleplay Therapy: Bridging Children’s Mental Health Service Gaps in Rural Communities Associate Professor Judi Parson and Lucy Griffin, Deakin University and Alyce Goss, Be Centre
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	Strengthening Rural Communities Through Suicide Prevention: Evaluation Insights from the Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) Program in Tasmania Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc. and Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Disaster Preparedness and Response: Building Resilience and Addressing Outcomes Chair: Maja Asmus
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Renewable Energy Zones and Mental Health: Building Community Resilience Through Targeted Support in Rural NSW Kate Arndell, Grand Pacific Health
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Safe Havens: A Vision of a Healthy North Coast Frances Pidcock and Anna Mavay, The Buttery
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Adaptable Youth and Family Mental Health Service Delivery Post-Disaster: Lessons from Resilient Kids Shoshannah Oks and Olga Bruve, Social Futures
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Fostering Wellbeing and Connection in Break O’Day: A Community Perspective Laura Grattidge, Centre For Rural Health/University of Tasmania; Manna Institute
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Peer-Support Models Chair:
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	Dust, Distance and Doing It Anyway: Integrating Mental Health Services with Rural General Practice Jessica Cullen and Peta Teague, Gateway Health
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Bridging the Gap: Review of Efficacy and Implementation of Physical Health Navigator Models Dr Hazel Dalton, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	What Are the Challenges and Enablers to Delivering Peer Support Within Rural Primary Care? Associate Professor Tania Shelby-James, Flinders University
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Chair: Dr Alison Kennedy
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	A Community Postvention Response to Regional Youth Suicide Kristy Steenhuis, Standby Support After Suicide
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	The Role of Co-Regulation and Emotion Socialisation in Rural Early Education Tara Case, University Of Melbourne
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Mustering Growth: Scaling a Rural Resilience Program for Schoolchildren Across Australia Myfawny Pitcher, Rural Aid
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Supporting Young Farmer Mental Health: Lessons Learned Through Research Dr Nicky Stanley-Clarke, Massey University
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 - Registration and Exhibition Open
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM	Conference Day 2 Opening Chair:
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM	We Are More Than a Postcode: Don’t Leave Us Out! Professor Faye McMillan AM
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM	Never Give Up: Why Context Changes Everything Chris Wheatcroft, Chief Executive Officer and Tamara Diver, Chief Operating Officer, Rural West
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM	From Surviving to Thriving Utilising the CORES Training: Lived Experience from a Rural LGBTIQA+ Person Sharon Corvinus-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Kentish Regional Clinic Inc.
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM	Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	IN-PERSON ONLY
	Open Topic Chair:
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM	Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home (Y-HiTH) NW - A 9-Month Journey Dion Butler, Tasmanian Health Service
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Men Care Too North West Mates Collective - Building Connections One Mate at a Time Greg Smith, Men Care Too
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM	Delivering Mental Health Care: Mood Checkers for New Dads Dr Richard Fletcher, SMS4Dads
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Lunch with Exhibitors
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities. Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Perimenopause and Menopause Health and Mental Health Presentation, Awareness and Intervention in Rural CALD/Migrant Communities Pearl Proud, Edith Cowan University
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Alice Springs – More Than Bad Media. Mental Health in a Remote Context Nicole Pietsch and Josefina Olmedo, Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA)
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	The Murrumbidgee Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Alliance’s Innovative Pathway to Inclusive Mental Health Support Anita McRae and Robyn Manzie, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Choices: A Community-based Psychosocial Support Program for Adults Experiencing Mental Illness. A Controlled Evaluation Nicholas Merklin, Baptcare
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM	Poster Presentations Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Join us for this inspiring Keynote Session Chair:
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Peer-Support Models Professor Russell Roberts, Charles Stuart University
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM	Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM	2026 Destination Announcement + Day 2 Reflection
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Tassie Delights Networking Event You’re invited to join us at our conference networking event, amongst the exhibitors at the conference venue. Join us for an evening of great conversations, live music, local cuisine, drinks, and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, industry peers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Cost: Included in 3-day conference registration. Additional tickets for day registrants and accompanying persons can be purchased for $99.00 (incl GST) per ticket. Includes: Entertainment, light canapés and beverages

Friday, November 7, 2025

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #2 Chair:	Peer-Support Models #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg	Holistic and Integrative Approaches to Mental Health Prevention in Rural Populations Chair:	Open Topic #2 Chair: Mancel Carmont
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Neurodivergent Voices in Rural Mental Health: Lived Experience Leading Change Shazzy Tharby, Positively Living	Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities Kelly Buttignol and Ben Wells, Neami National	Towards Synergistic Wellbeing: Regenerative Agriculture as a Holistic Ecotherapy Brittany Doolan, The University of Sydney	From Access to Agency: Building Digital Mental Health Literacy in Rural Communities Heidi Sturk, Director e-Mental Health in Practice, Queensland University of Technology
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Adapting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for the Needs of Rural Communities and Services Dr Anastasia Hronis, University of Technology Sydney	Establishing Regional Cross-organisational Programs to Elevate Lived and Carer Experience and Grow the Peer Workforce Tiffany Thompson, Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Drug And Alcohol Alliance	Resourcing Mindful Self-Management Skills in Tasmania Dr Tracy Spencer and Christine Hiltner, Mindfulness Programs Australasia	A Culturally Informed Framework for Addressing Substance Use, Violence, Family Dynamics in Rural Mental Health Shweta Goyal, FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Rural Resilience: Digital DBT Fran Caddell, Steps Group Australia	Bridging the Gap: SANE Forums as a Complement to Rural Mental Health Services Brendan O'Connell, Sane Australia	Pastoral and Spiritual Care for Disaster Impacted Individuals and Communities: Immediate and Long-term Strategies Rev Dr Mark Layson, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and Rev Dr Stephen Robinson	Young People Engaging in Violent Extremism - Early Intervention, Awareness and Vulnerabilities HeatherJackson, Department of Communities & Justice - Engagement and Support Unit
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Supporting Rural Families in the Perinatal Period – Insights from PANDA Julie Borninkhof, PANDA	You Are Loved: Centring Culture, Collaboration and Lived Experience in Rural Mental Health Support Donna Taylor, Cathy Duncan and Kenneth Knox, Pius X Aboriginal Corporation	Maintaining Resilience and Mental Health: Pretend Play and Self-Regulation Supporting Rural and Regional Educational Transitions Dr Siobhan Casey, Deakin University	Let’s Talk TACTICS. The ‘How To’ Of Communication Malinda Guest, Boundless Psychology
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities. Chair: Laura Grattidge	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #3 Chair:	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg	Open Topic #3 Chair: Maja Asmus
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Building Rural Capacity Through Live4Life: A Whole-of-Community Approach to Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Jeremy Wiggins and Laura Crozier, Live4Life and Casey Musicka, Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House	Adapting a Psychosocial Model of Care for Impact in Rural and Remote Communities Nikki Riley and Denise Duncan, Baptcare	Community-Driven Wellbeing Solutions: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions Renee Knapp, Think Effective Consultancy	Empowering Rural Communities: Scalable Digital Mental Health Platform Enhancing Access, Autonomy, and Better Patient Experiences Nathan Mercurio, Rural and Remote Mental Health
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Panel Continued.	Teaming Up to Provide Psychological Support for Help Hesitant Rural Tasmanians with a Non-Clinical Program Kristy Mayne, Rural Alive & Well Inc and Dr Tracy Spencer, Mindfulness Programs Australasia	A Neurodivergent-Led Peer Workforce Model for Reducing Burnout in Late-Identified Adults Sarah Eagle, Joy Diving Australia	Disasters, Droughts and Downturns: RAMHP’s Approach to Rural Resilience and Recovery Matthew Milne, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	The Lighthouse Program: Building and Testing Online Training for Parents and Supports of Rural Children Professor John Hurley, Southern Cross University	Scaling Perinatal, Infant and Early-Childhood Mental Health Programs in Rural and Remote Australia Associate Professor Jane Kohlhoff, University Of New South Wales	Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability Courtney Cross and Joanne Telenta, Coordinare, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network	Earlier Intervention, Using Systems, Services and Settings to Encourage Early Help Seeking in Rural Communities Greg Jennings, Beyond Blue
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #2 Chair:	Peer-Support Models #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Neurodivergent Voices in Rural Mental Health: Lived Experience Leading Change Shazzy Tharby, Positively Living	Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities Kelly Buttignol and Ben Wells, Neami National
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Adapting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for the Needs of Rural Communities and Services Dr Anastasia Hronis, University of Technology Sydney	Establishing Regional Cross-organisational Programs to Elevate Lived and Carer Experience and Grow the Peer Workforce Tiffany Thompson, Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Drug And Alcohol Alliance
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Rural Resilience: Digital DBT Fran Caddell, Steps Group Australia	Bridging the Gap: SANE Forums as a Complement to Rural Mental Health Services Brendan O'Connell, Sane Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Supporting Rural Families in the Perinatal Period – Insights from PANDA Julie Borninkhof, PANDA	You Are Loved: Centring Culture, Collaboration and Lived Experience in Rural Mental Health Support Donna Taylor, Cathy Duncan and Kenneth Knox, Pius X Aboriginal Corporation
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities. Chair: Laura Grattidge	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #3 Chair:
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Building Rural Capacity Through Live4Life: A Whole-of-Community Approach to Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Jeremy Wiggins and Laura Crozier, Live4Life and Casey Musicka, Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House	Adapting a Psychosocial Model of Care for Impact in Rural and Remote Communities Nikki Riley and Denise Duncan, Baptcare
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Panel Continued.	Teaming Up to Provide Psychological Support for Help Hesitant Rural Tasmanians with a Non-Clinical Program Kristy Mayne, Rural Alive & Well Inc and Dr Tracy Spencer, Mindfulness Programs Australasia
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	The Lighthouse Program: Building and Testing Online Training for Parents and Supports of Rural Children Professor John Hurley, Southern Cross University	Scaling Perinatal, Infant and Early-Childhood Mental Health Programs in Rural and Remote Australia Associate Professor Jane Kohlhoff, University Of New South Wales
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Holistic and Integrative Approaches to Mental Health Prevention in Rural Populations Chair:	Open Topic #2 Chair: Mancel Carmont
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Towards Synergistic Wellbeing: Regenerative Agriculture as a Holistic Ecotherapy Brittany Doolan, The University of Sydney	From Access to Agency: Building Digital Mental Health Literacy in Rural Communities Heidi Sturk, Director e-Mental Health in Practice, Queensland University of Technology
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Resourcing Mindful Self-Management Skills in Tasmania Dr Tracy Spencer and Christine Hiltner, Mindfulness Programs Australasia	A Culturally Informed Framework for Addressing Substance Use, Violence, Family Dynamics in Rural Mental Health Shweta Goyal, FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Pastoral and Spiritual Care for Disaster Impacted Individuals and Communities: Immediate and Long-term Strategies Rev Dr Mark Layson, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and Rev Dr Stephen Robinson	Young People Engaging in Violent Extremism - Early Intervention, Awareness and Vulnerabilities HeatherJackson, Department of Communities & Justice - Engagement and Support Unit
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Maintaining Resilience and Mental Health: Pretend Play and Self-Regulation Supporting Rural and Regional Educational Transitions Dr Siobhan Casey, Deakin University	Let’s Talk TACTICS. The ‘How To’ Of Communication Malinda Guest, Boundless Psychology
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg	Open Topic #3 Chair: Maja Asmus
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Community-Driven Wellbeing Solutions: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions Renee Knapp, Think Effective Consultancy	Empowering Rural Communities: Scalable Digital Mental Health Platform Enhancing Access, Autonomy, and Better Patient Experiences Nathan Mercurio, Rural and Remote Mental Health
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	A Neurodivergent-Led Peer Workforce Model for Reducing Burnout in Late-Identified Adults Sarah Eagle, Joy Diving Australia	Disasters, Droughts and Downturns: RAMHP’s Approach to Rural Resilience and Recovery Matthew Milne, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability Courtney Cross and Joanne Telenta, Coordinare, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network	Earlier Intervention, Using Systems, Services and Settings to Encourage Early Help Seeking in Rural Communities Greg Jennings, Beyond Blue
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Grand Ballroom 1 and Virtual via OnAIR
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #2 Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Neurodivergent Voices in Rural Mental Health: Lived Experience Leading Change Shazzy Tharby, Positively Living
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Adapting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for the Needs of Rural Communities and Services Dr Anastasia Hronis, University of Technology Sydney
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Rural Resilience: Digital DBT Fran Caddell, Steps Group Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Supporting Rural Families in the Perinatal Period – Insights from PANDA Julie Borninkhof, PANDA
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities. Chair: Laura Grattidge
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Building Rural Capacity Through Live4Life: A Whole-of-Community Approach to Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Jeremy Wiggins and Laura Crozier, Live4Life and Casey Musicka, Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Panel Continued.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	The Lighthouse Program: Building and Testing Online Training for Parents and Supports of Rural Children Professor John Hurley, Southern Cross University
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Peer-Support Models #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities Kelly Buttignol and Ben Wells, Neami National
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Establishing Regional Cross-organisational Programs to Elevate Lived and Carer Experience and Grow the Peer Workforce Tiffany Thompson, Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Drug And Alcohol Alliance
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Bridging the Gap: SANE Forums as a Complement to Rural Mental Health Services Brendan O'Connell, Sane Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	You Are Loved: Centring Culture, Collaboration and Lived Experience in Rural Mental Health Support Donna Taylor, Cathy Duncan and Kenneth Knox, Pius X Aboriginal Corporation
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Innovative Pathways to Inclusive and Accessible Mental Health Support in Rural Communities #3 Chair:
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Adapting a Psychosocial Model of Care for Impact in Rural and Remote Communities Nikki Riley and Denise Duncan, Baptcare
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Teaming Up to Provide Psychological Support for Help Hesitant Rural Tasmanians with a Non-Clinical Program Kristy Mayne, Rural Alive & Well Inc and Dr Tracy Spencer, Mindfulness Programs Australasia
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	Scaling Perinatal, Infant and Early-Childhood Mental Health Programs in Rural and Remote Australia Associate Professor Jane Kohlhoff, University Of New South Wales
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Holistic and Integrative Approaches to Mental Health Prevention in Rural Populations Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Towards Synergistic Wellbeing: Regenerative Agriculture as a Holistic Ecotherapy Brittany Doolan, The University of Sydney
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Resourcing Mindful Self-Management Skills in Tasmania Dr Tracy Spencer and Christine Hiltner, Mindfulness Programs Australasia
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Pastoral and Spiritual Care for Disaster Impacted Individuals and Communities: Immediate and Long-term Strategies Rev Dr Mark Layson, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and Rev Dr Stephen Robinson
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Maintaining Resilience and Mental Health: Pretend Play and Self-Regulation Supporting Rural and Regional Educational Transitions Dr Siobhan Casey, Deakin University
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Workforce and Wellbeing in Rural Areas #2 Chair: Simone Silberberg
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Community-Driven Wellbeing Solutions: A Grassroots, Cross-Sector Approach for Mental Health & Wellbeing in Rural Regions Renee Knapp, Think Effective Consultancy
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	A Neurodivergent-Led Peer Workforce Model for Reducing Burnout in Late-Identified Adults Sarah Eagle, Joy Diving Australia
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability Courtney Cross and Joanne Telenta, Coordinare, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws

	Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 - Registration and Exhibition Open
	IN-PERSON ONLY.
	Open Topic #2 Chair: Mancel Carmont
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	From Access to Agency: Building Digital Mental Health Literacy in Rural Communities Heidi Sturk, Director e-Mental Health in Practice, Queensland University of Technology
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	A Culturally Informed Framework for Addressing Substance Use, Violence, Family Dynamics in Rural Mental Health Shweta Goyal, FNQ Diverse Communities Council Inc
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Young People Engaging in Violent Extremism - Early Intervention, Awareness and Vulnerabilities HeatherJackson, Department of Communities & Justice - Engagement and Support Unit
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Let’s Talk TACTICS. The ‘How To’ Of Communication Malinda Guest, Boundless Psychology
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM	Day 3 - Morning Tea with Exhibitors
	Open Topic #3 Chair: Maja Asmus
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Empowering Rural Communities: Scalable Digital Mental Health Platform Enhancing Access, Autonomy, and Better Patient Experiences Nathan Mercurio, Rural and Remote Mental Health
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Disasters, Droughts and Downturns: RAMHP’s Approach to Rural Resilience and Recovery Matthew Milne, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM	Earlier Intervention, Using Systems, Services and Settings to Encourage Early Help Seeking in Rural Communities Greg Jennings, Beyond Blue
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Day 3 - Lunch with Exhibitors
	Join us for our final Keynote Session and Conference Closing Chair: Barb Walters, Conference Chair
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM	Community Emotional Preparedness & Workforce Wellbeing: A Call for Sector Wide Change David Younger, Clinical Psychologist & National Disaster Consultant, David Younger Psychology
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM	Keynote Presentation Topic: Youth Mental Health in Rural and Regional Communities Andrew Fuller, Author, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM	Conference Closing & Prize Draws