Meet the presenters!
Check out the industry experts, business leaders and legendary Australian athletes speaking at Activate Conference 2026.
John Smith
Author and running enthusiast
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Jed Altschwager OAM
Paralympian, Para-rowing
Jed Altschwager
Paralympian - Para Rowing
A passionate surfer from a young age, Jed Altschwager has always valued his connection with the water, and it was one that would only grow deeper following a traumatic workplace accident which forced the amputation of his left leg below the knee in 2015. Pre-Injury Jed worked in civil construction for 10 years, absolutely loving the connection he made in the civil and mining industry. Starting out as a young labourer working up to machine operator and site supervisor.
Sport played a central role in Jed’s journey back to full physical and mental wellbeing, and he fell in love with Para-rowing in the process.
He won a silver medal on his international debut for Australia in the Men's PR3 Pair at the 2018 World Rowing Championships, and defended his title a year later, but it was his partnership with Nikki Ayers that would change his career forever. The duo won the gold medal in the PR3 Mixed Double at the 2023 World Rowing Championships, a year in which they were also crowned Rowing Australia 2023 Para Crew of the Year, while Jed also claimed Rowing Australia’s 77BC Rower’s Rower of the Year. With the PR3 Mixed Double event making its debut at the Paris Paralympics, the pair made history at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, adding a Paralympic title to their World Championship and World Record in the event, and securing Australia’s first ever Gold Medal in Para-rowing.
Away from the boat, Jed is a loving Dad and Husband, a deep thinker, passionate advocate for growth, constant learning and a connection with self and community. A shining example of resilience in the pursuit of excellence.
Session: Para Athlete Panel - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 10:00am – 10:30am
Jacqueline Baartz
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (Para Unit), Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS)
Jacqueline Baartz is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who transitioned from private practice to high performance sport. She began her career in private practice, developing a strong clinical foundation and a passion for working with people with disabilities, focusing on evidence-based rehabilitation and individualised exercise programming.
She now works within the Para Unit at the Queensland Academy of Sport, supporting para athletes of all abilities along their sport journey. Jacqueline supports athletes within the gym to optimise health, build capacity and achieve their individual performance goals. She is passionate about helping athletes discover para sport opportunities and reach their potential to represent Australia on the international stage.
Session: Participation to Podium: Evolving Disability Sport and Physical Activity - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:05pm
John Bale
Partner, National Security & Justice, KPMG
John Bale is a Partner in the National Security & Justice sector at KPMG, with over two decades of experience supporting veterans and first responders. His work
focuses on workforce resilience, mental health, and organisational preparedness.
A former Australian Army Officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, John served 12 years specialising in critical communications. He graduated from the
Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College, earning the Chief of Army Scholarship, along with two master’s degrees, a Bachelor of Arts
(Honours), and several diplomas.
After his military career, John co-founded two national organisations supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. As CEO of Soldier On, he
led programs to enhance resilience and workforce transitions, and at Fortem, he focused on the wellbeing of emergency services and national security
personnel, partnering with government and industry on prevention strategies.
At Soldier On, John launched a groundbreaking program linking veterans with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs). Starting with AFL teams, it expanded to include Surfing Australia, Golf Australia, and teams in the NRL and Rugby Union. He also introduced cycling, running, yoga, and walking programs to help veterans and their families reconnect through sport, strengthen social bonds, and pursue opportunities in elite sports.
Session: Collaborative Approaches to improving Veteran Health through Exercise and Sport - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 11:35am – 12:10pm
Associate Professor Nattai Borges
Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the School of Health Sciences, UNSW
Associate Professor Nattai Borges
Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the School of Health Sciences, UNSW
Associate Professor Nattai Borges is the Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the School of Health Sciences in the University of New South Wales with 15 years’ experience as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Nattai’s research aims to leverage collaborative initiatives between universities, government, non-for-profit agencies and/or the private/public sector to design programs that deliver beneficial health and exercise services directly to industry or the community while developing the next generation of health practitioners. As an EMCR, Nattai has secured more than $2.5 million in CI grant funding, authored 5 book chapters and >35 journal publications. Nattai is an emerging leader in the area of exercise and ageing and is also the director of the EngAGE project, an innovative co-designed program aimed at leveraging social connections and exercise to enhance the social, mental and physical wellbeing of older adults on the Central Coast and Hunter Region. EngAGE is an award-winning series of programs that since 2020 have delivered programs directly to the community accumulating over 1692 hours of Exercise Physiology care to community-dwelling older adults, 258 hours of individualised Exercise Physiology services to residential aged care residents and 3100 hours of specialised placement with ageing populations for student health practitioners.
Session: Meeting the Healthcare Challenges of Tomorrow: Innovative Solutions to Support Australia’s Ageing Population - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Dr Adelaide Boylan
Bariatric General Practitioner
Dr Adelaide Boylan is a dedicated General Practitioner working across both mainstream general practice and at a specialist weight management clinic. She provides compassionate, patient centred, evidence-based care, supporting patients at every stage of their weight management journey.
Dr Boylan is passionate about multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration, recognising the value of team-based care in achieving the best outcomes for patients. She also has strong interests in health professional education, governance and clinical informatics, and is committed to fostering learning, mentorship, and excellence in clinical practice.
Session: Exercise and weight loss in a world of lifestyle, stigma and pharmacology - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Dr Katie-Jane Brickwood
Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Director, Body Connect Exercise Physiology
Dr Katie-Jane Brickwood
Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Director, Body Connect Exercise Physiology
Dr Katie-Jane Brickwood is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Director of Body Connect Exercise Physiology. She has a strong focus on evidence-based exercise interventions for chronic disease management and healthy ageing. She is passionate about translating research into practical, accessible programs that empower individuals to improve their long-term health, physical function, and independence.
Katie-Jane has particular expertise in resistance training for complex and chronic health conditions, including diabetes. She works to support safe, effective, and sustainable exercise participation in community settings, with an emphasis on education, self-efficacy, and long-term behaviour change.
She is deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy, working to improve awareness of the role of exercise in preventing and managing chronic disease. Through education initiatives, community programs, and collaboration with healthcare providers, she strives to improve access to evidence-based exercise services and promote exercise physiology as an essential component of healthcare.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving quality of life and health outcomes through personalised, evidence-based exercise care.
Session: Connected Care: Bridging Specialties for Better Diabetes Outcomes - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Vanessa Broughill
Regional Manager for Veteran Engagement (South Australia), Invictus Australia
Vanessa commenced her service with the Australian Army in 2005, subsequently transferring to the Royal Australian Navy in 2009. She was medically discharged in 2022 due to physical and mental health injuries sustained during her service.
During her recovery, Vanessa discovered the transformative power of sport through the Invictus pathway program, supported by the University of South Australia. During this time she rebuilt her confidence, identity and sense of purpose. That journey led to her selection for Team Australia at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and The Hague 2020, experiences she describes as transformative, not for the medals, but for the connection and camaraderie.
Today, as Regional Manager for Veteran Engagement (South Australia) with Invictus Australia, Vanessa leads initiatives that harness the power of sport to support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. She works with current and former serving veterans and their families to foster welcoming, inclusive spaces where connection and belonging are prioritised.
Through structured participation pathways and community sport opportunities, Vanessa advocates for sport and recreation as a catalyst for renewed confidence, a strengthened sense of identity beyond service, and deeper family and community connections that support veterans and their families at every stage of transition.
Session: Collaborative Approaches to improving Veteran Health through Exercise and Sport - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 11:35am – 12:10pm
Dr Georgia Chaseling
NHMRC Emerging Leadership Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
Dr Georgia Chaseling
NHMRC Emerging Leadership Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
Dr Chaseling is a NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow at the University of Sydney and leads the Aging and Chronic Diseases Theme within the Heat and Health Research Centre. Dr Chaseling is an emerging leader in thermal, environmental, and cardiovascular physiology with extensive experience conducting research investigating how the human body interacts with extreme environments. Her research focuses on protecting vulnerable populations from the negative health effects of heat extremes, and has worked across numerous vulnerable populations (pregnancy, multiple sclerosis, the elderly), to research sustainable and economical
accessible cooling strategies that are widely accessible.
Dr. Chaseling is on the World Heart Federation Air Pollution and Climate Change Expert Group and a Member of the Heat and Health Research Centre, an Impact Centre in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She chairs the Professional Development Committee within the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association and serves on the Climate Cardiology Working Group within the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Session: Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Professor Ada Cheung
Endocrinologist and Clinician Scientist, University of Melbourne
Professor Ada Cheung is an endocrinologist and clinician scientist at the University of Melbourne, where she leads the Trans Health Research Group, working in partnership with the trans community to improve health and wellbeing. Her commitment to co-design has been recognised with the GLOBE LGBT Ally of the Year award. Her research focuses on the physiological effects of gender affirming hormone therapy, including impacts on muscle, cardiovascular and metabolic health, with the aim of strengthening the evidence base for clinical care and sport policy. She has led world first clinical trials in trans health and is an active advisor to clinical, community and policy bodies on evidence based transgender health. An avid science communicator, she frequently contributes to mainstream media, social media and international forums to translate complex evidence into accessible, evidence informed guidance. Her research excellence, commitment to gender equity and outstanding public engagement have been recognised through the 2025 Victorian Tall Poppy of the Year award, induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Change Agent, and inclusion as one of Cosmos Magazine’s Remarkable and Inspirational Women in Australian Science.
Session: Sex, Gender + Physical Activity: Evidence, Inclusion and Performance - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 11:35am – 12:10pm
John Smith
Author and running enthusiast
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Associate Professor Lyndsey Collins-Praino
Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory (CANDL), School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science at Adelaide University
Associate Professor Lyndsey Collins-Praino
Leads the Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory (CANDL), in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science at Adelaide University.
A/Professor Lyndsey Collins-Praino holds a PhD in behavioural neuroscience and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience. She leads a world-class research program- the Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory (CANDL)- in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science at Adelaide University. Her research takes a bench-to-bedside approach to investigate brain mechanisms that predict onset and progression of neurocognitive change in healthy ageing and neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her ultimate goal is to enable personalised clinical management strategies and identify novel treatment approaches. This innovative work has led to successful collaborations nationally and internationally with academic, industry and philanthropic partners. She advocates strongly for incorporation of “lived experience” into research design/implementation, in order to identify barriers and improve translation and impact of outcomes.
A/Professor Collins-Praino has obtained >AUD$11 million in competitive research funding as a Chief Investigator, including grants from the Medical Research Future Fund, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council and multiple philanthropic bodies. She has authored > 90 peer-reviewed publications, presented at multiple national/international conferences and been extensively featured in the media. She has been recognised with numerous prestigious research awards, including a South Australia Tall Poppy award.
Session: Head Games: Rethinking Concussion in Sport - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Adam Didyk
Pathways Transition Manager, Australian Athletics
Adam Didyk is a leading high performance endurance coach and the Pathways Transition Manager at Australian Athletics, where he oversees national athlete and coach development through the Australian Athletics Pathway Transition Program and contributes to major international campaigns. He has coached athletes at multiple Olympic Games, including London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024, guiding standout performers such as Jessica Stenson, Madeline Heiner, and Mathew Clarke to international success, national records, and championship medals.
As the Founder and former Head Coach of Team Tempo, Adam has developed elite distance athletes since 2008 and has served in key leadership roles including Team Leader for the World Cross Country Championships and Lead Coach for Australia’s World U20 Team. He is a multi-time Athletics South Australia Coach of the Year and an Athletics South Australia Life Member, recognised for shaping Australia’s endurance pathway system.
Adam holds degrees in Education with majors in Human Movement and Sport Psychology, alongside Level 4 World Athletics coaching accreditation.
Session: Back in Action: Women’s Return to Sport and Activity Postpartum - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 1:55pm – 2:40pm
Professor Catherine Elliott
Chief Executive Officer of Rural Health West
Professor Catherine Elliott is a highly respected executive leader and researcher with more than 25 years’ experience across clinical practice, research and senior leadership in health and human services. She is renowned for her ability to connect research, practice and policy to deliver sustainable, real-world impact across health systems and communities.
Professor Elliott is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Rural Health West, leading workforce and service innovation to strengthen health outcomes in rural and remote communities. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Parkerville Children and Youth Care, contributing strategic oversight in child and youth wellbeing, and was previously the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Research at the Telethon Kids Institute. She also served as Professorial Chair of Kids Rehab WA, a joint initiative between Curtin University and the Child and Adolescent Health Service, with a focus on paediatric rehabilitation and translational research.
Her research focuses on inclusive participation in physical activity and exercise, particularly for children and young people with disability and mental health conditions. By leading and contributing to trials and implementation studies on participation-focused interventions and physical literacy, plus family and community-centred approaches, she generates evidence that informs best practice, guides workforce development, and supports strategies for equitable, high-quality outcomes - insights that resonate strongly with exercise and sports science professionals working to improve health, performance, and participation across diverse and underserved communities.
Her governance and advisory experience includes Chair of the Telethon Kids Science Leadership Group, membership of the Telethon Kids Institute’s Board Finance and Commercialisation Committees, and national leadership in equity and inclusion as Chair of the National Athena Swan Sector Advisory Committee.
With a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to system and workforce transformation, Professor Elliott’s work continues to advance equitable, evidence-informed outcomes across rural and remote communities.
Session: Empowering Communities: Driving Physical Activity for Health Equity - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Dr Lewis Fazackerley
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Dr Lewis Fazackerley
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Dr Lewis Fazackerley is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He completed his PhD in 2014 through a collaborative project with the National Rugby League, investigating player workloads and wellbeing. His research focuses on supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing while athletes navigate the pressures of high performance sport. Alongside his research, he is an experienced teaching academic with a strong interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
More recently, his work has explored the role of generative artificial intelligence in sport and exercise science education. He is interested in how emerging AI tools are being used by students and practitioners, what this means for graduate readiness, and how curricula and pedagogy can evolve to support ethical, effective, and evidence informed use of AI in applied settings.
Session: Technology & Innovation - AI, Machine Learning + Big Data (when will the robots take over) - Thursday, 30 April | 11:35am – 12:10pm
Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh
Geriatrician and Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
Dr Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh
Geriatrician and Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
Prof Maria A. Fiatarone Singh AM, MD, FGSA, FRACP, a board-certified geriatrician in the USA and Australia, has held the inaugural John Sutton Chair of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Professorship, Sydney Medical School since 1999. Her research, teaching and clinical career has focused on the integration of geriatric medicine, exercise, and nutrition to improve quality of life in older adults, and she is recognised internationally for this work spanning 4 decades. She has designed and carried out many clinical trials and longitudinal studies internationally, including large multi-centre trials of exercise and chronic disease management. She has published extensively, having authored/edited 3 books and over 450 peer-reviewed journal articles, including Global Consensus guidelines on physical activity and ageing, as well as ESSA and ACSM position stands on resistance training, ageing, osteoporosis, and diabetes. She has been awarded research funding exceeding AUD $90 million to date and Membership in the Order of Australia for her contributions to Geriatric Medicine in 2022. Her clinical practice and dissemination work is carried out via the Centre for Strong Medicine and the Fit for Your Life Foundation, as well as numerous clinical facilities globally which have adopted her training principles.
Session: Meeting the Healthcare Challenges of Tomorrow: Innovative Solutions to Support Australia’s Ageing Population - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Dr Jackson Fyfe
Senior Lecturer, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University
Dr Jackson Fyfe
Senior Lecturer, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, Melbourne
Dr Jackson Fyfe is a Senior Lecturer in the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, Melbourne. His research focuses on pragmatic, low-dose exercise strategies designed to limit age-related declines in physical function in older adults. His work also uses digital technologies to support remote delivery and monitoring of exercise interventions, with a strong focus on real-world feasibility and uptake.
Session: Meeting the Healthcare Challenges of Tomorrow: Innovative Solutions to Support Australia’s Ageing Population - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Professor Daniel Green
Winthrop Professor, School of Human Sciences (Sport and Exercise Science) at The University of Western Australia
Professor Daniel Green
Winthrop Professor, School of Human Sciences (Sport and Exercise Science) at The University of Western Australia
Danny is a Winthrop Professor in the School of Human Sciences (Sport and Exercise Science) at The University of Western Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. He is a cardiovascular exercise physiologist specializing in chronic disease prevention. His research spans all ages, from preventing atherosclerosis in obese youth to optimizing exercise and medication for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and heart failure. His research teams in Australia and the UK have published over 400 peer reviewed papers including Lancet, Circulation, JACC, Physiological Reviews, funded by over 50 nationally competitive grants in both countries. He leads UWA’s Cardiovascular Research Group, which develops early disease detection and personalized prevention strategies through transdisciplinary collaborations in science, engineering, and medicine. He is also Foundation Director of the UWA Healthspan Institute, which coordinates clinical, research and community engagement of allied health and prevention agendas across the University. Through advocacy, policy and political engagement, he pioneered Clinical Exercise Physiology in Australia and the UK which resulted in the recognition of new allied health professions, acceptance in Medicare and NHS, government rebates for service, establishment of peak accreditation bodies, and development of University sector-wide University accredited curricula.
Session: Exercise and weight loss in a world of lifestyle, stigma and pharmacology - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Nikki Jeacocke
Accredited Practising Dietician
Nikki is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Fellow of Sports Dietitians Australia and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with over 23 years’ experience working in clinical, community and elite athlete contexts. She has spent much of her career working at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as a Sports Dietitian, initiating and implementing nutrition systems for elite athletes to maximise performance and health across a wide range of Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports.
Nikki currently leads the AIS National Disordered Eating Initiative, a program focussing upon reducing the prevalence and impact of disordered eating and eating disorder on athlete health and performance. She leads the design, development, implementation and evaluation of resources; organisational guidelines and policies; and workshops. This work delivers targeted education and guidance across the high performance sporting ecosystem - from athletes, parents and coaches through to performance support staff, and all the way to Sport Administration and Executives.
As a researcher and author, Nikki has published over 30 journal articles and textbooks chapters across a range of areas including dietary standardisation, substrate metabolism, supplements, pre-cooling strategies, and disordered eating and eating disorders in athletes.
Session: Bodies, Performance & Risk: Body Image and Disordered Eating Across Fitness + Sport - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
John Smith
Author and running enthusiast
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Dr Bridie Kean
Senior Lecturer in Public Health and the Program Lead of the Master of Health Promotion (MHP) Program, University of the Sunshine Coast
Dr Bridie Kean
Senior Lecturer in Public Health and the Program Lead of the Master of Health Promotion (MHP) Program, University of the Sunshine Coast
Dr Bridie Kean is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health and the Program Lead of the Master of Health Promotion (MHP) program at UniSC. Bridie’s research explores how to create equitable opportunity to and through sport and physical activity for people with a disability.
Bridie is passionate about creating equitable opportunities in sport for people with a disability through research and leadership. Bridie’s research career was influenced by her own experience as an Australian wheelchair basketball Paralympic athlete, where she became interested in the role of the environment on the performance of para-athletes. This led to a body of work exploring para-sport pathways using systems theory. Her work advances knowledge in how to create equitable opportunities for people with a disability to access sport and physical activity across grassroots and Paralympic sport.
In leadership, Dr Kean served as the Paralympic athlete representative during the Brisbane 2032 bid process, was Deputy Chef de Mission of the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team and joined the Australian Sport Commission as a Commissioner in May 2024.
Session: Participation to Podium: Evolving Disability Sport and Physical Activity - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:05pm
Katie Kelly, OAM, PLY
Paralympian, Paratriathlon
Katie Kelly OAM PLY is a Diversity and Inclusion Advocate, and a 2x Paralympian who was the first Australian to win a Gold medal in the sport of Paratriathlon at the Rio Paralympics in 2016., and 2x World Champion. She retired after 7 years in high performance sport after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. In 2026 she represented Australia in the first official International Women’s Blind Cricket Series on home soild against Pakistan and was awarded a baggy green.
In 2017, Katie established Sport Access Foundation, a registered charity, providing sporting grants for young Australians living with a disability and to improve their access to sport. Before her Para-triathlon career, Katie worked in corporate marketing roles for organisations such as the National Rugby League, NT Government Department of Sport and Recreation, Sydney’s Olympic Stadium and Melbourne Storm. She has also served on a number of boards and committees including Achieve Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, and a Local Council Disability Committees. Currently she is working for the Queensland Government Legacy and Impact Unit focused on delivering the most accessible and inclusive Games for Brisbane 2032.
Katie shares stories that highlight the inequities, and barriers faced by those with a disability in the workplace and sport. She also talks about disability is not something to be feared, and that all of us are connected and close to disability. It is as she says ‘the human experience’.
Session: Stronger Together: Athlete Perspectives on how Interdisciplinary Teams Shape Paralympic Journeys - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 10:00am – 10:30am
Ray Kelly
Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Ray Kelly Fitness
Ray Kelly is a proud Gomeroi man and one of Australia’s leading health professionals, with over 35 years of experience in the health and sports industries. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, researcher, and health advocate, Ray has dedicated his career to transforming lives, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, by addressing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes through innovative, evidence-based programs.
Ray’s passion stems from a deep commitment to improving health equity for Aboriginal people. His Too Deadly for Diabetes program exemplifies this drive—an innovative 10-week lifestyle program delivered within primary care settings that has empowered participants to collectively lose over 6,100kg and reduce average HbA1c levels by 1.68%. By training local health professionals to deliver this program, Ray ensures its long-term sustainability, while influencing national policy to improve diabetes management outcomes for all Australians.
Ray’s trailblazing achievements are equally evident in his research. Currently completing a PhD at the University of Melbourne School of Medicine, Ray’s work focuses on analyzing factors contributing to the successful reversal of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle change by Indigenous Australians. He was awarded a prestigious Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF) grant, leading a team of 12 researchers to investigate the impact of physical activity and diet on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with type 2 diabetes. Ray’s work directly informs national strategies, positioning him as a leader in chronic disease prevention.
His dedication to advancing health care extends beyond research. Ray has authored three critical sections—Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Overweight/Obesity—in the RACGP Preventive Health Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. For the first time, this resource will be accessible to all health professionals, providing practical, research-backed solutions to address health disparities.
Ray’s influence as a leader and advocate is unparalleled. He has presented at Parliament House six times in the past 12 months, championing improved access to health care technologies and better outcomes for Australians living with type 2 diabetes. His contributions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, alongside senior policymakers and health leaders, reflect his ability to unite stakeholders for meaningful change. Ray’s membership on the 24-Hour Physical Activity Guidelines Leadership Group, the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee, and the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Research Advisory Committee further highlight his capacity to shape national health policies and programs.
A passionate educator, Ray shares his knowledge through presentations at universities and conferences, empowering health professionals to deliver culturally appropriate, evidence-based care. He also designs and leads workshops for GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals, fostering greater collaboration and capacity within Indigenous health care.
Ray’s influence extends into the public domain, co-hosting SBS’s Australia’s Health Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley. This groundbreaking series educated millions of Australians on the power of lifestyle interventions to reverse type 2 diabetes, further cementing Ray’s reputation as an innovative and inspiring leader.
Beyond health care, Ray’s achievements include training world-class athletes, including 14 boxing world champions, and contributing to public education through his weight loss programs and books. His work bridges communities, research, and policy, embodying a rare combination of expertise, compassion, and unwavering determination.
Ray Kelly’s passion, drive, and groundbreaking achievements are a testament to his trailblazing leadership. He continues to inspire health professionals, policymakers, and communities across Australia, leaving an indelible legacy of improved health, equity, and hope.
Session: Empowering Communities: Driving Physical Activity for Health Equity - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Professor David Lubans
Senior Lecturer, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney
Professor David Lubans
Senior Lecturer, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney
Professor David Lubans is Director of the Global Sport and Movement Collaborative at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is a former Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2014–2018) and National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Research Fellow (2019–2023), and is internationally recognised for his contributions to physical activity and health research. His multidisciplinary research focuses on the design, evaluation, and large-scale dissemination of evidence-based interventions to enhance both the quantity and quality of physical activity in school and community settings. A defining feature of this work is its strong emphasis on implementation and real-world impact, with many projects conducted in partnership with government and non-government organisations responsible for delivering sport, physical activity, and health promotion programs. A complementary strand of his research examines the effects of physical activity on mental health, cognitive function, and complex social issues. His work has helped to clarify the mechanisms through which movement influences psychological well-being and educational outcomes, particularly among children and adolescents. Professor Lubans has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles across Sport Science, Education, Psychology, and Public Health. Based on citation metrics, he is ranked among the top 1% of social science researchers worldwide, reflecting the influence and reach of his research.
Session: Moving Together: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Physical Activity in Child and Youth Health - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Dr Hannah Macdougall, PLY
Paralympian
Dr Hannah Macdougall PLY is a dual Paralympian, part-time wheelchair user, amputee, and elite athlete with more than 25 years’ experience across cycling, swimming, and triathlon. She has represented Australia at the Paralympic Games and World Championships, earning medals across all three sports, including a bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and a podium finish at the 2025 Para World Triathlon Championships. She also served as Team Captain of the Australian Paralympic Swim Team at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Beyond performance, Hannah is a ‘pracademic’ specialising in athlete well-being, inclusion, and high-performance culture. She holds a PhD in Athlete Well-being and has worked as a senior consultant and advisor across elite sport systems applying research to design, strategy to execution for person-cantered well-being models within Paralympic and Olympic pathways.
Hannah currently works in Player Development at the Melbourne Football Club and has previously led large-scale community resilience and mental health initiatives within government and not-for-profit sectors. She has contributed to research, policy, and applied learning in high-performance environments and serves on the Board of Bicycle Network. Through her work, Hannah brings an evidence-informed, human-centred approach to performance, demonstrating how health, inclusion, and excellence are mutually reinforcing outcomes.
Session: Participation to Podium: Evolving Disability Sport and Physical Activity - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:05pm
Dr Erin MacIntyre
Physiotherapist and Post-Doctoral Researcher, Persistent Pain Research Group
Dr Erin MacIntyre is a post-doctoral researcher at the Persistent Pain Research Group and a physiotherapist with over 10 years’ experience working with people experiencing pain. She is interested in understanding the complex relationships between perception, pain, and exercise engagement in people experiencing painful knee osteoarthritis. Her research involves the co-design and clinical translation of new technology (e.g., virtual reality) which exploits links between pain and visual perception to reduce pain and improve exercise engagement in clinical populations.
Session: Rethinking Chronic Pain: Science, Lived Experience, and Multidisciplinary Solutions - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Chiara Mastrogiovanni
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Chiara Mastrogiovanni graduated in 2021 as an Exercise Physiologist and in 2023 from a Masters of Research. She is currently a PhD candidate researching exercise and mental health workforce capacity to promote physical activity to groups at risk of poor mental health. She works clinically as an Exercise Physiologist and student supervisor at Addi Moves, a trauma-informed, inclusive physical activity service. Chiara co-established a student placement opportunity at NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) and was ESSA’s 2024 Practicum Supervisor of the Year. Chiara is also the Co-founder of the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies’ Allied Health Special Interest Group (ASTSS SIG).
Session: Empowering Communities: Driving Physical Activity for Health Equity - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
John Smith
Author and running enthusiast
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Dr Max Nelson
Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science, School of Allied Health and Human Performance at Adelaide University
Dr Max Nelson
Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science, School of Allied Health and Human Performance at Adelaide University
Dr Max Nelson is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science within the School of Allied Health and Human Performance at Adelaide University. Max completed his PhD in 2017, with his research focusing on the effects of exercise-induced fatigue on autonomic function in both athletic and clinical populations. Max is actively engaged in research projects in areas including training and fatigue quantification, mental health and wellbeing, blood flow restriction, performance analysis, and student education in exercise science. Max's largest focus as a practitioner and researcher is the impact of exercise and sport on veteran and first responder health and wellbeing, and helped establish the UniSA Invictus Pathways Program (now WAVES - Wellbeing for Australian Veterans and Emergency Services) in 2017. Max provided services as consulting Sports and Exercise Scientist to the Australian Invictus Games team from 2018-2023, and worked with the team at multiple Invictus Games events. As a result of his broad experiences as an Exercise Scientist, Max was named as the ESSA 'Exercise Scientist of the Year' in 2021, and in 2023 was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his work with the Australian Invictus Games Team.
Session: Collaborative Approaches to improving Veteran Health through Exercise and Sport - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 11:35am – 12:10pm
Dr Joshua W. Pate
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy and Senior Physiotherapist
Dr Joshua W. Pate, PhD, is a senior lecturer in physiotherapy and a senior physiotherapist. His research and teaching focus on the way that we understand pain, starting with kids but applicable to all. Josh is fascinated by how re-conceptualising pain according to contemporary science may change the way pain is treated. As part of his PhD, he developed the Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI). He now develops and tests educational resources, particularly in schools. Josh recently gave a TEDx Talk and worked with TED-Ed to make two online animations with millions of views. He also co-founded a pain science interview platform, ‘One Thing,’ and authored the children’s book series Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks. Josh dreams of generational conceptual and behaviour change regarding the complexity of pain. He also serves as the Health AI Research Lead at the University of Technology Sydney’s Graduate School of Health. He leads 38 researchers investigating the real-world impact of AI on patient behaviour and clinical decision-making to ensure technology strengthens clinical judgment and prioritises patient safety.
Session: Rethinking Chronic Pain: Science, Lived Experience, and Multidisciplinary Solutions - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Professor Ivanka Prichard
Professor of Body Image and Health and the Director of Embrace Impact Lab, Flinders University
Professor Ivanka Prichard
Professor of Body Image and Health and the Director of Embrace Impact Lab, Flinders University
Ivanka Prichard is a Professor of Body Image and Health and the Director of Embrace Impact Lab at Flinders University. She has a PhD in psychology and over 20 years of research experience related to body image, mental health, and exercise environments. Her work spans across psychology and exercise science and covers research on social media, body image, and exercise (including work with mothers and social media trends like #fitspiration); research on health behaviour change and the influence of different environmental cues; and research on the intergenerational transmission of health behaviours and body image. Ultimately, she aims to identifying factors that influence body image, and to developing evidence-based resources to promote positive body image, health behaviour and wellbeing.
Session: Bodies, Performance & Risk: Body Image and Disordered Eating Across Fitness + Sport - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Alanah Reilly
Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist, Consultant and Published Author
Alanah Reilly (she/her) is a senior dual-accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and Exercise Scientist (AES), consultant, and published author based in Brisbane, Australia. She holds advanced scopes in Trauma-Informed Physical Activity (TIPA) and movement and eating disorders, and is the Founder and Director of Autonomy in Movement, an outpatient exercise physiology clinic providing specialty care for complex and high-risk presentations.
Alanah is a co-founder, co-author, and board member of the Safe Exercise at Every Stage (SEES) Guidelines, the first comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the therapeutic integration and management of physical activity across eating disorder treatment for youth, adults, and elite athletes.
She serves as an advisor to the CEO of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), is co-chair of the inaugural Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) Movement and Exercise Special Interest Group, and is an invited co-author of the inaugural ESSA Position Statement on Exercise and Eating Disorders.
Alanah has also contributed to the integration and development of movement services across eating disorder residential facilities throughout Australia. She is a clinical educator with The University of Queensland and works internationally as a co-author, research participant, presenter, and consultant with private and state government services, universities, clinics, hospitals, and sporting academies.
Session: Movement as Therapy for Eating Disorders - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 2:20pm – 3:05pm
Andrew Schacht OLY
Olympian, Head Coach of SASI Beach Volleyball
Andrew Schacht is the Head Coach of the SASI Beach Volleyball program and serves as a coach mentor for the Australian Institute of Sport. He is also undertakings SASI project focused on enhancing the wellbeing of performance coaches and is a member of the AIS summit coaching program.
A former full-time Australian beach volleyball athlete, Andrew competed in more than 300 international matches over a 12-year career, including representing Australia at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. He transitioned to high performance coaching following his athletic career and became National program head coach in 2018. During this time, he coached at four World Championships, prepared teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and led the National men’s team to its first Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018.
Andrew is passionate about High Performance Sport and how this can play a role in encouraging and motivating young people to be active. He is particularly focused on developing structures and opportunities that support health, wellbeing, and improved access to resources for individuals in remote communities.
Session: Empowering Communities: Driving Physical Activity for Health Equity - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Dr Ella Smith
Sports Physiologist, South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI)
Dr Ella Smith is a sports physiologist at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), where she works within high-performance sport to optimise athlete preparation, performance, and recovery. She completed her PhD in female athlete physiology, examining the relationship between female hormones and performance, with a focus on how hormonal fluctuations and associated symptoms influence physical performance.
Dr Smith has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications. Her research has contributed to a stronger evidence base in female-specific physiology, including responses to energy availability and competition performance, helping address longstanding gaps in female representation in sport science research.
In her applied role at SASI, Dr Smith delivers physiological testing and monitoring, using data-informed approaches to guide training and performance decisions in conjunction with the wider interdisciplinary team. She also continues her work in the female athlete space, most recently by developing practical guidelines to better support athlete mothers. Her broader aim is to continue striving to reduce the sex gap in sport through both research and applied practice.
Session: Back in Action: Women’s Return to Sport and Activity Postpartum - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 1:55pm – 2:40pm
Tanja Spencer
Physiotherapist, Paralympics Australia
Tanja leads initiatives at Paralympics Australia to strengthen the role of allied health professionals in supporting individuals with disabilities to access and engage in Para-sport. As a Physiotherapist, Tanja has worked in paediatric neurological rehabilitation for over 20 years. She has a particular interest in finding the sport that lights up her clients, keeping them physically active with friends in the community. She completed her Masters evaluating a running program for children with disabilities and is a national level Para athletics classifier. Her understanding of physical function and rehabilitation enables her to bridge the gap between clinical care and inclusive sport, and to advocate for greater integration between health services and the Paralympic movement.
Session: Participation to Podium: Evolving Disability Sport and Physical Activity - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:05pm
John Smith
Author and running enthusiast
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Jess Stenson OLY
Olympian and Marathon Runner
Jessica Stenson OLY
Olympian and Marathon Runner
Jessica’s love for sport and the outdoors was instilled at a young age. She grew up in the town of Naracoorte, where she and her family enjoyed many adventures and weekend activities such as family bike rides, camping trips and a holiday to Sydney for the 2000 Olympics. Jess attributes her success in the Marathon to her love for running and the outdoors, her active upbringing, determination, hard work ethic (role-modelled by her family members) and most importantly, her strong support network.
Jess ran her first ever Marathon in Japan in 2012 and achieved a time of just over 2h 31 minutes which qualified her for the London Olympics in August of that year. She has since competed at 3x Olympic Games, 3x Commonwealth Games and 2x World Championships Marathons. In 2022 she achieved her long term goal of winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the Marathon event. Last December in Valencia (Spain) she became the fastest ever Australian female Marathon runner, setting a new National record of 2:21:24.
Jess is a Mother to Billy (6) and Ellie (2) and believes that Motherhood has made her stronger both physically and mentally. It has heightened her passion for running and its many benefits.
Session: Back in Action: Women’s Return to Sport and Activity Postpartum - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 1:55am – 2:40pm
Dr Kuan Liung Tan
Program Director, Bachelor of Health Science, University of Adelaide
Dr Kuan Liung Tan is a health services management academic at the University of Adelaide, where he serves as Program Director for the Bachelor of Health Science and teaches postgraduate courses in Australian health systems, aged care operations, and healthcare financial management. With a PhD in Information Systems and a background spanning electrical engineering, digital transformation, and clinical education management, he is passionate about bridging emerging technology and real-world health practice. Dr Tan has spent over a decade managing health education at scale, overseeing university health clinics and coordinating thousands of student clinical placements annually across health disciplines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was seconded to the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, contributing strategic data analysis in the Command Centre alongside senior health executives and the Australian Defence Force. More recently, Dr Tan has led AI integration work in higher education, including the development of AI-assisted applications for teaching purposes and facilitating generative AI training for academics across disciplines. His research and practice focus on human-in-the-loop approaches to AI — exploring how health professionals can engage with AI tools thoughtfully, maintaining professional judgement and capability at the centre of practice. Away from the big ideas, he is simply a health educator who enjoys seeing students succeed.
Session: Participation to Podium: Evolving Disability Sport and Physical Activity - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 11:35am – 12:10pm
Olivia Warnes
Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian
Olivia has 20 years’ experience working with elite sporting organisations; Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), AUS Cycling, AFL, South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), Volleyball Australia- Beach Volleyball Program, and the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Olivia led the Nutrition Team for the Paris Paralympics and was a member of the Nutrition Team for the Tokyo Paralympics.
Currently working at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) and Sportsmed Stepney Healthcare Hub, specialising in sports nutrition and eating disorders.
Session: Back in Action: Women’s Return to Sport and Activity Postpartum - Thursday, 30 April 2026 | 1:55pm – 2:40pm
Dr Kim Way
Senior Lecturer, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, Clinician Researcher in the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), AEP
Dr Kim Way
Senior Lecturer, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, Clinician Researcher in the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), AEP
Dr Kim Way is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University and clinician researcher in the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). They are an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with >10 years of clinical experience, predominately in the public healthcare setting in cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, Dr. Way gained international experience completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada’s largest and foremost cardiovascular research institute. Their research program explores the role of exercise for managing and preventing cardiometabolic diseases, with a particular interest in understanding how sex and gender may impact exercise engagement and cardiometabolic health. Dr. Way has secured >$1.1 million in funding as a chief investigator to support their research and >40 publications.
Session: Cardiac - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Jaymeila Webb
Accredited Practising Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian
Jaymeila Webb is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Sports Dietitian with over nine years’ experience working across high-performance sport, private practice, public health, and tertiary education. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Nutrition and Dietetics from Flinders University and is a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, with a special interest in the intersection of sports nutrition, disordered eating, and REDs.
Jaymeila is the founder of Eat Nutrition, where she provides neuroaffirming, individualised care to athletes and clients with complex relationships with food. Her work spans recreational to elite athletes, supporting performance, recovery, and long-term health.
Alongside her clinical work, Jaymeila is a university lecturer at the University of Tasmania, teaching into the Bachelor of Exercise Science. She is passionate about equipping future exercise professionals with practical, evidence-based nutrition knowledge that translates beyond the textbook.
Known for her engaging and relatable communication style, Jaymeila combines science, lived experience, and storytelling to challenge diet culture and make sports nutrition more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
Session: Connected Care: Bridging Specialties for Better Diabetes Outcomes - Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Meredith Woolsey
Founder - Move to Live, and Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Meredith (she/her) is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Adelaide, South Australia. She founded Move to Live - Exercise Physiology in 2016 to provide a safe(r) space for people to move their bodies without fear or judgement.
Move to Live is size-inclusive, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed in its practice. Meredith is deeply passionate about equitable healthcare and is proud to have cultivated a clinic and a team who hold the same values. She is known to have a portable soap-box in her back pocket and is always happy to discuss said values at a moment’s notice.
Clinically, Meredith has special interests in Eating Disorders, size-inclusive healthcare, persistent pain, POTS and other invisible illnesses, mental health concerns, and working with her Therapy Dog, MacDuff.
She is passionate about providing mentoring, training, and education to others, including lecturing at Adelaide University on Eating Disorders and size-inclusive healthcare, motivational interviewing, clinician resilience, and trauma-informed care; and co-chairing the South Australian Size Inclusive Health Chapter.
You will find Meredith in the clinic dancing around, singing along to the music, and generally just being a big kid. She loves swing and blues dancing, getting dirty in the garden, and destroying her friends at boardgames.
Session: Movement as Therapy for Eating Disorders - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 2:20pm – 3:05pm
Meredith Woolsey
Founder - Move to Live, and Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Meredith (she/her) is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Adelaide, South Australia. She founded Move to Live - Exercise Physiology in 2016 to provide a safe(r) space for people to move their bodies without fear or judgement.
Move to Live is size-inclusive, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed in its practice. Meredith is deeply passionate about equitable healthcare and is proud to have cultivated a clinic and a team who hold the same values. She is known to have a portable soap-box in her back pocket and is always happy to discuss said values at a moment’s notice.
Clinically, Meredith has special interests in Eating Disorders, size-inclusive healthcare, persistent pain, POTS and other invisible illnesses, mental health concerns, and working with her Therapy Dog, MacDuff.
She is passionate about providing mentoring, training, and education to others, including lecturing at Adelaide University on Eating Disorders and size-inclusive healthcare, motivational interviewing, clinician resilience, and trauma-informed care; and co-chairing the South Australian Size Inclusive Health Chapter.
You will find Meredith in the clinic dancing around, singing along to the music, and generally just being a big kid. She loves swing and blues dancing, getting dirty in the garden, and destroying her friends at boardgames.
Session: Movement as Therapy for Eating Disorders - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 2:20pm – 3:05pm
Meredith Woolsey
Founder - Move to Live, and Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Meredith (she/her) is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Adelaide, South Australia. She founded Move to Live - Exercise Physiology in 2016 to provide a safe(r) space for people to move their bodies without fear or judgement.
Move to Live is size-inclusive, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed in its practice. Meredith is deeply passionate about equitable healthcare and is proud to have cultivated a clinic and a team who hold the same values. She is known to have a portable soap-box in her back pocket and is always happy to discuss said values at a moment’s notice.
Clinically, Meredith has special interests in Eating Disorders, size-inclusive healthcare, persistent pain, POTS and other invisible illnesses, mental health concerns, and working with her Therapy Dog, MacDuff.
She is passionate about providing mentoring, training, and education to others, including lecturing at Adelaide University on Eating Disorders and size-inclusive healthcare, motivational interviewing, clinician resilience, and trauma-informed care; and co-chairing the South Australian Size Inclusive Health Chapter.
You will find Meredith in the clinic dancing around, singing along to the music, and generally just being a big kid. She loves swing and blues dancing, getting dirty in the garden, and destroying her friends at boardgames.
Session: Movement as Therapy for Eating Disorders - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 2:20pm – 3:05pm
Meredith Woolsey
Founder - Move to Live, and Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Meredith (she/her) is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in Adelaide, South Australia. She founded Move to Live - Exercise Physiology in 2016 to provide a safe(r) space for people to move their bodies without fear or judgement.
Move to Live is size-inclusive, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed in its practice. Meredith is deeply passionate about equitable healthcare and is proud to have cultivated a clinic and a team who hold the same values. She is known to have a portable soap-box in her back pocket and is always happy to discuss said values at a moment’s notice.
Clinically, Meredith has special interests in Eating Disorders, size-inclusive healthcare, persistent pain, POTS and other invisible illnesses, mental health concerns, and working with her Therapy Dog, MacDuff.
She is passionate about providing mentoring, training, and education to others, including lecturing at Adelaide University on Eating Disorders and size-inclusive healthcare, motivational interviewing, clinician resilience, and trauma-informed care; and co-chairing the South Australian Size Inclusive Health Chapter.
You will find Meredith in the clinic dancing around, singing along to the music, and generally just being a big kid. She loves swing and blues dancing, getting dirty in the garden, and destroying her friends at boardgames.
Session: Movement as Therapy for Eating Disorders - Friday, 1 May 2026 | 2:20pm – 3:05pm