Program
DAY TWO - FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2023
8:40 | OPENING REMARKS
MC Jocelyn Brewer, registered psychologist, digital wellbeing specialist, media commentator, founder of Digital Nutrition
HOW TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL
8:45 | REIMAGINING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
The mental health of young people is declining steadily around the world. There is an urgent need to understand why and to respond in a different way. Explore what is needed to create a revolution in mental health services for young people.
Professor Patrick McGorry AO, psychiatrist and leading youth mental health advocate, world-renowned for developing innovative early interventions and services; Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne; Founding Director, Orygen
9:05 | VIRTUAL REALITY, NEUROSCIENCE & EMOTIONS AFTER TRAUMA: HOW SMALL CHANGES CAN LIFT MOOD
Hear about cutting edge-research as Jill Bennett demonstrates her innovative VR productions for transforming trauma and distress – including the world’s first VR app for suicide prevention, Edge of the Present, a virtual environment that improves mood and reduces hopelessness.
Scientia Professor Jill Bennett, Australian Research Council Australian Laureate Fellow, Director of the feltExperience & Empathy Lab, and the Big Anxiety Research Centre, UNSW
9:25 | TO MOUSTACHE AND BEYOND: HELPING BOYS AND MEN FLOURISH IN OUR CURRENT CLIMATE
We are supposedly at a crossroads as a society, where masculinity is being debated online and in homes, a gender reckoning about the future of men. From education, employment and health outcomes, we know a crisis is looming for boys and men. How can we turn around growing anger and resentment in community, and help boys and men once again thrive to benefit all?
Dr Zac Seidler, clinical psychologist and leading advocate for men’s mental health, Global Director of Men’s Health Research, Movember; Senior Research Fellow, Orygen, University of Melbourne
9:45 | HARNESSING HORMONES TO IMPROVE WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders than are men, but when it comes to researching mental illness and how to treat it, sex is routinely ignored. Learn about how the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and pregnancy, change the way the brain processes emotions – and how we can harness this knowledge to improve the outlook on women’s mental health.
Professor Bronwyn Graham, clinical psychologist and behavioural neuroscientist, women’s mental health researcher, University of New South Wales
10:05 | PANEL: HOW CAN WE ELEVATE MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING IN CHALLENGING TIMES?
Throughout life we encounter many personal challenges such as loss of a relationship or job, death of a loved one, onset of serious illness, and financial difficulties. As a society, we are faced with climate change, the rising cost of living, social isolation, uncertainty about the future, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. What can we do to better meet these challenges to our mental health? How can we ensure the mental health needs of the more vulnerable members of society are being met?
Professor Patrick McGorry AO, psychiatrist and leading youth mental health advocate, world-renowned for developing innovative early interventions and services; Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne; Founding Director, Orygen
Scientia Professor Jill Bennett, Australian Research Council Australian Laureate Fellow, Director of the feltExperience & Empathy Lab, and the Big Anxiety Research Centre, UNSW
Dr Zac Seidler, clinical psychologist and leading advocate for men’s mental health, Global Director of Men’s Health Research, Movember; Senior Research Fellow, Orygen, University of Melbourne
Professor Bronwyn Graham, clinical psychologist and behavioural neuroscientist, women’s mental health researcher, University of New South Wales
MODERATOR: Jacinta Tynan, journalist, author and Founder of The Spiritual Book Club
10:30 | MORNING TEA
HOW TO LIVE A HAPPY & HEALTHY LIFE OF CONTRIBUTION & PURPOSE
11:00 | LOCAL IS OUR FUTURE: STEPS TO AN ECONOMICS OF HAPPINESS
Many decades of experience in the ancient indigenous culture of Ladakh opened Helena’s eyes to the way that more localised economic structures encourage feminine, nurturing relationships, both to others and to the earth. She will describe these structures, as well as the ways the globalising economy is distancing us from the complex, interdependent web of life that is not only the real economy, but a perpetual source of wonder and fulfillment.
Helena Norberg-Hodge, linguist, author, filmmaker and pioneer of the new economy movement; Founder and Director of Local Futures; Author: Local is Our Future
11:25 | THE TWO OF US: A REFUGEE STORY OF SURVIVAL AND RESILIENCE
What if the aftermath of trauma held the potential for extraordinary growth? Asif, a survivor of war, conflict, and persecution, has confronted the depths of human suffering. Yet, in the face of this hardship, he has created a life of gratitude and healing. Join us as we hear Asif’s inspiring story, and later delve into the thought-provoking concept of ‘post-traumatic growth’, drawing valuable insights from the research of his wife, Grace.
Asif Sultani, Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, martial artist, refugee speaker and advocate at Heart Empire; High Profile Supporter, UNHCR
Grace Sultani, social worker and PhD Candidate researching post-traumatic growth amongst refugees, The University of Newcastle
11:45 | NEW WAYS TO FEEL HAPPY - AT HOME, AT WORK AND BEYOND
We all want to feel happy and well. But what can we actually do to be happier and more resilient in daily life, especially when we’re facing tough times? Explore ideas to boost wellbeing that are emerging from the latest science. Drawing on insights from her recent books and her innovative work with organisations, Vanessa will share some tips, ideas to try out, and practical ways to integrate these ideas into your daily life.
Vanessa King, leading expert in positive psychology and strategies to pro-actively build psychological wellbeing and resilience; board member and author of Ten Keys to Happier Living at Action for Happiness, UK
12:05 | ENERGISER: TAI CHI
Tai chi is a martial art known for its many defence techniques but more recently also recognised for its many health benefits such as relieving anxiety and stress. It is a beautiful “moving meditation” that can be practiced to still the mind and allow you to rebalance and find harmony within.
Theresa Perry, Holistic Life Coach, Tai Chi and Meditation Teacher, Theresa Perry Wellbeing
12:10 | ACHIEVING SIMPLICITY: HOW TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION BY GIVING UP ON PERFECTIONISM
Explore the dynamic interplay between procrastination and perfectionism, two common challenges that often hinder our personal and professional growth. Learn pragmatic strategies (and hear some stories) on how to reduce your physical possessions resulting in less mental clutter and a simpler, more productive and happier life – at work and at home. Happy organising!
Susanne Thiebe, De-Clutter Coach at LessMess; sustainable living Educator; founding board member at the Institute of Professional Organisers (IOPO)
12:30 | LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE
Is happiness really attainable?? Is it external or internal? We all chase happiness but what is it we are actually chasing? Hear from Ronni how a purpose lead life can lead to a deep level of happiness and be transformational for you and others.
Ronni Kahn AO, social entrepreneur, passionate advocate and activist, and Founder and CEO of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, Oz Harvest
12:50 | LUNCH BREAK
TRANSFORM YOUR MIND, TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
14:00 | ENERGISER: AFRO STEP
Sheron Sultan, Wellbeing and Movement Facilitator; Multicultural Energiser; Founder of Yatimba!
14:05 | CONTEMPLATIVE SCIENCE: TRANSLATING ANCIENT WISDOM INTO MODERN MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
In the modern popularisation of mindfulness and meditation, much of the ancient wisdom and contemplative understanding has been largely ignored. What might we learn if we incorporate the theories and discoveries of ancient contemplatives in modern scientific research? Learn how ancient Buddhist wisdom can be at the cutting-edge of twenty-first century research.
Corey Jackson, mental health researcher, meditation teacher, Tibetan-English translator, senior trainer in Cultivating Emotional Balance
14:30 | BOOST YOUR NEURO-GRIT BY BEING BRAIN FIT
What if mental health was really brain health? Explore how you are not stuck with the brain you have got, and how you can create your own road map to a better brain. From a prognosis of ‘expect death or life in a vegetative state’ at age 16 years, following a motorcycle accident, Nicole not only survived but thrived – be inspired to develop your own ‘neuro-grit’ to never quit.
Nicole Yeates, Brain Optimisation Consultant, best-selling author, expert barrier-cracker and Founder of Get Brain Fit
14:50 | IGNITING YOUR REBELLIOUS CURIOSITY
Be inspired as Yemi shares how ‘liminal thinking’ can contribute to your happiness. Ignite your rebellious curiosity to explore the barriers that hold you back and learn how to transform these barriers into the structures to help you rebuild. In the process you need to acknowledge and clean your trauma, knowing that joy and liberation can be found.
Yemi Penn, engineer, entrepreneur and transformation thought leader
15:10 | AFTERNOON TEA
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH HOPE & OPTIMISM
15:40 | THE FUTURE IS HUMAN
How can we view the world’s opportunities and challenges through a human lens, connecting people, ideas, and science to make a significant change towards a more positive future? What research do we have now that once consolidated, can lead us to the possibility of something more? In this impactful and thought-provoking presentation, explore themes of healthcare, artificial intelligence, education, climate change and social justice and how we can join forces for a more integrated approach to a flourishing world.
Sue Langley, global consultant and positive leadership expert, specialising in the practical applications of neuroscience, emotional intelligence and positive psychology
16:05 | TAKING ENJOYMENT SERIOUSLY: THE KEY TO SUSTAINABLE ACTIVE LIVING
The ageing global population coupled with the current pandemic of physical inactivity has made healthy ageing a hot topic. However, when it comes to physically active living, the intention-behaviour gap continues to be a difficult leap to make. Explore some of the reasons for this, discuss better ways of addressing it, and share an inspirational story or two of the joyous connections people make with their physical selves.
Dr Gordon Spence, registered psychologist, exercise scientist, executive coach, senior lecturer, and researcher; author of Get Moving Keep Moving; founder of the Healthy Ageing Project
16:25 | PANEL: HOW TO GROW UP, BUT STAY PLAYFUL
The objects, activities and environments we design for children are colourful, creative and engaging. Once we become adults, however, we’re pressured to lock ourselves into a duller, greyer world that revolves around money, status and relationship milestones. How do we build a society where we can embrace adult responsibility without losing the joy and creativity of childhood?
Vanessa King, leading expert in positive psychology and strategies to pro-actively build psychological wellbeing and resilience; board member and author of Ten Keys to Happier Living at Action for Happiness, UK
Helena Norberg-Hodge, linguist, author, filmmaker and pioneer of the new economy movement; Founder and Director of Local Futures; Author: Local is Our Future
Dr Fiona Swee Lin Price, storyteller, songwriter and cross-cultural communication specialist; Director, Globalise Consulting
Yemi Penn, engineer, entrepreneur and transformation thought leader
Dr Gordon Spence, registered psychologist, exercise scientist, executive coach, senior lecturer, and researcher; author of Get Moving Keep Moving; founder of the Healthy Ageing Project
MODERATOR: Sue Langley, global consultant and positive leadership expert, specialising in the practical applications of neuroscience, emotional intelligence and positive psychology
