Program & Speakers

Karen has been a face and voice of ABC TV and radio sport since joining the ABC in 1989. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Psychology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Karen spent eight years as a TV sports broadcaster and presenter, anchoring golf, tennis and other major sporting broadcasts on the ABC.

In 1997, she made the move to ABC Radio as the presenter of the weekend national sports program ‘Summer Grandstand’ – a role she still enjoys from her adopted hometown of Perth. Karen co-hosted ABC Radio’s coverage of the Sydney, Athens, Beijing and Rio Olympics and the coverage of six Paralympic Games (Lillehammer, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Beijing and London) with ABC TV. She was part of the Friday night fun of ‘Live & Sweaty’ on ABC TV in the early nineties and for six years presented sport on ABC TV’s weeknight news in Perth. Karen was also the regular host of ABC TV’s annual coverage of the Hopman Cup tennis in Perth from 1994 to 2010. She was the Media Award Winner at the 2000 and 2001 Australian Sports Awards and in 2020 Karen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Australia Media Awards in Sydney.

2020 also saw Karen hospitalised with HSV-1 Encephalitis, a swelling of the brain. During her recovery, she became an advocate for encephalitis awareness in Australia, sharing her experiences with the media for World Encephalitis Day which is February 22. Karen said: “I’m delighted to be an Ambassador of the Encephalitis Society (UK Brain Inflammation Charity) . After returning home from hospital, I will never forget what my wonderful colleague, ABC Perth Radio Breakfast presenter, the now late Russell Woolf did for me. After my illness was reported, a contact of his got in touch to say she had a colleague who had been through encephalitis and would be so happy to chat with me if I wanted at any time.

"A few weeks later, I did just that and through being able to talk with someone who could understand so much of what I was experiencing, we instantly formed a special friendship. Together, Rachael Schwarz and I are very much a team with a shared passion - to raise awareness of this condition among the general public and health professionals, ensuring that anyone who may fall ill in the future has access to the best treatment and the best after-care. That they are not alone”

WA Health Director General Dr Shirley Bowen is a skilled physician with extensive experience across all aspects of health service delivery. Shirley is passionate about person centred care and delivering excellent health care to the people of Western Australia. Prior to her appointment as Director General in May 2024, she served as North Metropolitan Health Service Chief Executive and CEO of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.

Throughout her career, Dr Bowen has demonstrated leadership across public and private health sectors, holding notable positions, including Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Capital Territory, Executive Director of Fremantle Hospital and Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia. In these roles, she advanced healthcare standards, fostered medical education and led innovative research and community services. Dr Bowen holds dual Fellowships in Infectious Diseases (FRACP) and Sexual Health medicine (FAChSHM) underscoring her extensive clinical experience. She also holds an honorary fellowship in Medical Administration (FRACMA). Her professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care, focusing on compassionate and evidence-based medicine.

A journalist by profession, Rohan Greenland was appointed CEO of MS Australia in 2020.

He is a member of the managing committee of the International Progressive MS Alliance and Chair of the Neurological Alliance Australia.

He previously served as CEO at Palliative Care Australia and General Manager, Advocacy, at the National Heart Foundation. He was a long-serving Director of Public Affairs at the Australian Medical Association and formerly, vice president of the Public Health Association of Australia. He spent seven years working with politicians including federal ministers, the ACT chief minister and the ACT health minister.

His interests include research, consumer-centred health care, equitable access to disability services, preventive health, tobacco control, health policy reform and public health advocacy.

Rohan is a co-presenter of The Raw Nerve podcast. He delivered the Basil Hetzel Oration at the Australian Public Health Conference in 2019 and is a Fellow of the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

Georgina is the chief executive officer of the Neurological Alliance UK, a role she has held since January 2020. She has a strong track record of leading teams to secure positive, impactful changes to public policy, specifically changes to improve treatment and support for people affected by neurological conditions.

As CEO, Georgina is responsible for developing and implementing the Neurological Alliance’s communications and external affairs strategy, with a specific focus on health policy in England. She represents the voluntary sector and people affected by neurological conditions on several high-profile committees, including the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for neurology and Programme Board for the neuroscience transformation programme. She also co-chairs the patient and public voice group of the Department of Health and Social Care Acquired Brain Injury and other neurological conditions strategy. In 2021, she delivered the Neurological Alliance’s biennial ‘My Neuro Survey’, the largest pan-neurological patient experience survey across the UK.

Prior to her current role, Georgina was with the MS Society for over six years, overseeing their work to improve MS treatment, care and support. Georgina has a close connection to neurological conditions and is passionate about raising the bar of treatment, care and support across the country.

Dr Mhairi Cowden is the Deputy Director General Disability for the WA Department of Communities. Mhairi has worked nationally on disability services and reform and has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Western Australian disability service system. She has been involved in disability policy and service design for the past 10 years and has seen the significant shift that the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) brought about. Mhairi is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history of working with nonprofit organisations, Government and the private sector to achieve better outcomes for people and their communities. Mhairi has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused on children's rights from The Australian National University.

Professor Jenny Downs has worked at The Kids Research Institute Australia since 2005 and has a clinical background in paediatric physiotherapy. She works towards improving our understanding about childhood disability and outcomes for affected children and their families.

Her current research program is in child disability with a focus on rare disorders. These include Rett syndrome, the CDKL5 disorder, MECP2 Duplication syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, as well as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Early Onset Scoliosis. There is typically little knowledge about the trajectory of rare disorders and how clinical issues should best be managed. Jenny has used cohort, observational and qualitative study designs to progress these research fields and her expertise in these rare disorders is being recognised internationally.

Jenny is particularly interested in comprehensive outcomes research for children and their families. She uses database methodologies for data collection, works with consumers to develop meaningful research programs and aims for the translation of research findings into clinical practice. Her current NHMRC funded studies illustrate these interests. One study is developing a quality of life measure for children with intellectual disability and the other is investigating comprehensive outcomes following gastrostomy for children with moderate to severe intellectual disability. She has played a lead role in developing outcome measures for gross motor and hand function in Rett syndrome. More generally, she is interested in gross motor development and physical activity over childhood.

Jenny represents The Kids Research Institute Australia on the PCH Ethics Committee and is a Board member of Kalparrin, an organisation providing support to families with a child with a disability.

Jenny co-leads the Think Big Neurodevelopmental Disorders at The Kids Research Institute Australia, together with Dr Amy Finlay-Jones. This program focuses on understanding neurodevelopmental risk and resilience in the first years of life and optimising developmental and mental health outcomes across the lifespan.” To develop this innovative and ambitious research program, Jenny and Amy are working with researchers from The Kids’ Disability, FASD and Autism teams and collaborators to establish ASCEND: AuStralian Collaboration to Enhance Neuro-Development.

Melissa is a Senior Research Fellow in Child Disability at The Kids Research Institute Australia. She is currently leading a program of research within the team investigating the clinical presentation and intervention for movement-related difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions.

Melissa sits on the boards for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Australia Inc., the Australian DCD Alliance, and is the Australian representative on the working board for the International Society for Research into DCD. She is leading a national advocacy project (the Impact for DCD Initiative) working to improve awareness and support of movement-related difficulties, including identification and diagnostic practice and delivery of evidence-based interventions. She has also authored a children’s book (‘Sometimes I Find It Hard to Move My Body’).

Melissa holds an honours degree in Science (University of Western Australia), completed doctoral studies examining motor function in children with neurodevelopmental conditions (University of Western Australia), and is an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP, Murdoch University). She has over ten years’ experience working as a lecturer and researcher, along with over 15 years clinical experience coordinating and directing movement programs for children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Kateryna is an Emeritus Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Murdoch University, where she was also a Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and for Regional Development. Having served on numerous boards, including as Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Australian Data and Cyber Institute and Chair of the Cockburn Sound Management Council, Kateryna is currently the Independent Chair of the board of governance for the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Research Program.

Professor John Mamo is Head of Neurovascular and Metabolic Diseases at the Perron Institute. Until October 2023, Professor Mamo served as Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute building significant research capacity in chronic diseases with ageing. His leadership role at the Perron Institute is in partnership with Curtin University’s School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, where he holds the title of John Curtin Distinguished Professor in Health Sciences.

With over 30 years of medical research experience, Professor Mamo is a physiologist specialising in brain microscopic capillary blood-vessel function—pivotal for brain health and a key risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and MS; neurological disorders such as migraine and epilepsy as well as mood and behavioural conditions including foggy brain syndromes or depression. His research spans genetic studies and cell studies, disease models, providing insights that inform clinical trials and broader population studies he leads. As a ‘translational physiologist,’ he is dedicated to uncovering new ways to prevent disease or alter the trajectory of progression positively.

Professor Jennifer (Jenny) Rodger (BSc (Hons), PhD), is the Head of Brain Plasticity Research and co-leads the Neuropharmacogenetics project at the Perron Institute and the MSWA Senior Research Fellow in Brain Plasticity. Professor Rodger has studied all around the globe, obtaining her BSc Hons. in Biochemistry at the University of Bath, UK, undertaking undergraduate research placements at the Weizmann Institute (Israel) and the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). She continued this path obtaining a PhD in Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Paris VI, now Sorbonne University, receiving the Tres honourable avec les felicitations du jury; Distinction.

After her PhD, Professor Rodger moved to UWA to work with Professors Lyn Beazley and Sarah Dunlop in the field of neural regeneration. She was awarded a Raine Priming Grant in 2009 and a NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (SRFA) in 2011. She then took up a teaching and research position at the University of Western Australia where she co-coordinates the Neuroscience Undergraduate and Masters programs. Her most recent work focuses on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to promote the repair of injured and abnormal brain circuits and restore normal functioning.

Prof. David Blacker is a leading neurologist and researcher, dedicated to improving the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. With a wealth of experience in clinical neurology and a passion for advocacy, Prof. Blacker was awarded a Membership of the Oder of Australia (AM) in recognition of service to neurology and medical research

He is currently the medical director of the Perron Institute for neurological and translation science, clinical professor of Neurology at the University of Western Australia and a board member of Parkinson’s WA. For most of his career he was a stroke neurologist and researcher, including working closely with the Perron Institute scientists on developing neuroprotective therapies. In 2018, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which contributed to him retiring from clinical practice in 2023. He writes and speaks widely about his personal experience with PD, and hopes to assist others by sharing this. He aims to help his medical colleagues gain a greater insight into living with PD and to improve their communication and interactions with people with PD. He has written a book, “My FIGHT with PD” which covers these issues. He led the FIGHT-PD study of boxing exercise and continues to train 2 or 3 times per week. He recently assisted a review of the 2021 Parkinson’s exercise recommendations for the Parkinson’s Foundation and American College of Sports Medicine.

Bruce has been Chairperson of Meningitis Centre Australia since its inception in 1992. He was invited along with a number of other parents by our Patron Professor Fiona Stanley to assist with starting an awareness group in WA. . Bruce’s daughter Ashleigh contracted Pneumococcal Meningitis at the age of six months in 1989. Now 32 years later he and his family have successfully lobbied for the introduction of several meningitis vaccines on to the National Immunisation Plan including Hib, Meningococcal C and Pneumococcal.

Bruce received an Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for services to the community, health and meningitis awareness and prevention. Bruce is a former Chair of the Disability Services Commission 2007-2022 and was the founding President of the international Confederation of Meningitis Organisations Inc. 2009-2015. He is also a founding director of Disability Assembly WA Ltd.

Professor Merrilee Needham combines the challenging roles of leader of the Myositis Research Group and consultant neurologist at the Perron Institute, Director of Research, South Metropolitan Health Service, and Consultant Neurologist and Foundation Professor of Neurology at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch University and Notre Dame University. From 2014 - 2019, Professor Needham was the Head of Neurology Department at the Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

As a clinical neurologist, Professor Needham is passionate about helping people with neuromuscular conditions, with a particular interest in Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). Integral to Professor Needham’s myositis research has been the development of both a myositis biobank and the Australasian Myositis Registry. Assisted by Myositis Association Australia, Professor Needham has been instrumental in establishing a growing biobank of blood, muscle, DNA and other samples from myositis patients and healthy controls. The registry continues to grow and is moving towards national roll-out.

Professor Needham has extensive experience with leadership of clinical trials, within the last 5 years I’ve led over 8 clinical trials within Western Australia, supporting both industry-sponsored trials as well as leading investigator-initiated studies (e.g including Bimagrumab in IBM, Abatacept in Myositis, Tecfidera in ALS, Testosterone in IBM).

Dr Ghia is a consultant neurologist whose speciality interests include stroke and cerebrovascular diseases.

Dr Ghia undertook his specialist neurology training in Melbourne at Monash Medical Centre and Box Hill Hospital. Further fellowship and sub-specialty training in stroke and interventional neuroradiology in Sydney at Liverpool and Royal North Shore Hospitals followed before he moved to Perth.

Dr Ghia works at Fiona Stanley Hospital. He is the inaugural head of the stroke unit and is principal investigator for a number of research trials. He sits on various statewide and national committees like Stroke Society of Australasia, Australasian Stroke Trials Network, Australian Stroke Clinical Registry and Stroke Council Advisory Group. He is actively involved with WA Telestroke Network.

Dr Ghia consults privately at Karrinyup (Clinical Neurology Services). Dr Ghia also provides consultation service for inpatients at SJOG Subiaco Hospital and Mount Hospital. Dr Ghia is also fluent in Gujarati and Hindi.

Carol Ireland, CEO and Managing Director of Epilepsy Action Australia, brings over 35 years of experience in the not-for-profit human services sector. In her current role, she regularly engages with individuals and families managing challenging, drug-resistant epilepsy, advocating strongly for those living with the condition. She has been at the forefront of the medical cannabis movement.

Carol serves on the Australian Advisory Council for the Use of Medicinal Cannabis, Advisory Board of The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Steering Committee for the NSW government’s Paediatric Epilepsy Trials (MC Research), and is a founding Director of the Medicinal Cannabis Council. She is a strong and active advocate for people living with epilepsy and one of the founding members of Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorder Alliance (ENDA) in Australia.

Ms Melainie Kiely is also a Non-Executive Director at National Disability Services and AIA Health Pty Ltd. Melanie previously served as a Non-Executive Director at AFG Australian Finance Group and Good Sammy Enterprises, Black Dog Institute and Silver Chain Group. Melanie Kiely has completed programs at Harvard Business School and the AICD, and holds a degree in Psychology and HR from the University of Cape Town.

Dr Dev Nathani completed his medical degree at the University of New South Wales in 2011 and his Master of Philosophy (Medicine) at the University of Sydney in 2019, evaluating the role of nerve biopsy in modern neurodiagnostics. Dr Nathani spent two years as a research fellow at the Brain and Mind Centre in Sydney, supervised by Professor Matthew Kiernan, a world-leading expert in MND, where he was part of a multidisciplinary care model in the MND clinic. Dr Nathani joined Perron Institute and Joondalup Health Campus in the Motor Neurone Disease Clinic in 2021

Katie has over 20 years of experience as an Exercise Physiologist and exercise specialist. Over that time she has created two successful and innovative exercise and lifestyle businesses in Sydney at Fox Studios and The Beach Lifestyle Club in Perth. She has worked with high performing individuals delivering mental and physical performance optimisation. Katie was also managing director for the Perth Crown Metropol 20-million-dollar spa and wellbeing development ISIKA. Katie is a sessional academic at Curtin University and sits on the Advisory board of the Heart Foundation WA.

Katie is a passionate and dedicated advocate for combined mental & physical primary health services for chronic disease directing her focus towards chronic mental and physical illness and injury prevention research and services. She is determined to drive real change in healthcare delivery by partnering with large corporations and state and federal health to introduce reform and effective strategies for chronic disease management, treatment and prevention using Exercise as Medicine.

Hayley Lethlean is the CEO of Neuromuscular WA, a passionate advocate for the rare disease community, and a leader in community-based health initiatives. With over 20 years in the not-for-profit sector, Hayley is dedicated to driving a patient-centred approach, ensuring that individuals with rare conditions and their families have a voice in decision-making about their care and future. With extensive experience in innovative co-design and stakeholder engagement, Hayley aims to work collaboratively to improve health outcomes across Western Australia.

A/Prof Kristen Nowak is Director, Population Health Genomics, Western Australian (WA) Department of Health, and has a health genomics and rare disease research background. Her policy team aids translation of evidence-based genomic and screening technologies and knowledge into health systems, with an emphasis on rare diseases. Her team is leading the implementation of the WA Genomics Strategy 2022-2032: Towards Precision Medicine and Precision Public Health. Nationally, Kristen is a member, Health Technology and Genomics Collaboration; and Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, Rare Voices Australia. Previously she was Chair, Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program Management Committee, and member, Standing Committee on Screening.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Anna is a Senior Registered Nurse and an integral member of the leadership team at the Comprehensive Rare Care Centre, Children and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS). Her extensive experience, post graduate qualifications and unwavering dedication have made her a pillar in the field of paediatric care.

For the past 20 years, Anna has dedicated herself to working with children and families experiencing complex disabilities and chronic conditions. Her expertise in managing intricate patient journeys, coupled with her compassionate approach, has significantly improved outcomes for these vulnerable populations.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare, Anna was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship in 2024 to explore Family Support Programs overseas for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, further enhancing her ability to positively impact patient care.

Dr Aleks Miljevic is an Early Career Researcher within the Brain Plasticity Research Group lead by Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger. She has clinical trial experience in mental health populations and as a result of her PhD, where she conducted innovative research in individuals with depression investigating the relationship between changes in the way the brain communicates and how this relates to treatment response. She has worked with a range of experts (psychiatrists, data statisticians, and healthcare professionals) to improve the quality of biomarker measurement for the prediction of non-invasive brain stimulation treatment response. Aleks is a lead coordinator for the WA TMS Network and she is now dedicating her experience and skills to a large youth mental health focused project at the Perron Institute. Her project aims to transform the youth mental health landscape through a unique focus on personalised care, increased treatment options, and increased community engagement, awareness, and education.

Brad Roberts is a UWA PhD candidate at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science whose multidisciplinary research aims to improve the efficiency of care pathways and service connections for youth mental health. By evaluating the clinical efficacy of pharmacogenetic testing and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, Brad’s research will lay the foundation for young people suffering depression and anxiety to have access to a mental health care plan tailored to their individual needs.

Dr Bruce Powell was the Head of ICU at Rockingham Hospital, and the former State Medical Director of Organ Donation for Western Australia. After a near-fatal cycling accident and brain injury, Bruce became a writer and speaker. A regular contributor to radio and newspapers, he advocates for the brain injury community and challenges traditional healthcare narratives, exploring what patients truly need—beyond treatment—to reclaim identity and agency.

Emeritus Professor Harvey is one of Australia’s leading neuroscience researchers focusing on cell/tissue transplantation, gene therapy and pharmacotherapy in repairing the central nervous system. He is a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at UWA (Human Sciences and the Conservatorium of Music), the Lions Eye Institute and the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, and is WA Ambassador for the Meeting for Minds. He is a Director and Board member of the Neurological Council of WA. Professor Harvey has also been a Board member of the Perron Institute, the Brain Foundation, and was a member of the International Neural Transplantation Council and WA Reproductive Technology Council. Since retirement, his interests in neuroscience and music led to the publication by Oxford University Press of his book ‘Music, Evolution and the Harmony of Souls’ in 2017. In addition to a popular Tedx talk, he continues to give many invited professional and public lectures on music therapy and the life-long beneficial effects of music-related activities on human mind and body.

She has been the chief executive of Volunteering WA since April 2016 bringing management and leadership experience in the not for profit sector, in both health and community organisations. Prior to joining Volunteering WA, Ms Williams was the marketing & development manager of Women and Infants Research Foundation, and manager of community relations at Carers WA. She is a Trustee of WA Charity Direct. Tina led the state election ask to convene the Volunteer Community Reference Group in 2017 and ardently drives partnerships and collaborations to strengthen and grow support for volunteering and the sector.

Dr. Kristina Elvidge is Head of Research at the Childhood Dementia Initiative, driving systemic change to transform outcomes for children with dementia. She has been working with rare disease patient organisations since 2008 to accelerate the development of much needed treatments through evidence gathering and stakeholder collaboration. Kristina holds a PhD in molecular biology from UWA and completed postdoctoral research at Oxford University.

Mrs Katie Krysteen Martin, Senior Clinical Psychologist Coordinator, Royal Perth Hospital. My research interest has focused on functional neurological disorders (FND), resulting in engaging and coordinating various stakeholders to facilitate and evaluate a WA-first interdisciplinary virtual group for consumers (and their carer/support person) with a diagnosis of FND.

Catherine is the CEO of Brightwater since April 2022 focused on aged and disability care and support. She is proud of Brightwater’s commitment building research capability across those sectors who support vulnerable groups.

Catherine’s previous roles include CEO, NT Health, Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospital’s NHS Trust and Chief Nurse for WA. Current Board roles include WACHS and NMBA, and Associate Editor of the BMJ Leader. In 2011 she received the Telstra WA Businesswoman of the Year, 2013 Australian Public Service Medal, Churchill Fellowships (2006), recently, the 2024 Curtin Alumni Award (Health Sciences).

Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Janet Wagland has worked for over 30 years at Brightwater Care Group in a number of roles predominantly related to the care and support of people with complex neurological disability. She has been instrumental in the development of Brightwater’s disability services including rehabilitation, transition, supported independent living and community-based therapy, behaviour support and support coordination services. Within her role, Janet has driven the development of service models for people with neurological disability and the design and construct of environments informed by both the model of service and the specific needs of the individual diagnostic groups.

Professor Stephan (PhD) is the inaugural Chair of Dementia (for Curtin University and Dementia Australia) and Director of the Dementia Centre of Excellence. She is a Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor. She is an internationally renowned neuroepidemiologist leading a research program on dementia risk in high, low and middle-income countries.

Melanie Clark is a Public Health researcher with a core focus in improving daily functioning in neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly Huntington's disease. Melanie is the founder of the Australian Aboriginal Huntington's (Camel Disease) Working Group and is leading the Far North Huntington's Mobile Clinic. Melanie and her team facilitated a remote, specialist clinical and social neurological outreach clinic for Aboriginal Australian's affected by Huntington's disease in the East Kimberley. https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Monica is an HD Specialist with a background in Behavioural Science. For over a decade, she has supported individuals and families impacted by Huntington’s disease. As Team Leader of the national Community Programs team at Huntington’s Australia, Monica is passionate about improving access to care in regional and remote communities. She has a particular interest in working with youth and young adults, and contributes to the delivery of collaborative, person-centred care. Through her work with the specialised HD clinic in Far North Western Australia, Monica and the team help drive initiatives to improve service access and provide culturally responsive care for Aboriginal Australians living with Huntington’s disease in remote communities.

Sarah has 22 years of experience in aged, dementia, palliative, and primary care, specialising in service management, quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement. She currently leads a national carer support program within Dementia Support Australia. Holding a Master of Gerontology (with distinction), she brings a holistic approach to enhancing care services.

Gail is a Family Liaison Officer with Dementia Support Australia who, with a degree in counselling, works towards shifting the paradigm of dementia care to include a holistic, person-centred approach. Gail is passionate about “people–powered” health and wellbeing activities, and finding where the blend of community action and professional services intersect to champion people becoming activators in their health and wellbeing journey.

Dr Tang is the inaugural Sarich Family Research Fellow leads the Healthy Brain Ageing and Repair Lab at UWA and the Perron Institute. His lab aims to understand the role of ageing on essential neurological functions such as learning and memory, as well as the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related neurological disorders (e.g., stroke). Using this knowledge, the lab hopes to develop novel interventions that can promote healthy brain ageing or treat age-related neurological disorders to ensure a high quality of living throughout life.

An experienced individual and systemic advocate, Bronwyn is passionate about delivering a sustainable system of care for the 30,000 Australians living with young onset dementia; and ending the placement of younger disabled Australians in residential aged care facilities.

Bronwyn has worked with state and federal governments in health and disability systems policy and practice reform and written extensively on the development and integration of multisystem service responses involving housing, health, mental health and disability/NDIS services. With a track record of collaboration, innovation and achievement, she has also served on a number of state and federal advisory bodies.

As the Alliance’s National Director, Bronwyn works with the Board to ensure the Alliance’s Mission and Vision are met. Bronwyn also ensures the Board is kept up to date with the Alliance’s strategic plan and work and is provided with clear recommendations regarding decisions about the organisation’s future direction and activities.

Vicki Barry is the founder and facilitator of Young Dementia Network WA established in 2016. The network provides peer support for people living with young onset dementia, their care partners, and families. She was instrumental in the creation of YODyssey, the art of living well with young onset dementia, an annual art exhibition showcasing the work of people living with YOD (young onset dementia), and to raise awareness in the community. Vicki is a staunch dementia advocate for Alzheimer’s WA and Dementia Australia. She sits on many advisory and working groups to inform and influence better outcomes for people living with young onset dementia, their care partners and families. She is a care partner, supporting her husband who has been living with YOD for the past twelve years. Vicki has extensive leadership and operational management experience across business, government, health, and the social sectors. As a systems and possibility thinker she generates ideas, connects people to create opportunities for innovation, development, and impact. She says, “too many projects and activities do not translate into action or achieve better outcomes, wasting valuable funds and resources. I’d like my professional and lived experience to count for something – to be valued and make a difference”.

Sabena delivers community education with Palliative Care WA. She has a Master of Psychology (Counselling) and is passionate about helping people to live fully in the last stage of their lives. She has worked in the community, health, adult education and aged care sectors.

Dr. Min-Yin Yap is FightMND's Care Grants Manager - FightMND is the home of 2025 Australian of the year, Neale Daniher. FightMND was established in 2014 with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for motor neurone disease, and since 2017 has been supporting people living with MND.

Min-Yin has a background in biomedical research and has brought her experience in grant and research project management to FightMND, where she manages FightMND's Care program, investing in research and other activities to improve the quality of life of people living with, and affected by MND.

Professor Charles Watson is an eminent neurobiologist and public health physician. He specialises in brain and spinal cord mapping and has over 25 years’ experience teaching anatomy to medical and science students.

During his tenure at the Health Department of Western Australia from 1982 to 1994, Charles’ achievements included setting up the Quit campaign and establishing breast cancer screening in Western Australia. He was appointed Chief Health Officer in 1993.

Charles currently holds professorial positions at Curtin, University of Queensland, University of NSW, and the University of WA. He has authored or co-authored 25 books on neuroscience and is best known for his atlas of the rat brain, which has been cited over 85,000 times. He has published over 100 journal articles, and his recent work focuses on gene expression in the developing brain.

Charles was made a member of the Order of Australia for his work in brain research and public health in 2004.