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Session P1 I Day 1 Opening Plenary

Friday, September 18, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Federation Ballroom

Overview

Welcome from conference committee co-chairs * Welcome to Country * Welcome from APS President * Opening remarks from Clinical College national chair *


Presenter

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Prof Dixie Statham
Federation University Australia

Welcome from conference program committee co-chair, Professor Dixie Statham

12:00 PM - 12:05 PM

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Professor Statham is the co-chair of the Conference Committee. She is a Fellow of the College of Clinical Psychologists (CCLP), and a member of the National CCLP Committee and the Victoria State Section. Professor Statham has a strong and enduring interest in the education of psychologists and in supporting students, registrars, and early career psychologists to develop their professional identity, careers, and leadership skills in regional and rural communities. Her research in substance misuse, trauma, anxiety and depression, has produced 100+ co-authored peer-reviewed papers, which are closely aligned with her clinical interests. In clinical practice, Professor Statham works with CBT & Schema Therapy to provide assessment and treatment of complex, co-morbid disorders.
Trisha Hodge
Nita Education

Welcome to Country

12:05 PM - 12:10 PM

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"Sharing our culture, history and heritage is the most important part of who I am. I believe that everyone who lives in or visits lutruwita (Tasmania) should be exposed in some way to the most ancient living culture on Earth. Our culture is how we connect to milaythina (Country), and how we connect to each other, if we are connected then we can protect, conserve, grow and prosper together. My career background is in Aboriginal education and tourism, it has been my life dream to operate this business, so our people and culture grow strong.” - Trish Hodge
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Dr Kelly Gough
President
APS

Welcome on behalf of the Australian Psychological Society, APS President, Dr Kelly Gough

12:10 PM - 12:17 PM

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Dr Kelly Gough is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with over twenty years of experience in evidence-based practice. His clinical background keeps him connected to the realities of frontline care, but his focus as APS President is on leadership that brings people together, supports good governance, and strengthens the profession for the long term. Across his time in the APS, including serving as national Chair of the College of Clinical Neuropsychologists and in state leadership roles, Kelly has prioritised creating spaces where members feel heard, respected, and able to contribute. His leadership style is warm, collaborative, and steady. He works by drawing people into constructive conversations, building consensus, and keeping decisions grounded in evidence and the strategic priorities of the Society. Education and mentorship are central to Kelly’s work. He teaches and supervises across university and clinical settings and is committed to supporting clear, accessible, and sustainable training pathways. He also brings a strong commitment to the diversity of practice within psychology and to improving equitable access to mental-health care across Australia. As a Director and President, Kelly aims to support a unified, inclusive and forward-looking APS that serves both its members and the wider community.
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Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin
National Chair - APS College of Clinical Psychologists

Opening remarks from College of Clinical Psychologists national chair, Dr Ozgur Yalcin

12:17 PM - 12:24 PM

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Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of ANIMA Health Network, a clinical psychology and neuropsychology practice in WA. In addition to his professional expertise, he brings a unique perspective as someone who has lived with ADHD, being diagnosed later in life. This dual perspective allows him to bridge the gap between clinical practice and personal experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals with ADHD face. He has presented and delivered workshops on topics including schema therapy, Adult ADHD, and complex trauma, and has contributed as a guest on several podcasts. His PhD resulted in the development of the YSQ-R, in Schema Therapy, and he is an adjunct research fellow at the Curtin University EnAble Institute, where he is investigating the intersection between c-PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and Early Maladaptive Schemas in Autistic and ADHD individuals.
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Dr Daniel Brown
La Trobe University

Opening remarks and housekeeping, conference committee co-chair Daniel Brown

12:24 PM - 12:30 PM

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Daniel is a Clinical Psychologist with a joint position in private practice and academia. His clinical and research interests focus on sexual wellbeing and LGBTQIA+ health equity.
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