Conference to explore drugs and alcohol in sport 'the silent epedemic'

The 2012 Swinburne University Sport and Recreation Conference is to explore the issue of Drugs and Alcohol in Sport.

With the theme 'the silent epedemic', the conference will include a keynote presentation from psychologist Cameron Brown who will explore the reasons for athletes/sportspeople using drugs and alcohol and the scientific causes of addiction as well as presenting specific case studies of athletes/sportspeople's experiences.

To be held at Melbourne's Westpac Centre, the former Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre (Glasshouse) on Tuesday 13th November, the conference will also be addressed by Julie Rae, Head of Information and Research at the Australian Drug Foundation; Associate Professor John Fitzgerald - an expert in alcohol and drug policy; and Ian Prendergast, General Manager of Player Relations with the AFL Players' Association.

The conference is aimed at sport administrators, academics, student and health professionals.

Keynote Speaker
Cameron Brown - is a registered psychologist with the Australian Psychologist's Board and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

He has worked in residential rehabilitation on the Gold Coast providing one-on-one counselling and facilitating group sessions for people struggling with addiction, especially those with a dual diagnosis. His experience involves social skills training, group therapy and case management.

Brown also has experience working as a private practice psychologist providing services to people in the community suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and mental illness. He believes that addiction is a whole person problem involving psychological, biological and social components. Cameron primarily utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and has a strong interest in existential and acceptance-based approaches.

Sessional Presenters
Julie Rae - has been employed as the Head of Information and Research at the Australian Drug Foundation since September 2011. Her role is to develop information on evidence-based research in the area of alcohol and other drugs, and her past experience in strategic and operational leadership more than equips her to undertake this task. She has seven years' private sector experience and 19 years' experience in the area of local government. Rae's many key successes are due to utilising innovative technological solutions to improve and enhance services to the community.

Associate Professor John Fitzgerald - is an expert in alcohol and drug policy. He has a PhD in Pharmacology on the drug ecstasy and a second PhD in English on the discourse and language used to understand psychoactive substances. His research focuses on the lived experience and cultural significance of psychoactive substance use, ranging across hallucinogenics, stimulants, injectable opiates and alcohol. John has an active media profile appearing on TV and radio as an expert commentator on matters relating to alcohol, tobacco, healthy eating and healthy urban planning strategies.

Ian Prendergast - has been employed as the General Manager of Player Relations with the AFL Players' Association since December 2009. An Australian footballer, who played with the Carlton Football Club in the AFL from 1999 to 2006, he completed a law degree at Monash University during his 65-game playing career. In his role with the AFLPA, Ian acts as an advocate for AFL players seeking to maintain and improve the terms and conditions of their employment. He also oversees the accreditation and regulation of player agents, and provides advice and guidance for players and agents in relation to a wide range of player issues.

For more information and bookings contact Sheridan Nicol of Final Quarter Management on 0414 880 532, E: snicol@finalquartermanagement.com.au, www.finalquartermanagement.com.au