Keynote Speakers
Opening speaker, Marion Farrelly (Maz)
Maz has been to more showbiz parties than The Clooneys in Oscar season, and down more red carpets than a Dyson vacuum. Her contacts contain bigger names than the toilet queue at the Oscars, and if you can stick a name plate on it and hand it over to loud applause, she's won it - BAFTAs, Logies, ASTRAS, Royal Television Society Awards, UK Comedy Awards, and a Bronze Rose De Montreux. If you've watched it, Maz probably made it - here in Australia, L.A. and London - the biggest shows in the world, with the biggest teams, budgets, audiences and stars. Her content has been watched more than eight billion times and she once created so much social traffic, she broke Twitter. Maz now helps smart individuals and ambitious companies find their X Factor, because attention, impact and influence are everything.
Closing speaker, Bonnie Hancock
As the fastest and youngest person in history to paddle around Australia, Bonnie Hancock faced sharks and crocodiles the size of her ski, but it wasn’t the physical challenges which provided the most growth. Not willing to settle in the comfort zone, Bonnie has embraced challenges both on and off the water throughout her career. Using the discipline and resilience learnt in her time as a professional ironwoman, she has not only broken multiple Guinness World Records, but also published a bestselling book with Harper Collins, created a documentary for Fox and Kayo about the journey, and present a TED talk on lessons from Mother Nature. As an inspiring and candid storyteller, Bonnie invites audiences to dive into an adventure of captivating, terrifying, and life-changing moments of growth from her journey, imploring others to look at their own ambitions and ask, “Why Not?”
Stream Speakers
For the middle of the day, join in on one of our curated topic streams OR participate in our hands-on workshop.
Business Stream
Know your worth and build a thriving practice
Ready to transform your private practice into a career that aligns with your aspirations and goals? In this session, Jodie Sheraton will draw on 18+ years of experience to empower early-career dietitians to overcome common challenges and reframe their mindset around money, time and self-worth. Through real-life stories and case studies, Jodie will show you how to leave limiting beliefs behind, establish fair compensation and create a sustainable, client-focused practice. Walk away with actionable steps, new perspectives and tools to build a business that evolves with you – because you’re worthy of achieving it.
Jodie Sheraton has been an Accredited Practising Dietitian for over 18 years and is the Director of Optimum Intake Dietitians, Myrtle Oak Clinic, and Elevated Dietetics. Jodie leads and supports her team of 40+ dietitians, psychologists and client coordinators, fostering a collaborative and values-driven workplace culture. Jodie empowers private practice dietitians to boost their influence, impact and income. Her ability to combine innovation with practicality inspires others to push boundaries and embrace new opportunities, creating a thriving and sustainable future for private practice dietitians across the sector.
Transforming eating habits with data and digital tools
New data reveals a bleak outlook for the future health of Australians. Over the last five years, purchasing habits have remained a long way from a diet aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines – but the good news is there has been a small shift in the last year. Join Simone Austin as she shares new digital tools that have the potential to make a big difference and enable lasting behaviour change. Grounded in data, Simone will provide insights to inform patient care and public health messaging. She will also share what Aussies are really purchasing and debunk the myth that healthy eating is more expensive than the less-healthy average shop Aussies currently buy.
Simone Austin has had a dynamic career that fits her zestful personality. Simone has fuelled some of Australia’s most successful sporting teams, including Hawthorn Football Club, the Australian Men’s Cricket Team, Melbourne Storm Rugby League and Melbourne City A-League, and wrote the book Eat Like An Athlete. Simone is currently the Chief Health Officer and Chair of the Advisory Board at Healthylife, and has led the publication of four Living Healthy Reports which shine the spotlight on the health of Australians. Simone was previously the President and is now a Fellow of Sports Dietitians Australia, and recently finished a term on the Dietitians Australia Board.
Simplifying AI: Work smarter, achieve impact
Dive into a hands-on exploration of AI’s transformative potential for dietitians and nutrition professionals with Justin Kabbani. Starting with an update on the latest advancements in AI, Justin will guide you through his proven ‘Prime, Prompt, Produce’ framework, designed to simplify and supercharge daily workflows. With a focus on actionable strategies, practical examples and ethical considerations like copyright and legal do’s and don’ts, this session will empower you to integrate AI tools into your practice immediately. You’ll leave feeling confident and equipped with useful frameworks to enhance efficiency, creativity and impact.
Justin Kabbani is a leading ChatGPT expert and coach, having empowered over 1,500 Australian business leaders to unlock their potential with AI. Passionate about activating human creativity and performance, Justin specialises in helping professionals leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to spend more time in their highest-value zones. As the founder of the AI Marketing Summit, he combines his expertise in AI with practical coaching to deliver transformative workshops and actionable frameworks. Justin’s mission is to simplify AI adoption, enabling businesses to work smarter, innovate faster and achieve meaningful impact in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Building your niche business
Ready to make your mark? In this panel discussion, Lina Breik and Melanie McGrice reveal why niching is the key to creating a profitable and fulfilling business. You’ll learn how specialising can boost your impact, increase your income and open unexpected doors. From smarter marketing to diversifying revenue streams, Melanie and Lina will share their top tips for long-term success. This not-to-be-missed session will give you the tools to grow with confidence.
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Lina Breik is the Founding Lead of Tube Dietitian, a community-based nutrition care business specialising in home tube feeding. Lina is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between hospital and home care for adults with feeding tubes. Currently pursuing a PhD focused on home tube feeding, Lina is committed to advancing research and practice in this essential area of nutrition. She is also the author Home Tube Feeding: A Mini Casebook and Your Tube: a guide to nutrition through a feeding tube, available on the Tube Dietitian website.
Melanie McGrice is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian renowned for her expertise in the "first 1000 days" encompassing fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and paeds. As the President of the Early Life Nutrition Alliance, she supports over 20,000 health professionals worldwide. An entrepreneur at heart, Melanie founded ‘Nutrition Therapy for Fertility’ and ‘Nutrition Therapy for Pregnancy’ to enhance dietitians’ skills in these vital areas. Committed to global impact, she collaborates with Compassion to support Mother & Baby Centres in developing countries. A former Dietitians Australia board member, Melanie is dedicated to using her expertise to inspire and empower dietitians to create lasting impact during the crucial first 1000 days.
Clinical Stream
Empowering parents to help their children thrive
Working in paediatrics can often feel like you need to learn a new language to talk to parents. In this presentation, Dr Kyla Smith will share practical ways you can help parents feel understood in your consults, to help them help their children to thrive. Covering common pain points for babies, toddlers and school aged kids, including nap schedules, developmental milestones and common childhood behaviours, you’ll leave feeling confident and equipped with new knowledge and skills to implement in your practice.
Dr Kyla Smith is a paediatric dietitian and feeding specialist. She’s a mother of two, has a PhD in childhood weight management and has practised for 17 years. She is the founder of the online programs ‘Baby Mealtimes’, ‘Toddler Mealtimes’ and ‘Family Mealtimes’, which have taught thousands of parents how to confidently feed their children, create enjoyable family mealtimes and support their kids to grow up as adventurous eaters. She has also founded ‘School Mealtimes’, an online space to assist parents, educators and schools to work together to provide supportive messaging around eating at school. Read more about her work at mealtimes.com.au.
Putting ‘home’ in home tube feeding
Collaboration, resourcefulness and prioritising person-centered care are the key pillars of a dietitian's role in supporting people living with feeding tubes at home. In this presentation, Lina Breik will highlight the importance of working closely with clients, families and healthcare teams, leveraging creativity to overcome challenges, and focusing on quality of life before stress factors. Through sharing learnings from real-life cases, Lina will emphasise the value of dignity, comfort and individuality in care. Don’t miss this practical and inspiring session!
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Lina Breik is the Founding Lead of Tube Dietitian, a community-based nutrition care business specialising in home tube feeding. Lina is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between hospital and home care for adults with feeding tubes. Currently pursuing a PhD focused on home tube feeding, Lina is committed to advancing research and practice in this essential area of nutrition. She is also the author Home Tube Feeding: A Mini Casebook and Your Tube: a guide to nutrition through a feeding tube, available on the Tube Dietitian website.
When trauma is at the table (and in our profession)
Experiences of Trauma can profoundly shape food, eating and body image, and impacts often show up in the dietitian’s office. In this session, Fiona Sutherland explores how trauma influences eating behaviours, from survival-based patterns to the impacts of food insecurity, cultural trauma and medical harm. It also acknowledges how trauma affects dietitians themselves, contributing to perfectionism, burnout and ethical distress. Trauma-informed care (TIC) principles are often used in disordered eating scenarios, however they can be applied in all areas of clinical practice. By doing so, we can foster safety, trust and client autonomy whilst attending to ourselves and our scope of practice. Attendees will reflect on their own experiences and gain strategies for sustainable, compassionate practice to reimagine nourishment - with care.
Fiona Sutherland is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Yoga Teacher and Clinical Supervisor from Naarm (Melbourne). As Director of The Mindful Dietitian, she brings over 25 years of experience in clinical, consultancy and supervision work to the Dietetic and broader healthcare field. Fiona has made key contributions to the development and delivery of education and training to hundreds of Dietitians worldwide from undergraduate training through to an extensive array of live and online professional courses on Eating Disorders, Body Image, Trauma Informed Care and Supervision Skills for Dietitians.
Med diet update: brain health and dementia
What does the latest science say about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet? Join world leader in Mediterranean diet research Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos in this engaging presentation to explore the exciting new research coming to light on this World Heritage diet. Focusing on the mechanisms of action in brain health, Catherine will outline the latest advancements on the benefits of a traditional Med diet.
Catherine Itsiopoulos is a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics and Deputy Vice Chancellor of STEM College at RMIT University and brings an extensive background of over 30 years in clinical, health service, research and academic leadership roles. Catherine is the co-founder and Vice President of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute, board member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and Chair of the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation Education Task Force. A world leader in Mediterranean diet research, Catherine focusses on investigating the impact of a Mediterranean diet on chronic diseases. Catherine has published extensively, is highly cited and has authored four books on the Mediterranean diet.
Trends Stream
Nutrition essentials for perimenopause
Did you know perimenopause can last up to 10 years? Or that 80% of women will experience symptoms like hot flushes, sleep disturbances and mood changes during this time? In this presentation, Jaime Rose Chambers explains how nutrition can help to alleviate perimenopause symptoms and improve health outcomes throughout and beyond this stage of life. With a focus on the key nutrients and foods that have the biggest impact, Jaime will break down why our approach to nutrition must shift as women transition into perimenopause. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and evidence-based tips to help your clients enhance their wellbeing and feel their best during this time.
An Accredited practising dietitian and lover of food, Jaime Rose Chambers considered a career as a chef and a doctor before deciding to combine her two passions, food and health. Jaime holds a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Newcastle and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Science (Complementary Therapies). She is the author of two bestselling books on 16:8 Intermittent Fasting. Her latest book, The Peri Diet, is a comprehensive guide to eating for a happy and healthy perimenopause. She has delivered a number of corporate seminars on various nutrition topics, is a regular contributor to publications such as Mamamia & Body + Soul, and appears regularly on The Today Show, Today Extra and A Current Affair.
What’s the latest in fertility nutrition?
Join Melanie McGrice to learn evidence-based strategies to support clients to optimize their fertility through nutrition. Melanie will explore practical approaches for enhancing egg and sperm health and explain the vital role of the first 1000 days. You’ll leave with an understanding of the most common causes of infertility and how a dietitian can make a meaningful impact on reproductive health.
Melanie McGrice is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian renowned for her expertise in the "first 1000 days" encompassing fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and paeds. As the President of the Early Life Nutrition Alliance, she supports over 20,000 health professionals worldwide. An entrepreneur at heart, Melanie founded ‘Nutrition Therapy for Fertility’ and ‘Nutrition Therapy for Pregnancy’ to enhance dietitians’ skills in these vital areas. Committed to global impact, she collaborates with Compassion to support Mother & Baby Centres in developing countries. A former Dietitians Australia board member, Melanie is dedicated to using her expertise to inspire and empower dietitians to create lasting impact during the crucial first 1000 days.
Obesity medications: Collaboration is key
The world of medications used in the treatment of obesity and weight management is rapidly evolving, and close collaboration between doctors and dietitians is essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes. In this presentation, Dr Angela Kwong will explain the current medications available in Australia, how they work and how patient progress is monitored overtime. Angela will outline the main side effects experienced with obesity medications, and how dietitians play an essential role in managing them. With a focus on best practice for effective collaboration between GPs and dietitians, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and tools you can implement in your practice immediately.
Dr Angela Kwong is a General Practitioner from Sydney and the NSW State Lead for the Specific Interests Group in Obesity Management with the RACGP. She is the Founder of Enlighten Me, an online multidisciplinary weight loss program integrating medical care, nutrition education and exercise. Passionate about reducing weight stigma and increasing access to evidence-based weight management options, she organised The Australian Weight Loss Summit, bringing together health professionals and the public for education and open discussion.
Demystifying ultra-processed foods
Join Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian Kim Tikellis for a stimulating deep dive on ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Kim will cover the foundational concepts and scientific evidence around UPFs, while unravelling the complex impact of food classification systems on population dietary choices for good health. You'll leave with an understanding of consumer attitudes towards UPFs and practical solutions for talking to clients about everyday concerns, such as cost of living, convenience and culinary skills. Kim will also explore how dietitians can frame conversations around UPFs and the dietary guidelines, along with the benefits of whole foods vs food processing.
Kim Tikellis is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian, lifetime fellow of Dietitians Australia and a sessional lecturer at Australian Catholic University. Kim has decades of experience working in food regulation, marketing, food industry, retail brand strategy, consumer education and food promotion. Kim is a past-President of ILSI International Life Sciences Institute Australasia. Kim was peer nominated as a member of the Commonwealth Government Technical Advisory Group to the Health Star Rating 5-year review for Front of Pack labelling and foundational convenor of the non-affiliated Food Industry Nutrition Group in Victoria.
Aged Care Workshop
Fixed session - limited spaces available
Our hands-on, face-to-face Aged Care Workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to confidently implement the new standards and transform aged care dining.
Quality on the menu: The new Aged Care Standards & dietetic practice
The implementation of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards from July 1, 2025, requires residential aged care providers to collaborate closely with dietitians to enhance the nutritional well-being of older adults. Join Jessica Zilujko, dietitian and Director of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit, as she breaks down exactly what dietitians need to know. Jessica will outline the core principles driving these Standards and clearly explain their implications for dietetic practice, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently navigate and lead the transformation of aged care dining.
Jessica Zilujko is a highly experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Director of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit. Holding a Bachelor of Science, Master of Dietetics Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health, Jessica is also PhD Candidate researching foodservice quality outcomes and assessment within residential aged care, leading the sector in understanding evidence-based solutions to improve aged care nutrition and dining experiences. Jessica has extensive experience working within the aged care and private sectors and is committed to working with aged care providers and consumers to improve the quality of food, nutrition and dining to ensure optimal health and wellbeing outcomes for older Australians.
Putting the Standards into everyday practice
What do the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards look like in real life? In this practical session, dietitian and Managing Director of Eat Well Nutrition Service, Emma Rippon, will take you beyond the guidelines to explore how these Standards are implemented on the ground. She will cover key challenges such as balancing choice with clinical needs, meeting texture-modified requirements, and optimising the meal environment. Emma will be joined by chef Lee Ruane, who will share some key considerations to successful collaboration between chefs and dietitians, to enhance a patient’s mealtime experience.
Emma Rippon is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Managing Director of Eat Well Nutrition Service. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement), a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics and has recently commenced a Diploma of Dementia Care through the University of Tasmania. She started Eat Well Nutrition Service in over 20 years ago and the company now service almost 300 aged care homes across Australia. Emma’s dietetic career began in the public hospital system, working for a number of years combining hospital, aged care and private practice work as the sole dietitian at Eat Well Nutrition Service. As the aged care business evolved, Emma started to employ a dietetic team to support the growing needs of the Eat Well business. She now employs over 20 dietitians across Australia and the team specialise in providing evidence-based and best practice Dietetic, Food and Nutrition services to the aged care sector.
Lee Ruane has built a career across both the aged care and hospitality industries, starting as a chef apprentice at Becco Restaurant in Melbourne. After working in various cafés and restaurants in Melbourne and Queensland, Lee transitioned into aged care. As Chef Manager at Yallambee Traralgon Village for six years, Lee led a dedicated team to deliver fresh, high-quality meals daily. Later, as Hospitality Manager, Lee gained hands-on experience balancing resident satisfaction with industry regulations. Now, as Catering & Solutions Manager at SoupedUp, Lee combines culinary expertise with technology to enhance resident dining experiences, streamline workflows, and support aged care providers in delivering exceptional meal services.
Roundtable Discussion: Ask the experts.
This interactive panel discussion brings together our highly experienced speakers - Jessica Zilujko, Emma Rippon, and Lee Ruane - for an open conversation on the realities of implementing the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. This is your chance to ask questions, share challenges, and gain deeper insights into how dietitians and chefs can work together to create meaningful change in aged care dining.
Chef and dietitian collaboration in action
Join experienced aged care chef Lee Ruane and dietitian Emma Rippon for an engaging, interactive session designed to explore real-world solutions for aged care dining. This session moves beyond theory, highlighting the power of collaboration between chefs and dietitians. Through case studies and dynamic group discussions, you’ll actively engage in problem-solving and share ideas on practical approaches to food service, meal quality, and enhancing the overall dining experience for residents. Gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and walk away with actionable strategies to implement in your own aged care setting.
Aged Care Workshop supported by
MCs
Main event and business stream MC
Dr Joanna McMillan is a PhD-qualified nutrition scientist, dietitian and lifestyle medicine fellow, as well as an accomplished author, engaging speaker, visionary food futurist, passionate cook, and charismatic TV presenter. With eight books and four Audible originals under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her TEDx talk has captivated over a million viewers worldwide. Originally from Scotland, she has called Australia home for 25 years and speaks at public, scientific, and corporate events globally.
Trends stream MC
Karen Inge is a leading dietitian, an award-winning author, a media commentator, and a pioneer in sports nutrition in Australia. Karen was the first VFL/AFL club dietitian; the founding Head of Nutrition at the Victorian Institute of Sport; the inaugural Vice President then President and Fellow of Sports Dietitians Australia; and the first dietitian Fellow of Sports Medicine Australia. In 2015, Karen was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Monash University for her work in sports nutrition and named Deakin University Alumni of the Year 2018. Karen also has a passion for culinary nutrition and has worked extensively with major food producers and the hospitality industry to consider nutrition quality a priority. She is a Director and founder of the healthy food company Dineamic and an Ambassador for Fareshare /Second Bite, a food rescue organisation. Karen has recently retired as Director of St Vincent’s Institute (SVI) of Medical Research and Chair of the SVI Foundation but continues her involvement at SVI as Founder and Chair of the Rising Star Program.
Clinical stream MC
Dr Tim Crowe is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian who has spent most of his career in the world of university nutrition teaching and research. He now works chiefly as a freelance health and medical writer, scientific consultant and science communicator. He has an active media profile and a large social media following through his Thinking Nutrition blog and podcast.
Dietitians Unite 2025 is supported by
