News

18 August 2021

Some of the most esteemed experts and researchers in mental health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from around Australia and the world will take to the virtual stage next week as part of the second FearLess National Conversation on PTSD.

To be held virtually across two days on 24-25 August 2021, the ‘PTSD in an Era of Trauma’ themed conference is dedicated to building its national network that informs and educates the health professionals who care for, research, and treat PTSD.

The event also offers support to the one million Australians currently suffering from the condition and the estimated five million Australians who are actively supporting or caring for someone with PTSD.

Representatives from Queensland-based University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute, a world-class research institute addressing Australia’s most pressing mental health issues, will feature in the program across several sessions.

Thompson Institute Director, Professor Jim Lagopoulos said the FearLess National Conversation was an important opportunity to share insights, experiences and research findings to help people living with trauma find hope for a better future.

“We look forward to talking about the new technologies and treatment options that are likely to be available over the next five to 10 years, as well as programs that are successful now, such as our Institute’s own community-based alliance for suicide prevention here on the Sunshine Coast,” Professor Lagopoulos said.

“As an Institute that prioritises the fast translation of research evidence into community support, we appreciate the work FearLess does to bring us together to discuss what we already know about PTSD, what our communities need, and how we can work together to achieve this.”

FearLess Chairman and Co-Founder, Chris Barrie AC, said with millions of Australians in lockdown significant concerns continue to emerge over the increase, and evolving impact, of mental illness and PTSD in the community.

“There is a common yet misplaced understanding that PTSD is a condition that targets only military personnel or emergency services workers – but we know that major events like the 2019/20 bushfires have had a significant impact in regions where victims are now suffering from compounding trauma in response to ongoing lockdowns,” he said.

“I would strongly encourage any person who is struggling with their mental health to head to the conference website and take advantage of the free registration offer, and I’d encourage all professionals who work in this space to look at the support and education available through full access tickets.”

FearLess recently made the decision to offer free registration to any Australian wishing to attend the virtual National Conversation on PTSD.

The free registration option – reduced from $49 – will enable attendees to access all plenary sessions across the two-day event, including presentations from a range of international and domestic speakers, and on-demand access.

Full access tickets are $299 and offer registered attendees’ access to all plenary sessions and breakout streams, facilitated discussion sessions and networking, post event on-demand access and a certificate of attendance.

To view the full program and register, visit https://fearlessconference.org.au/

For additional information / media enquiries

Megan Woodward: 0487 352 859

Tracy Duncan: 0413 702 685

For more information on the Thompson Institute / media enquiries

Janelle Kirkland: 0424 013 095