Kylie lives on Wurundjeri country in Naarm with her partner and two loud boys. She leads the Priority Populations team, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe Uni and has been awarded $25M+ of research grants focused on alcohol and drug use. 

Born at the old Royal Darwin Hospital, Kylie completed her PhD with the Anindilyakwa people of Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra in 2008. 

She has honorary positions with National Drug Research Institute, Burnet Institute and University of Sydney. 

She is known for her work co-creating digital tools to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples describe their alcohol and drug use (like Grog App, Drug App, Grog Check), and for supporting community-led responses to substance use. 

Kylie is lead editor of a clinical book requested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug workers nationally (2nd edition coming in 2027). 

She really likes baking bread.

Teegan Wattam is a proud Larrakia and Wadjigan woman and a qualified speech pathologist. Teegan demonstrates an unwavering commitment to First Nations education and wellbeing.

As a speech pathologist, Teegan integrated clinical expertise with deep cultural knowledge to provide culturally safe and responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. She now brings both her lived and professional experience into her current role as a research assistant at Menzies School of Health Research. Teegan is committed to knowledge translation and community-led research. 

Beyond her clinical and academic contributions, Teegan is a passionate advocate for Indigenous health, education and youth empowerment. She was named the 2024 Darwin NAIDOC Youth of the Year. Her leadership, cultural pride, and dedication to strengthening community resilience make her an outstanding recipient of the CDU First Nations Alumni Award.