Dr Dennis Young is one of Australia’s leading advocates for the Alcohol and Drug Service Sector in Queensland. As The Executive Director of Drug Arm Australasia for the past 20 years, Dennis has been at the forefront of the awareness, prevention and rehabilitation agenda Australia wide. Dennis, a former Police Officer, has delivered leadership and management to the expansive Drug Arm network throughout Australia.

Drug Arm delivers programs such as counselling, youth outreach, home visitation and support programs, family and personal support programs, court diversion programs, early intervention programs and youth programs for both schools and community. Under Dennis’ stewardship, DRUG ARM has created a Centre for Addiction Research and Education (CARE) that provides education, training, research, program evaluation and information dissemination programs.A stalwart in the A&D field since 1988, Dennis has over 20 years experience, nationally in the sector.Dennis commitment and involvement with the A&D sector is exemplified through his on-going contributions to a range of state and national organisations including: QNADA, ANCD, Mental Health Association of Queensland.

Mitchell Giles is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Queensland (ADFQ). Mitchell is a Registered Nurse, holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Health Science (majoring in Mental Health).

It was, as a nurse in 1988 he commenced work in the AOD sector within an inpatient Detox Unit; he later went on to manage another hospital based Drug and Alcohol Service for 12 years. Mitchell has worked in a variety of other positions including as the Deputy Director of Clinical Services and as a State Manager for a HIV services program. Mitchell is overseeing the implementation of 13 AOD community based positions throughout Queensland

Geoff Manu is the General Manager of QuIHN and is originally from a non English speaking background and values his connections to his family and cultural heritage as a South Pacific Islander. Geoff has a professional and personal commitment to the development of disadvantaged communities and to the improvement of social inclusion for such communities.

Through previous employment, largely acquired in roles for government departments and within the not for profit community sector, Geoff has acquired a vast amount of experience working to address health, social inclusion and equity issues among a diverse range of populations, including: prisoners, drug users, people with mental health related issues, people with intellectual impairment, the homeless, indigenous communities, young people, the ageing, and a diverse range of other socially marginalised groups.