Planetary Health Panel
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION
Prof Tracey Moroney OAM
Dean, ACAP University College
Professor Tracey Moroney OAM is an accomplished higher-education leader with more than 26 years of experience across the Australian tertiary sector. She currently serves as Dean at ACAP University College. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to transforming learning environments, supporting staff development and advancing professional standards in higher education. Professor Moroney was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her significant service to medical education and the community.
CULTURE
Prof Maria Mackay
Professor of Nursing, Swinburne University
Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner
Professor Maria Mackay has an extensive clinical background in paediatric nursing and midwifery, which deeply informs her approach to practice, education and leadership. She is a passionate educator and researcher whose teaching philosophy challenges traditional healthcare education by foregrounding the art alongside the science of nursing practice, with a strong commitment to culturally safe, person‑centred care. Maria integrates Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing into pre‑registration nursing curricula, embedding planetary health, relationality, and respect for Country within health professional education. Her scholarly work focuses on culturally responsive and transformational learning that prepares future practitioners to respond ethically to the health needs of individuals, families, and communities
INFANT NUTRITIONAL HEALTH
Dr. Sharon Perrella
School of Molecular Sciences, Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation, University of Western Australia\
Sharon Perrella is a Research Fellow with the Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation, and the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group at The University of Western Australia. With qualifications and a clinical background in paediatrics, midwifery, neonatal intensive care, and child, adolescent and family health nursing, Sharon has a special interest in the establishment of breastfeeding and milk production. Her current work focuses on the identification and management of women at risk of early breastfeeding cessation, and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to support the breastfeeding dyad.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Prof Ally Hutton
WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at University of Technology Sydney
Professor Alison Hutton is a recognised expert in adolescent health, specialising in promoting well-being at mass gathering events. With a strong foundation in nursing and public health, she focuses on creating safer environments for young people at festivals and large-scale events. Her research emphasises harm reduction, health promotion, and co-designed strategies with youth to improve safety and mental health. Collaborating with event organisers, policymakers, and communities, Professor Hutton champions innovative, evidence-based approaches that empower young people to make informed health choices, advancing youth health and safety on a broad scale.
SUSTAINABILITY
Francesca Stafford
Sustainability Manager, Royal Children's Hospital
Francesca Stafford is the Sustainability Manager at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and has worked across a range of industries including, events and hospitality and Defence. With a background in Sustainability Consulting and project management, she leads the development and delivery of the RCH Sustainability Plan. She works with staff from across the organisation to empower and support them to lead sustainability projects in their day to day roles.
PANEL MODERATOR
Melisa Young
Course Coordinator Child and Adolescent Health Specialisation, Curtin University
Melisa Young is a Lecturer in Nursing at Curtin University and a paediatric nurse and Midwife with clinical and academic experience across Australia and internationally. She coordinates postgraduate child and adolescent health programs and has worked clinically in tertiary paediatric, regional, and community settings. Melisa’s interests are in Planetary Health and preparing and sustaining a skilled paediatric nursing workforce through curriculum design, workforce capability development, and student transition to practice. She is actively involved in professional nursing organisations and is committed to strengthening child and family nursing education to support safe, high quality care for children and young people.