Dr Catherine Foley is a psychologist and researcher with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW, living and working on Gumbaynggirr Country on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Catherine leads the SUSTAIN research program which aims to co design practical, community driven models that strengthen collaboration between services and communities, and support clinicians in responding to people’s evolving needs and contexts. Her commitment to generating evidence that reflects the unique strengths and complexities of individuals is grounded in a clinical background in mental health, substance use and trauma. With an emphasis on rural, regional and remote communities, current projects explore integration across and within AOD and mental health services, improving access to community-based AOD support, strengthening the role of people and families in treatment planning, and partnering with CALD communities to better understand diverse contexts and perspectives. Underpinned by inclusion and meaningful partnership, Catherine’s approach focuses on empowering communities and services to deliver tangible benefits in their priority areas.