Tara is an applied researcher, former firefighter, and internationally published author. She is deeply passionate about the need to embed the voice of lived experience into translational research to tackle the complex challenges of mental health, trauma, and suicide prevention. Her unique perspective as a frontline firefighter, who has journeyed through her own experiences of trauma, combined with a diverse academic and professional background, fuels her advocacy for meaningful change in the emergency services mental health and wellbeing sector. She holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at the University of New England and has been recognised with multiple awards for her contributions. Tara focuses on collaborative solutions that drive impactful change at individual, organisational, and community levels.

As conference co-chair, she brings warmth, authenticity, a touch of humour and a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.