University of Melbourne – Wellbeing in Ageing: Building future impact from 30 years of learning, 2025

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Psychiatry Wellbeing in Ageing Team -formerly the Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age- is delighted to invite you to their 30th Annual Symposium full-day event.

This year’s group of speakers bring a broad range of knowledge, expertise and skills from areas such as psychiatry, psychology, geriatric medicine, public health and neuropsychology, cutting across University, Health Services, Government and non-Government sectors.

Emeritus Professor David AO will reflect on three decades of learning and collegial connection, offering his insights on the symposium, the field, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Professor Lisa Gibbs will share emerging insights into the impact of climate change and natural disasters on older adults, with a focus on mental health, wellbeing and cognitive decline. Professor Sarah Wilson, from the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, will introduce an innovative new AI driven online resource for mental health consumers. Associate Professor Kathryn Ellis will discuss learnings from a new autism assessment service designed specifically for older adults, including the impact of diagnosis on mental health and wellbeing. Professor Chris Davey will provide an update on current best evidence for managing difficult-to-treat depression, and Dr Mark Bevan will build on this to highlight emerging findings on the use of ketamine in older adults. We will hear from Associate Professor Leo Chen who will be presenting on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments and their application for older adults. 

Our speakers will address key issues related to dementia prevention, treatment, and care. Professor Dina LoGiudice and Rebecca Leahy will outline the outcomes and experiences of DEMLO, a Royal Melbourne Hospital pilot program that supports coordinated dementia care through a dedicated Dementia Liaison Officer. Associate Professor Samantha Loi will cover important issues in the role out of donanemab following the TGA approval of the anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapy for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Paula Loveland will provide an update on diagnostic criteria for prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies and Dr Eleanor Curran will share insights from a novel co-design study on dementia prevention for middle-aged and older adults. The symposium will also include a panel discussion focussing on Wellbeing in the Workplace, to be facilitated by Professor Nicola Lautenschlager.

The symposium is suitable for researchers and health professionals who are passionate about cognitive and mental health, healthy ageing and wellbeing in ageing populations

Date: Thursday 27th November 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm 
Venue: Woodward Centre, Pelham St, Carlton, University of Melbourne
Parking: Available in public car parks surrounding the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne and east of Swanston St.  Alternatively, Public transport is readily available with a short walk to the venue.

Enquiries: wiat-team@unimelb.edu.au 
For cancellations, an administrative fee of $40 will be incurred for each registration cancelled up until 20 November 2025.  

Refunds will not be given after this date. A substitute delegate is welcome to attend. 

For organisation invoicing, please contact wiat-team@unimelb.edu.au