The evening will also showcase six dynamic 5-minute lightning talks, highlighting innovative research, quality improvement projects, and practice initiatives from our talented QLD members. Awards recognising the outstanding achievements of Queensland dietitians will also be presented.
Enjoy delicious canapés, drinks, and plenty of networking opportunities as we come together to celebrate excellence and kick off 2026 with energy and inspiration! Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
This networking event is brought to you by the Queensland Branch (2026).
Date: Friday, 15 May 2026 at 5:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: Ovolo The Valley, 33/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Program Schedule
| 5:30pm - 6:00pm |
Check in |
| 6:00pm - 6:15pm |
Welcome and awards presentation |
| 6:15pm - 6:45pm |
Presentation from the Barbara Chester Award recipient |
| 6:45pm - 7:45pm |
Lucky door prize, networking, sponsors on site, canapes |
| 7:45pm - 8:15pm |
Lightning presentations |
| 8:15pm onwards |
Raffle draw, networking, canapes |
*Please note that the program schedule may be subject to change.
Speaker:
Dr Angela Vivanti is a Fellow of Dietitians Australia and the Research and Development Dietitian at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.
She is Australia’s representative and actively engaged with the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT) Committee, International Subcommittee and the
steering group for the International NCPT Implementation Survey.
She progresses standardised terminology within SNOMED-CT International to optimise interoperability with electronic health records an inaugural member
of the NCPT Clinical Project Group
Angela has worked on scientific committees of international and national conferences. She has co-authored a case-study textbook, publications, evidence-based guidelines and systematic reviews including Cochrane.
Currently she is enthusiastic in supporting the CSIRO in their current project work called “SPARKED” which is improving Australian health care information
exchange.
Lightning presentations:
Nathan Cook - Using AI to measure food waste in hospitals
Nathan will discuss his current research interest on using AI to measure food waste in hospital foodservices.
Sarah Meacham - Nutrition for mums with twins plus
The presentation time will be used to highlight the gap in nutrition care for mothers during a multifetal pregnancy and breastfeeding. Worldwide there is insufficient research which has limited the safe access to nutrition information suitable for a multifetal pregnancy. Whilst Twinplus is the first nationwide to provide exclusive multifetal and breastfeeding nutrition consultation, we are also advocating for more and better quality research in the space of nutrition. Mothers of multiples are a vulnerable minority group who have been left behind in the research and hold the burden of health, pregnancy and their babies' risk. tHis starts with raising awareness.
Julie Clarke-Bates - Nutrition planning for older Australians
Nourish is a clinically led nutrition and meal support program designed to address alarming rates of community malnutrition and reports of loneliness among older Australians. Co-designed in collaboration with our customers, personal carers, dietitians and senior leadership team to bring the heart and joy back into mealtimes. Dietitians work together with clients, their family/friends, as well as a Nourish trained personal carer to shop for and cook delicious and nutritious meals in their own home. Providing expert clinical advice, person centred care and encouraging social mealtime connections, Nourish showcases BlueCare's commitment to building a healthier, happier aged are community.
Hannah O'Connor - The Gut Microbiome and Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common, costly pregnancy condition with unclear dietary prevention strategies. This thesis examined whether behaviour change strategies during pregnancy improve diet, influence gut microbiota, and reduce GDM risk, and whether changes persist postpartum. A systematic review found limited and inconsistent use of effective behaviour change techniques. A pilot trial showed improved diet quality but no changes in microbiota or GDM incidence. Diet was linked to microbiota composition during pregnancy. At 12 weeks postpartum, improved diets were sustained, supported by factors like autonomy, confidence, and capacity. Overall, sustainable dietary change is achievable, though effects on GDM and microbiota require further research.
Mikala Ferguson – T2DM Nutrition-Related Information in Traditional News Media
Nutrition information shared in news media can shape population knowledge, skills and dietary behaviours. However, this information is often inaccurate, sensationalised and conflicting, contributing to widespread nutrition confusion. This can make it challenging for individuals to make informed dietary choices, particularly when navigating messages about dietary patterns and foods for the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Our study examined how T2DM nutrition information is presented in Australian news media, using a content and framing analysis of articles published over the past 10 years to better understand messaging.
Continued professional development:
This event may be worth 1 CPD hour if the activity aligns with your CPD learning goals. Member CPD logs will be updated automatically in the days following the event.
Pricing:
Dietitians Australia members: $90 | Affiliate members: $108 | Non-members: $126 | Student members: $60
Registration deadline is Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 11:59pm.
By registering for this event you are stating that you agree to the Terms and Conditions. By registering for this event, you consent to sharing your email address with event sponsors. Please create a free Dietitians Australia account if you wish to register for this event. Please contact [email protected] if you require assistance with registering for this event.