With less than a week to go, I am so excited to announce that we will be hosting an incredible panel of speakers from right here in Cairns! These speakers from across the health profession will be sharing their knowledge and experiences from supporting people with endometriosis!
Below you can read more about each of our wonderful speakers who have donated their time to help us all understand endometriosis better, and share how they support people to manage their Endometriosis.
Dr Liz Jackson is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Cairns, Far North Queensland. She is an advanced gynaecological surgeon and fertility specialist, with clinical interests in endometriosis, pelvic pain, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and menstrual disorders. She works across both surgical, clinical and assisted reproductive settings, providing comprehensive care for women across the lifespan.
Dr Jackson holds a Master’s degree in Minimally Invasive Surgery and also a Masters of Reproductive Endocrinology and has a strong interest in translating hormonal physiology and complex gynaecological conditions into practical, accessible care for patients and clinicians. She is particularly focused on improving recognition and management of menstrual conditions in regional and rural settings.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr Jackson is actively involved in health policy and advocacy. She is the President of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, where she leads national initiatives aimed at improving access, affordability, and sustainability in women’s healthcare. Her work bridges clinical medicine, education, and system-level reform, with a focus on ensuring that specialist-led care remains accessible to women across Australia.
Kellie McBride brings to Social Work her 20+ years of trauma informed Acupuncture practice. She has engaged in Qld Health Consumer advocacy and has a long history of working in feminist and queer affirming spaces. Kellie provides trauma curious Mental Health interventions within her counselling role at Centacare FNQ Mental Health and Wellbeing. She works to disrupt intersectional disadvantage and is trained in EMDR across the lifespan. Kellie is currently engaged in the credentialling process for Accredited Mental Health Social Work through Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Dr Sam Olliver
Senior Medical Officer of True Clinic Cairns
A GP sub-specialised in Reproductive and Sexual Health and currently the clinical delivering the Federal government Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in FNQ.
David Dall’Alba has been working as an Exercise Physiologist in the Cairns region since 2015 with a special interest in supporting people living with persistent pain, including endometriosis, to help them better understand and make sense of their pain, rebuild confidence in their bodies, and get back to doing what they love.
Following a kayaking injury in 2016 and the consequential lived experience of persistent pain and disability, David developed a keen interest in the complexities of pain science and treatment, which led him to complete postgraduate studies of a Master’s of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) from the University of Sydney, and a Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences (Education) from the University of South Australia. Following David’s struggles in navigating the healthcare system with persistent pain, it inspired his establishment of Thriving Lives Co., an interdisciplinary allied health practice with a special interest in supporting people living with persistent pain through delivery of interdisciplinary group programs Thriving Beyond Pelvic Pain and Thriving Beyond Pain.
After studying at La Trobe University and beginning her career in Melbourne, Amanda headed north to Airlie Beach where she lived and worked for 2 years. Following an 8-month trip around Australia, she settled in Cairns where she has been working since 2020.
Amanda has always had a passion for Pelvic Health and Continence, and she began her post graduate studies by completing a Graduate Certificate in Exercise and Women’s Health at Melbourne University in 2017. Amanda then went on to complete her Masters in Physiotherapy, majoring in Continence and Pelvic Health at Curtin University in 2022, and her Masters research project was published in the Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in 2024. She received her Titling in 2023 as a Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, which recognises her advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in this area of practice. She is the only Masters trained and Titled Pelvic Health and Physiotherapist working privately in Cairns.
Amanda treats all areas of women’s and men’s pelvic health, however she has a particular interest in pre/post-natal care, anorectal dysfunction and complex pelvic pain.
A special thank you to Dr Liz Jackson from Birds Of Paradise of kindly contributing to cover the costs of venue hire for the film screening.
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