Exploring the Leisure-Health Nexus: Pushing Global Boundaries

Dr Hazel Maxwell is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania in Australia. Her research and teaching focuses on physical activity, community sport, social inclusion and diversity management. Hazel is interested in issues concerning women and girls in sport and leisure contexts. She also has 20 years management and governance experience in a variety of leisure, health promotion and education settings in Australia and the UK

Dr Richard McGrath is a lecturer and researcher at the University of South Australia in the academic unit of Allied Health and Human Performance. Dr McGrath's interests cover a range of sociological aspects related to leisure, sport, recreation, the arts and health, particularly focusing on inclusive practices and community engagement.

Dr Nicole Peel is a Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her research and teaching focuses on leisure and health, recreation therapy, creative approaches and innovative solutions. Nicole is interested in how systems operate, and where the areas for change exist to optimise opportunities for healthy outcomes using leisure for marginalised individuals. Nicole has over 25 years of experience as a leisure practitioner and manager in varied governance roles across community and government settings.

Dr Janette Young is a lecturer and researcher at the University of South Australia in the academic unit of Allied Health and Human Performance. Dr Young is an established researcher in the field of human-animal relationships with a particular focus on the intersection and balancing of both human and animal needs, experiences and rights. She has edited 2 books in this field and numerous chapters, peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations, along with supervising multiple PhD and Honours projects. She is author or informant for a range of popular media articles and regularly invited to speak publicly in relation to humans' relationships with pets. She is co-chair of Animal Therapies Ltd (SA) the Australian entity focused on advancing understanding, acceptance and accessibility of animal-assisted interventions.