Conference speakers, both international and national, focused on new treatment, prevention, and policy in the areas of drug and alcohol research. Alcohol and drug issues span a number of disciplines and professions and while the broader society often views alcohol and drug issues as an arena defined by marginality; the focus of this conference was to bring these issues from the periphery to the centre. Those working in the alcohol and drug sector, whether as researchers, teachers or professionals, are on the cutting edge of new research, initiatives, and programs allowing clinicians to work more closely across disciplinary, social, cultural, and institutional boundaries. The conference included local issues and content relevant to Australia, but also offered a range of presentations and workshops that had international relevance. Featuring original work from the field, the conference program, for the first time, encouraged alternative presentation styles such as film, yarning circles, and artwork while maintaining conventional modes of presentation such as oral and poster presentations, participatory workshops and debates/discussions. Author index