Artist
Hafleg - Shaun Lee
Shaun Lee, Gwarkabah (Saltwater man) also known by his artist name, Hafleg, is a Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri contemporary freelance artist born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
Shaun has been painting from a very young age learning from his large artistic family. He specialises in murals and logos using traditional and contemporary designs and especially enjoys doing one off pieces of art.
The artwork commissioned by Darwin artist Hafleg - Shaun Lee, represents the breadth, connection and strength of the Australian rheumatology community. It reflects the reach of rheumatology services across Australia, travelling across land and sea to support patients wherever they live.
At its heart is the ARA, symbolised by the central willow tree represented as the Tree of Life, representing rheumatologists, trainees, allied healthcare professionals, and researchers working together with patients and consumer organisations. The interconnected design reflects the ARA's commitment to improving the delivery of care, strengthening workforce capacity and capability, fostering collaboration, and nurturing a thriving rheumatology community for the future.
Welcome
ARA 2027 Annual Scientific Meeting
Darwin Convention Centre | Northern Territory
22-26 May 2027
We look forward to welcoming you to the Darwin for the ARA ASM to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre from 22-26 May 2027. Our ASM is always a great way to come together to celebrate our collegiality and friendships and enjoy the high calibre of speakers on the program.
Confirmed keynote speakers include Professor Iain McInnes, Professor Lai-Shan Tam, Professor Pamela Weiss, Professor Yeliz Prior and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM. We will also feature a range of Australasian experts speaking on a wide array of topics linking with the meeting.
Set against the relaxed tropical backdrop of Darwin, the meeting provides an ideal setting for professional learning, meaningful discussion and reconnecting with colleagues in an informal and welcoming environment.
We look forward to seeing you in the Top End next May.
Ju Ann Tan, Claire Barrett and Sam Whittle
Co-Convenors, ARA 2027
Let’s Get Social on BlueSky!
While the ARA won’t be actively posting from our BlueSky account (@austrheumatology.bsky.social) during the ASM, we encourage attendees who are sharing updates, photos, or reflections to tag us.
Important Dates
November 2026 – Call for Abstracts and Registration opens
Sunday 7th February 2027 – Cut-off date for abstract submissions
Sunday 7th March 2027 – Cut-off date for grand round submissions
Mid-March/Early April 2027 – Confirmation of acceptance of abstracts and grand rounds
31st March 2027 – Early Bird Registration Cut-off Date
Dr Richard Harris SC OAM
Dr Richard “Harry” Harris OAM is a man who defies categories. A specialist anaesthetist, world-renowned cave diver, underwater cinematographer, and joint 2019 Australian of the Year, Harry is best known for his extraordinary role in the 2018 Thailand cave rescue. When 12 young soccer players and their coach became trapped deep within a flooded cave system in Chiang Rai, it was Harry’s rare blend of medical knowledge and cave diving expertise that helped orchestrate their safe return - a mission deemed impossible until it wasn’t.
For his bravery and critical involvement, Harry was awarded the Star of Courage, one of Australia’s highest civilian honours, and the Medal of the Order of Australia. But Harry’s story didn’t begin or end with that rescue. With over three decades of cave exploration behind him, he has travelled to some of the most remote and dangerous locations in the world, always seeking new frontiers beneath the surface of the earth.
After a lifelong fascination with the ocean and adventure, Harry has now turned his attention to underwater storytelling. His first feature-length documentary, Deeper, premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival in Texas. As executive producer, underwater cinematographer, and subject, Harry uses the film to share not just the thrill of exploration, but also a deeper message: the need to embrace risk, challenge, and uncertainty, particularly for the younger generation.
A passionate advocate for youth development, Harry encourages younger generations to get off their screens and into the world. He champions calculated risk-taking, the cultivation of resilience, and learning through discomfort - qualities he believes are critical to thriving in today’s fast-paced, overstimulated environment.
Today, Harry brings his extraordinary life experience to the stage as an internationally sought-after keynote speaker. His talks explore the art of decision- making under pressure, teamwork in extreme conditions, leadership when the stakes are life and death, and how to prepare - mentally and emotionally, for the unknown. With humility, humour, and cinematic storytelling, Harry inspires audiences to think more deeply about their own courage, curiosity, and capacity for change.
Whether addressing global executives, first responders, educators, or students, Dr Harry Harris delivers more than just a survival story. He offers a compelling reminder of what’s possible when deep knowledge, calm resolve, and human spirit meet the moment.
Local Organising Committee
Claire Barrett
Stephen Brady
Kate Carter
Fayth Christie
Peter Gowdie
Lejo John
Sachin Khetan
Kathryn Shepherd
Ju Ann Tan
Samuel Whittle
