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Following the great success of our Dragon Talks series, we kicked off Lupus Talks, a monthly online Zoom session to support and share information to people living with Lupus. Originally developed as a 12-month program, it has now been extended for a further 12 months due its popularity.

Our monthly sessions feature expert guest presenters like:

  • health educators
  • researchers
  • clinicians

Some speakers we’ve had:

  • Prof. Eric Morand (Head of Rheumatology at Monash Clinic and Head of School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University)
  • Dr Daniel Lewis
  • Dr Alberta Hoi

The purpose of these sessions is to increase awareness and deepen the understanding of Lupus and it’s many forms and impact on daily life, as well as the pathways to treatment and improved self-care practices.

The open forum gives participants the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences and learn from others who truly understand the challenges of living with lupus.

What We Discuss

How can Lupus affect different parts of the body?
What are treatment options available?
What are the complexities of getting new treatments approved on PBS?
What is the role of patient advocacy groups?
Personal stories from those navigating this condition every day.

Dragon Talks
  • Featured Resource
  • 20 May 2026

Lupus Series: Melinda’s Story

Camille

Melinda Barrett shares her deeply personal story of living with Lupus. From health challenges that began at a young age to the many connected autoimmune conditions she has been diagnosed with, Melinda speaks with honesty, humour, and wisdom about what it means to live with Lupus.

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Dragon Talks: Lupus Series

Lupus Series Resources

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Lupus Series: Andrew’s Story

This is Andrew's Lupus story. He talks about his symptoms and the emotional journey he's taken, and where he is today.
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Lupus Series: Why is Collective Advocacy  so important?

Ann Single (CEO, Patient Voice Initiative) talks to us about the importance of Collective Advocacy at what it means for people with Lupus.
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Lupus Series: Julie’s Story on treatment with Anifrolumab

Julie shares her personal story of resilience, struggle and perseverance with Lupus. She has Systemic Lupus, Cutaneous Lupus and CNS Lupus. Julie was one of the first patients in Australia to receive the new Lupus treatment, Anifrolumab (Saphnelo). She talks about her journey on the treatment and shares her optimism with the results, and hope for people battling autoimmune conditions.
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Lupus Series: Prof. Eric Morand talks about specific therapy for SLE

Prof. Eric Morand, Dean of Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at Monash University, and Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, gives a presentation on 'Specific Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).' He talks about new research in an article published in Feb24 from Monash, 'Smith-specific regulatory T-cells that halt the progression of Lupus Nephritis'.
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Lupus Series: Prudencia’s Story

Pru reminisces on the ups and downs of her Lupus journey – and her story truly is a riveting one. Talk about resilience! Today Pru advocates for education of better understanding of autoimmune conditions and communication between patient and specialist. She volunteers to participate for Australian Lupus Registry (ALRB) and Biobank for SLE patients.
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Lupus Series: Rosemary’s Story comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Do you know the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus? Rosemary Ainley, Advocacy Manager and Senior Editor of Creakyjoints Australia and Naomi Creek, National Coordinator of Global Healthy Living Foundation from their experience discuss the differences in Lupus and RA symptoms and diagnosis.
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Lupus Series: Zali’s Story frankly speaking, life with Lupus

Zali McPherson is in her early twenties, and shares her story with Lupus. Looking back, Zali realised her symptoms actually started as young as 8-years old, but growing up in four different countries at the time didn't make it easy for her to develop a relationship with a fixed primary healthcare provider. Finally at 17-years old and back in Australia, she pushed to find out the cause of her ongoing fatigue and recent back pain.  It was no easy feat finding a GP to take her seriously – most dismissed her, she was a teenager after all.
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Lupus Series: Amanda’s Story and Kidney Health

We talk about kidney health and the impact on Lupus. Amanda shares her personal Lupus story and then we hear from Stephen Cornish from Lupus Health Australia, who talks about the importance of support on your journey.
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Lupus Series: The Power of Exercise

Will Gregory, a consultant physiotherapist and vice-president of British Rheumatology Society, is an expert clinician in the world of rheumatology. He talks about the importance of keeping physically active when you have an inflammatory condition.
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Lupus Series: Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Physician 

Estala Mata, from MATA Patient Advocacy & Support, talks about the importance of having a voice and being able to build a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider.
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