Robyn Jorgensen Consulting

18/05/2026

Well after many years of research and then writing, the Early Years Swim Study is going into press. The first (of two) books is now in production and should be published by the end of the year. I feel so privileged to have worked on this project and was able to confirm Laurie Joseph Lawrence’s hunch about how swimming children seem to be ahead of their peers across a number of key developmental areas - including literacy, numeracy and preparedness for school. The results were a great surprise to me! It was a privilege to work within the industry, and be guided by Ross Gage as I navigated a very complex and nuanced industry. Across the years of the study and since, I have met very caring, generous and very committed swim professionals. I think the book is a testament to benefits of quality swim programs and the people who work in the industry. Thank you to the industry for trusting me to undertake this groundbreaking study.
And of course, can’t miss an opportunity to show my little mermaid. My Mum would so love watching Chloe in the pool ❤️

18/03/2026

Spent a very productive day with the Kids Alive team and a group of amazing, and diverse, people. Collectively we worked on the development of the next iteration of Kids Alive resources. So invigorating working with insightful people. Can’t wait to see the ideas transform into valuable water safety resources for under 5s.

23/02/2026

Today is International Family Drug Support QLD Drug Support Day. The Queensland celebration will be at Parliament House. Dark Horse media have coordinated media coverage with all media outlets so a good chance it/I will be on the news tonight. Also ABC is trying to coordinate interviews with Qld Manager Anna Daglish and myself. A big day! Good luck FDS for National meeting across the week.

28/01/2026

I’m so honoured to be able to work with great organisations who give so much to so many.

Speaker announcement | International Family Drug Support Day - Brisbane

We’re honoured to welcome Robyn Jorgensen to our 2026 International Family Drug Support Day speaker line-up.

Robyn is a mother with more than two decades of lived experience supporting her sons through alcohol and other drug use. She tragically lost her older son to alcohol in 2019, while her younger son continues to wrestle with long-term drug addiction. Through deeply challenging times, Robyn has stood steadfast alongside her children and become a powerful advocate for families affected by AOD.

Robyn’s connection with Family Drug Support began as a caller to the 24/7 Support Line. Over time, she became involved in workshops, volunteered on the line, spoke regularly at FDS events, and now serves as a member of the FDS Board. She also volunteers with Nourish Street Inc, supporting people experiencing homelessness in north Brisbane.

Alongside her lived experience advocacy, Robyn is an accomplished academic and Emeritus Professor at the University of Canberra. She has published numerous books and hundreds of research papers and is internationally recognised for her work in equity within mathematics education, particularly in remote Indigenous, working-class and rural communities. She has also recently completed a report for Family Drug Support examining the cost and benefits of FDS in the AOD space.

📍 Queensland Parliament House
🗓 24 February 2026 - 9.15 am - 12.15 pm
🎗 See the Person, Not the Drug

👉 Register now – free event:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-family-drug-support-day-2026-brisbane-qld-tickets-1980518585403

01/12/2025

Great news. The Early Years Swim Study is going to be published by a commercial publisher. As two books. First to be released next year. Great to see the results being shared internationally.

16/11/2025

It’s very reassuring to know the Early Years Swim Project still has interest and currency. This week I was interviewed by RNZ about the project. Great to know that the results still stimulate interest in swimming.

26/10/2025

After a number of years of being a client and then Volunteer with the wonderful organisation Family Drug Support, I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to the Board. I am looking forward to working with the Board Members to strengthen even further the amazing FDS. Exciting times.

25/02/2025

Yesterday I was an invited speaker at the International Family Drug Support Day held at Parliament House (Qld). The speakers were amazing and their support for change in the AOD space is much needed. Feeling optimistic that our draconian laws and attitudes might change.

03/01/2025

22/06/2023

Congratulations to the Kids Alive team on another outstanding resource to support the water safety message. I was privileged to be the Chair of the Expert Advisory Group and work with some amazing people in the development of the resources. This series of books is designed for very young children. But they will also serve as readers for beginning readers.