Member Spotlight, Sector Voices, Events, Initiatives and More!
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Member News | Edition 6
Member Spotlight | Skye Mackay, Alcohol & Drug Foundation
Skye Mackay is State Manager, Victoria & Tasmania at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), a national organisation dedicated to preventing and minimising the harms caused by alcohol and other drugs. Skye manages program delivery across Victoria for two major initiatives, Good Sports and Local Drug Action Teams.
Good Sports is delivered to 3500 community sports clubs across Victoria, including AFL, netball, soccer and cricket clubs. While sport is generally seen as a protective factor against substance use, in Australia that isn’t necessarily the case. Good Sports helps sports clubs change their behaviours around the sale, use and promotion of alcohol.
“We work with clubs one-on-one or in groups, and support them to create safer, inclusive spaces for their members, volunteers and community. This includes through measures such as compliance with liquor licensing regulations, not having alcohol sponsorship for junior teams, reducing the opening hours of the bar and having zero or low alcohol options available for purchase.”
The ADF’s Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) support local communities to plan, deliver and evaluate evidence informed AOD prevention activities.
“We know communities are experts and we support them to develop innovative solutions to address some of the issues that they're experiencing.”
Skye provides the example of Afri-AusCare in Dandenong who are using funding through the LDAT to connect African Australian young people back into culture and community.
“From activities like community gardens to a drop in centre for young people, right up to a local soccer team, LDAT at Afri-Auscare is pulling in lots of new members and volunteers which gives them the opportunity to meet with young people in a culturally safe setting, role model positive behaviours and share information about drugs that are being used in the community.”
The ADF is focused on preventing the harms that can arise from AOD use. According to Skye, AOD prevention is quite often misunderstood.
“We think of prevention in terms of preventing chronic health issues or preventing harms in the treatment space but not about reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors, including delaying the uptake of AOD.”
“We acknowledge that people are going to use alcohol and drugs. We are wanting people to be able to make informed choices about what they do and have the information and education they need so that they can reduce the harms.”
Skye’s career as a psychologist, has seen her work predominantly at the opposite end of the substance use continuum. For two decades she worked at Caraniche in forensic AOD services where the common experiences for people involved with the justice system with substance use issues was a “lot of isolation, disconnection and trauma.” This experience guides Skye in her current work at the ADF.
“I often wondered what would have helped that person's life trajectory if there had been earlier intervention? What would have made that difference to reduce the harms that they're experiencing now?”
“You always had those what ifs in the back of your mind. What if that person was more connected to their community or to their family, or had these other supports in place, would it have made a significant difference later on? Working in prevention, you actually get to deliver on some of those what ifs which is brilliant!”
Welcome to Our Newest Member...
VAADA is Proud to Announce Smart Recovery as our Newest Organisational Member.
SMART Recovery Australia is the first and only national provider of professional and peer-led, evidence-based, and self-empowering addiction recovery support in Australia.
In partnership with over 75 member organisations, the SMART Recovery Australia team successfully delivers over 250 groups for over 120,000 people living with addictive behaviours, working hand in hand, helping them through their recovery journey to achieve a life free from addiction.
We look forward to their valuable contribution to VAADA’s work in strengthening the AOD sector.
Member update | Windana
Windana Appoints New CEO Laura Mahoney
Windana has announced the appointment of Laura Mahoney as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing Monday, 2 February 2026. Board Chair Robyn Batten AM said the organisation is “thrilled to welcome Laura at this critical time,” highlighting her more than 20 years of leadership experience across government and the non-profit sector.
Laura joins Windana after five years at Launch Housing, where she served as Executive Director of Homelessness Solutions and Impact and, most recently, as Interim CEO. Robyn noted that Laura’s collaborative approach and commitment to achieving long-term, positive outcomes make her a strong fit for the organisation as it finalises its new Strategic Plan.
Laura said she is “delighted to join the dedicated and passionate Windana team,” and looks forward to leading an organisation grounded in evidence, lived experience and person-centred care.
Interim CEO Bronwyn Pike will finish on 12 December, with Chief Communications Officer Adam Miller acting in the role until Laura begins.
Member Update | cohealth
cohealth GP Services Extended to July 2026
In response to community and staff feedback about the impact of closing cohealth's General Practitioner (GP) services Federal Government funding has been secured to keep GP services open at cohealth's Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Kensington locations until 31 July 2026.
Unfortunately, Pharmacy services at Collingwood will close on 19 December 2025.
Member Update | Turning Point
Turning Point Releases New AOD Statistics and Data
A range of new data has just been released on the AODstats website, which provides information on the harms that Victorians are experiencing in relation to alcohol, pharmaceutical drug use and illicit drug use.
Updated data sets include:
- AOD-related deaths for 2013–22 calendar years using a new updated methodology
- Serious road injuries for the 2023–24 financial year
- Liquor licences for the 2024 calendar year.
Bulletin 11 has also been released and highlights a new data set – the number of presentations within Victorian Hospital Emergency Departments in the financial years between 2013–14 and 2022–23.
👉 Read more...
👉 Access the AODstats data...
👉 Download Bulletin #11...
Member Update | Youth Projects
Youth Projects Impact Report 2025
Youth Projects have just released their 2025 Impact Report full of new stories, stats and the real-life impact of their support! No matter which door a young person walks through, they find more than a service. They find people who see them, hear them and walk alongside them.
Member update | SHARC
Applications Are Open for SHARC's Regina Brindle Grant Program
SHARC's Regina Brindle Grant Program is accepting applications from 17 November 2025 - 14 February 2026 for grants of up to $5,000.
Key details:
- Applications open: November 17, 2025 – February 14, 2026
- Funding: Up to $5,000 for individuals or small groups
- Who can apply: Anyone with lived or living experience of AOD, gambling, and/or mental health challenges—including family members and supporters
- What we're looking for: Consumer-led grassroots projects that amplify consumer voices, reduce stigma, foster inclusion, and champion human rights
Member update | Western Health
Western Health Award Winners at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards
Western Health is honoured to have received the Excellence in Women’s Health at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
The Custodial Health Addiction Medicine Clinic at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre won its category of Excellence in Women’s Health. This clinic delivers specialist, trauma-informed care in a custodial health setting, and is contributing to national reform through the National Prison Addiction Medicine Network.
They were also finalists in Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Premier’s Large Health Service of the Year categories.
Member update | First Step
What Do We Want Our Sectors to Look Like in 25 Years?
That’s the bold question at the heart of First Step's upcoming Futures Forum, a major sector-wide conversation marking their 25th anniversary.
Bringing together some of the most respected voices in mental health, AOD, justice and lived experience, this forum invites attendees to imagine a future that is more just, equitable and person-centred, and to consider what it will take to get there.
This Held at St Kilda Town Hall, this will be First Step’s largest Thought Leadership Event to date.
- Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026
- Time: 3:00–5:00pm
Spots will fill quickly - don’t miss this chance to be part of shaping the next 25 years.
VAADA is a proud supporter of the Futures Forum.
Member update | Your Community Health
New CEO Appointment at Your Community Health
The Your Community Health Board is delighted to announce Elizabeth (Liz) Chondros as the CEO of the organisation.
Liz has worked within the Victorian health sector for 30 years, including over 20 years with Your Community Health. She has deep knowledge of community health delivery, strong relationships across the sector, and extensive experience managing diverse programs.
Until April 2025, Liz held the role of Executive Director of Community Partnerships. She was then appointed Interim CEO, a role in which she has demonstrated the leadership and strategic capability the Board was looking for.
Member update | St Mary's House of Welcome
Support the Welcome Relief Meals Program
Bring some magic to your Christmas table with this handcrafted Brunetti gingerbread house, made locally in Melbourne using Brunetti’s classic recipe. Beautifully decorated and ready to gift or display, it’s a standout choice for host gifts, teacher thank-yous, Kris Kringle, festive centrepieces or anyone who loves handmade Christmas treats.
Every purchase supports St Mary’s House of Welcome, helping provide warm meals and care for people experiencing homelessness. It’s a gift that brings joy twice—delighting the recipient while offering kindness to someone in need.
Order now to secure a Christmas gift that gives back through the Welcome Relief Meals Program.
Member update | DPV Health
DPV Health Win Inclusive Workforce Award
DPV Health won the “Inclusive Workforce Award” at the 2025 Hume City Council Business Awards earlier this month.
DPV Health’s nomination for the Inclusive Workforce Award highlights the organisation’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for their clients and employees, as well as their measurable achievements in attracting and retaining a diverse local workforce.
Member update | Thorne Harbour Health
Thorne Harbour Health Launch New Website
Thorne Harbour Health have just launched a new website which is part of the LGBTIQ+ Mental Health & Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Workforce Development Training Program, developed by Thorne Harbour Health through funding by the Victorian Department of Health.
This website shows you how to make simple, practical steps towards LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice and has lots of great resources on supporting LGBTQIA+ communities.
Member update | Uniting
Curran Place Mother and Baby Withdrawal Program
Uniting’s Mother Baby inpatient withdrawal program at Curran Place is designed to reduce the number of infants removed from their mother's care. We work alongside families who are seeking help early in their pregnancy or after birth to ensure mother and infant remain together while the mother undergoes withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs.
Curran Place will be open for Christmas and New Year for consumers interested in inpatient withdrawal during this time. All referrals, including the Victorian State-funded Mother-Baby beds, should occur via Central intake.
Contact CurranPlaceIntake@vt.uniting.org for more information.
Member update | WRAD Health
WRAD Health's 40th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner
WRAD Health marked its 40th anniversary with a sold-out fundraising dinner at The Pavilion in Warrnambool on November 13, celebrating the organisation’s history while investing in its future. More than 90 people attended the event, which raised over $17,000 to support the continued expansion of community health services.
Chair Helen Taylor said the evening was an important opportunity to highlight the range of medical services WRAD Health provides and to build community understanding and support. Guests enjoyed an auction featuring 11 items, including a standout item - electric tricycle owned by author Paul Jennings.
All funds raised will go directly towards services for the local community.
Events Calendar and Jobs Board
There are currently 41 events on the VAADA Events Calendar for December. VAADA members have exclusive access
to post events.
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There are currently 12 jobs on the VAADA Jobs Board.
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Add jobs today!
The VAADA Communications team will be taking an extended break during January.
If you are a VAADA Member and have jobs or events you’d like featured on our website, please submit them to the VAADA’s Jobs Board or Events Calendar by 1.00 PM, Tuesday, December 23. Submissions received after this time will be published upon our return on Wednesday, January 20, 2026.
ENEWS will take a break and resume in February.
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