Monthly Newsletter | Edition 40

Editorial

Dear Colleagues, 

The launch of VAADA’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the publication of a paper on Treaty and the Victorian AOD Sector is where we lay the foundations for what needs to change in the way AOD treatment is offered to First Peoples in Victoria. Mainstream AOD services have an important role to play in supporting systemic change, given the continuing overrepresentation of First Peoples in treatment, and the higher rates of harm experienced from substance use.

Our data shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 10 times more likely to be in AOD treatment in Victoria. This underrepresents the true extent of the issue, as it does not include data from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), who also provide AOD services to their communities. The work VAADA has embarked on through the establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Committee as a subcommittee of the VAADA Board, aims to strengthen our governance as a peak body to support systemic change. Our paper, Walking Together, is about collaboration between mainstream AOD services and the ACCO sector to support Aboriginal-led solutions that strengthen rights to culturally safe AOD treatment in Victoria and meet self-determined needs.

Treaty is not a choice. It is an essential path to addressing the wrongs that have come with colonisation. It is foundational to supporting capability in Aboriginal communities that sustains strong and empowered lives into the future. The weight of history remains a shackle that no other legislation, policy initiative or program can break. Treaty is our chance to make this change, and with it, bring benefits to all Victorians. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is embracing this transformation. VAADA is prepared to do the hard work in listening, learning and changing. It speaks volumes about how we are living our values through our work.

Chris Christoforou
Chief Executive Officer

VAADA Updates

Last week, VAADA held an event in honour of National Reconciliation Week. More than 50 members and guests attended in person at the VAADA office, alongside over 70 sector stakeholders joining online for the conversation. 

The event marked the public launch of VAADA’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and a new discussion paper, Walking Together: Treaty and the Victorian AOD Sector, that explores how the principles of Treaty can be applied across the AOD sector to support Aboriginal self-determination.

Attendees heard a keynote address from Aunty Tracey Evans (Gunditjmara and Bundjalung), followed by a panel discussion with members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Aunty Suzanne Nelson (Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri), Sheree Lowe (Djab Wurrung and Gunditjmara) and Helena Gonebale (Wagiman and Ngan’giwumirri). The discussion highlighted the importance of Aboriginal leadership, culturally safe services, and the role the Victorian AOD sector can play in supporting lasting and meaningful change.

Thank you to everyone who attended in person and online; it was fabulous to have you all there.

Sections from the live recording will be available on our YouTube channel shortly. Keep an eye on VAADA ENEWS for notifications on when this is released.

VAADA’s analysis of the 2026/27 Victorian State Budget acknowledges the Government’s record $415.5 million investment in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, including continued support for key harm reduction initiatives.

While these commitments are welcome, VAADA notes the overall funding increase is modest and does not address growing demand for treatment and support. In 2025, more than 4,550 people were waiting to access AOD treatment on any given day, with wait times remaining well above government targets.

VAADA says investment in frontline service capacity is urgently needed to meet immediate demand, improve timely access to care, and reduce pressure on Victoria’s broader health and social service systems.

Read our full analysis to understand what the Budget means for the future of alcohol and other drug services in Victoria.

This workforce development initiative reflects our commitment to investing in our future leaders, equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead with purpose, resilience, and real impact in the AOD sector. Great outcomes for our clients and communities start with great leaders. 

The first group of 25 emerging leaders from our sector has begun their journey in the AOD Leadership Accelerator Program , and their enthusiasm has been nothing short of inspiring! We thank our program partner RMIT University and acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government who are investing in our future leaders.

Stay tuned for further updates, and congratulations to those emerging leaders from across Victoria who are building on their leadership journey!

The program for the 2026 Victorian AOD Service Providers Conference is now live, and we're proud to announce the following Exhibitors will be joining us on Friday, June 12:

NAS Recovery Centre, Latitude Network, Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Odyssey Victoria, Better Health Network, Windana, On Track Training, Department of Health Victoria, Uniting Vic Tas, SHARC/APSU, Project Sunrise, Turning Point, Salvation Army and cohealth.

The day will kick off with a welcome from Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, an update from the Deputy Secretary, Mental Health & Wellbeing Division, Pam Anders, and the launch of VAADA's new Strategic Plan by CEO Chris Christoforou. Further highlights include:

• Keynote Speaker: Victorian Department of Health Chief Psychiatrist of Victoria, Associate Professor Sophie Adams, presenting on: Integrated AOD and Mental Health Care
• Sheree Lowe, Balit Durn Durn, presenting: Integrating SEWB in Mainstream Practice
• Róisín McNaney, University of Melbourne, presenting: Artificial Intelligence in AOD and Social Services
• Dr Victoria Manning, Turning Point Addiction Treatment, Research and Education, presenting: GHB: Treatment Guidelines Project

🚩A No-Show Fee of $50 now applies. To ensure fair access and prevent unnecessary catering waste, a ticket cancellation policy will be applied.

Read the policy or find out how to cancel your ticket here, so those on the waitlist don't miss out.

VAADA has continued its engagement with AOD services and networks across Victoria over the past month, including visits to Access Health in St Kilda, YSAS in Dandenong, Northern District Community Health in Kerang, Omnia Community Health in Broadford, St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy, Western Health in Footscray, and participation in the Gippsland AOD Service Providers Alliance network meeting in Traralgon.  

These meetings provide an important opportunity to hear directly about the work occurring across the sector and help VAADA better understand the emerging needs, challenges and priorities facing staff and services. VAADA is proud to be a member led peak body. To find out more about becoming a member visit the VAADA website.

VAADA is pleased to announce that Scott Drummond, Head of Policy and Practice, has been appointed to the HumanAbility Human (Community) Services Industry Advisory Committee.

HumanAbility is the Jobs and Skills Council for the health, human services, early childhood education and care sectors. Scott’s appointment recognises his extensive expertise in alcohol and other drug policy and practice and will help ensure the AOD sector’s voice is represented in national workforce planning and skills development discussions.

Congratulations to Scott on this important appointment.

Jane Moreton, our Practice Lead, Sector Development, is leaving VAADA after more than thirteen years. Since joining VAADA in 2013, Jane has led a range of capacity building projects, consultations, conference presentations, resource development initiatives, and advocacy efforts on behalf of the sector and the clients we serve.

While well known for her expertise in co-occurring capacity building and advocacy for integrated care, Jane’s contribution has extended well beyond this area. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience across AOD, nursing, forensic treatment, social work and project management, she has consistently brought a thoughtful and practical approach to service system improvement. Her strong relationships across the sector, along with her deep knowledge of the Victorian AOD system and its history, have strengthened many projects and supported colleagues and students across the field.

Jane’s commitment, knowledge and collaborative approach have been greatly valued by colleagues, sector partners, and adjacent sectors alike. We thank her for her contribution to VAADA and wish her all the best for the future.

Workforce Development

Leadership Accelerator Program cohort 2 is commencing August 27 EOI's opening SOON!

Sector Updates