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Edition 21 | September 2024
Dear Colleagues,
Last week, International Overdose Awareness Day gave us an opportunity to reflect on the continuing human toll from drug overdose. The commemorative events held across Victoria provided a space to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones gone too soon. In 2022, 1,669 Australians lost their lives to drug overdose, with Victorians representing one third of all fatalities.
The way we respond to drug related harm is the reason VAADA with Harm Reduction Victoria are continuing to call for a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan. This is to ensure that the elevated risks from potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes appearing in local drug supplies do not see an even greater number of preventable deaths. Concern around further mass overdose events are growing amongst experts, frontline workers and people who use drugs. There needs to be greater urgency shown by our public health officials in bringing key stakeholders together to develop and have an emergency preparedness plan ready to go to respond to this threat.
The announcement by the Federal Health Minister of an Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia is a timely opportunity to look at what is working well and what is not working at all in the way that we address alcohol and other drug use across the nation. I encourage organisations and individuals with an interest in improving AOD policy and ensuring more resources are available to tackle one of the major contributors to chronic disease in Australia to make a submission.
Finally, it was pleasing to see the Expert Panel’s report to National Cabinet following the rapid review into family violence prevention approaches which recommended accelerating cross-sector collaboration between the AOD and the domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) specialist sector, while having a more focused effort on reducing the role of alcohol in DFSV. The AOD sector has a critical role to play in family violence prevention and men’s behaviour change and we hope that all Australian governments commit to the Unlocking the Prevention Potential report as a blueprint to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of women and children.
Chris Christoforou
Chief Executive Officer
Contents
- Ticket sales for the VAADA Conference 2025 are LIVE!
- Your Respiratory Health Matters has launched
- Welcome to New VAADA Staff
- VAADA Regional Board Meeting
- Symposium: A Spotlight on Women's Issues and Perspectives with Substance Use
- The ADVANCED-D Programme: addressing intimate partner violence in the context of substance use
- ABC Melbourne | Submission to Inquiry into Women's Pain
- Family Violence Updates
- Workforce Development including Elevate! and ACECHO
- From our Members | DPV Health, VAHS, Reconnexion, BCHS, ACH, YDHF and Odyssey Victoria
- Research, Reports and Submissions
- Events
- Jobs Board
VAADA Updates
CONFERENCE NEWS
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
February 13-14, 2025
Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
Your Respiratory Health Matters!
A project to promote, and increase health-seeking behaviour and choices, focusing on respiratory health among alcohol and other drugs service users.
VAADA has launched a new webpage to boost respiratory health awareness among people using alcohol and other drugs.
What's included on our new webpage:
- Information on respiratory health, prevention and management
- Downloadable postcards and social media tiles
- A handy “how to” communications pack to help with using the resources
Explore and share these resources to spread the word!
Welcome New VAADA Staff
This month VAADA has welcomed two new staff to the team. If you haven't met them yet, we are pleased to introduce Libby and Hannah to our sector.
Libby O'Connell | Executive Assistant
Libby has joined VAADA as Executive Assistant to the CEO having been an EA for over 20 years working in various industries including legal, finance and hospitality with the past 15 years in the for purpose/not for profit sector which aligns with her values to contribute to organisations who support vulnerable people.
Hannah Fordham | Business Support Coordinator
Hannah helps to coordinate the day-to-day business of the organisation in areas such as finance, Human Resources, and IT. Hannah also takes an active role in the delivery of key VAADA projects that support quality and business improvement. Hannah has a diverse operations background with previous roles in program support, finance and HR, working at not-for-profits in USA, Laos, and Australia.
Elevate! Presents...
Symposium: A Spotlight on Women's Issues and Perspectives with Substance Use
This 1-day symposium is for anyone supporting women with substance use issues.
Women's experiences with substance use and support services are often shaped by distinct factors, such as societal expectations and caregiving roles amongst others. These factors can influence their reasons for using substances, create unique barriers to seeking help, and affect their recovery journey. Additionally, women often encounter systemic barriers that can disadvantage them in accessing treatment and support.
This event aims to deepen your understanding of these specific needs, helping you to provide more effective and responsive support. You will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, hear from women with lived and living experiences, and participate in an interactive workshop that offers practical strategies for improving your practice.
VAADA Regional Board Meeting
VAADA staff and Board members had the privilege of visiting Wanyanimbik Wayawan, the new AOD wellbeing centre in North Bendigo. They were joined by YSAS Bendigo, Murray PHN, The Salvation Army, Monash University and others for a wonderful lunch and a tour of the impressive facilities.
Simultaneously, some of our team explored the Neighbourhood Collective Australia - the Old Church on the Hill, a warm and welcoming volunteer-run community hub in Bendigo that fosters connection and community spirit. A huge thank you to both Bendigo Community Health Services and Old Church on the Hill for their hospitality and the inspiring work they do!
The ADVANCED-D Programme: Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Substance Use
VAADA is partnering with La Trobe University and the Care Economy Research Institute to host The ADVANCED-D Programme: addressing intimate partner violence in the context of substance use. This is a seminar presented by Professor Gail Gilchrist, from Kings College London.
This seminar builds on the strategic collaboration between VAADA and La Trobe University's Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) whose recent MoU seeks to further embed research expertise in AOD practice.
Submission to Inquiry into Women's Pain
VAADA recently supported critical discussion on ABC Melbourne’s Morning Show, addressing the issues of stigma and discrimination that women face when seeking health care for their experience of pain. These ongoing challenges, are deeply rooted in systemic biases, which require urgent attention and action.
Our Submission to the Inquiry into Women’s Pain outlines the significant reforms needed to ensure that women’s pain, particularly where AOD is used to manage pain, is informed by an appropriate gender lens.
Family Violence
Inquiry into Capturing Data on Family Violence Perpetrators in Victoria
Our Family Violence Team recently appeared on behalf of VAADA before the Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into capturing data on family violence perpetrators in Victoria. We will continue to advocate for further investment in extending and enhancing MARAMIS across ours and other sectors that are mandated to identify and report on family violence.
Coercive Control SIG Webinar Announcement
The Coercive Control Special Interest Group (SIG) is hosting an upcoming webinar titled "What is Coercive Control for People Accessing AOD and Mental Health Services?" This event will take place on Wednesday, 9th October, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom. We highly encourage you to participate and learn more about the impacts of coercive control within these critical service areas.
Open letter: Call on National Cabinet to Commit to Rapid Review Recommendations on Alcohol
VAADA is proud to be a signatory to this Open Letter, joining leaders from community, health and Aboriginal organisations to ask for better regulation of alcohol as part of necessary measures to respond to family violence.
The letter has now been sent to National Cabinet and a media statement released.
Workforce Development
Now Open for Enrolment
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
Self Paced E-Learning
Group Facilitation for AOD Workers
September 11 | Paid Event | In Person
Essential Skills in Eating Disorders for AOD Workers
September 19 | Paid Event | In Person
Working with LGBTQIA+: Enhancing Skills for AOD Workers
September 24 | Free Course | Online
Hamilton Centre Training: Opioid Pharmacotherapy | Module 3
The Hamilton Centre has recently launched a new free online training module on Opioid Pharmacotherapy that is available to all mental health and AOD workers in Victoria. It covers key topics such as the definition of opioid treatments, a review of various medications, and important considerations for effective management.
Statewide AOD Collaborative ECHO (ACECHO)
Come along to our monthly FREE AOD Community of Practice.
- Hear from skilled Addiction Specialists
- Enhance your knowledge on AOD topics such as pharmacotherapy, trauma and co-occurring issues
- Hear about a challenging case and work through it as a community
- Grow your connections to AOD specialists to better support your clients
Click here to view our schedule, register for the zoom link and watch previous sessions.
Do you have a case you need advice on?
Case presentations by participating healthcare providers are the cornerstone of the ECHO model.
Presentations are always followed by an open question-and-answer discussion of the case and recommendations by the hub team. To submit a case for presentation, click on the button below.
Last week, some of our VAADA team attended the 70th Victorian Training Awards, celebrating excellence in vocational education and training across the state. The event showcased incredible achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.
It was also great to see examples of collaboration between TAFEs and industry, highlighting the importance of partnerships in building a skilled and resilient workforce.
Congratulations to all the finalists
and winners!
From Our Members
Welcome New VAADA Members
VAADA welcomes DPV Health as our newest organisational members.
DPV Health is a not-for-profit organisation that offers exceptional health care services to people of all ages. They are an inclusive organisation that celebrates the diversity of all people within communities. We are passionate about helping to support people to lead happy healthy lives. Their new vision is “A healthier and connected community, with excellent care for all." Their purpose is to support people to live a happy and healthy life, through the provision of inclusive, locally based health and wellbeing services.
As a member led peak body, VAADA’s purpose is to ensure that the issues for people experiencing the harms associated with alcohol and other drug use, and the organisations that support them, are well represented in policy design, program development and public discussion.
Janet Shaw Manager of Reconnexion Retires
After 12 years at Reconnexion, Janet Shaw is hanging up her hat. Reflecting on her tenure in the AOD sector, Janet recalls “I started just before the notorious recommissioning of 2013…many thought we would have to shut down,”. Despite these challenges, Reconnexion secured funding and merged with EACH, growing from two part-time counsellors to a clinical team of ten. Like many other services struggling in the current economic climate, the organisation is working on developing sources of funding other than government grants.
Janet has loved her time at Reconnexion which has been marked by many achievements in research and the expansion of their Better Sleep Program. “The Reconnexion team are amazing – very ambitious, very curious very professional” she said. Still, the highlight of her career remains “getting that original funding submission over the line.” As she heads into retirement, Janet encourages continued support for Reconnexion’s advocacy, stating, “Benzodiazepine dependency is a national health issue… support federal funding for a specialist benzo service!”
Opening of Wanyanimbik Wayawan
The Premier formally opened the new AOD facility Wanyanimbik Wayawan (finding myself in Dja Dja Wurrung language) Wellbeing Centre, a purpose-built environment from which BCHS deliver community-based programs to individuals, families and groups.
The $4 million project provides a calm and quiet environment where people can discover new skills and build their resiliency in a non-judgemental designated AOD space.
The Premier also acknowledged that BCHS is currently celebrating their 50th anniversary as well as the 20th anniversary of the Nova House withdrawal facility.
Public Intoxication Response Metropolitan Health Service Provider Webinar
This webinar will provide Metropolitan Health Service providers with a comprehensive overview of the Public Intoxication Response – Centralised Services Model.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the structure of the Centralised Services and what to expect when contacting the service after encountering an intoxicated individual in a public setting.
Date: Tuesday, 10th September
Time: 12:30 PM
Please find the registration link below. We encourage you to share this invitation with your colleagues and networks within the Metropolitan Melbourne Health Services Community.
Are Harm Reduction Workers allowed to Administer Naloxone?
Join Yarra Drug and Health Forum for their next Community Network Forum.
Date: 16th September 2024
Time: 12pm–1:30pm
Location: Room 050, North Richmond Community Health Centre, 23 Lennox Street, Richmond.
Join YDHF to hear what experts and harm reduction practitioners have to say about these limitations.
Residential AOD Treatment Facility for Mildura
A 30 bed AOD treatment facility is being built in Mildura. The new residential rehabilitation facility means people seeking AOD treatment and support in Mildura and the Mallee can get the help they need without needing to travel long distances or leave the local support networks they rely on. It will be the first facility of its kind in the region.
Once complete, the facility is expected to support around 200 people each year.
Email us to add an article to the "From our Members" section
(To find out if your organisation is a VAADA Member click here)
Research, Reports and Submissions
The School of Psychology at Deakin University has two PhD scholarships available for eligible applicants to work with service delivery partners in two important areas impacting those who are affected by problematic use of substances and/or dependence.
Deakin University and Odyssey House Victoria: “Evaluation of an online couple therapy program for people in the community who experience issues with substance use”. PhD scholarship to support the implementation and evaluation of an innovative online relationship therapy program for struggling couples where one or both people are experiencing challenges with their substance use.
Deakin University and Reconnexion (EACH): “A biopsychosocial approach to addressing benzodiazepine dependence”. PhD scholarship to support an increased focus on identification and treatment of benzodiazepine dependence in primary care.
For more information or to indicate an expression of interest, contact A/Prof Petra Staiger and attach an up to date CV by 15 September 2024.
Penington Institute publishes Australia’s Annual Overdose Report, the most comprehensive and ambitious study of overdose in Australia.
The report for 2024 is complete and draws on the most up-to-date data from diverse, verifiable sources. They apply the most rigorous standards of research and analysis to identify current and emerging trends and create a snapshot of the overdose crisis in the Australian context.
FARE have released a report around the link between alcohol advertising, online sales and rapid delivery and have found that they are inextricably linked, contributing to the significantly expanding availability of alcohol in Australia.
Read the report and the six key findings.
Following a referral from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, on 22 August 2024 the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport commenced an Inquiry into the Health Impacts of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Australia.
The Committee invites interested organisations and individuals to make a submission addressing the terms of reference by Monday, 30 September 2024. Information that may assist in preparing a submission to the Committee can be viewed here.
Events
VAADA Events Calendar
There are currently 28 events on VAADA's Events Calendar for September
APSAD Conference Canberra 2024
Program now LIVE!
Wednesday 30 Oct - Saturday 2 Nov 2024
Ngunnawal Country (Canberra)
APSAD 2024 is looking forward to providing an exciting, dynamic and informative program with the theme of Inclusion…Innovation…Progress.
3rd World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions | Program Now Available!
VAADA is proud to support the 3rd World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions, hosted jointly by the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA) and the Asia-Pacific Society for Alcohol and Addiction Research (APSAAR).
September 23 to 26 2024, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
