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Edition 28 | May 2025
Dear Colleagues,
VAADA congratulates the Labor Party on being re-elected as the Australian Government. The 47th Parliament of Australia will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of alcohol and other drug (AOD) policy, and with that AOD services and supports. After years of lacking direction and under resourcing in how we address the harms of alcohol and other drug use across the community, three key elements are coalescing to frame the AOD sector’s future during this parliamentary term: 1) the current review of the Commonwealth Drug & Alcohol Program 2) finalising the Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia, and 3) developing the next National Drug Strategy. All three are inextricably linked.
At VAADA’s recent Federal Election Forum, I was surprised to hear the Federal Government talk up its $880m investment in the Commonwealth Drug & Alcohol Program. For context, this expenditure is less than 1% of the total Australian health budget, with the Victorian Government alone having spent 30% more than this over the same period. When the health impacts from alcohol and other drugs equate to 7% of the chronic disease burden in Australia (excluding tobacco), the lack of investment by the Commonwealth in driving solutions in AOD nationally, is reflected in the issues we all see on the ground. In saying this, I remain positive that the next National Drug Strategy will see the Commonwealth step up to take a more active leadership role in resourcing and coordinating the prevention, reduction and treatment of AOD harms across Australia.
As we await the release of the 10 year Victorian Alcohol & Other Drug Strategy, the upcoming 2025 State Budget provides an opportunity for the Victorian Government to ensure that appropriate investments are made now into the building blocks that support capacity in the AOD service system in light of a long term plan. VAADA’s 2025 State Budget Submission made a call to Fix the Foundations of Victoria's AOD system with a raft of recommendations to address immediate needs that will support the implementation of the forthcoming AOD Strategy over the long term. I'm looking forward to the release of the Victorian State Budget on the 20th of May, with the VAADA team ready to analyse and share the outcomes for our members and the AOD sector more broadly.
Chris Christoforou
Chief Executive Officer
Contents
- VAADA Updates | Register now for the AOD SPC! | Federal Election Forum | Shaping Victoria's Infrastructure for the Next 30 Years | Potent Synthetic Opioids Remains a Nationwide Risk | Potent Synthetic Opioids Group
- Family Violence | Men's Behaviour Change Roundtable
- Workforce Development | See the latest on Elevate!
- From our Members
- Sector News
- Research, Reports and Submissions
- Sector Events
- Employment Opportunities
VAADA Updates
There are a limited amount of tickets available to the conference, don't miss out grab your tickets today.
CONFERENCE UPDATE!
We are pleased to announce the following sessions as part of the program for the day:
- Victorian Drug Checking: Learnings from the Summer Season Implementation. Sarah Hiley, Drug Checking Director, The Loop Australia
- Public Intoxication Response: Implementation update. Melissa Donovan, Manager Centralised Services, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
- Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: Dr Emily Tunks, Health Psychologist
- Journavx (suzetrigine): Novel Non-Opioid Treatment for Moderate to Severe Acute Pain. Dr Eric Hadinata Specialist General Practitioner, Co-Chair of the RACGP Victorian AOD committee, RACGP Victoria Council Member
- The Evolution of Lived & Living Experience Workforces in AOD Practice:
Oscar Grano, SHARC & Amelia Berg, Harm Reduction Victoria
Full program coming soon.
This is an in-person event only. Registration is essential for entry.
Please note: a ticket cancellation policy now applies; click here for more details.
VAADA Federal Election Forum
On the 3 April, VAADA hosted a Federal Election Forum for Victorian candidates at its Abbotsford office. Candidates from across the political spectrum were invited to speak on their vision for the new National Drug Strategy, which will commence during this term of the Australian Parliament.
Journalist Laura Turner moderated the forum, which included the following candidates:
- Ged Kearney MP (Labor) - video message
- Fiona Patten (Legalise Cannabis)
- Tara Burnett (Greens)
- Jordan Dittloff (Libertarian)
You can watch the full forum recording on the VAADA YouTube Channel.
Thank you to all candidates for their passion and insights. With the Federal Election now over, the conversation continues as we strive for a more responsive, inclusive and impactful approach to substance use across the Australian community.
Shaping Victoria's Infrastructure for the Next 30 Years
VAADA made a submission to Infrastructure Victoria’s Draft 30-Year Strategy, calling for urgent investment in alcohol and other drug (AOD) infrastructure to meet rising health and social needs across the state.
Our key recommendations include:
✅ Establishing a $30M, 3-year AOD Capital Grants Program to address urgent infrastructure gaps.
✅ Embedding AOD and withdrawal beds in every Victorian public hospital for equitable access.
✅ Prioritising AOD digital infrastructure to strengthen data systems and service delivery.
✅ Boosting harm reduction infrastructure — including NSPs, naloxone, overdose prevention, and drug checking services.
✅ Developing a state-wide plan to address the growing threat of potent synthetic opioids.
Victoria’s AOD sector remains under resourced. With strategic investment, we can build a coordinated, evidence-based system that reduces harm and supports healthier communities.
Drug Adulteration From Potent Synthetic Opioids Remains a Nationwide Risk
VAADA notes the importance of the Coronial Inquest into the tragic overdose of four individuals in Broadmeadows on 25 June 2024. These fatalities highlight the heightened risks associated with the adulteration of illicit substances like cocaine, with potent synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes.
The inquest represented a difficult time for those families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones and reminds us of the hundreds of preventable overdoses that occur each year in Victoria. The Coroners Court last year published that a staggering 601 fatal overdoses occurred in Victoria during the financial year 2023/24.
In response to the growing risk of drug-related harm due to adulterated supply, VAADA and Harm Reduction Victoria developed a paper calling for a Potent Synthetic Opioid Plan to be developed for Victoria, to counter the worst of the synthetic opioid crisis ravaging communities around the world.
Potent Synthetic Opioids Group
In July 2024, following increasing concern among Victorian AOD leaders around the threat of fentanyl and nitazenes, the Potent Synthetic Opioids Group (PSOG) was formed. Co-chaired by Associate Professor Jenn Schuman and Professor Suzi Neilsen, membership includes experts from over 15 organisations, with VAADA providing secretariat support.
Through regular meetings and the establishment of a WhatsApp group, the PSOG shares information from data sources and priority communities around the potential adulteration of illicit drug supplies with potent synthetic opioids.
PSOG has developed a reporting form which allows workers, people who use drugs, their families and the broader community to report a concerning substance. The form is anonymous and on validation supports a range of responses, including the raising of public alerts.
While we are fortunate to have avoided another mass overdose event since the tragic deaths in Broadmeadows, having an independent sector led response in place allows us to mobilise quickly as the need arises. PSOG enhances formal public warning systems, which are underpinned by key data sources from the drug checking service, Needle and Syringe Programs and the Medically Supervised Injecting Room.
Family Violence
Men's Behaviour Change Roundtable
The Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change, the Hon. Tim Richardson MP met with organisations at VAADA HQ, to discuss the intersections of substance use and family violence.
Key themes that arose included:
- Strengthening cross-sector systems to better respond to family violence risk.
- The critical role of Specialist Family Violence Advisors in supporting safe, evidence-informed practice.
- Amplifying the voices of communities experiencing systemic unfairness that exposes them to harm
- Building trauma and violence-informed, healing-centred frameworks.
The AOD sector is proud to contribute to positive behaviour change through work focused on strengths that do not stigmatise and shame people for their substance use. The AOD sector continues to be well placed to enhance broader family violence responses where alcohol and other drug use is a significant contributor.
Thanks to Odyssey Victoria, Windana, The Centre for Mental Health Learning, Bendigo Community Health Services, Sunraysia Community Health Services, Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-op, Anglicare Victoria and Jesuit Social Services, for joining us.
Workforce Development
Elevate Training Now Open for Enrolment
Superskills: Core Skills for Supervisors 2-day workshop
Day 1: Wednesday, 2nd July 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 3rd July 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: La Trobe University – City Campus, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Cost: $80 + booking fee
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Trauma Informed Care
Date: Wednesday 16th July 2025 9.00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Responding to Co-occurring Disorders 2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 27th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 28th August 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 3002
Cost: $80 + booking fee
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
From Our Members
Join our next YDHF Community forum: Drug Testing Trial Update with Sarah Hiley
When: Monday 19th May 12 -1.30pm
Where: VAADA Boardroom, Level 6, 222 Hoddle St, Abbotsford.
Speaker: Sarah Hiley, The Loop Australia
Light refreshments will be provided
"Support Day" All-Day Workshop
Don't miss out on Support Day – an all-day workshop brought to you by Family Drug Support, cohealth, Harm Reduction Victoria, City of Melbourne. This is a special opportunity to get invaluable resources, insights, and hands-on support to empower you in understanding alcohol & drug use.
Dates: 17/05/2025, 05/06/2025, 23/08/2025, 18/10/2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Kensington Town Hall, Presentation Room
(Limited face-to-face spots available)
Modality: Online webinar access also available.
Access Health and Community and Inspiro Merger
As of 1 May 2025 Access Health and Community (AccessHC) and Inspiro have officially merged to form a stronger, united organisation.
This merger marks an exciting new chapter, bringing together the combined expertise, deep community connections and shared values of AccessHC and Inspiro, with a shared focus on improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.
CEO Announcement
The Uniting Vic.Tas Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Jeffs as the new Chief Executive Officer of Uniting Vic.Tas.
Carol brings a deep passion for delivering outcomes that create meaningful change for individuals, communities, and future generations. She has a strong track record in establishing and expanding services in Melbourne’s growth corridors and is dedicated to building trust, collaboration, and strong stakeholder relationships.
We warmly welcome Carol Jeffs to Uniting Vic.Tas.
Windana Peer Support Groups Available in St Kilda, Frankston and
on Zoom
Open group – no referral required!
Windana’s Peer Support groups offer a safe environment to gain insight and strength from shared experiences and are open to anyone aged 18+ who has experienced alcohol and other drug challenges.
Participants can join the St Kilda Group on Mondays 1:00pm-2:30pm or the Frankston group on Fridays 2:00pm-3:30pm either in-person or via Zoom.
“After hearing peers’ journeys, people often say “I could do that!”” – Peer Leader.
Locations and more details: Windana Peer Support Groups webpage or
03 9529 7955
RSS Youth Program, Waitlist Open
At Recovery Support Services (RSS), we support young people aged 16-25 who are open to learning to live without substance use as a pathway to creating positive change in their lives.
We are letting services across the sector know we are open to supporting clients you may be working with.
RSS is an AOD treatment service providing access to supported accommodation in conjunction with a 5-day-a-week program onsite.
They solely operate on a self-referral basis. Service users are encouraged to contact us at (03) 9573 1759.
Odyssey Victoria Circuit Breaker Open Day
Odyssey Victoria invited those connected with the AOD and Mental Health sectors to visit their newly expanded Circuit Breaker drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation program.
Date: Tuesday 15 May 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: 1619 Kilfeera Road, Molyullah
- Resident led tour of the 35 bed, purpose built facility.
- Q&A session with staff and residents about the program.
- Morning tea provided.
RSVP by 5pm Friday 9 May
New Melbourne CBD Clinic to Offer Wraparound Services
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today opened a new integrated health service at the Salvation Army’s Bourke Street hub.
The specialist clinic will provide wraparound mental health and primary health care five days a week. It will be staffed by GPs, addiction medicine specialists, community health nurses, and clinical psychiatric staff providing holistic care and support.
Located next door to the Salvation Army’s Project 614, the clinic will be available for walk-ins and receive referrals from other support services through engagement with the Salvation Army’s other services.
The service is a partnership between the Victorian Government, the Salvation Army, cohealth and Alfred Health, and is being delivered as part of the $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harms.
Nexus and SCCH to Merge
Nexus Primary Health (Nexus) and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) are pleased to announce that their two organisations will merge to form one community health service designed to deliver better, more connected healthcare to our communities.
From Thursday 1 January 2026, the two organisations will merge into a new single entity to create a more resilient community health service for people who live in the Hume, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie local government areas.
The decision to merge has been made after our exploration phase highlighted that uniting our health services would improve access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare and community services to people living across our catchment areas.
2025 MARC Symposium
Registrations are now open for The Monash Addiction Research Centre (MARC) 2025 Symposium.
The one-day event will bring together world-leading addiction researchers from across Monash University and the sector to discuss and address harms relating to alcohol, other drugs and gambling in the context of three key themes:
- Meeting the Needs of Key Populations
- Reducing Opioid Harm
- A Brave New World: New Trends and New Technologies
Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025
Location: The Pavilion, Monash University (Caulfield campus) Level 8, building H, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North, VIC 3145
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $150.00
Download the program here
Drug Alerts SMS
The drug alert system is an anonymous, free text messaging service aimed at helping people make informed decisions about their drug use.
Any person who uses drugs or has a loved one who uses drugs can sign up, anonymously, to receive text alerts when any drugs of concern are identified in Victoria.
Alerts will only be sent from validated sources, as described below;
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Harm Reduction Victoria
- Sesh.Ed
Email us to add an article to the "From our Members" section
(To find out if your organisation is a VAADA Member click here)
Sector News
DPMP Values Survey is LIVE
The Drug Policy Modelling Program with the Matilda Centre are looking for people who work in AOD (in any capacity) to complete a survey on values and policy preferences. You can find more details about it here.
It is an anonymous online survey that takes 15 minutes to complete. The researchers hope the findings will strengthen the appreciation of the values held by people who work across the AOD sector, identify policy preferences that could be used to support advocacy work, and fill a crucial gap in knowledge about the relationship between values and policy preferences.
This does not constitute our organisational endorsement of the research.
You’re invited to complete a survey on your healthcare experience to help improve how hospitals work together across the state.
From 1 July 2025, Local Health Service Networks will be formed to deliver more coordinated, connected care - so people can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
Healthcare workers across Victoria are invited to share their insights through a short, anonymous survey.
Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or behind the scenes—your voice matters.
Your lived experience is vital to designing a system that truly meets your needs in the workforce and the needs of your community.
Online Community of Practice for professionals who work with people experiencing co-occurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and mental health conditions
The Matilda Centre’s online Community of Practice for professionals in Australia who work with people experiencing co-occurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and mental health conditions is now available.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including practitioners, people with lived experience, service managers and researchers with funding from Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Community of Practice provides a platform where members can make connections, access evidence-based resources and engage and collaborate with other professionals to enhance their practice.
Experience Matters: Drug User Organisations
Many people living in Australia don’t know what a Drug User Organisation is. The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) have put together a multimodal resource, bringing together the voices of harm reductionists, advocates, researchers, and our community to share why they think Drug User Organisations are important and what can be done to provide more support for them to continue their work into the future.
Calls For Alcohol Delivery Reform
A Victorian coroner recently recommended changes to the state’s alcohol regulations, including changes to access via home delivery services.
This follows an inquest into the tragic death of a young Melbourne woman from alcohol poisoning.
To improve public health and safety and prevent similar deaths, the coroner recommended:
- a curfew for alcohol home delivery between 10 pm and 10 am
- a two-hour delay between orders
- a new Victorian action plan to address alcohol-related harms.
Victorian Training Awards 2025 Nominations Extended
Nominations for the 2025 Victorian Training Awards have been extended till 11:59 pm Monday, 12 May.
Benefits of Nominating:
- Participation in the awards offers the best chance to connect with the national VET sector and network with key industry leaders.
- Professional development, and mentorship opportunities, cash prizes and trophies.
- Becoming a finalist or winner cements your top-tier standing in the sector, leading to career and business advancement, personal development, and enduring recognition beyond the VTA gala night.
NSPs invited to join Victoria’s Take-Home Naloxone Program
The Victorian Government is proud to announce the expansion of the Take-Home Naloxone Program, enabling all eligible Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sites across the state to participate in the program.
NSP sites interested in joining the program can email below with the following information:
- The Needle and Syringe Program site address
- Primary contact name, email, and phone number
- A declaration that you understand and will comply with the requirements set out in the Victorian Take-Home Naloxone Program Operating Policy and Guidelines.
The Department of Health will host drop-in training sessions throughout April and May 2025.
The Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council (AADC) Best Practice Guide for AOD Services in Media Engagement and Lived and Living Experience Storytelling
Journalists often seek access to clients, staff and others involved with AOD services who can share their personal stories of lived and living experience of AOD use. Sharing these personal stories has potential to challenge stereotypes, deepen public understanding of AOD use, and empower individuals by platforming their voices in issues that affect them. At the same time, media reporting frequently produces negative, stigmatising portrayals of AOD issues and the lives of people who use AOD.
This guide identifies a range of practices that AOD services can employ to maintain their duty of care to clients, staff and others who choose to share their lived experience stories and decrease the risk of negative outcomes from these media engagements.
Research, Reports and Submissions
Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: early insights
This study presents key statistics about Australia’s publicly funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services and their clients. Early insights is a companion report to the data and analysis presented in Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: annual report.
Patterns of non-prescribed cannabis use among two samples of people who regularly use drugs in Australia, 2014-2024. Read more...
Prescribed e-cigarette use and access among two samples in Australia who regularly use illicit drugs, 2022-2024
Read more...
Events
VAADA Events Calendar
There are currently 52 events on VAADA's Events Calendar for April
Abstract submissions are closing soon for the 2025
The 2025 APSAD conference is seeking abstracts which challenge long-held assumptions and approaches to drug policy, research and practice.
Researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and activists are invited to submit abstracts which uplift underrepresented voices and disrupt the status quo. In particular, First Nations community leaders, healthcare providers, researchers and policymakers are invited to critically explore the influence of colonial legacies.
A range of different presentation types are welcomed, including traditional presentations, storytelling, case studies, and interactive discussions. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to share your work with a diverse audience of professionals all working towards advancing the AOD sector.
NADA Conference
Strength in Community
The NADA Conference 2025 is taking shape and looking incredible! Check the draft program.
This conference will attract delegates from across NSW, the broader Australian alcohol and other drug sector and other health and human services. Showcasing interventions designed to improve outcomes for clients, this event will inform with new ideas, engage with the evidence base and provide networking opportunities.
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) Symposium 2025
You are invited to the NCETAs Annual Symposium:
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 10am (ACST) either
In-Person: Seminar Room 1, Health & Medical Research Building, Flinders University
Online: Zoom details provided after registration
The first half of the day will focus on workforce development and the second half will showcase key areas of our Alcohol, Tobacco, E-Cigarette and Other Drug (ATEOD) research including some keynote speakers.
A draft program is now available!
Employment Opportunities
VAADA Jobs Board
There are currently 15 listings on VAADA's Job Board.
